Can I please ask you read the article first before quickly inserting a lazy response here

When I moved to the PNW a decade ago my dad was extremely worried about me. He would tell me every time we talked “You know, I saw on the news that all of the big companies are moving away to states that have lower taxes, and your city will be destitute any day now.”

Even now, a decade later, he keeps saying it. Any day now. Personally, I think he should stop watching Fox.

Wealth taxes, and taxing the ultra rich, are two problems. Very related, but not the same problem. They do have the same opponents, who also tend to be among the most politically powerful people.

The wealthy have the choice of when they pay taxes by arranging their disposals, finding loopholes or lobbying. Normal people, especially employees, have no real say on when they pay taxes or how much - they are deducted when they are paid or are taken when paying for the things they need.

One side has the resources to pay more tax than the other but can arrange their affairs to pay less or pay when it suits them. Yet somehow the argument is that you cannot tax illiquid wealth, that wealth funds investment or that or is unfair. What about the normal tax payers who struggle to pay rent, buy a house, buy food, buy childcare etc.

The truth is, the wealthy can afford to pay taxes at the level and timing that suits society rather than themselves. We can find a way to make that tax as fair and useful as possible but the main thing is to get the money from them to help society.

The fear is just another symptom of their overinflated power. No one should be afraid to take back what was stolen from them.