Originally posted by strk
It is their patriotic duty to give back to the country that has given so much to them.
If the rich arent going to carry the tax burden who is? THe poor?
A question... Why do people always use the phrase 'give back' when referring to wealthy people's fiscal obligations to the government. The fact of the matter is, the majority of those in the upper tax bracket are A.) hardly wealthy and B.) Gave up plenty earning what they earned as it is. They worked hard, improving the country in the process of improving their own lives. Successful family businesses create jobs, create wealth and in turn, create even more ways for the government to skim off the top. There was no taking involved.
'Giving Back' is a silly notion that implies that the nation did them a favor, that they took more than their share. The only favor that was done was by them, towards themselves and their families, and as said before, there was no TAKING involved, only CREATION. Whatever debt they owe society can be payable with a tax that applies equally to everyone. They make more, they pay more, but it stays in proportion. Without the proportion, you are effectively discriminating against this group of people. If anything, have a lower tax braket for those who need a break, but not a bigger one, for those you perceive as 'too successful'.
Just because there are nations where financial mobility is impossible is no reason to hold an axe over the necks of successful, hard-working Americans monotonously uttering: 'if it were anywhere else, you'd be raped even worse, so pay up and be happy with what you have'. Yes, there are theives in this class, but they are not representative.
The burden of taxes belongs with everyone. To assume that the top 2% will pay the lion's share is sheer idiocy. First of all, as mentioned above, about 90% of that top 2% are not mega wealthy. Earning 2-300k a year sounds like a lot but it's not gonna get anyone into a mansion or into a Ferrari(at least not without gross mismanagement of funds). Those making over 5 million a year, or more, will always find ways around tax laws. It's one reason why Tax attorneys make a good living. The mega rich can afford to spend in order to spend less, and always will. So, in the end, you're only screwing over the guys that, while in the upper bracket, are still working like dogs to be there... And for what?-- to give half their earnings away in a purely symbolic gesture so that the idiot in office can be seen as a Robin Hood by the masses.
F the high tax brackets.
