If you divide the approximately $1.4 trillion Federal discretionary budget by the approximately 227 million adults in this country, you get $6,167. If you paid less Federal income tax than that, you're getting more than you paid for. (Self-employed people should subtract their payroll taxes from the total bill.)

The rich get no more government service for their taxes than the poor do. They don't get special roads, faucets that spew wine, a special military, or anything else. They have bigger houses with more utilities, but they pay for those through bills and property taxes.

They pay more for your local government services than you do, to. Did you know that?

"You have more than I do. I need it more than you do. I get to take it away from you."

This is the fundamental economic ideology of the Left.

Exactly the same as the philosophy of the thug who holds you up at the ATM machine, assuming the thug thinks at all.

The very fact that somebody has more money than you do gives you the right to take it from them. Taxes are far higher for the rich because, as Willie Sutton said, that's where the money is if you're looking for loot.

It was decided long ago to construct a "progressive" tax system where the poor would be heavily subsidized by the rich. Even "flat tax" proposals have some forgiveness at lower income levels. But you know, some appreciation for this would be refreshing. If the guy on the corner with the cardboard "need food" sign took money from people and then spat on them, he would not do well. Yet in this country that attitude has been practically enshrined in our politics and culture. "F U and die, Evil Corporation! Now give us your money. We'll be back next quarter."

You can still find jackasses every day who are convinced that the rich pay no taxes at all.