September 25, 2012 by David K. Sutton
Do we shape the tax code based on our morals and values?
“It [tax code] is the single most important collective way that we measure what our values are.” – Melissa Harris-Perry
Extended quote:
A nation’s values are always very clear in our tax code. It is the single most important collective way that we measure what our values are. – Melissa Harris-Perry on Up with Chris Hayes, 11/20/2011
My take on this quote is that Harris-Perry isn’t necessarily advocating changes in the tax code with the intend of shaping social agenda, but rather, she is explaining that our tax code and our morals and values are intrinsically linked. Yes, it could be deliberate, but much of the time it’s probably passive. But whether it’s passive or active, the tax code can serve as a barometer of our values as a nation.
