Online Public Relations Thoughts

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, conducted an unscientific poll on Twitter asking if he should sell 10 percent of his shares in order to pay taxes.  Responders said yes.  So, Musk sold but only 3 percent.  While one might admire him for paying Federal taxes after paying nothing in 2018,  he is apparently relying no optics rather than forking over the full amount he promised.  This makes for a curious bit of PR.  He complied but only partially.  Does one praise him for being a billionaire who isn't hiding behind capital gains?  Or, does one criticize him for not going the distance?  It depends on your stance toward the ultra-rich.  On paper, he is the wealthiest man in the world with two successful companies -- Tesla and SpaceX.  He built these companies in the face of skepticism and disbelief.  He deserves the capital he has earned.  But, how much is too much?  It is a judgment call only Congress and regulators can make in how they shape and apply tax law.  Optics or not, Musk will pay taxes this year, but maybe not enough.