The David McWilliams Podcast The Art of Taxation: How a Crisis Could Save Your City
5 snips
Apr 29, 2025 AI Snips
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Vespasian's Urine Tax Anecdote
- Roman Emperor Vespasian taxed public urine because it was used for cleaning garments and teeth with ammonia.
- This "urine tax" helped fund constructing the Colosseum, highlighting a broad and practical tax base approach.
Dublin's Tax vs Spend Paradox
- Dublin generates over half of Ireland's tax revenue but the city council spends a tiny fraction of that on the city.
- This huge financial disparity explains Dublin's urban decay and dereliction despite national wealth.
Centralization Fractures Tax-Spend Link
- Ireland's central government budget vastly outweighs local government budgets, causing local councils to beg for funds.
- This centralization causes disconnect between taxpayers in Dublin and spending decisions, worsening urban issues.