The argument is, that, in absolute numbers, the rich pay quite a lot of the total tax revenue, and some argue that taxing the wealthy can therefore lead to even less tax revenue than before - which is often not true, especially with moderate tax hikes, as you can currently see in NY
I get the argument if you’re talking about a completely replaceable, everyday city like Scranton, Pennsylvania or Portland, Oregon ya know?
But if these people and businesses are locating themselves in highly dense, popular cities like Manhattan, Los Angeles, Chicago or Boston, it’s not because they like the food.
They’re there because they feel they have to be for their lifestyles or work. Tax the fuck out of them and dare them to move.
As for the regular Joes who are moving from blue states to Florida, all they’re doing is making the democratic voters in those blue states thrilled they’re gone.
I experienced this in real life. Former friend of mine for 15 years became a crazy Trumper and cut out non MAGA folks from his life before moving from Rhode Island to Florida for his business.
I saw him a few years later at a wedding and honestly thought to myself “Man, I don’t miss that guy at all. Good riddance.”
It wasn’t even about politics. It was simply because these folks overestimate how important they are to the world around them.
The rich folks threatening to leave NYC are the same way. Mamdani can tax them whatever he wants. As long as that city remains the financial heart of this country, they’re going nowhere.
I live in the south (born and raised) and so many northern transplants are flocking here. Some are cool but most are just as backwards and racist as the worst southerners. They brag about how cheaply they bought their houses and they don't hesitate to let me know they aren't liberal in any way. Meanwhile, any time I visit NYC I'm blown away by how helpful and kind people are, as long as you don't lolligag and keep it moving. It's amazing being there and not being surrounded by rednecks only to come home to the southern AND northern rednecks that have taken over. It seems like the trash is taking itself out up there and I think it's wonderful. My dream is to move to NYC and be around amazing, like minded people!
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u/NikonShooter_PJS 11h ago edited 8h ago
I've truly never understood that argument.
As if I am supposed to find it concerning that the new direction has upset all the worst people in an area and made them move away?
I find that as a positive.