So many politicians confidently propose solutions to complex systems such as the economy, yet some do not even understand basic things, such as the three branches of the government. [1]

I saw recently on Paul Graham's twitter feed a paper that made the case for a 29% tax rate.

From the paper: "the rate that incorporates innovation and maximizes a utilitarian social welfare function is just 29%." [2]

I'm not saying I agree with the paper, but at least it provided a mathematical framework for studying taxation and considered important things such as incentives, innovation and economic growth, which in my view is a good starting point.

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2xDm-Y4l_4

[2] https://www8.gsb.columbia.edu/faculty-research/sites/faculty...