[caseinpoint]

Thanks for your detailed, thoughtful post. I agree with your contention that a flat tax, while nice, is impractical at this point. That was wishful thinking on my part. ;o)

I think the rich who vote Democratic do it partly because it relieves them of the duty of directly caring for the less fortunate. I work with the people of my church who are down and out and it is frustrating, heartbreaking work. Many of the rich, I think, want to enjoy their trips and jewels and pool and filet mignon without guilt so they justify it with charitable contributions of money and with tax programs for which they are largely exempt from paying. I don’t put down those who contribute money but actually getting your hands dirty and helping these people face to face is what really educates you on the plight of the poor and the best ways to help them escape their situation.

I do, however, get frustrated with seeing people who pay no taxes whatsoever have as much vote as do I on how much in taxes I must pay to support them. Can’t recall the author (perhaps DeTocqueville) but a wise man once noted that once the people discovered they could vote themselves entitlements, the nation was on its way to being lost.

[TKDietz]

Most Democrats aren’t rich though. They’re middle class. And those who actually tend to vote, be they Democrats or Republicans, tend to be in the middle class or higher rather than in the bottom end of the earnings spectrum. Most of course are in the middle class because that is obviously by far and away the largest socioeconomic class. Some poor people vote, just like some 18 or 19 year olds vote, but according to all the relevant statistics I’ve seen, comparatively few of those at the bottom of the earnings heap who would be most likely to receive all the handouts to the poor actually get out there and exercise their right to vote. It’s people who pay the taxes who vote for the programs that support those who don’t pay taxes. Or at least it is these people who are electing the politicians who come up with these programs and vote to fund them.