Summary
Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was fatally shot in a premeditated attack outside the New York Hilton Midtown before speaking at an investor conference.
The gunman, still at large, fired multiple times, leaving shell casings marked with the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose.”
Authorities suggest Thompson was targeted but remain unclear on the motive. His wife confirmed prior threats against him.
Analysts speculate a possible vendetta tied to his company. The case raises questions about executive security, as Thompson lacked personal protection despite known risks.
You’re right. Their obscene, disgusting levels of wealth and excess should be taxed the shit out by the societies they inhabit. It’s inefficient to just let them pick and choose their own fancies and unironically call themselves altruists.
They are not monarchs.
The problem is that they don’t actually have possession of the billions of dollars. The tax only happens when they sell the stock - as taxable income.
I think I read something recently where someone proposed taxing stocks people are holding. I don’t see that happening. At least not under income tax law.
Moreover, congress embraces the idea that billionaires create industry and jobs. In most cases, this is true. In a lot of cases though, these corporations get away with too much. This is because of a lack of government protections for workers and consumers.
A shame. Wealth taxes for the ultra rich it is, a la Bernie, innovation in all things. Having benefited from friendly, lucrative taxation over the course of a generation has left beyond the reach of current legislation. Tax legislation specifically and solely aimed at the ultra rich, no one would bat an eye.
In most cases? In most cases billionaires and conglomerates have monopolised entire industries, many across multiple industries that can no longer sustain any meaningful competition and growth. A company like Amazon/Google/Meta just replacing all industry with its own brand, squeezing out, gatekeeping or catch & killing any disruptors or smaller ventures is not a net positive for society. That’s how you get to a handful of medical insurers dictating whether you live or die.
We tax land as a percentage of its value. Why not stocks?