Well, in Scandinavia after our taxes are paid we have about the same amount of money as Americans after taxes. Wages are really high here, so it offsets itself.
I too think that wages will increase in the US, because capitalistic hierarchies tend to work that way, if the policies are in place for it. I believe the US would adapt.
When we have increased the minimum wage in Scandinavia, almost like clockwork, higher wages across all levels adjusts accordingly. The pay ceiling always moves, and that is natural in a globalized economy that wants to run on being a nation of highly educated workers with a high level of expertise. This is how America remains competitive. It demands a sacrifice and commitment to education.
I believe there will be massive cost savings with a significantly improved welfare state. Billions could be saved, on less crime, desperation, homeless people, violence, overpopulated prisons. Those savings will help many people. The best part is that it is a bi-product of giving poor people access to health care and education. It absolves ignorance, it lowers violence. Nobody disagrees with that.
But I am concerned. I am concerned because it would require many people to take the long perspective. And if you are living from paycheck to paycheck right now, I can see that the wishy-washy promise that wages will go up at some point, is not a comforting soluble.
But what I will propose is this; In Scandinavia, often when we have introduced systems like this, we don't just hit you with it 100% on day 1. It has a roll-out effect over a number of years. Like Bernies plan with minimum wage. It's not supposed to hit 15 dollar minimum wage before 2022 or something like that.
I believe that if we saw these tax hikes, there would also be exemptions.
In Scandinavia we have many tax exemptions! Why? Well, because what is the point of taxing people something they can't afford. exemptions are made to levitate and help people.
So to help business and local entrepreneurs, it is normal to get tax exemptions on things related to your business and employees. If you are a business owner, it incentives to take your profits and stretch them out to grow your business, improve it, hire more staff, than to put it in your pocket and be taxed higher.
It allows small business owners to get tax deductibles on company expenses and services. Have your own freelance business or hair saloon? Tax exemptions for you.
There are tax exemptions for students. for public transportation, for student jobs that allows them to get a better tax break while they are occupied with school.
Seniors have their own tax breaks.
I guess what I am trying to say is this; It's not as scary as it looks. Society will always adjust. Think about how much money gets pulled into the public sector from this. Than in itself revitalizes a dying sector with many jobs and a higher standard of infrastructure.
I share Mael's concerns about if many Americans want to believe in the bounty that can be had. Because this will take time to show its full effects. It will take an entire generation for the American landscape to be fully changed, because the people who have fallen through the system, have children who are bound to- statistically, have really poor odds at a decent life, need to grow up and against all odds change their lives. It will only happen with education and health care.
I think America needs it, and the people deserves it. I think Europe needs it, because we're going right over what is happening, and we need America to show some progression due to our crisis. We need to be reminded that we need to invest in a better oiling of the machine, instead of trying to produce more and more on a old outdated machine that produces worse and worse results.
It's a commitment. It's a statement and it's taking a chance. Because nobody knows how it will play out in the US. The US is not like Scandinavia nor any other country. There are millions of ways this could go. And along with the great infrastructure rebuilding project there is potential for a different America.
It's very hard to think it is possible. In 4 years? In 8? Will people still tell others to pipe down, and ask for gradual change. Or is jumping into this with two feet the way!? Americans will know what is best for their country, but in the inequality is reaching scary levels.