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Patrick Collison is yet another billionaire using his fortune to protect billionaires

The fact that someone can spend millions in this way is itself an argument for a wealth tax

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott
The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.
Sat Aug 01 2026 - 06:00 • 1 MIN READ

Sir, – Patrick Collison is free to spend his fortune as he chooses (“Patrick Collison gives $7m to combat US wealth tax”, July 29th), but his decision to donate millions to try to defeat a proposal to help fund healthcare is revealing.

The fact that someone can spend millions in this way is itself an argument for a wealth tax. It also highlights the unhealthy reality that extreme wealth brings not just economic privilege but disproportionate political influence.

At a time of severe economic and healthcare inequality, it is difficult to see Collison’s decision as anything other than another billionaire using his fortune to protect the interests of billionaires. – Yours, etc

Séamus White,

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