Thiel moves family to Milei's libertarian Argentina

Wow. Envy. I don’t think there’s any way to refute this that would click with those that believe in it. Just… impressive.

I had some income on Germany’s 42% bracket. The marginal tax ends up lower. Regardless, I was constantly appalled by how envious everyone is. That 1% solidarity tax: envy. My public, not-for-profit health insurance: envy. I don’t know. I’m sure people at a hospital are going there just to spite people that earn lots of money.

Yeah, it’s envy. Nobody wants a good, shared society, and it’s clearly not been skewed towards making life harder for the low and middle classes. Nah. We’re just jealous mate.

I want my family to be healthy and happy. My kid to grow up in a comfortable-ish world without climate catastrophes. He’ll go to public school. Has a library card. You know, the basics. We don’t need a million euros. We don’t give a shit about the billionaire lifestyle.

Taxes are theft, sure, but one we collectively agree with in return for… well, everything else.

My partner touches the 40% bracket in Belgium. 40% hurts when you know a millionaire or even billionaire here will pay marginally less because of how we tax wealth and capital gains. But it’s alright, taxes are lower on the lower brackets; and a great deal that is, because those with less get the same benefits while paying less! Crazy, right? What a stupid system… (/s)

These people might want to put down Atlas Shrugged and read some Pratchett, maybe a Tolkien. I don’t know, something chill and heart-warming.

1. That Xi quote is, as best I can tell, not real. Want to share a source if you've got one? Best I can tell, it's a bad reference to the Davidson window? (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Davidson_window). For fun, here's a key line from this Wikipedia page: "The Center for Strategic and International Studies found 83% of China experts reject that China plans kinetic action against Taiwan by 2027. Representative Jim Himes called 2027 invasion scenarios 'really dumb' given economic costs."

2. Since 1949, Taiwan has had mandatory 1-3 year military service for all but 5 years (2019-2024). In 2022, they decided to resume 1 year military service starting in 2024.

3. History buffs may recall the PRC and the ROC have a history of conflict. Maintaining military preparedness is par for the course for Taiwanese history.

All this to say: a threat does exist (which I acknowledged in my post you've very much miscategorized). This same threat has existed throughout Taiwan's history. The government (rightfully) treats it with importance. But day-to-day Taiwanese citizens aren't losing any sleep over this. The likelihood of a Chinese military invasion is exceedingly slim. It would be an almost certain blunder for China to attempt something so bold for a litany of reasons.

If you've never been to Taiwan, you should check it out. It's a lovely place. While there, ask someone if they're worried about China invading. 95% chance they laugh, and comment that that's such an American question. And then tell you "no".