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.

  • kool_newt
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    5 months ago

    Pretty sure I’ve seen this exact story about every 5 years for the last 20 years. It looks to me at this point like wealth apologism.

    • Wrench@lemmy.world
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      5 months ago

      That’s funny. I swear he has always said that he believes that he can do more good in the world by controlling how his wealth is spent through his charity foundations, than simply handing his wealth over to the government via taxes.

      I.E., he has been saying the opposite. Unless this is taken out of context

      • kool_newt
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        5 months ago

        He’s probably said both, or at least news stories coming out with both positions. I mean, you’re not expecting consistency and accuracy from your propaganda are you?

        • Wrench@lemmy.world
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          5 months ago

          Well, it’d be more interesting if he actually changed his mind on elective philanthropy to forced wealth taxes for the ultra wealthy.

          That would be a very large shift in his long standing and very public advocacy. Since, you know, he was the one going around to other billionaires to get pledges on donating their wealth when they die, but historically defended their right to choose.

          People can change their minds. It’s even an admiral quality.

      • Crashumbc@lemmy.world
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        5 months ago

        No he uses his “charities” to hide most of his wealth from taxes he should be paying.