Taxes is not the only way redistribution happens. In some countries, there are no laws against how much credit card fees can be. In those countries, a small fr

Taxes is not the only way redistribution happens. In some countries, there are no laws against how much credit card fees can be. In those countries, a small fraction of the wealth of poor people is transferred to rich people [1]. In other countries, the fees are limited to small values, so this wealth transfer happens at a much smaller scale or doesn't happen at all. Or a government can license a coal plant in some area [1], destroying the air quality and health outcomes of people in the area, while most of the wealth generated by the plant goes to the investors. [1] Because credit card companies charge fees inversely proportional to expenses. And give rewards to those who can spend more. [2] Or worse, in an adjoining area far enough away to commute for jobs, but still in the same air shed.