Many Americans are already convinced that the wealthy (anyone earning over $200,000) do not pay their fair of taxes. The President is doing his best to convince the rest of Americans of the validity of this falsehood along with the phony idea that taxing the wealthy more will actually solve deficit and debt problems and benefit average citizens.
We can argue all day about what a fair share is, but consider that this income level and above pays a disproportionate amount of all income taxes, pays virtually all estate taxes, the bulk of AMT, and pays higher Medicare taxes, higher Medicare premiums and under Obamacare an extra 3.8% on unearned income, including any taxable profit on the sale of a home or investments, it’s hard to believe this is not a fair share.
Americans who want more of anything based on the wealthy paying more in taxes are simply saying they are willing to accept welfare in any form it comes their way. They should be mad as hell they are thus being insulted and used as political pawns. They should also be asking politicians how federal spending got so misaligned with revenue. They must ask how we can be sure additional revenue from taxes on anyone will not be exceeded by new spending as has been the case with past Congresses. Most of all they should ask if taxing the wealthy more will create jobs and expand the economy or is it just a feel good gotcha on those who are more financially successful.
Now, how does all this affect my carpenter friend? This fellow is not only a skilled carpenter, but a cabinet-maker as well. I have seen his work and used his services several times. He is self-employed and like the millions of other Americans who struggle operating a very small business based on their skills, he needs clients who are willing and able to pay for his services so he can make a decent living. His clients may also be people like me who break into a cold sweat upon entering a Home Depot or Lowe’s, but that’s another story.
So who are these potential clients? I’m betting they are not his peers in the $50,000 annual income range, but more likely the very people who we are told don’t pay their fair share. The question then becomes is it better to give the money that could be the income for my carpenter friend to the federal government for reallocation or to leave it with those who will hire and pay the carpenters, electricians, plumbers, landscapers, masons, painters, etc. who are trying to make a living.
This may be a simplistic example, but it is the real world. Raise the taxes on a millionaire by 5% and you have taken away an amount equal to more than my friends annual income. What’s fair or beneficial about that?
QUINNSCOMMENTARY 
Well stated. However, working class and long term welfare recipients are convinced that our debt and share the wealth ideas will eventually help raise their standard of living.
A person convinced against their will is of the same opinion still.
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really,i grew up totally middle class,i am a 35 year carpenter,there was plenty of work with middle class type clients,there is 9 middle class types for every 1 of the ones you mentioned,now there is no work with the middle class types .there is huge competition with the upper class jobs,plenty of skilled carpenters,not enough upper class types.i live in a fairly conservative upstate new york area,rochester,its been pretty bulletproof to national trends,stable,right now, its a fight for your livelyhood.i would bet there is as much money here as anywhere.the middle class here has faded fast.including my buisness.and one other thing,just because they dont pay the gov that money does not mean they invest it in you.
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So tell us, how did or does the gains of the so-called 1% take anything from the middle class? There are many factors that have hurt the middle class including the changing world economy, the decline of unions, government policies such as pushing home ownership, irresponsible debt to live above ones means, etc. but I have yet to see any evidence that successful Americans have taken from other Americans and even if they did there are two few of them to matter much. If you think it’s bad now, wait until interest rates start rising in a few years and cost of national debt skyrockets.
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