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In reply to the discussion: Bush Tax Cuts Have Provided Extremely Large Benefits to Wealthiest Americans Over Last Nine Years [View all]MindMover
(5,016 posts)3. Oh, what to do about income inequality .... "wringing my hands"
What to do about income inequality
James Q. Wilson [Angry about income inequality? Dont blame the rich, Outlook, Jan. 29] presented a selective reading of our book Class War? and a mistaken view of what Americans think about economic inequality.
True, Americans are not consumed with envy of the wealthy. Most applaud success and hope to achieve it themselves. Some say it is still possible (i.e., not impossible) to start out poor, work hard and become rich.
But the number of Americans expressing such optimism fell sharply after 2008, as actual mobility declined. Most Americans think inequality of income and wealth has become too great. Most favor substantially higher taxes on the wealthy.
Our current research on wealthy Americans indicates that the wealthy largely agree. They, too, are concerned about widening inequalities. Most accept the idea of progressive taxation. Most express willingness to pay more taxes to help others with such things as early childhood education.
At a time when government revenues are at a historic low point, the willingness of the wealthy to pitch in and help those on the bottom would seem to be particularly welcome.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/what-to-do-about-income-inequality/2012/01/31/gIQAvvrzfQ_story.html
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So if you were Queen for the day, what would you do about income inequality ...?
James Q. Wilson [Angry about income inequality? Dont blame the rich, Outlook, Jan. 29] presented a selective reading of our book Class War? and a mistaken view of what Americans think about economic inequality.
True, Americans are not consumed with envy of the wealthy. Most applaud success and hope to achieve it themselves. Some say it is still possible (i.e., not impossible) to start out poor, work hard and become rich.
But the number of Americans expressing such optimism fell sharply after 2008, as actual mobility declined. Most Americans think inequality of income and wealth has become too great. Most favor substantially higher taxes on the wealthy.
Our current research on wealthy Americans indicates that the wealthy largely agree. They, too, are concerned about widening inequalities. Most accept the idea of progressive taxation. Most express willingness to pay more taxes to help others with such things as early childhood education.
At a time when government revenues are at a historic low point, the willingness of the wealthy to pitch in and help those on the bottom would seem to be particularly welcome.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/what-to-do-about-income-inequality/2012/01/31/gIQAvvrzfQ_story.html
===============================================
So if you were Queen for the day, what would you do about income inequality ...?
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Bush Tax Cuts Have Provided Extremely Large Benefits to Wealthiest Americans Over Last Nine Years [View all]
MindMover
Jul 2012
OP
Yes, but we have to give them a bigger tax cut or they'll lose their incentive to work....
Scuba
Jul 2012
#1
You know that 10+% of the population believes they're in the top 1% of income earners.
EOTE
Jul 2012
#21
I have no desire to be friends with anyone who's incapable of grasping such simple concepts.
EOTE
Jul 2012
#31