Do you see a popular mandate for raising taxes materializing? Do you see Congress enacting that? I don't. Like you said, you're not the first to think of it, but it never happens.
As imperfect as DOGE is, its the only measure I can see actually happening that has a shot at cutting the deficit. I would love to think of another one.
Yes, I see a popular mandate materializing, absolutely. There are very few but absurdly rich people standing in the way. It's happened in the past, and it will happen in the future.
I am more cynical. Congress is controlled by lobbyists which are controlled by oligarchs. Voters are controlled by the media which is controlled by oligarchs. I don't see us raising taxes significantly. Wishful thinking.
I also think we should try to cut spending BEFORE raising taxes. What seems better? Less waste and less tax or more waste and more tax? What is better for the economy (for the organization of labor and capital) in the long run? What will attract foreign investment? What will allow accrual of consumer savings?
DOGE is positive because we need a wrecking ball to come in and cut spending because the system is rotten and Congress and the media don't serve the people anymore. They plumb won't do it. I honestly couldn't think of a better personality profile than an idealistic 25 year old engineer who is young enough to hate the government and resent being born 100k in debt as much as I do. Who hates housing prices and health care and the MIC. Someone relentlessly logical whose raison d'entre is optimizing complex systems. At least they'll do something about all of this. Waiting on Congress to do something against the will of their masters is a losing game.
As imperfect as DOGE is, its the only measure I can see actually happening that has a shot at cutting the deficit. I would love to think of another one.