The US economy thread

Let's discuss the monolithic US economy. I'll start with a couple of historical notes.

Many Americans seem to have the simplistic view that taxes are bad (@jonesmh). I've heard that an early attempt to unite (the stolen land that was turned into) the American colonies failed because there was no legal mechanism for taxation.

I've also heard that the US owes much of its wealth and success to slavery.

This is such obvious bait

Obviously. No arguments at all. What is your point?

@Letgoofmychessego You're just trying to get people rilled up and disguising it as an economic conversation.

Do you need to me to concede a few obviously won games, for recompense?

Why are some people so uncomfortable with discussing things that go against their held beliefs, which are likely based on narrow narratives?

They're not.

Why are you guys discussing politics (or 'US economy') on a chess site? I don't mind, but aren't there better things to type about?

Narrow narratives, like "Many Americans seem to have the simplistic view that taxes are bad (jonesmh). I've heard that an early attempt to unite (the stolen land that was turned into) the American colonies failed because there was no legal mechanism for taxation."?

Or: "I've also heard that the US owes much of its wealth and success to slavery."?

EDIT: Removed tag (sorry if I tagged you by accident, jonesmh)

@aquagirl272 : Its what I do when I get bored. I figure if I've invested so much time developing my human capital (4 year degree in economics, currently enrolled in a masters program in economics), I should try to maximize total output. It also distracts me from realizing that all of that economics education means I have no real world skills....
D'oh!