Quote:
Originally Posted by Kode
It isn't intended to,
|
Actually, it IS intended to, and I'll explain below.
Quote:
|
and it doesn't, result in the rich getting filthy rich at the expense of the rest in those countries. The issue that escapes you is class orientation.
|
Not at all. I've explained why the U.S. has MUCH more income inequality than European and Scandinavian countries. It's simple math. I'll quote an economist on this, so you don't think it's just my opinion:
Quote:
|
[Economist Anatole] "Kaletsky argues that over-reliance on progressives taxes creates “a perverse incentive for governments to promote income inequality. If the solvency of the state and the ability to fund basic services for the poorest people in society depends on the rich getting even richer, it is tempting for even the most progressive politicians to support widening inequalities.”
|
The liberal case for regressive taxation
And there you have it, it's a result of the simple math unintended negative consequences of our country's over-reliance on progressive taxes. The federal tax base is too narrow, the top 1% pays BY FAR the highest tax rates, therefore in order to maximize tax revenue, the federal government makes sure the rich become even richer.