Comic #4390: the-stochastic-tax
Description
Here's a detailed description of the comic, including the transcribed text.
Comic Description:
The comic is divided into several panels, featuring characters discussing a proposed tax system called the "stochastic tax."
Panel 1: A character with glasses and a round head speaks confidently.
- Text: "Heretofore, all tax methods have been considered to have trade-offs. It's time for a new way of thinking. I propose… the stochastic tax."
Panel 2: The same character continues explaining.
- Text: "Every possible income level, down to the smallest unit of currency, gets a different and random income tax between 5% and 10%."
Panel 3: The character explains the implications of this tax system.
- Text: "This tax will be re-randomized and assessed daily."
Panel 4: The character talks about the consequences for individuals.
- Text: "Every person will thus be required to employ a team of lawyers and accountants to monitor their spending in order to get their wealth to the nearest 5% bracket."
Panel 5: The character continues with their argument.
- Text: "The economy will soon reach full employment, with only white-collar workers. This eliminates the need for welfare."
Panel 6: Another character joins the conversation.
- Text: "Meanwhile, everyone will pay the minimum tax, but they'll think they're getting away with something clever."
Panel 7: The first character concludes their point.
- Text: "Thus, every citizen will have a reliable job, and will believe they are getting ahead of their neighbor. This is literally the modern definition of happiness."
Panel 8: The first character summarizes the benefits.
- Text: "Low taxes. Low inequality. High employment. The stochastic tax is flawless."
Panel 9: Another character poses a critical question.
- Text: "Will the country create anything of value?"
Panel 10: The first character responds with enthusiasm.
- Text: "We'll become a sort of tourist attraction for macroeconomists."
Overall, the comic employs humor to critique economic theories and tax systems through exaggerated claims and absurdity. The characters are drawn in a simplistic cartoon style, enhancing the comic's light-hearted yet thought-provoking tone.