> If you keep more of your money through a change in tax policy, you are suggesting that the government gave you money?
That's a complicated question in the case of generally applicable changes in tax policy, like a new tax credit available to anyone who posts on internet discussion boards.
It's a simple, straightforward “yes” when the change in tax policy only applies to me, and only for a specific action (post on HN about the Foxconn factory deal, and get $5000 of your federal income tax.)
The latter is more like a government contract (but without the competitive aspects and other controls designed to assure fairness and public value.)
That's a complicated question in the case of generally applicable changes in tax policy, like a new tax credit available to anyone who posts on internet discussion boards.
It's a simple, straightforward “yes” when the change in tax policy only applies to me, and only for a specific action (post on HN about the Foxconn factory deal, and get $5000 of your federal income tax.)
The latter is more like a government contract (but without the competitive aspects and other controls designed to assure fairness and public value.)