How much effect has the regulatory environment had on overall productivity? How much of a company's (or individual's) resources are wasted trying to jump through hoops that do nothing to increase output?
Tax compliance. Defending against frivolous lawsuits. Chasing permits. Settling labor disputes. Sensitivity training. Wading through government red tape.
Each of these and dozens of others drain resources (time and money), but contribute little to productivity.
I guess that depends on what you define productivity as. It seems that you have a preconceived narrow definition. If I pay millions of dollars in taxes that fund a war, who is to say that was more productive than planting a tree and taking a nap.
If you re-read my comment, you will notice that I said nothing about how much taxes are paid, or what those tax dollars are used for. I was talking about how much time, energy, and capital is needed just to figure out how much you owe.
Tax compliance. Defending against frivolous lawsuits. Chasing permits. Settling labor disputes. Sensitivity training. Wading through government red tape.
Each of these and dozens of others drain resources (time and money), but contribute little to productivity.