#Taxation and Fairness

[omegaphilosophia]

Economic Ethics

Economic ethics is the study of moral principles governing economic activity, examining how individuals, businesses, and governments should act in the marketplace. It addresses questions about fairness, justice, and responsibility in economic systems and considers how economic policies and business practices align with ethical values.

1. Core Questions in Economic Ethics

Economic ethics tackles moral dilemmas such as:

Is wealth inequality morally justifiable?

Should businesses prioritize profit over social responsibility?

Do governments have an ethical duty to intervene in markets?

How should economic policies address poverty, labor rights, and environmental sustainability?

2. Ethical Theories in Economics

Different philosophical perspectives influence how we view economic ethics:

Utilitarianism: Economic policies should aim to maximize overall happiness and well-being. A free market is ethical if it leads to the greatest good for the greatest number.

Libertarianism: Individual freedom and property rights are paramount. Markets should be free from government intervention as long as they respect voluntary exchange.

Rawlsian Justice: John Rawls argues that economic systems should be designed to benefit the least advantaged in society.

Marxist Ethics: Criticizes capitalism for exploitation and inequality, advocating for an economy based on collective ownership and social justice.

Virtue Ethics: Businesses and economic actors should cultivate honesty, fairness, and responsibility in their dealings.

3. Ethical Issues in Economic Systems

Economic ethics applies to many areas, including:

A. Wealth and Inequality

Should governments impose wealth taxes to reduce inequality?

Is extreme wealth accumulation morally acceptable, or should resources be more evenly distributed?

B. Labor and Workplace Ethics

Are businesses morally required to provide fair wages and working conditions?

Should companies be held responsible for outsourcing jobs to countries with poor labor standards?

C. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Should companies focus solely on profit, or do they have a duty to protect the environment, pay fair wages, and support social causes?

Are businesses obligated to reduce their carbon footprint?

D. Market Failures and Government Intervention

Should governments regulate industries to prevent market failures like environmental damage or financial crises?

Is universal healthcare or free education an ethical obligation of the state?

4. Ethics of Economic Policies

Governments shape economies through laws and policies, raising ethical concerns:

Taxation: Is it ethical for the rich to be taxed at higher rates to fund public services?

Welfare: Should the state provide a universal basic income (UBI) to eliminate poverty?

Global Trade: Are wealthy nations obligated to assist developing countries, or does free trade suffice?

5. The Future of Economic Ethics

New challenges in economic ethics include:

The rise of automation and AI, which may displace human workers.

The gig economy, where workers have less job security.

Cryptocurrency and financial ethics, including fairness in decentralized finance.

Conclusion

Economic ethics is essential for creating just, sustainable, and fair economic systems. While markets and businesses drive prosperity, they must be guided by ethical principles to ensure they serve society’s well-being rather than exploit it.

[ivygorgon]

An open letter to the U.S. Congress

Co-sponsor the American Stability Act to end income inequality!

624 so far! Help us get to 1,000 signers!

As your constituent, I am urging you to co-sponsor the American Stability Act (ASA). The American Stability Act is a bold, elegant solution to the threat posed by destabilizing levels of inequality.

The American Stability Act does the following:

-ELIMINATES FEDERAL TAXES for any taxpayer making less than the median cost of living for a single adult with no children (slightly above $40,000 a year);

-SHIFTS the responsibility for these revenues onto taxpayers making more than $1 million a year;

-REPLACES the ‘minimum’ wage with a new “Stability Wage,” which is set to the median cost of living in the US for a single adult with no children, and then indexes it to make that principle permanent.

We need bold, innovative reform. Lawmakers like you must structure a more stable, prosperous economy that will deliver the results we need for a strong nation.

▶ Created on October 28 by Jess Craven · 623 signers in the past 7 days

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[yetisidelblog]

Donald Trump and his allies in Congress are back with a plan to expand their billionaire-friendly tax scam and they want it passed by spring. This is a brazen effort to shovel even more wealth to the ultra-rich.

In 2017, Trump’s tax law slashed corporate tax rates, opened loopholes for billionaires, and triggered a $4 trillion stock buyback spree by large, profitable corporations.[1] Now, Trump wants a “big beautiful” new tax bill that will push corporate rates even lower and permanently lock in tax breaks for Wall Street, Big Oil, and his billionaire donors.[2]

Trump claims that tariffs will cover the cost, but we know the truth: these tariffs will only raise prices on everyday essentials, leaving working people to pay the price.

Congressional Republicans, led by House Ways and Means Chair Jason Smith, are all in. Smith and Speaker Mike Johnson spent the holidays at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago plotting a reconciliation bill combining massive tax cuts for the wealthy and devastating spending cuts for working families.

We need to stop this now before Republicans lock in permanent tax cuts for billionaires and corporations, deepen economic inequality, and gut the resources our communities rely on.

Donate today to fight back against a renewal of Trump’s tax cuts for the rich and block his proposal for a lower corporate tax rate for large, profitable corporations.

If this plan passes, the consequences will be catastrophic. Corporations would pay less in taxes than they did under Trump’s first tax law while doubling down on stock buybacks for the wealthy and outrageous bonuses for CEOs.

Billionaires would see massive new cuts to their capital gains taxes, loopholes for offshore profits would expand, and working Americans would face higher costs on everything from groceries to gas.

If these giveaways are locked in, we’ll see more underfunded schools, crumbling infrastructure, and stagnant wages. Working families will be left behind while paying the price for this scam for decades to come.

Your support is critical. Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund is fighting to expose the truth about Trump’s tax scam, hold lawmakers accountable, and demand a tax system that works for everyone. But we can’t do it without your help.

Will you chip in $25, $50, or more today to fight back against a renewal of Trump’s tax cuts for the rich and block his proposal for a lower corporate tax rate for large, profitable corporations?

[1] Engine of Inequality: A Flood of Corporate Profits Is Enriching Wealthy Shareholders Through Stock Buybacks and Dividends, At The Expense of Workers and The Public [2] Johnson tells House Republicans that Trump wants one ‘big beautiful’ reconciliation package

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[citizenshipsolutions]

FAIRTax - The Solution For America And For Americans Abroad - Jim Bennett

On March 13, 2025 I am hosting Jim Bennett of Fair Tax fame as part of my “X Spaces” Discussion series. Here is a recent article he wrote explaining why: 1. The Fair Tax would be an alternative for all Americans; and 2. Why the Fair Tax would solve the problems of Americans abroad. FAIRtax – The Solution for Americans Abroad John Richardson – Follow me on X.com @ExpatriationLaw

[epitome-the-burnkid-viii]

[meandmybigmouth]

LET'S HOPE KAMALA CARES THE TORCH ON THIS ONE!

[taxfilingventure]

How can businesses stay informed about updates and changes in GST regulations?

Staying informed about updates and changes in GST regulations is essential for businesses to maintain compliance and adapt to evolving tax requirements. Some ways to stay informed include:

Subscribing to official GST portals and government websites for regular updates and notifications.

Following reputable tax publications, blogs, and news outlets that cover GST-related developments.

Participating in industry forums, seminars, and webinars focused on GST topics to gain insights and exchange knowledge with peers and experts.

Engaging with professional tax advisors or consultants who can provide personalized guidance and updates on GST regulations relevant to the business. Read our blog for more information!

[omegaphilosophia]

Economic Justice

Economic justice is a branch of ethics that examines how wealth, opportunity, and resources should be distributed in a fair and just society. It seeks to balance individual freedom with collective well-being, ensuring that economic policies and systems promote equity, fairness, and dignity for all members of society.

1. Core Principles of Economic Justice

Economic justice is built on several foundational principles:

A. Equity

People should have fair access to economic resources, regardless of social status, race, or background.

Equity does not always mean equality (identical treatment); rather, it seeks to address systemic disadvantages and ensure fairness in opportunity.

B. Fair Distribution of Wealth

Society must determine whether wealth should be distributed based on merit, need, or social contribution.

The debate between capitalism (rewarding individual effort) and socialism (redistributing wealth for collective benefit) falls within economic justice.

C. Fairness in Economic Transactions

Workers should receive just wages that reflect their labor’s value.

Consumers should not be exploited through price gouging, fraud, or monopolistic practices.

Corporations have a duty to act ethically rather than solely maximizing profit.

D. Opportunity and Economic Inclusion

Economic justice ensures that everyone has access to jobs, education, and financial stability.

Discrimination based on race, gender, or class should not determine a person’s economic potential.

E. Social Safety Nets

A just society provides protections for the vulnerable, including healthcare, unemployment benefits, and welfare programs.

These safety nets prevent poverty and economic collapse for individuals facing hardship.

2. Theories of Economic Justice

Philosophers and economists have proposed different frameworks for what constitutes a just economy:

A. Utilitarianism (Greatest Good for the Greatest Number)

Economic policies should maximize overall happiness and well-being.

A free market is just if it leads to widespread prosperity.

Critics argue that this can justify inequality if it benefits society as a whole.

B. Libertarianism (Minimal Government, Maximum Freedom)

Economic justice means protecting individual property rights and allowing free markets to operate with minimal state interference.

Redistribution of wealth through taxation is viewed as coercion.

Critics argue this leads to unchecked inequality and social stratification.

C. Rawlsian Justice (Fairness and the Veil of Ignorance)

Philosopher John Rawls argues that a just economy must benefit the least advantaged members of society.

If we designed society without knowing our position in it, we would choose policies that ensure fair opportunities for all.

D. Marxist Economic Justice (Class Struggle and Redistribution)

Karl Marx believed capitalism inherently exploits workers and leads to inequality.

A just economy prioritizes collective ownership of resources and the elimination of class oppression.

Critics argue that historical attempts at Marxist economies have resulted in inefficiency and loss of individual freedoms.

E. Distributive Justice (Who Gets What?)

Some theorists argue that wealth should be distributed based on merit, while others argue for need-based allocation.

Progressive taxation, social welfare, and universal basic income (UBI) are modern policies influenced by distributive justice.

3. Key Issues in Economic Justice

Economic justice plays a role in various real-world economic debates, including:

A. Income Inequality

Should billionaires exist in a just economy?

Is it fair that CEOs make hundreds of times more than average workers?

How can societies address wage stagnation and economic disparity?

B. Corporate Responsibility vs. Profit Maximization

Should businesses be held accountable for environmental damage and labor exploitation?

Is corporate social responsibility (CSR) an ethical obligation, or just good branding?

C. The Ethics of Taxation

Is progressive taxation (higher taxes on the wealthy) a form of justice or punishment?

Are tax havens and loopholes ethical if they are legal?

Should there be a universal basic income (UBI) to ensure economic fairness?

D. Labor Rights and Exploitation

Should governments implement a universal living wage?

Is outsourcing jobs to lower-wage countries ethical?

How should societies deal with automation replacing human labor?

4. Economic Justice in Practice

Many policies aim to implement economic justice in society, such as:

Minimum wage laws to prevent worker exploitation.

Progressive taxation to reduce extreme wealth gaps.

Universal healthcare and welfare programs to ensure basic needs are met.

Affirmative action and diversity programs to correct past injustices.

Regulation of monopolies and unethical business practices to ensure fair competition.

5. The Future of Economic Justice

The concept of economic justice is evolving due to:

Automation and AI replacing jobs, requiring new labor protections.

Globalization, which raises questions about fair trade vs. worker exploitation.

Cryptocurrency and decentralized finance, which challenge traditional economic structures.

Climate change, which demands a just approach to economic sustainability.

Conclusion

Economic justice is about ensuring that economic systems promote fairness, dignity, and well-being for all members of society. While different philosophical perspectives offer conflicting views on wealth distribution, labor rights, and corporate responsibility, the core goal remains the same: to create a more just and equitable economic system that benefits society as a whole.

[ivygorgon]

No free rides for old money! - Pass The Billionaires Income Tax Act! (S. 3367)

I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed S. 3367 bill, which aims to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. This legislation represents a crucial step towards achieving economic justice by seeking to eliminate tax loopholes that have allowed billionaires to defer taxes indefinitely. By doing so, we would be ensuring a fairer distribution of wealth and rectifying a system that has long favored the ultra-wealthy. Additionally, the bill modifies over 30 tax provisions, requiring billionaires to contribute annually. It's time to ensure that those with the most significant influence and wealth contribute proportionately to our society's well-being. Therefore, I urge you to support and pass the Billionaires Income Tax Act.

Billionaires have amassed vast wealth, often at the expense of their employees who struggle to make ends meet on minimum wages. It is only just and equitable that they pay their employees a living wage AND contribute proportionally to the betterment of our society.

Furthermore, if billionaires wield significant influence over our government and policy-making, they should demonstrate their commitment by financially supporting the very system that has allowed them to prosper. No longer should they enjoy free rides on the backs of hardworking taxpayers. It is past time to ensure that billionaires are contributing their fair share to the well-being of our country.

Passing the Billionaires Income Tax Act is not only a matter of fiscal responsibility but also a moral imperative. It is time to ensure that our tax system is fair and equitable for all, not just the wealthy few.

Thank you for considering my views on this important issue. I urge you to stand on the side of fairness and justice by supporting S.3367.

No free rides for old money!

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[yetisidelblog]

Trump’s tax scam is back and Congress is rushing to pass their new plan by the spring.

Their goal is to hand the wealthy and corporations trillions of dollars in tax breaks while robbing our economy of the resources needed to fund schools, healthcare, infrastructure, Social Security, and more.

This single-bill approach would lock corporate giveaways and billionaire tax cuts into place while piling costs onto the rest of us.

Behind this plan is a dark alliance of corporate lobbyists, billionaire donors, and political operatives working to rig the tax system even further in their favor. Jason Smith, Trump’s loyal Ways and Means Chair in the U.S. House, openly admitted his strategy was drawn up at Mar-a-Lago after New Year’s Eve celebrations.[1] Their plan is tailored to fit the interests of Trump’s rich Mar-a-Lago friends, not working families.

We need to fight back now before this reckless plan becomes law. Donate today to help expose the truth about Trump’s tax scam and defeat the corporate and billionaire greed behind it.

Make no mistake, this isn’t about stimulating the economy or creating jobs. It’s about locking in wealth for billionaires and large, profitable corporations while everyone else is left behind. Here’s how Trump’s tax scam will hurt everyday Americans while lining the pockets of the ultra-wealthy:

Corporate tax rates would drop even lower than the already-disastrous 2017 Trump cuts, while CEOs rake in record bonuses and funnel billions into stock buybacks.

Tariffs will raise prices on everything from groceries to gas, hurting millions of hardworking Americans while enriching the powerful.

Public services will be gutted, leaving schools underfunded, healthcare inaccessible, and infrastructure crumbling.

Americans for Tax Fairness Action Fund is leading the charge against this corporate greed. With your support, we’ll expose the people and interests behind Trump’s tax scam, rally nationwide opposition, and hold lawmakers accountable for selling out working families.

We need your help to win this fight. Chip in $25, $50, or whatever you can today to stop Trump’s tax scam and demand a fair tax system for all of us.

[1] Johnson tells House Republicans that Trump wants one ‘big beautiful’ reconciliation package

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[a-god-in-ruins-rises]

i know he's memeing but for the record: the earliest forms of taxation in anglo-saxon society were land-based.

even among the romans the primary form of taxation was the "tributum soli" ("land tax")

[felixwylde]

What's better to admire than money?

I mean, why money? Money’s just a symbol of power; it’s not the power itself. We kinda rely on it, but we’re still around even when we’re broke.The weird thing about money worship is that it’s not really about what you can buy; it’s treated like some sort of deity.If money were a god, what would it offer? Would it give us fame, fortune, happiness, or just some peace of mind?Are rich folks…

[mariacallous]

In 2024, wealth concentration rose to an all-time high. According to Forbes’ Billionaires List, not only are there more billionaires than ever—2,781—but those billionaires are also richer than ever, with an aggregate worth of $14.2 trillion. This is a trend that looks set to continue unabated. A recent report from the financial data company Altrata estimated that about 1.2 million individuals who are worth more than $5 million will pass on a collective wealth of almost $31 trillion over the next decade.

Discontentment and concern over the consequences of extreme wealth in our society is growing. Senator Bernie Sanders, for instance, stated that the “obscene level of income and wealth inequality in America is a profoundly moral issue.” In a joint op-ed for CNN in 2023, Democratic congresswoman Barbara Lee and Disney heiress Abigail Disney wrote that “extreme wealth inequality is a threat to our economy and democracy.” In 2024, when the board of Tesla put to vote a $56 billion pay package for Elon Musk, some major shareholders voted against it, declaring that such a compensation level was “absurd” and “ridiculous.”

In 2025, the fight against rising wealth inequality will be high on the political agenda. In July 2024, the G20—the world’s 20 biggest economies—agreed to work on a proposal by Brazil to introduce a new global “billionaire tax” that would levy a 2 percent tax on assets worth more than $1 billion. This would raise an estimated $250 billion a year. While this specific proposal was not endorsed in the Rio declaration, the G20 countries agreed that the super rich should be taxed more.

Progressive politicians won’t be the only ones trying to address this problem. In 2025, millionaires themselves will increasingly mobilize and put pressure on political leaders. One such movement is Patriotic Millionaires, a nonpartisan group of multimillionaires who are already publicly campaigning and privately lobbying the American Congress for a guaranteed living wage for all, a fair tax system, and the protection of equal representation. “Millionaires and large corporations—who have benefited most from our country’s assets—should pay a larger percentage of the tab for running the country,” reads their value statement. Members include Abigail Disney, former BlackRock executive Morris Pearl, legal scholar Lawrence Lessig, screenwriter Norman Lear, and investor Lawrence Benenson.

Another example is TaxMeNow, a lobby group founded in 2021 by young multimillionaires in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland which also advocates for higher wealth taxation. Its most famous member is the 32-year old Marlene Engelhorn, descendant of Friedrich Engelhorn, founder of German pharma giant BASF. She recently set up a council made up of 50 randomly selected Austrian citizens to decide what should happen to her €25 million inheritance. “I have inherited a fortune, and therefore power, without having done anything for it,” she said in a statement. “If politicians don’t do their job and redistribute, then I have to redistribute my wealth myself.”

Earlier this year, Patriotic Millionaires, TaxMeNow, Oxfam, and another activist group called Millionaires For Humanity formed a coalition called Proud to Pay More, and addressed a letter to global leaders during the annual gathering of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Signed by hundreds of high-net-worth individuals—including heiress Valerie Rockefeller, actor Simon Pegg, and filmmaker Richard Curtis—the letter stated: “We all know that ‘trickle down economics’ has not translated into reality. Instead it has given us stagnating wages, crumbling infrastructure, failing public services, and destabilized the very institution of democracy.” It concluded: “We ask you to take this necessary and inevitable step before it’s too late. Make your countries proud. Tax extreme wealth.” In 2025, thanks to the nascent movement of activist millionaires, these calls will grow even louder.

[historicity-was-already-taken]

What I’m feeling is grief. Profound grief for academia, museums, libraries, knowledge, and the future of my country. It’s presented as rage, as self-pity, as stress. But it’s grief.

You ever been on a Reddit thread where someone mentions they studied history? Ever comment is like “well that’s where you fucked up.”

And god it’s so sad. The pursuit of knowledge used to have intrinsic value. Our society used to understand that knowledge and culture and art were things that made us all stronger and were worth investing in (also, soft power is a thing).

I can cry and scream about how we’re moonwalking into a sick fusion of the Gilded Age and 1933 Germany, but fuck why wouldn’t we be? Without investment in education, regulation, and fair even taxation why wouldn’t we live in a capitalist oligarchy where knowledge and culture are exclusively for the rich and mostly white?

I was never someone who was hyper patriotic or thought the US was a magically great country, but I had so much hope for our potential moving forward.

God all I see is hateful people who give zero fucks about knowledge of critical thought. And why should they? It’s not like it pays the bills.

As a sidenote, I expressed some of these thoughts to Bestie and she said “welcome to being black.” So, maybe the facade is just peeling off. I don’t doubt that my white-passing status shielded me from a lot of what is now out in the open.

But Christ.

[liberalsarecool]

The time has come for Medicare For All funded by increased tax revenues from fair taxation.

[saphronethaleph]

State's Evidence

“So,” Qui-Gon Jinn said, with a disarming smile. “Viceroy. I’d ask you to sit, but it’s your table.”

“Thank you,” Nute Gunray said, somewhat nervously. “I… yes.”

“Is something wrong?” Obi-Wan asked.

“No,” Nute replied, quickly. “I wanted to… yes.”

He adjusted his clothes, needlessly.

“Now, Viceroy,” Qui-Gon went on. “If you’d like to state your opening position on the negotiations?”

“We object in the strongest possible terms to proposition 31-814D,” Nute said, seeming to recover his aplomb slightly. “The Free Trade Zones should not be liable to taxation – that is why they are called Free Trade Zones.”

“That’s not actually the reason,” Obi-Wan supplied. “The ‘free’ term refers to the fact that there are no differential tariffs applied. A five percent tax on all profits garnered within a Free Trade Zone, for example, would not violate the principle of the Free Trade Zone.”

He smiled. “Otherwise, after all, the term ‘free’ could equally be taken to mean that all trade in the Free Trade Zones should be carried at cost – or for no charge at all.”

Nute and Rune both winced.

“However,” Obi-Wan went on. “It would presumably be a reasonable alternative resolution for the Free Trade Zones to be confirmed as tax-free… for all carriers. There have been alarming reports of non-Trade-Federation-affiliated trade carriers facing heavy tariffs, meaning that there is a general sense that the Free Trade Zones are only free for the Trade Federation and their corporate partners… which is what has led to the proposition, as it’s seen as restoring fairness.”

Obi-Wan shrugged. “I’m sure that, between these factors, we can find out a resolution fair to all parties.”

“What I’m curious about, though, is why you’re blockading Naboo,” Qui-Gon went on, with a smile for Obi-Wan. “I’m aware that Senator Palpatine of Naboo is a prominent supporter of the legislation, but he’s hardly the only one, and his constituents are hardly likely to punish him for an anti-Trade-Federation position if the Trade Federation has just ruined their name in the Chommell Sector.”

Nute frowned.

“I hadn’t thought of that,” he admitted, then paused.

A frown creased his brow, then he put his hands on the table.

“It’s too much,” he said. “The only thing I can do is back down.”

“From the blockade?” Obi-Wan asked, curiously.

“From the plan,” Nute said. “The… the plan was to invade Naboo! To raise pressure! But – but Darth Sidious didn’t warn us there would be Jedi Knights!”

His hands clenched and unclenched. “I couldn’t do it with you on board, and – and to kill Jedi? Even if it could be done, it would be a disaster! The Jedi have lasted a thousand years as the guardians of peace and I know I’m not the first to think about trying to-”

He broke off, and the two Jedi exchanged glances.

“You were planning with someone called Darth Sidious?” Qui-Gon asked, carefully. “You’re sure of that?”

“Yes,” Nute confirmed. “He said he was a Sith…”

“We have recordings of our last few conversations,” Rune added. “And his com codes… I’m fairly sure he’s closely associated with the Senate, he said that by the time our private army had to be used then using it would be legal.”

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon exchanged glances.

“...com codes?” Qui-Gon repeated.

“I wonder where this is going,” Obi-Wan said.

Then he glanced at Nute and Rune. “Thank you both for coming forwards with this information… it’s certainly going to be better for you than if you hadn’t, though the exact details are going to depend on the specifics…”

Palpatine tapped his foot on the floor of the Naboo senate box as a banal debate about procedure continued, endlessly.

When was that delegation going to reach Naboo? He needed to push events to the next critical juncture – if he was going to become Chancellor, then it wasn’t enough to be just one of a number of anti-Trade-Federation voices. He needed Naboo to be a martyr that would push him into the top seat.

Worse, there had been a strange feeling in the Force recently. It might just mean that Maul was already planning to kill him… the young Sith was a blunt instrument, really, but a useful one, and it would take Palpatine years to replace him.

Unless he could properly turn Dooku, that was. There was real possibility there.

His comlink chirped, and Palpatine glanced down at it.

A call from Nute. Of course.

He refused the call, then a moment later the comlink began chirping again.

“Is something wrong?” asked the Senator on the next pod over.

“Probably not, but I’d better check,” Palpatine replied, making sure to set the comlink to voice only before answering.

“I am busy,” he hissed.

There was a moment of silence, and Palpatine frowned at the comlink before putting it to his ear.

It sounded very faintly like someone had just said ‘now’.

“THIS COMLINK BELONGS TO A SIIIIIIIIITH!” suddenly exploded out of the speaker, loud enough to echo off the far walls, instantly silencing the debate and drawing every eye. Palpatine flinched, the comlink clattering to the floor of the box, and it kept wailing. “HIS NAME’S DARTH SIDIOUS AND HE ENCOURAGED THE TRADE FEDERATION BLOCKADE! HE MIGHT BE A SENATOR OR AN AIDE BUT THE JEDI SHOULD ARREST HIM EITHER-”

Palpatine finally managed to stamp on the comlink, smashing it to pieces with a snarl on his face, then looked up.

Every single eye in the Senate was fixed on him.

“...prank call?” he tried, but even to him it didn’t sound convincing.