6 ms·

Yes, those dictatorial hellscapes of Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Or did you mean the other countries that have public tax returns? Like I'm not saying this is

by xethos 2y ago

Yes, those dictatorial hellscapes of Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Or did you mean the other countries that have public tax returns? Like I'm not saying this isn't new to the US, and I'm not saying the Nordic models are perfect. But the hysteria in this comment is over the top, and allows others to dismiss why this is likely a bad idea without thinking.

LastTrain 2y ago
Maybe tax returns should be public, maybe they shouldn't, but what does that have to do with what is going on here? This is currently private data being made available to a select few, currently without oversight.
- xethos 2y ago
  GP's comment regarding the "Thick, bright red line on the floor" implies tax returns seeing the light of day should never happen in a democratic state. I take issue with that. I consider the terminology used in the comment to be hysterical, which allows Trump supporters to dismiss the entire story more easily. As far as without oversight: not reporting the entire chain of command does not mean there isn't one. The employee needed certain security clearances to access the system, and they've been granted them (per TFA) I think we agree on at least a few points though: Neither of us trust the current administration to actually vet who gets security clearance, to trust this is being done in good faith, to believe it will make a realistic difference in tax evasion (especially for the rich), that the time would not be better spent better financing the IRS, or that access will be used responsibly. I don't think this is a good idea. But let's minimize the histronics and over-the-top language. There's lots to criticize without allowing detractors an easy win.
  - LastTrain 2y ago
    I have a better idea. Let's not normalize what is happening. Let's not try to make people feel like chumps for having standards.

6 ms·

Yes, those dictatorial hellscapes of Sweden, Norway, and Finland. Or did you mean the other countries that have public tax returns? Like I'm not saying this is

by xethos 2y ago

LastTrain 2y ago
Maybe tax returns should be public, maybe they shouldn't, but what does that have to do with what is going on here? This is currently private data being made available to a select few, currently without oversight.
- xethos 2y ago
  GP's comment regarding the "Thick, bright red line on the floor" implies tax returns seeing the light of day should never happen in a democratic state. I take issue with that. I consider the terminology used in the comment to be hysterical, which allows Trump supporters to dismiss the entire story more easily. As far as without oversight: not reporting the entire chain of command does not mean there isn't one. The employee needed certain security clearances to access the system, and they've been granted them (per TFA) I think we agree on at least a few points though: Neither of us trust the current administration to actually vet who gets security clearance, to trust this is being done in good faith, to believe it will make a realistic difference in tax evasion (especially for the rich), that the time would not be better spent better financing the IRS, or that access will be used responsibly. I don't think this is a good idea. But let's minimize the histronics and over-the-top language. There's lots to criticize without allowing detractors an easy win.
  - LastTrain 2y ago
    I have a better idea. Let's not normalize what is happening. Let's not try to make people feel like chumps for having standards.