[MomoXenosaga]

SF is just a city, it cannot change America into a European style democratic socialist system- provided anyone in the US would actually want that and not immediately start crying about 21% VAT.

[Amezarak]

VAT is one of those weird mismatches between US and European politics. It would be regarded as very regressive in the US, since sales taxes disproportionately harm the poor.

[throwaway0a5e]

It's a lot easier to have regressive taxes when your starting point is this[0]

The US's starting point was revolting over a few percent on a couple random assortments of goods (and a few other affronts).

[0] https://img.ifunny.co/images/bfab53583fcce050029cd61cfea5c6d...

[0x0nyandesu]

I feel like in both Cali and say Germany taxes are about 40% overall and balance out. For example in Germany long term cap gains is 0%.

[spaetzleesser]

Totally agree. And if health care deductibles and copays can easily add another 5-10% or more off your income.