How the Taxpayer Myth Gives Life to the Neoliberal Agenda
Eric Tymoigne
The taxpayer-driven narrative is not only politically reactionary and mentally stifling, but also reflects an incorrect understanding of federal government finances, economic facts, and logic. Such a narrative strongly influences the policy agenda; it frames issues and debates in a particular way, it restricts possible solutions and it marginalizes the voice of a significant portion of the population. Removing the taxpayers’ money narrative is one step toward improving the inclusivity of the democratic process and re-centering the public purpose in the policy making process.