[raybbr]

The saga of this proposed tax increase, dubbed the “Destiny Tax” by supporters, demonstrates the sheer ignorance ingrained in many elected officials of the factors necessary to create economic growth.

No it doesn't. To them higher taxes represent economic growth - theirs.

[Kellis91789]

Exactly.

When people say that government should be run more like a business, they mean government should focus on efficiency, reducing headcount, eliminating unnecessary functions, and cutting costs wherever possible.

Instead, the message government bureaucrats hear is that they should strive to grow as large as possible and increase their “customer” base.

I think the only way to solve this problem is to appeal to their greed. Make their bonuses and raises based on how much they cut costs compared to the previous year. If they can cut costs — including headcount costs — by 10% compared to the previous year, then they get a 10% raise. If costs INCREASE 10% compared to the previous year, they get a 10% pay CUT.