A number of pundits, particularly on cable TV, talk about the power shifting to a nation of takers. The unstated part of this premise is that the rich will be burdened to satisfy the 'demands' of those who cannot fend for themselves. Framed in this way it is all out class war.
There is, however, another paradigm. Progressives believe that the state should ensure some standard of support to all citizens and they are willing to pay for this support in the form of higher taxes. Although President Obama is currently pushing for higher taxes only on the rich, I do believe the middle class will also accept higher tax burdens. This is a multi- step process (a) higher taxes on rich and cuts on spending, (b) tax reform which will, at worst, be revenue neutral, (c) review of Medicade, Medicare, Social Security, education with a decision as to the appropriate end state.
My Slice of Life ..... a compendium of thoughts on the American political-economy.
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