"They think earning 200k+ makes you rich. Of course we know it's asinine, but poor people might not."
Rich is relative, 200K certainly won't buy yachts and jets but it allows a lifestyle that is, in some ways, rich beyond the means of the most wealthy of a few generations ago. At the same time certain things which were easily available a hundred years ago are almost unattainable to anyone of today. I don't have time or space to elaborate but a little reflection will show you what I mean.
Adjusting for inflation, can you imagine how much 200k could have bought several generations ago?
Of course this is kind of off topic, but back then people could afford to buy a modest home and raise children on one paycheck. These days, every time you turn around, you have to cough up money for some damn government scheme. I think what we've lost is personal freedom and peace of mind.
Kerry's attitude (and Kennedy, etc)is "I've got mine, the hell with you".
Btw, I qualify for food stamps at the moment. I do understand that when the government penalizes people who earn over 200k, it cuts back opportunities for the rest of us to advance. The tax system is nuts, because the harder you work, the more they screw you. I want to be able to someday earn that kind of money, but I know that most of it will be eaten up in taxes thanks to the Democrats.