[JansjoFromIkea]

yeah I had to step back from this when I saw it* on my feed because I was so disenchanted by how positive the replies were. Not even sure what their issues with DOGE are if they think this is a great solution...

ETA: I'm on about his bluesky post, to be clear, not this thread

[llamaimperative]

I don’t think anyone who “likes” this solution thinks “it’s a great solution”

I reckon approximately 100% of those people would prefer 18F stay how it is

[jancsika]

> I don’t think anyone who “likes” this solution thinks “it’s a great solution”

It's not a solution.

If we're talking about the current administration, there's no way in hell they're going to contract with a consultancy made up of gov't employees they just fired. If they do hire consultants they'll be ones who are loyal to Musk.

If we're talking about a future administration that wants to show intent to repair the damage done to gov't workers and services, why in the world would that admin start by privatizing 18F?

[dingnuts]

the issue with Elon Musk's involvement is the WAY these things are being done. If what was previously funded through coercion -- tax dollars -- can be funded through voluntary charity of a billionaire that is 100% a good thing and we can still be upset about the rule of law and all that while being happy that billionaires are stepping up to pay their fair share when the tax money is taken away.

HOWEVER Congress has NOT reduced the budget so everything I just said is bullshit and hypothetical until some of that money starts coming back into our pockets.

But I am trying to remain optimistic. These are challenging times.

[Upvoter33]

Hate to tell ya, but unless you’re already pretty rich, the money won’t be coming back to you

[1659447091]

> If what was previously funded through coercion -- tax dollars

Guess it's a good thing we are in the US and there is no tax dollar coercion considering you are free to renounce citizenship and leave the country.

Thus never having to pay the fees required to participate/live in US society. Kinda like if you don't want to pay monthly gym fees, don't--but don't expect to use their gym equipment whenever suits you.

[hollerith]

Uh, Washington thinks you still have to pay income tax after renouncing your citizenship and bullies governments into collecting it or even extradicting you if you do not pay.

[1659447091]

No you only have to pay if you keep your citizenship and leave the country. If you are no longer a citizen you no longer pay.

[hollerith]

We disagree.

[1659447091]

I am stating a fact. There is no opinion.

If you have no ties (current citizenship, located within US territory or work) to the US, you do not pay US taxes.

[wraaath]

What percentage of the world's countries will still respect the US's extradition treaties in 4 years?

[hollerith]

Approximately the same percentage that respect them now IMHO.

[JansjoFromIkea]

Where did he mention voluntary charity in his tweet?

[chgs]

It most definitely not a good thing. It makes these reliant on that billionaire rather than the public.