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On October 27 I asked people to describe their personal
backgrounds and reflect on how this might influence their views about progressive
taxation. The responses below were the ones that seemed most poignant to me. |
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"I was born into a wealthy,
white family living in a good community in America. My biases on taxes are tremendously
affected because of this. I can believe the trickle down theory of supply side economics
because I know that a tax cut will directly benefit me and if money doesn't trickle down
then it won't really hurt me. Almost everything I have, I have because of mere luck, but
this is the only way I have ever known it so it's hard to not be biased." |
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"Of all the things that have happened to me that
affect the way I think about money, my father probably affects me the most. I have learned
from him that no matter what you get to start with, if you work hard you will do well for
yourself. Because of this, I think a flat tax is best. Everyone should be treated the same
by the government and if people want to improve their lives they should work at it, not
count on someone else's tax money to help them out." |
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"I was not born into money but into happiness. The wealth that my single mother
has acquired has been through hard work. My mother makes about $35,000 a year, has no
money in the bank, but is incredibly happy." |
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"My mom is a great person, very caring and talented, but she got a raw deal. I am
very resentful and jealous of rich people and one of my life goals is to find a way to
redistribute wealth and make sure everyone gets the $ they need. I think the rich should
be taxed and should take more social responsibility just because they are in an economic
position to do so." |
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"Both sides of my family had to struggle. I believe
that the rich should be taxed more, even if they 'earn' more. By having more money they
have more available to give out. After a certain point, isn't more money senseless and
useless anyway? " |
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"I've seen my father work 13 hour days
for 20 years now, I believe that he is someone who deserves so much more than he receives,
he is not rewarded for motivation or hard work or initiative. Side note: he is a truck
driver." |