My country recently legalized cannabis which was most likely done with good intentions. The same government has convinced many people (although they only got re-elected with a minority mandate) that a carbon tax is the right thing to do as it will be a net zero tax to the majority of taxpayers. They also seem to be unsure about crypto-currencies. How are these things related?
Legalizing cannabis and having government restrictions or regulations constrict the businesses that sell the stuff is, well... typical of government in business. Also it's absurd, if you want to be financially efficient. That is, they don't really know what they're doing.
One would think that legalizing cannabis would basically eliminate the black market. Nope! In fact the black market does it for cheaper and people want cheaper. Apparently more people are buying it from the cheaper source still. If taxpayers prefer cheaper, why do they want to pay a carbon tax? To pay a carbon tax is the equivalent of throwing our money into the wind?
Cannabis first, government has restricted the number of retail outlets that can sell cannabis, according to the suppliers. In the Province of Ontario there are over 600 liquor stores while only 24 legal cannabis stores. If the government wants to follow through with their good intentions then get out of the way of business. Let them do their thing and get the product to market.
Don't impose massive costs along the way in various forms. As it has been said, 'the road to hell is paved with good intentions'. Bottom line, if they don't fully allow business to get going in the cannabis sector it will be fatal to the industry, thus the reason for the failing producers.
Second, if you want big business to stop polluting. Legislate it, and legislate it everywhere. Don't throw another tax into the mix of all the taxes we currently pay. That's simply irresponsible government. Or, better put, a government that doesn't know how to be financially responsible. That same government will also say that debt doesn't really matter.
To say that the carbon tax will be a neutral tax because you will be refunded as an average taxpayer is untrue. The reason is simple, the government has to put into place a huge administrative structure to implement and collect the new tax. This will cost you above and beyond the tax itself. Simply put, more government inefficiency.
Third, crypto... is it just me or does it seem that the 'system' is against it? Is it that the foundations of the current fiat system could be at risk? Again, I expect that once government influence takes over, there will be major restrictions enforced. Wait and see, I guess.