Late to the conversation but: my “shithole country” - South Africa - calculates tax for you. You only need a tax consultant for unusual situations or to challenge the govt decision.
Also, we have universal health care. I live about 300m from Groote Schuur hospital, the place Dr. Chris Barnard did the first ever heart transplant. Health care at government hospitals is means based, so while I cannot find the actual cost of that procedure, it could well have been free.
My unemployed friend broke a leg paragliding. He got a free helicopter lift to Groot Schuur and free treatment including a long stay in a ward. I mean, yes, anyone who can afford to paraglide - the gear ain’t cheap - should be able to afford medical care, but the point is that he got treated just like any other unemployed person.
I pay for Medical Insurance, because I have kids. But I don’t need to. It is my choice. It should be an American’s choice too.
I’m not. A degree provides more education than a vlass here or there; the hurdles involved in completing a degree involve separate skills than any single class: you learn navigating bureaucracy, for example.
Gauke said: “For lower-level or first-time offenders facing challenges like addiction or homelessness, short prison sentences can push them into a cycle of crime…“Giving people the opportunity to address the root causes of their behaviour while under supervision in the community will not only help ease the prison capacity crisis but reduce reoffending, cut crime and ultimately make our streets safer.”