Reasons to reject the Republican tax plan

Economies don’t exist to create wealth. Democratic governments don’t exist to create individual wealth (as suggested by Giles, Nov. 19). Economies exist to create and distribute goods and services to participants. Democratic governments manage the distribution of goods and services according to social values of that society (e.g., elimination of poverty).

Proponents of tax cuts argue they will increase economic activity and income for those of lower income. Logically, if tax cuts increase debt or deficit, then negative (societal) wealth is created —exactly opposite to the claimed purpose. The current Republican tax plan increases debt and deficit (given their budget proposal). Thus, tax cuts are exactly the wrong approach.

Deficit spending is justified when a government/society is under existential threat (e.g., during war) or there is a clear recovery plan. Neither applies for the US at present, so the Republican tax plan must be rejected. They should be proposing tax increases.

— Vernon V Chatman III, San Jose