(10-13-2022, 02:50 PM)mikesez Wrote: (10-13-2022, 09:30 AM)Sneakers Wrote: This is why you're so frequently incorrect in this forum. You unquestioningly accept and put forth as fact, economic models and theories that are a century (or more in this case) out of date.
1) Georgism was only a philosophy. When and where was it ever proven?
2) Even if correct at the time, it was before another Henry started experimenting in his garage. How relevant could it possibly be in today's world? Don't you think cars, instant global communications, organized labor, environmental regulations, building codes and ten times the population could all now be factors?
I'm not asking you to accept Georgism as a whole philosophy. A land value tax couldn't have been implemented then and can't be implemented now. Very difficult to assess land value apart from the structures and utilities adjacent to the land.
But we do have property tax, which can more easily be assessed based on real market activity. And these property taxes became more prominent during George's time largely due to his influence. So his ideas are part of our government's fabric similar to ideas of men like Madison and Jefferson. Ideas like this are never conclusively "proven" but they are implemented and shown to be beneficial, at least for us.
The essential lesson of Georgism is, up to a certain point, taxing land value is actually positive. It does more than fund the government, it promotes development and growth. Beyond that point, a land value tax becomes bad for the economy, just like any other tax. In NY and CA, property tax rates are lower than those in FL. In Chicago, they are higher. I happen to believe that FL is close to the optimum rate, and I think there's plenty of support for that idea if you look at our dynamic growth and relative equality and harmony compared to these other places. But that's just my opinion.
You're wrong on multiple points.
Land value is not "very difficult to assess". It's called a real estate appraisal and it happens every day.
Property tax does not fluctuate on market activity the way you think it does. Municipal reassessments typically only occur every 5-7 years.
If you're equating the economic theory that a tax on real estate helps the economy, with the fundamental belief that all men are inherently entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, you're hopelessly lost in this discussion.
Real estate tax, high or low, is not a insignificant factor in promoting growth and development.
The influx of people relocating here from Chicago, NYC and California has nothing to do with property taxes.
When you get into the endzone, act like you've been there before.