That's a socialist tactic. I lived in a couple of 'social democratic' countries. They would have a junior govt official make a statement to the press about some new tax or fee, like "we propose a 20% Value Added Tax" at every point of sale. For the next few weeks it would be reported over and over, with lots of criticism, and outrage. Then a senior politician would speak out "no that's silly, it's only going to be a 12% tax". And everyone would shrug and say "well, that's not so bad, then", and bend over and take. Rinse and repeat.