Bill Gates wants ultra-wealthy individuals to pay more tax — and now a growing chorus of billionaires agree.

In his annual “Ask Me Anything” forum on Reddit last year, the Microsoft cofounder said he was “surprised” that taxes for the rich haven’t been increased more.

Gates doubled down on his calls to tax the rich in a panel at the World Economic Forum in Davos this week. He said the wealthiest nations should donate more money to developing countries to help redress inequality.

“Those who have the most — whether it’s countries, companies, or individuals — should be pushed to be more generous,” he said.

It seems others agree, as more than 250 ultra-wealthy people signed an open letter calling for global leaders to impose a wealth tax.

  • AlteredStateBlob@kbin.social
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    11 months ago

    “I’m surprised the thing me and my ilk have been actively working against hasn’t magically happened despite our massive efforts to the opposite effect.”

    Bet you Bill thinks these kinds of publicity stunts will exclude him from being eaten, when we go to eat the rich.

      • AlteredStateBlob@kbin.social
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        11 months ago

        Is he funding lobbyists to affect this kind of change? No.
        Is he employing top tier accountants to make sure he doesn’t pay his fair share like the poors? Betcha.
        Does he funnel his wealth into charitable foundations that are a tax write off leading to him getting money rather than having to pay it, while it stays in an eco system he has full control over? Betcha.
        Is he buying expensive art, property, etc. to incur expenses that are tax write offs? Betcha.

        Since I’m not a Billionaire, I won’t be able to tell you all the ways that cunt is 100% pushing for a status quo while putting out fluff pieces like these that make him look good while doing literally nothing to affect the change he supposedly wants.

        Wouldn’t even be surprised if this was something to get out ahead of some revelations about tax evasion, so if you ever search up Bill Gates taxes, all you get is this curated nonsense of what a stand up good lad he is, trying oh so hard to pay his fair share. Why won’t anyone take his money? Poor Bill. Must be hard not getting taxed and being utterly powerless to do anything about that. Shucks. Now he has to go another decade without ever coming close to paying his fair share.

        Oh, also garbage takes like these, where he publicly opposed new tax plans - but it’s fine, it was all cute and the audience laughed and he payed soooo much, sooo many taxes. https://youtu.be/dXxP4S_WwS0

    • Lev_Astov@lemmy.world
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      11 months ago

      He feels really safe saying these things while letting the wealthy elite in power do all the law-writing.

    • Exosus@lemdro.id
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      11 months ago

      I’ve come to the right place if bill gates isn’t cheered on by leftwingers… Dude has such a sketchy past especially regarding intellectual property and market manipulation.

      But “at least he doesn’t support trump”

      • AlteredStateBlob@kbin.social
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        11 months ago

        He probably is through some back-ass-channel. These kinds of assholes always play all colors, all cards and have backup plans. He still wants to cling to his little riches even if the political winds change again. Gotta be able to show receipts when that happens.

        I’ll never support a single Billionaire ever for any reason whatsoever. They’re leeches and parasites to society, our species and planet.