Bill Gates told the World Economic Forum that countries, companies and individuals who have the most "should be pushed to be more generous."

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.

  • WoahWoah@lemmy.world
    01·
    10 months ago

    The torches, pitchforks, guillotine, tar, and feathers aren’t going to reach a billionaire. They’re going to be used on whoever is around.

    You aren’t getting within five miles of a billionaire. They don’t play D&D and eat at McDonald’s, bro. Sorry.

    You are more likely to find yourself unfortunately headless than even getting the chance to hurt the feelings of a billionaire let alone their actual person.

    • BeautifulMind ♾️@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      10 months ago

      The torches, pitchforks, guillotine, tar, and feathers aren’t going to reach a billionaire. They’re going to be used on whoever is around.

      The point, of course, is that the cost of being a billionaire is that you can’t go out in public- if the public is mad enough about it

      • WoahWoah@lemmy.world
        01·
        10 months ago

        Billionaires don’t really go out in public even when the public isn’t mad about it. This is what I’m saying: people think they’re taking something from them that they don’t use and didn’t want in the first place.

        “That’s right! The righteous anger of the public now makes you appearing in public dangerous! Try going to MY McDonald’s, Mr. Man!”

        It’s just impotent hand waving and revenge fantasizing. Fine and well, I suppose. Oh no, what ever shall they do and all that. 🤣

        Financially speaking, a millionaire is far, far, far closer to a homeless drug addict than a billionaire.

    • LostWon@lemmy.ca
      0·
      10 months ago

      If it ever comes to it, rioters are probably going to go after celebrities (possibly including influencers). There seems to be an increasing trend of people being turned off by inauthentic charm and conspicuous consumption, these days. Also, more and more of them seem to have been born into the life (like a child of a celebrity) rather than being elevated from working class life.