Debate Club: should we raise taxes? Let's debate.

### Event Description:
Title: "Taxation in America: Who Pays, Who Benefits?"

Join us for a thought-provoking debate on the complex and often contentious issues surrounding taxation in the United States. As we explore the impact of current tax policies, we'll delve into how these policies affect different groups of Americans, the economy, and our role on the global stage.

Our debate will cover critical topics such as the necessity and impact of funding wars through taxes, the implications of taxing unrealized gains, and the contentious proposal to "tax the rich." We'll also discuss the rationale behind sending money overseas, including the concept of the petro-dollar and its significance in maintaining global economic stability.

Attendees will engage in lively discussions on various aspects of taxation, from understanding what taxpayers receive in return for their contributions to the ethical and practical considerations of using tax revenues to fund international aid or military operations. Whether you're an advocate for reducing taxes or believe in a more progressive tax structure, this debate will provide an opportunity to explore all perspectives and challenge your viewpoints.

### Potential Topics:

1. Sending Money Overseas and the Petro-Dollar:

• Why does the U.S. send money overseas, and how does it benefit national interests?
• The role of the petro-dollar in maintaining the U.S. dollar's global dominance.
• Should the U.S. continue foreign aid programs funded by taxpayer dollars, or is this an undue burden on American taxpayers?

2. Taxation on Unrealized Gains:

• Is taxing unrealized gains (income not yet realized through the sale of an asset) fair or a disincentive for investment?
• Potential effects of taxing unrealized gains on innovation, entrepreneurship, and market stability.

3. "Tax the Rich" - Pros and Cons:

• Should high-income earners face significantly higher tax rates?
• Does increasing taxes on the wealthy reduce economic inequality, or does it discourage economic growth and innovation?
• Exploring alternative perspectives on fair taxation and the responsibilities of wealth.

4. What Do You Get for Your Taxes?

• Analysis of federal and state tax expenditures: Are citizens getting value for their money?
• Should there be more transparency and accountability on how tax revenues are spent?

5. Funding Wars with Taxes:

• Is it justifiable to use tax revenue to fund military operations abroad?
• The economic and ethical considerations of using taxpayer money for defense spending.

6. The Impact of Corporate Taxes:

• How do current corporate tax rates affect American businesses' global competitiveness?
• Debating the merits and downsides of policies such as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which reduced corporate taxes and introduced new deductions.

7. The Future of Taxation in the U.S.:

• Upcoming changes in tax policies (e.g., the expiration of provisions from the TCJA) and what they mean for individuals and businesses.
• How should the U.S. adapt its tax policy in response to international tax reforms, such as the OECD's global minimum tax?

8. Taxation and Economic Growth:

• Are lower taxes always beneficial for economic growth, or are there instances where higher taxes could lead to a stronger economy?
• The debate over using tax policy as a tool for redistributive justice vs. economic efficiency.

These topics provide a broad range of perspectives and ensure a well-rounded debate on various aspects of taxation policy, making for an engaging and informative discussion that challenges participants to think critically about these complex issues