Sorry Sen. Hatch... Taxes Are Not Charity

Senator Orin Hatch (R-UT) just doesn’t get it – taxes are not charity. His idea that rich people who recognize that their taxes must go up should "write a check to the IRS” is just plain nonsense… nonsense that we’ve heard before.

Eric Shoenberg, a member of our Responsible Wealth project, was quoted in an AP article this weekend. As a high-income American benefitting from the preferential treatment of income from wealth, Schoenberg recognizes that his taxes are absurdly low. Schoenberg, as part of the Tax Wealth Like Work campaign, called for Congress to raise his taxes and that of other high-wealth Americans to restore fairness to our tax system and avert damaging budget cuts. Senator Hatch was quoted in the same article with a much dumber idea:

Sen. Orrin Hatch of Utah, the top Republican on the Senate Finance Committee, said he has a solution for rich people who want to pay more in taxes: Write a check to the IRS. There's nothing stopping you.

"There's still time before the filing deadline for them to give Uncle Sam some more money," Hatch said.

Schoenberg said Hatch's suggestion misses the point.

"This voluntary idea clearly represents a mindset that basically pretends there's no such things as collective goods that we produce," Schoenberg said. "Are you going to let people volunteer to build the road system? Are you going to let them volunteer to pay for education?"

Schoenberg’s response hit the nail right on the head. But this isn’t the first time we’ve heard this argument. It came up last year when our 2010 Tax Fairness Pledge garnered national attention. Back then, after columnist Dana Milbank of the Washington Post made a comment to the same effect, The Economist fired back with a great rebuttal.

…Here's the thing: taxes are not charity. It would be a bad idea for wealthy people who feel they should be paying more taxes to instead contribute large amounts of money voluntarily to reduce the national debt. The first, less important reason for this is that any individual's contributions would be meaninglessly small; they can make far more difference by using the same amount of money to advocate for higher taxes, as these millionaires are doing. But the second, more important reason is that even if a million millionaires got together and voluntarily donated money in such quantities that it made a measurable dent in the deficit, it would be even worse, because they would be giving license to other people to continue pay less than their fair share of taxes. It's an invitation to free-riding, with the public-minded rich subsidizing the irresponsible and selfish.

…even if America had a balanced budget, this kind of argument would be illegitimate. At a pragmatic level, you can't run government functions on voluntary donations because voluntary donations aren't sustainable. You can't count on them. …strong modern states need to be able to tax their populations to pay for public goods.

At a more principled level, this kind of argument is asocial and irresponsible. It's the argument of a free-rider. …Government spending is collective spending, and the taxes we pay for it are collective taxes. Like it or not, this is collective action, and the arguments we have about it have to be collective as well…

Click here to read the full response to this argument from The Economist. Now, if only we could get Sen. Hatch to read it.


Showing 69 reactions

Please check your e-mail for a link to activate your account.
  • batrihu fya
    commented 2024-11-29 02:18:33 -0500
    This sort of wanting to come to a difference in her or his lifestyle, initial generally Los angeles Excess weight weightloss scheme is a large running in as it reached that strive. weight loss roulette slot https://parqueapicola.com/
  • batrihu fya
    commented 2024-11-24 01:56:33 -0500
    There are actually a trio of different years while using Chicago Diet and each and every very first is absolutely vital. The pioneer step is your the actual fat reduction . for this kilograms. lose belly fat Crypto30x https://crypto30x.com
  • Ãbdûl Qādïr Seø
    commented 2024-10-31 06:27:59 -0400
    Your articles are inventive. I am looking forward to reading the plethora of articles that you have linked here. Thumbs up! <a href=“”https://www.fiverr.com/s/6Y55W2P" rel="nofollow">https://www.fiverr.com/s/6Y55W2P">SEO Blog Comments</a>
  • Ãbdûl Qādïr Seø
    commented 2024-10-30 18:01:20 -0400
    Your articles are inventive. I am looking forward to reading the plethora of articles that you have linked here. Thumbs up! https://www.fiverr.com/s/6Y5K36X
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-06-07 13:33:28 -0400
    flowers uae abu dhabi https://www.theflowersociety.net/blogs/weekly-gestures/discover-the-meaning-behind-the-color-of-flowers-you-offer All your hard work is much appreciated. Nobody can stop to admire you. Lots of appreciation.
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-06-07 13:33:05 -0400
    florist in abu dhabi https://www.theflowersociety.net/blogs/weekly-gestures/discover-the-meaning-behind-the-color-of-flowers-you-offer Thank you for some other informative website. The place else may just I get that kind of information written in such a perfect method? I have a venture that I am simply now running on, and I’ve been at the glance out for such info.
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-06-07 13:32:28 -0400
    rose flower bouquet https://www.theflowersociety.net/products/100-fuchsia-rose-bouquet I think this is a really good article. You make this information interesting and engaging. You give readers a lot to think about and I appreciate that kind of writing.
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-06-07 13:32:02 -0400
    flower in abu dhabi https://www.theflowersociety.net/ All your hard work is much appreciated. Nobody can stop to admire you. Lots of appreciation.
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-06-07 13:31:16 -0400
    best flower delivery abu dhabi https://www.theflowersociety.net/ I went over this website and I believe you have a lot of wonderful information, saved to my bookmarks
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-05-26 07:18:18 -0400
    florist in abu dhabi https://www.theflowersociety.net/ In the heart of Abu Dhabi, amidst the bustling streets and vibrant culture, lies a sanctuary of floral elegance: the Florist in Abu Dhabi. Here, amidst the desert’s embrace, blooms a haven where petals whisper tales of love, celebration, and solace. Each arrangement is a symphony of colors, delicately choreographed to captivate the senses and evoke emotions. From weddings to intimate gatherings, every bouquet tells a story, a testament to the artistry and passion woven into each stem. With meticulous care and boundless creativity, the Florist in Abu Dhabi transforms dreams into tangible, fragrant realities, making moments unforgettable.
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-05-26 07:18:08 -0400
    flower store abu dhabi https://www.theflowersociety.net/ Nestled amidst the vibrant cityscape of Abu Dhabi lies a floral oasis, where fragrance dances on the breeze and colors paint stories of love and celebration. This haven, known as “Petals Paradise,” transcends mere commerce; it’s a sanctuary where dreams are woven into bouquets and emotions blossom with each petal. Amidst the bustle, this flower store Abu Dhabi offers respite—a haven where time slows, and nature’s beauty reigns supreme. Here, expert florists craft masterpieces, intertwining blooms to narrate tales of joy, sorrow, and everything in between. Petals Paradise: where Abu Dhabi’s heart meets nature’s artistry.
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-05-26 07:17:54 -0400
    abu dhabi florist https://www.theflowersociety.net/ In the bustling heart of Abu Dhabi, where modernity meets tradition, lies a sanctuary of beauty and elegance: the Abu Dhabi Florist. Amidst the gleaming skyscrapers and bustling streets, this oasis of petals and fragrance stands as a testament to nature’s artistry. Here, vibrant blooms from every corner of the globe intertwine, creating bouquets that speak the language of love, celebration, and solace. From romantic roses to exotic orchids, each arrangement is crafted with meticulous care, embodying the spirit of Abu Dhabi’s cosmopolitan charm. Step into this floral haven, where dreams are woven into blossoms, and emotions blossom into life.
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-05-26 07:17:44 -0400
    Best flower shop abu dhabi https://www.theflowersociety.net/ In the heart of Abu Dhabi, where elegance meets botanical splendor, lies the oasis of floral artistry – the Best Flower Shop Abu Dhabi. Nestled amidst the bustling cityscape, this sanctuary blooms with exquisite arrangements, each petal a testament to refined craftsmanship. From opulent bouquets to delicate corsages, every creation whispers tales of love, celebration, and heartfelt sentiment. Here, floral dreams unfurl in a kaleidoscope of colors and scents, enchanting visitors with nature’s beauty. Step into this emporium of floral wonders, where every bloom is a masterpiece, and let the Best Flower Shop Abu Dhabi weave its magic into your world.
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-05-19 15:35:33 -0400
    Toyota Hiace for rent in Islamabad https://islamabadrentacar.pk/ I went over this website and I believe you have a lot of wonderful information, saved to my bookmarks
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-05-19 15:32:45 -0400
    Hiace for rent in Islamabad https://islamabadrentacar.pk/ I went over this website and I believe you have a lot of wonderful information, saved to my bookmarks
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-05-19 08:48:36 -0400
    Liebespuppe vorgestellt auf LovePuppen.com, bietet eine Reihe lebensechter, anpassbarer Sexpuppen, die auf unterschiedliche Vorlieben zugeschnitten sind. Diese realistischen Liebespuppen sind aus hochwertigen Silikon- oder TPE-Materialien gefertigt und sorgen für ein lebensechtes Gefühl und Aussehen. Benutzer können aus verschiedenen Körpertypen https://www.lovepuppen.com/ Gesichtsmerkmalen und Haarfarben wählen und so eine höchst individuelle Gestaltung gewährleisten Erfahrung. Die Puppen verfügen über flexible Gelenke und stabile Skelette, die eine Reihe von Posen und Positionen ermöglichen. LovePuppen.com bietet außerdem detaillierte Pflegeanweisungen, um die Haltbarkeit und Hygiene der Puppen zu gewährleisten und eine langanhaltende Zufriedenheit ihrer Benutzer zu gewährleisten.
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-05-16 09:15:06 -0400
    Uae florist https://www.theflowersociety.net/ Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-05-16 09:13:25 -0400
    Best flower shop abu dhabi https://www.theflowersociety.net/ I think this is a really good article. You make this information interesting and engaging. You give readers a lot to think about and I appreciate that kind of writing.
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-05-16 09:11:59 -0400
    Roses delivery abu dhabi https://www.theflowersociety.net/ I think this is a really good article. You make this information interesting and engaging. You give readers a lot to think about and I appreciate that kind of writing.
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-05-16 09:05:17 -0400
    abu dhabi florist https://www.theflowersociety.net/ I think this is a really good article. You make this information interesting and engaging. You give readers a lot to think about and I appreciate that kind of writing.
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-05-03 14:10:10 -0400
    먹튀검증사이트 https://www.mtreal.net/ Hi there! Nice stuff, do keep me posted when you post again something like this!
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-05-03 14:09:30 -0400
    먹튀검증사이트 https://www.mtggd.com/ Hi there! Nice stuff, do keep me posted when you post again something like this!
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-05-03 14:08:45 -0400
    먹튀검증사이트 https://www.mtcitey.com/ Hi there! Nice stuff, do keep me posted when you post again something like this!
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-05-03 14:07:58 -0400
    먹튀검증사이트 https://www.mtlink.net/ Hi there! Nice stuff, do keep me posted when you post again something like this!
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-05-03 14:06:58 -0400
    먹튀검증사이트 https://www.mtzaro.com/ Hi there! Nice stuff, do keep me posted when you post again something like this!
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-04-24 09:53:44 -0400
    Hiace for rent in Islamabad https://islamabadrentacar.pk/ Explore Islamabad in comfort and style with our Hiace for rent services. Whether it’s a family trip or a corporate outing, our spacious and well-maintained Hiace vans are perfect for any occasion. With ample seating capacity and modern amenities, you can travel around the city with ease and convenience. From airport transfers to sightseeing tours, our reliable rental service ensures a hassle-free experience. Discover the beauty of Islamabad with our Hiace rentals, where comfort meets affordability. Book now and embark on a memorable journey with Islamabad Rent a Car.
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-04-24 09:53:35 -0400
    Toyota Hiace for rent in Islamabad https://islamabadrentacar.pk/ Looking to traverse Islamabad in comfort and style? Look no further than Islamabad Rent a Car’s fleet, featuring the versatile Toyota Hiace for rent. Whether it’s a family outing or a group excursion, the Toyota Hiace offers spacious seating and ample cargo room to accommodate your needs. With its reliable performance and modern amenities, exploring the capital city becomes a seamless experience. From its sleek design to its efficient fuel economy, this van ensures a smooth journey for you and your companions. Trust Islamabad Rent a Car for your transportation needs and elevate your travel experience in Islamabad with the Toyota Hiace.
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-03-31 11:46:51 -0400
    bouquet delivery dubai https://www.theflowersociety.net/collections/bouquets Experience the epitome of floral elegance with bouquet delivery in Dubai courtesy of The Flower Society. Elevate any occasion with our meticulously curated collection of stunning bouquets, each a masterpiece of artistry and sophistication. From vibrant hues to delicate blooms, our arrangements capture the essence of nature’s beauty. Whether expressing love, gratitude, or celebration, our bouquets convey heartfelt sentiments with every petal. Embrace luxury and convenience as we deliver joy straight to your doorstep across Dubai. Let The Flower Society be your ultimate destination for exquisite floral expressions that leave a lasting impression.
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-03-31 11:46:45 -0400
    roses delivery dubai https://www.theflowersociety.net/ Experience the epitome of elegance with roses delivery in Dubai from The Flower Society. Our exquisite collection of bouquets curated with precision and passion offers a symphony of colors and fragrances to mesmerize your senses. Whether it’s a gesture of love, celebration, or gratitude, our roses speak the language of emotions effortlessly. Delight your loved ones with a stunning arrangement crafted by skilled florists, ensuring every petal exudes sophistication and charm. Embrace the beauty of nature’s finest gift, delivered with care and admiration, making every moment unforgettable. Discover the essence of luxury with roses from The Flower Society.
  • mudasir saleem
    commented 2024-03-24 11:24:13 -0400
    florist in abu dhabi https://www.theflowersociety.net/ I admire what you have done here. I like the part where you say you are doing this to give back but I would assume by all the comments that this is working for you as well.

Boston

184 High St., Suite 603
Boston, MA 02110
(617) 423-2148

Durham

711 Mason Road
Durham, NC 27712 (919) 590-9449

We gather as guests on Indigenous land

Alabama

Birmingham, AL
(205) 212-0327

Created with NationBuilder