Big Picture Thinking

[Growler]

I am tired of a world that produces "crap" consumables and encourages people to mortgage their futures for temporal luxury today. I see a consumption tax as a way to encourage environmentalism, and savings, while not punishing a person for increasing their income.

What is your opinion on the 'flat tax'?

I personally do not want a tax system that makes those kinds of value judgements on my behalf. I like the tax system we have now (the idea of progressive income tax, not the particular rates) because it puts the burden of supporting the system on those who most benefit from that system and can afford to pay for it from their current cash flow. America's top 50% of taxpayers account for 95% of all income taxes paid. The IRS: Individual Income Tax Returns Each Tax Year 1986 - 2000 (Excel format)

Currently, the American wealth based aristocracy has found a way to maintain their privileged position, while mostly preventing any emergence of a noveau riche.

I challenge this statment. How is there such a thing as an aristocracy in America? What are their priviledges? In this american economy with its history of gold rushes, depressions, booms and busts, how could you possibly say there is no noveau riche? For example the computer industry is (still) filled with the noveau riche.

Urban Institute article on income mobility in America