What's wrong with redistributing the wealth around ?

Reaganomics, trickle-down, supply-side, whatever you want to call it... Republican economic theory, is an utter failure.

Under Clinton, 23 million jobs were created. Under Bush II, only 5 million were created, but 3.2 million manufacturing jobs were lost.

Under Reagan, Bush I, and Bush II, there were an additional 14 million people in poverty. Under Clinton, there were 6 million FEWER.

Sure, Reagan lowered taxes on the wealthy dramatically, but he also raised taxes on small businesses. McCain voted FOR that tax increase in small businesses in 1983.

That's how Republican redistribution of wealth is an utter failure.

http://www.ravibatra.com/obamamccain.html

Simple, because the more you do that the more wealth will ultimately go to places where that doesn't happen, and the less of it there will be to redistribute. There's also a moral aspect of taking something from someone who earned it and giving it to someone who didn't. I'm not saying we shouldn't help the poor, but I think we already do that (even if the system does need improvement). The idea should not be to make the poor wealthy by handing them money. That would prove disastrous for our economy. The idea should be to focus on education and training. Otherwise you're taking away incentives for people to better themselves and work harder (especially the poor). The only way to truly create wealth for people is get them to create value for the economy; otherwise they're just leeches rather than contributors, and I doubt that's where most of them want to be any way.

Thats the same thing as paying taxes. Even with a flat tax the wealthy will pay the motherload of all taxes. So any tax rate is really spreading wealth to the public.

In the context of how Republicans are using it: it means tax rates than are higher for high-income earners and lower for low-income earners. A disproportional rate of taxation with money going for "the public good" whatever that means.

Most people dont know that the US has had this tiered type of tax system since the 16th constitutional amendment in 1909. The tax rate on the top tier has ranged from 25% to 94% with the average of about 55% for the top tier. Throughout the 1950's it was never lower than 91%. So Obama's plan for 39% is mild compared to our histoircal tax rates on top tier taxable income. Historically it is much lower than average in the US.

It's called Socialism, and it goes against the American way. We live in a capitalist society, which is why we are known as the land of opportunity. It's why so many people from all over the world want to move here. And it's why anyone in this country, including you, has the opportunity to come from nowhere and become wealthy.

This sense of entitlement that has impregnated the American culture makes me sick. Everyone wants something for nothing. Now the new "something" is the wealth that a few hard working, industrious Americans have accumulated.

I'm not rich, but one day I hope to be. I'm going to do it the American way- through hard work and sacrifice. The only thing I want from the rich is some instruction. Fortunately, many of them have written books. Try reading one, and then go get your own money.

are you all serious? how does that promote hard working citizens and new entrepreneurs if everything they earn goes to people that do not work...you think I'm going to break my back and work hard just so someone how does not have a job get money and does not try to better themselves since they are gettng free hand outs...wealthy people create growth oppertunities for society, Only those with a large amount of capital can startup or expand new businesses. If they didn't exist the economy would not grow as fast...why go to college and get a good education if you are not going to be making more money than the next person since you worked hard at school to get that degree?....remember communism people, it didn't work.

Redistribution of wealth requires that something be taken from one group in order to give to another...regardless of effort on the part of those in the receiving group.

Our current tax system is actually a form of redistribution as those of us who actually pay taxes (that don't get refunded) are paying the tab for services that ALL people use...i.e. roads, bridges, other infrastructure etc. plus pay for services provided only to those who fall in the lowest income bracket...i.e. welfare programs. The wealthy in this country already pay a much higher percentage of their income than do we in the middle class...so I feel that they already do more than their share. After all, I have to assume that they earn their money just as I earned mine...by effort.

If I get out and build up a business that brings in $300,000 a year, it isn't fair that I would be made to pay inflated taxes just so that someone who didn't want to work could get a free ride.

Besides, we already do that. It's called welfare.

And for the record, I'd be lucky to make $300,000 in the next 10 years.

I never found anything wrong with it... but people who have lots of money want to keep it... and are ready to do anything to protect the wealth they accrued...

Perhaps they climbed up the social ladder... but you know those who have the true entrepreneurial spirit are in support of the wealth spreading idea... examples I can give you: Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, 90% of hollywood... people who hit it big...

They understand how difficult it is... and they understand that they were LUCKY to be of the small percentage that made it into richdom... and that there are still many BRILLIANT people who may never make it just because of financial constraint...

Those who have old money are greedy... because they maintain their wealth by breaking the backs of those who work under them...

They might be mediocre minds... not too entrepreneurial... but they have the MEANS provided for them from birth to be in the upper class...

that they automatically get a better shot because of their inherited wealth is not in line with the American ideal: THAT ALL MEN ARE CREATED EQUAL...

We are not talking Harrison Burgeron... but we are talking about giving people a greater means and ability to attain the heights...

if you are not suffering then you don't understand this... and in fact you cant...

But America is not founded on deep class divisions... poor getting poorer and rich getting richer... America is not founded on an Aristocracy...

Returning taxes to Reagan era levels is hardly socialism, but it's a step in the right direction.

nothing wrong with it from where i stand. economic disparity causes numerous social problems. and too, most disparity is caused by unfair advantage, so i see nothing wrong in making things right.