I don't think I ever said 200K was ultra-rich???? I certainly don't consider that the case. I would agree with Geode's definition.
Rich is a relative term, and as you point out, a regional one.
To pay for this war and to prepare for the coming boomer retirement costs, it's only rational to see that taxes have to be increased, and maybe a little painfully. There's not enough room anymore to cut discretionary spending enough to pay for these things.
Before taxes are raised willy-nilly, it would be nice if the public could be told exactly how much is needed and have some imput back from the public as to what they would like the increased revenues to go for.
As for me personally, I'll be blunt. I would rather increase taxes on the rich, send them all a thank you note, and see this country back on a better economic footing.
But I am voting for my own self-interests. I'm not rich, so my tax contribution would be modest. I see myself as better off with a shored up medicare system and better roads and schools.
A progressive tax system is certainly a confiscation of wealth. But I consider it a necessary evil right now in our capitalist society. I can't envision an alternative.
I don't see it as class warfare per se. In a sense, dollars are taxed, not people. If only a few people have most of the dollars, then those people, unfortunately, will bear the highest burden of taxation. |
