The original rationale for all those tax loopholes for the rich was the so-called 'trickle down effect' which was supposed to provide more jobs, better financial stability to businesses, and a better life for all. Unfortunately, for the most part, it hasn't worked out that way. The rich give only where it benefits them directly in some way or another, they invest where they can get more tax benefits or write-offs (which amount to the same thing for them), and make a big ballyhoo when they do something truly unselfish and provide some benefits to those less well off.

Frankly, if the rich paid their way, in the way that middle class folks do, folks wouldn't have to cope with so much corruption and greed, wouldn't have to crawl and beg for the basic essentials in life because the wealthys' 'fair share' would pay for a lot of it. There are some mighty good (and some bad) arguments for a flat tax rate as long as those on the lowest levels, not the highest levels of income, are accounted for with compassion. That's where the tax breaks should be, folks...for those who need the income the most to provide for life and health.

Sandi Bowman