Taxing choice

Discussion questions for Taxing choice

Bring these to your book club — or discuss them with readers on Readfeed.

1. 1

   Shughart opens by discussing the taxation of behaviors deemed "politically incorrect." How does the book define or illustrate this concept, and do you agree with his assessment of which behaviors fall under this umbrella and why they are targeted?

2. 2

   The author argues that such taxes often serve to fund programs benefiting special interest groups, to the public's disadvantage. Can you recall specific examples from the book where this dynamic is clearly illustrated, and how does Shughart show the public ultimately bears the cost?

3. 3

   Thinking about your own life, have you ever altered your purchasing habits or choices due to a "selective" tax, like those on tobacco, alcohol, or even soft drinks? How did you feel about the government's implied intent behind that tax?