Wouldn't it be simpler to implement a 'spend-forward scheme' rather than returning? For example, spend that money on research grants and health care. It is returning the money to the people. A man can dream, no?

Sounds like communism to me.

Socialism, you mean, not communism.

This is a way of spending taxes on the public, the kind Denmark does. It isn't "no private property; everything belongs to the govt".

Also, if we are redistributing taxes to fund endless wars and subsidizing almond/avocado farmers, and propping up public money to ensure banks don't collapse, we are already in socialist territory. Have always been. But God forbid we spend the money on healthcare ... that's "taking us back to Mao".

I was joking

Ah! Sorry!