What is fair?
56Why are the rich considered evil?
If a man (or a woman) comes to this country (U.S.A.), becomes a citizen, gets a job, pays his/her taxes, buys his/her home and car, raises children, contributes to his/her community, slogs through the same old same old every day, then they are considered good people? But if they come to America, become citizens, get a job, think of a novel idea, produce and market said novel idea, become multi-millionaires, invest in other corporations, make smart and sound financial decisions and become billionaires, then they are considered bad people.
Again I ask, "Why are the rich considered evil?"
As evil people, it is deemed that they should pay more in taxes simply because they 'can afford it'. Why? To me it's the equivalent of a bunch of people believing they have the right to come and eat out of my refrigerator because mine is fully stocked. And that's a bunch of hooey if you ask me.
I've heard, "They should pay more because they have more." Again I ask "Why?" If you and I both took shovels in hand and worked side by side digging for gold and you ended up with six ounces of gold and I ended up with six pounds, I should pay more in taxes, even though we both had the same opportunity, we both were equipped the same and we both put in the same effort? What makes your efforts suddenly less than mine? To me, it sounds like a bunch of cows are upset because the grass is greener on the other side and they aren't enjoying it like the ones on the other side are.
I know the grass is greener on the other side. But I'm also smart enough to realize that those on the other side are there for one of three reasons: They were born there, someone helped them get there or they figured out how to get there on their own.
So... As far as taxes are concerned, what's wrong with an across the board 10% tax rate. It's good enough for God, why wouldn't it be good enough for the government? You earn $15,000.00, you pay $1,500 in taxes. You earn $15,000,000.00, you pay $1,500,000.00. No loop holes, no need for an accountant, just across the board 10% tax rate. Seems fair to me.
Or... Why not consider this? Since everyone is so concerned about the rich paying their fair share, what about those who don't pay taxes? The criminals who make their money illegally (talking about through drugs, illegal gambling, prostitution, black marketing, etc), foreigners (whether they are here legally or illegally), prisoners, etc. A national sales tax would rake in an unbelievable amount of money. And then you're taxed only on what you consume.
So, what is fair?
![Drug Testing Welfare Recipients in Florida, Fair or Not? Pros and Cons (Updated 5-8-2012) [54*-87]\ title=](http://s4.hubimg.com/u/5110947_50.jpg)
tonymac04 2 years ago
Some really deep questions here, Gryffon. The only point that I would make is that while a flat rate tax might seem fair it is actually more difficult for a person earning at the bottom end of the scale to shell out 10% than for those at the top end, for whom the 10% is probably not even felt. And a sales tax is also unfair on those who earn little, as they spend proportionately more on the basic necessities than the wealthy do. And so the sales tax hits them harder.
Those at the lower end of the income scale also usually have fewer opportunities to get out of the lower end of the scale - because they have less disposable income, proportionally, they have it harder when trying to do things like give their children a decent education, get a loan, start a business.
Finally there is a direct correlation between social instability and the size of the income gap between high earners and low earners and that is what the graded tax is trying to rectify. It might be a rather blunt instrument but it does have some benefits in reducing the income gap.
Interesting debate indeed.
Love and peace
Tony