Let's let's try a different approach. Assuming you aren't an anarchist, you agree that the government needs *some* taxes, right? There are only 4 ways to raise taxes of any significance. Personal income taxes, corporate income taxes, property taxes and tariffs. The first 3 100% of the burden is borne by US citizens. The last (tariffs) is partially borne by US citizens and partially borne by outsiders. Therefore, logic would dictate tariffs should be the first tax we add to cover the budget since at least some portion effects others (we could argue the % all day) and the other taxes last (which is 100% borne by US). For the first 150 years of our nations existence, that's exactly what we did. Today, just 1% of the federal budget and ~0.5% of taxes collected overall come from tariffs.
I thought you said that in post #7?
besides a tariff on outsiders makes far more sense than taxing the US base
you agree that the government needs *some* taxes, right?
Sure.
Personal income taxes, corporate income taxes, property taxes and tariffs.
And sales taxes.
The first 3 100% of the burden is borne by US citizens. The last (tariffs) is partially borne by US citizens and partially borne by outsiders.
Outsiders suffer from loss of sales, sure. It's still Americans paying the tax.
Therefore, logic would dictate tariffs should be the first tax we add to cover the budget since at least some portion effects others (we could argue the % all day)
Tariffs aren't very good at raising revenue. The best ones would be ones you can't avoid. Do you agree? So one on oil could raise a lot of revenue, right?
For the first 150 years of our nations existence, that's exactly what we did.
Yes, everyone knows that tariffs and excise taxes on alcohol raised most of the revenue in our early history. If we could shrink the government by 90%, we could probably go back to that system. I don't suggest we hold our breath.