Elias Rodriquez: Fining the Poor

Posted by admin on Wednesday, September 21, 2022

Meaning of Elias Rodriquez Money Quote: saying most local government fund services with taxes, but when that fails, cities fine the poorest citizens instead. Elias Rodriquez said:
 

 

“In the absence of the tax dollars city governments rely on, Americans are now funding themselves by fining the poor instead of taxing the rich” — Elias Rodriquez

 

 

In this quote, Elias Rodriquez seems to be criticizing how some local governments have resorted to disproportionately fining lower-income citizens as a revenue generation tactic. Some key points:

• Rodriquez notes that without sufficient tax dollars, cities are now “funding themselves” through excessive fines and fees rather than equitable taxation.
• He states they are “fining the poor instead of taxing the rich” – implying the burden is unfairly falling on those least able to pay rather than a balanced approach.
• The quote suggests fining poor communities generates income in a regressive way, whereas a well-designed tax system could distribute obligations more fairly based on means.

Overall, Rodriquez appears to be denouncing what he views as a predatory shift toward disproportionately penalizing poorer residents through fines as a replacement for dwindling tax bases, rather than seeking balanced funding sources across economic classes through well-structured taxation according to generally accepted principles of equity and fairness.

Dan Price: Pandemic Billionaires

Posted by admin on Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Dan Price Money Quote saying Hundred Billionaires have increased tenfold since the start of the pandemic, together they are worth $1.4 trillion. Dan Price said:
 

 

“Before the pandemic, there was 1 person worth $100 billion. Now there are 10. Before the pandemic, those 10 people were worth $650 billion. Now they are worth $1.4 trillion. And the Senate is ready to shut down the government and deny vital services to avoid taxing them at all” — Dan Price

 

 

Dan Price is pointing out that economic inequality has increased significantly during the pandemic. He notes that before the pandemic there was one person worth over $100 billion, but now there are 10 people worth that much. Additionally, the total wealth of those very wealthy individuals has more than doubled, from $650 billion to $1.4 trillion, while many others have struggled financially.

By mentioning that the Senate is unwilling to raise taxes on these wealthy individuals, even if it means denying government services, he is criticizing politicians for protecting the ultra-rich rather than average citizens who have been hurt by the pandemic. In summary, Price is highlighting how the pandemic has exacerbated the wealth gap and criticizing the political system for prioritizing the interests of billionaires over regular Americans.

Before the pandemic, there was 1 person worth $100 billion. Now there are 10.

Before the pandemic, those 10 people were worth $650 billion. Now they are worth $1.4 trillion.

And the Senate is ready to shut down the government and deny vital services to avoid taxing them at all.

— Dan Price (@DanPriceSeattle) September 29, 2021