Sweden is infamous for having some of the highest taxes in the world, and yet the country’s tax agency is still one of Sweden’s most trusted institutions.
The Swedish attitude towards tax contrasts sharply with many countries where taxes can be a deeply divisive issue. We investigate what this says about Swedish society and how the popularity of the welfare state might survive growing challenges in the future.
I think the question is stupid, and I’m not sure why we need to bring the Swedes in. Why not just say Why do Americans Hate Taxes? You’ll get a variety of answers, some in the vein you’ve described.
Me, I live in Jersey (New), and we pay a lot in taxes. I’m pro tax, but at the same time I’m also critical about how my taxes are wasted, and I say that because they certainly are. So it’s a love hate relationship I guess. I say this just because I don’t think it’s fair to assume everyone is all hurr durr small government (when it’s convenient) nonsense. I just want smarter spending. And I live in a state that’s as blue as they come, I vote for them, but our mediocre transit system is on the brink of disaster (like, every election it seems), despite me sending a bunch of my money to NJ, as an example.