Hacker News Reader

> Using the tax code to punish or reward behavior is always bad

Isn't that pretty much the entire purpose of the tax code and why it's so complicated?

It's one of the tools the government has to shape behavior.

Actual tax revenue doesn't really matter since a permanent deficit and ever-growing debt is apparently fine.

While you are correct given the government debt levels and printing of money, on principle taxation should only be used to raise money for public purposes. Not to incentivize or punish behavior.

Allowing the government to use taxation for purposes other than public finance has been and will continue to be an avenue for abuse, and authoritarian control ultimately leading to tyranny

Reply on news.ycombinator.com