Replies

A progressive tax code contributes to this model by having society's most advantaged citizens provide the necessary resources for a more beneficent society. It also tamps down income inequality, and since people tend to view their lot in life in relative terms, this increases general well-being.

If this guy took my econ class and still said this, I'd shoot him. He needs to study a little more about economics and incentives...he might start with the Laffer Curve. The Kennedy and Reagan tax cuts both saw unprecedented growth simply because both lessened the crushing burden of the progressive tax structure. Prior to the Kennedy cuts, you got to keep 8 cents on the dollar if you made over $100,000/yr. How hard would you work if someone came along and stole 92 cents of every dollar you made?

Further, comparing a secretary's salary to Buffet's in the manner used by this clown is bear-baiting. If you want to level the playing field, use a flat tax with absolutely no deductions. I'd even vote for the Fair Tax over the current system because the current system distorts resource allocation simply because of a politician's political whim (although the "pre-bates" of the Fair Tax bother me).

Opps...I didn’t see the cute little “y” in her name. Change the “he”’s to “her”’s.

beneficent society

Isn't that a term right out of the New Deal socialist underpinnings?