[guywithnoshoes]

"The most recent data from the IRS, in 2000, show that the top 5% coughed up more than half of total tax revenue. Specifically, we are talking about folks with adjusted gross incomes of $128,336 and higher being responsible for 56% of the tax take."

Are you meaning the same top 5% that owns 90% of the wealth in this country? 56%/90%=62.22%. That means that the top 5% are only paying 62% of what the average American pays as a fraction of income; the rich are 38% undertaxed *by your own figures*. The American system is regressive, not progressive. The top 5% vote for lower taxes for themselves, for the exact same reasons as you claim that the lower income brackets would vote for higher taxes for other people-- to make the middle class pay for the rich, as they already do.

[Republic of Texas]

First, Mr. Socialist (Socialism Always Fails. tm), where do you get this 90% statistic? The 56% statistic is from the IRS, year 2000. Where is YOUR number from?

Second, Wealth is not the same as income, so they cannot, logically be compared. Wealth is your net worth, most of which you have ALREADY paid taxes on. Income is what you made this year.

I know that socialists must avoid logic at all costs, lest their house of cards collapse, so I expect your retort to contain some name calling and no facts. That's ok, I don't get mad when my 4 yr old neice throws a fit either, it's just the way 4 yr olds are.

[The Raven]

I'm not sure what you said. But nobody should care what others earn. And income should not be taxed.

[Republic of Texas]

BTW, even a socialist should know that 5% of a population cannot vote themselves anything. The OTHER 95% might have something to say about that.

[constable tom]

"Are you meaning the same top 5% that owns 90% of the wealth in this country? 56%/90%=62.22%. That means that the top 5% are only paying 62% of what the average American pays as a fraction of income; the rich are 38% undertaxed *by your own figures*. The American system is regressive, not progressive."

You're mixing your apples with your oranges. Income tax is calculated against income, not wealth. Either you honestly didn't understand that you were erroneously interjecting wealth into a formula where it doesn't apply (only income does) or you are purposely trying to mislead people. Which is it?

[jjm2111]

I hazard a guess to say that the top 0.5% (or maybe even less) of earners can take such advantage of the loopholes available in complicated filings and blue bloods like the Rockefellers benefit from untaxed trusts.

It's the people who earn $75000 to $350000 who are socked in the gut with taxes.