"Grover on talk show" by Schuler! Fragen was ist. Licensed under CC.
ATR president Grover Norquist was a guest on Schuler! Fragen was ist, a talk show covering political, economic, and social issues. Norquist discussed the cost of government overreach, focusing on taxation and regulation. Norquist defines the “true cost of government” as not just its direct spending but also regulatory burdens that force citizens to act in ways prescribed by the government. Norquist states “taxation is akin to theft,” arguing that taxes are a mechanism of coercion rather than a service agreement between the state and its people.
Norquist outlines contrasts between the U.S. and Europe, discussing inefficiencies within European governance. “The German government and the German people are suffering from a government that spends too much money, regulates too many people’s lives, [and] does not let them act freely on their own” resulting in rising energy prices, damaging Germany’s competitiveness on a world stage.
Moreover, Norquist explores how taxes shape the relationship between the state and its citizens. He discusses political fallout from tax increase, referencing George H.W. Bush’s broken tax pledge as an example. “He raised taxes, he lost,” Norquist says, explaining how breaking promises on taxes has ended political careers.
In addressing corporate taxes, Norquist discusses the importance of tax cuts for economic growth. Norquist notes that in 2019, the median income for families rose by 6.8% in just one year, a growth that exceeded the total increase observed throughout Barack Obama’s entire eight-year presidency. Linking lower corporate tax rates to wage increases and a better standard of living. Norquist’s advocacy for smaller government and lower taxes is clear throughout, calling for less intrusion into personal and economic freedoms.
Later in the interview, Norquist addresses the influence of companies on society, emphasizing individuals should have the power to make choices in the marketplace. He suggests consumers should dictate economic outcomes, stating, “If you don’t like it, don’t buy it,” asserting free choice is essential to a strong economy.
Norquist then gave his opinions on the current political landscape, criticizing Kamala Harris’s economic policies, warning her proposed tax increases could threaten economic growth. He believes the policies Harris is proposing to raise capital gains and corporate tax rates could lead to a downturn stating, “She wants to take the corporate income tax rate higher than China’s up to 28%”. Further, he spoke on the backlash against these proposals, noting that both small and large businesses would be adversely affected.
To hear more of Grover Norquist’s insights, including his thoughts on public shootings, the right to bear arms, and his predictions for the upcoming election, be sure to watch the full interview.