Tax the Rich

I saw a sticker on a very nice truck today. It said "Tax the Rich". It started me thinking about what Warren Buffett said. Basically, he said that the rich should be taxed more. I have some thoughts on Mr. Buffett and the concept of Tax the Rich.

First, if Mr. Buffett would like to contribute more to the American Government, he is clearly free to do so. I doubt the American Government would turn away a check from Mr Buffett in whatever amount he would care to give. He does not need to wait for "taxation" if he wishes to give away his money.

If Mr. Buffett believes anyone else should pay more taxes, that is his right, under our Constitution, to voice his opinion. However, just because Mr. Buffett wants to take other peoples' money and donate it to the American Government does not make it a good idea. Just as Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie deciding how to run our military does not make it a good idea. Just as Al Gore wanting global warming to be true does not make it so.

This brings me to the "Tax the Rich" sticker I saw.

Who are "the Rich". When you think that there are 925 million hungry people in the world (http://www.worldhunger.org/articles/Learn/world%20hunger%20facts%202002.htm#Number_of_hungry_people_in_the_world), there is a lot of need. Currently, the United States gives out more than $58 billion in foreign aid to countries. (http://www.forbes.com/sites/brianwingfield/2011/01/29/making-sense-of-u-s-foreign-aid-to-egypt-and-elsewhere/) Why can't we give more and take care of hunger, shelter, and other "standard of living" issues for the rest of the world. Again, we already give $58 billion.

So, again, who are "the Rich". If we look at the global level, "the Rich" would be anyone in the United States who works more than 18 hours a week at minimum wage. The Boston Globe puts the average world wage at around $7,000 per year in 2007 (http://www.boston.com/news/world/articles/2007/10/07/average_earnings_worldwide/ ).

Clearly, anyone who could afford a car and gas in today's United States economy is "the Rich". So, it is ironic to see a bumper sticker on a car saying "Tax the Rich".

Frankly, if you make $2 / year, someone who makes $3 / year is "the Rich". Anyone who makes more than you is "the Rich".

And in this reasoning lies the problem with "Tax the Rich". What it means is "Tax someone else who is making more than me."

It boils down to selfishness. Whenever someone wants someone else to pay their way, you have greed and selfishness. When someone suggests the government take more from "the Rich" you are suggesting socially sanctioned theft.

Warren: If you read my blog (insert laugh here), feel free to donate whatever amount you want whenever you want.

Truck driver: Be careful. To one of the 925 million hungry people in the world, you are "the Rich".

Aloha.