Quote:
Originally Posted by gornyhuy
Jesus Christ.
NO - I'm suggesting that on a PERCENTAGE BASIS all tax payers should be treated essentially the same, or at least essentially the same within a tiered structure.
Do people making $300K somehow use MORE of government services than someone making $80k? Do they use more of the libraries? more defense? more highways? more public schools?
Of course not, so why should they be singled out and asked to pay a significantly higher percentage of their income, simply because they are more successful than others?
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What are the exact increases he is targeting? To me if you're earning 250k plus than higher taxes should be expected. The problem I have, and it has changed over the last 5 years in Australia after a conservative Government and a substantial period of economic growth, but our highest tax bracket 5 years back used to kick in at 50k+ and you'd pay 50 cents out of every dollar for what you earnt over 50k. As far as I am concerned THAT is punishment for working hard, or achieving mediocre success.
I do think though, if you are earning 250k, (and I am willing to bet that he isn't going anywhere near 50 cents in the dollar, correct me if I am wrong though) you have a responsibility to contribute more to the society that has allowed you that success. I know it still feels rough, but consider it charity, humanity, whatever, truth be told if you are earning that much, in this day and age, in America, you are living better than 99.99% of people who walked this planet before you, so that is your reward for working hard.