91–100 of 172 posts
I'm not sure why this tax should be labelled as absurd. Lots of countries tax TV, phone already. Taxing social media sounds weird only because no one else has done it yet.
I'm not sure why this tax should be labelled as absurd. Lots of countries tax TV, phone already. Taxing social media sounds weird only because no one else has done it yet.
Because tax, in general is absurd. You're literally taking people's money under the threat of force. Just because it is done quite universally does not justify the practice. More specifically, taxes are abused near universally. From the sugar taxes in Seattle (unless you are Starbucks), or forced Union dues that fund political campaigns, the practice is abused. Meanwhile necessary services like police, firefighters,…
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Because tax, in general is absurd. You're literally taking people's money under the threat of force. Just because it is done quite universally does not justify the practice. More specifically, taxes are abused near universally. From the sugar taxes in Seattle (unless you are Starbucks), or forced Union dues that fund political campaigns, the practice is abused. Meanwhile necessary services like police, firefighters,…
> Because tax, in general is absurd. You're literally taking people's money under the threat of force. Just because it is done quite universally does not justify the practice. They buy you civilization, which is great because it means you're not just immediately enslaved by your local warlord.
We've got a sugar tax here in the UK as our newest form of indulgence tax. I wonder how a social media tax would go down with the public.
Isn't it only a tax on sugary drinks? And from my personal experience it just seems to be pushing people to buy Coke Zero/Diet Coke instead. Most people I know haven't complained much about it. I wonder if it will have the indended effets of reducing sugar consumption.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
> Because tax, in general is absurd. You're literally taking people's money under the threat of force. Just because it is done quite universally does not justify the practice. They buy you civilization, which is great because it means you're not just immediately enslaved by your local warlord.
A Warlord prefers his subjects unarmed. What better way than to tax said items.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
A Warlord prefers his subjects unarmed. What better way than to tax said items.
Don't worry, in the absence of an advanced economy the supply chains needed to manufacture firearms won't exist, so you'll be subjugated using clubs and spears.
Someone needs to make a small sketch of the Uganda government with 7 year olds making up the laws. Child 1 - "Let's tax people for being on social media to stop them from saying bad things about us" Child 2 - "Yeah that's a great idea. Plus we'll have more money for candy." Govenments notice - "Social media is hereby taxed. Your local ISP will be collecting the tax automatically." People - "Whatever, we'll just use V…
I see this all the time on HN, the dismissal of real problems by suggesting the wide spread use of using highly technical solutions. It is naive and frankly arrogant. The vast majority of the population, and I'd bet it's even higher in Uganda does not even know what Tor is, yet alone how to use it. My mom just figured out how to send photos via text message for heaven's sake.
this is certainly something that happens in tech communities, but come on. it's like a three step process to install Tor browser and it works just like normal Firefox. any motivated person who can use a computer at all should be able to figure it out in about 15 minutes.
motivation is also the key missing factor in the anecdote about your mom. i bet she would figure out how to send photos by text real quick if her safety or job depended on acquiring that skill.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Because tax, in general is absurd. You're literally taking people's money under the threat of force. Just because it is done quite universally does not justify the practice. More specifically, taxes are abused near universally. From the sugar taxes in Seattle (unless you are Starbucks), or forced Union dues that fund political campaigns, the practice is abused. Meanwhile necessary services like police, firefighters,…
I’m curious if you have any suggestions for keeping assorted necessary services funded without the “absurdity” of taxes.
Earlier quoted context omitted.
Don't worry, in the absence of an advanced economy the supply chains needed to manufacture firearms won't exist, so you'll be subjugated using clubs and spears.
You just proved my point. Thank you.
I'm not sure why this tax should be labelled as absurd. Lots of countries tax TV, phone already. Taxing social media sounds weird only because no one else has done it yet.
Telephones have taxes, but has anyone tried anything like this? Calling mother: 15¢/minute Calling children: 3¢/minute Calling policy: 25¢/minute