Observations made here could easily fit in your other thread as well.
The circumstances suck, no question. The big picture is there is such a fondness for public policy giveaways that the thirst for new revenue sources will not be quenched. Vacant lot tax today, who knows what tomorrow? The trends are all going toward even more tax and regulation in the name of "justice" for others. More money collected and more money spent.
When I was young, people who worked hard and became successful were admired and looked up to. A "self made millionaire" was considered an exceptional accomplishment. Others aspired to try to achieve that and if they only got halfway they were lauded for accomplishments.
Now, people mask and hide their accomplishments or success. A message has been spread that successful people must have cheated along the way. Which ignores the hard work and risk taken in order to get ahead. And if that is not bad enough, just being successful is now branded as a group that is "failing to pay their fair share." Of course the term "fair share" is never defined-- because even if you get close, the goalpost is then moved. It's pathetic. But it is also an established treadmill of how to win votes and raise money.
In a "regular" society, you might have a chance to get momentum for an initiative to roll back or block the idea of vacant parcel taxes. But even if it is fundamentally right to make such a change, the voters will never approve it. They have been conditioned that someone that has more than they do must be punished in order for "social justice" to prevail. No tears will be shed for those who can afford a second home-- no matter if the issue is right or wrong.
A cynical view, for sure. And views I wish I did not hold.
