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submitted 10 months ago by MicroWave@lemmy.world to c/news@lemmy.world

Bill Gates wants ultra-wealthy individuals to pay more tax — and now a growing chorus of billionaires agree.

In his annual "Ask Me Anything" forum on Reddit last year, the Microsoft cofounder said he was "surprised" that taxes for the rich haven't been increased more.

Gates doubled down on his calls to tax the rich in a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. He said the wealthiest nations should donate more money to developing countries to help redress inequality.

"Those who have the most — whether it's countries, companies, or individuals — should be pushed to be more generous," he said.

It seems others agree, as more than 250 ultra-wealthy people signed an open letter calling for global leaders to impose a wealth tax.

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[-] ExLisper@linux.community 1 points 10 months ago

You're making points about general economics and government financing while the comment was about Bill Gates specifically. Of course we're not going to say "everyone should pay more taxes if they want but taxes will stay as low as possible". But Bill is 70 years old and worth $100B. He no longer competes with anyone for resources or companies, he's no longer working to build his wealth and improve his quality of life. He's just hoarding wealth that he uses to influence policy on a scale that should be restricted to elected officials. If he really thinks the government needs more money and can do with less he can stop hiding taxes in charities.

[-] HubertManne@kbin.social 1 points 10 months ago

again. disengenous. the reason specifically bill calls for higher taxes for his class rather than just paying extra himself is because he wants to maintain his relative level. its great you think he has more than enough but this is not about someone voluntarily paying to fund the US. Its about collecting taxes on the wealthy. The response he should just pay more and stay out of it is just nonsensical.

[-] ExLisper@linux.community 1 points 10 months ago

he wants to maintain his relative level.

This is what's nonsensical. "If Bill pays more taxes he might be only #10 richest man on the planet. Surely he can't do that." Yeah, it would be sooooo tragic if he would have only half of the money Elon Musk has.

As I said, at this point he's no longer building his wealth, his just hoarding money. I have no idea why you keep insisting that his wealth relative to other billionaires is so important. He's no longer competing with them for resources. He has millions times more than he can use in the rest of his life.

[-] HubertManne@kbin.social 1 points 10 months ago

yeah. as are all the rest. so taxes should be taken equally from all of them not just having bill gates do it.

this post was submitted on 22 Jan 2024
1020 points (97.5% liked)

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