This week’s Shiny Object™:
The Westin New York Hotel in Times Square will begin selling a $1,000 bagel topped with Alba white truffle cream cheese, goji berry-infused Riesling jelly, and gold leaf flakes, for a limited time starting November 1.
This is the most compelling argument for the Conspicuous Consumption With No Commitment to the Public Good Tax that I’ve seen in some time. Oh, you want to drop $1,000 on a gold-flaked bagel? Fill your boots. Just pony up another $1,000 for the public coffers while you’re at it.
From a public-policy standpoint, I don’t see a downside.