Tax is the key: the editorial office knows the author’s name

Flip it over, it all boils down to the old story. In the presidential elections in the United States, there was again a choice between higher or lower taxes.

Photo: Pixabay / Mhouge

Traditionally, Biden and the Democrats advocated a higher-tax program, and Trump and Republicans proposed continuing the lower-tax program. This time, there were more voters who believe that higher taxes will bring them prosperity. Whether that will be the case will be confirmed in the next four years. So if they like it, they will vote for that option again, and if they are not right, they will return the Republicans to the White House.

American democracy has been circulating in that circle for decades.

Have we learned anything in Serbia from that carousel?

I do not think so.

This time too, we judge Biden and Trump on the basis of all other arguments (mainly emotional), but not on the basis of their tax programs.

Voters in Serbia have never before, and especially after the year 2000, chosen for power in our national elections on the basis of an offer that defines higher or lower taxes so that we know how we will live in the next four years. For us, something was always more important, more metaphysical and less real: territories, wars, nation, Kosovo, “brother Si” … The government of Serbia had difficulties to change after a four-year term because the objectives were in mostly heavenly, not earthly, why? a long period of implementation is required.

It would be correct, when we have already been so passionate about Biden or Trump, to begin to apply some of that American electoral practice also in our country. For example, in the next elections (they say it will be soon), we ask the political parties to tell us precisely and clearly what their fiscal policy will be. Do they advocate a low tax or high tax policy? And that the issue is dominated mainly by the media, and that journalists are sufficiently “shod” to bring the essence of such determination closer to ordinary citizens. Then we would know how much politicians cost us and what we get for the money they took from us through taxes.

That is exactly what is known in the United States. Republican Trump introduced low taxes for businesses and citizens. This left business owners with more money to invest in new production and job creation. It has reduced taxes on citizens to strengthen their purchasing power through which they will encourage greater production. He would have continued that practice if he had won the election. And Biden will pick up where Obama left off, take more money from wealthier business owners and citizens through taxes, put it in the budget, and then he and his government will distribute that money to those he thinks they need. He announced that the money would be used to help the poor, expand health care (continuation of the Obamacare program), help students pay off loans, employ women and vulnerable groups, fight climate change … Republicans are to In favor of creating new value, the Democrats are in favor of spending what is created. By receiving more and more money through tax increases, Democrats will discourage business owners from investing in new businesses and creating new jobs, increasing the number of unemployed who will then seek help from the state. And the state, to satisfy those desires, will need more money, which it will provide by increasing taxes.

I have no doubt that it is important for democracy in Serbia that politicians vigorously discuss the appearance of a monument, the location for a fountain or the need to build a gondola. However, I am convinced that this is not the key question. It is incomparably more important for citizens and for us businessmen that politicians say what their idea is with taxes. And what will they spend the tax money on. When I hear that, I will know when to vote as an entrepreneur and citizen.

The author’s name is known to the editorial office.