To share wealth, rework the system [Barf Alert]

Atlanta Journal Constitution ^ | 6/21/06 | Edward L. Rubin

[Oshkalaboomboom]

Income disparities are an increasingly serious problem in this country. At present, the top fifth of the population receives more than 50 percent of the nation's annual income, while the bottom fifth receives around 3.5 percent. In addition, the percent of total national income has declined over the past quarter-century for the bottom 80 percent — while the share of the top 20 percent has steadily increased. As a result, we are approaching the income disparity levels of a Third World country.

Those who comment on America's income disparity often speak in terms of social stress. If these disparities continue, they suggest, we are likely to suffer from widespread demoralization or increasing class conflict. This seems to be an unpromising strategy, not only because there is no empirical evidence that it's occurring, but also because of its implicit, if strongly suppressed, suggestion that the poor and middle class ought to become more rebellious — something that would probably do no one very much good.

unfair. Most of the adults in those lower four-fifths, even the ones in the lowest, work for a living, and most work as hard as the people in the top fifth. Our system is tilted against them.

The reason for our income disparity is not that the people in the top fifth deserve so much more money, but that we have a regressive tax system, excessive tax loopholes for the wealthy, unmonitored corporate compensation and a defective public educational system that limits social mobility and the ability of people who can't afford private school to develop their talents. The image of the lazy, unmotivated poor is largely a myth, and certainly doesn't apply to four-fifths of our population.

[Oshkalaboomboom]

Edward L. Rubin is dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Law, this gives you a nice look into the mindset of the people that are teaching our children.

[goldstategop]

Liberals believe in the worst in human nature. That is why they can find nothing good in society and always celebrate whatever they think offends middle American mores. And despite such an attitude, they're angered when Americans reject them in the voting booth. They're self-absorbed egoists to boot.

(Denny Crane: "Every one should carry a gun strapped to their waist. We need more - not less guns.")

[kb2614]

MARXISM- CATCH THE FEVER!!!!

Wow, Marxism sounds grand. Why didn't I think of that? Bet nobody has tried that before.

(sarcasm off)

[GodBlessRonaldReagan]

From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs. Comrades!

[leprechaun9]

A little omission:

The top 5% of those who pay INCOME TAX, pay >50% of the total.

The botom 50% of those who pay INCOME TAX, pay <5% of the total.

[wolfpat]

Teddy Kennedy, at the 1988 democRAT Convention stated that he would not rest until every American had an "above average income".

[Dallas59]

At present, the top fifth of the population receives more than 50 percent of the nation's annual income, while the bottom fifth receives around 3.5 percent.

EVERYONE....has the freedom to get into that top fifth and vice versa.

[ComputerGuy]

Well, at least he makes a valid point when he says that we have a "defective public educational system".

[hocndoc]

That first paragraph reminds me of a shell game maneuver - comparing all the statistics any way that suits his agenda.

I don't think I'll play his game. But if I did, I'd tell him to look at the possessions, public utilities, that each of his top 5%, bottom 80%, etc., own and have access to.

The standard of living for the poorest has increased more than it's fallen.

[capitalist229]

Welcome to the USSA.

BUMP

[tet68]

Those who comment on America's income disparity often speak in terms of social stress. If these disparities continue, they suggest, we are likely to suffer from widespread demoralization or increasing class conflict. This seems to be an unpromising strategy, not only because there is no empirical evidence that it's occurring...

So the unequal distribution of wealth is only a strategy not a real problem and one with no evidence at that. Socialists!

[Caipirabob]

I think this article should earn him immediate expulsion from this country. Rubin, you are one of the socialists we are going to run into the seas. Hope you can swim, but not really.

[moonman]

I remember reading somewhere about 20 or so years ago, that if everyone in the ghetto was given a $1,000,000 (million) dollars, within a generation, approximately the same percentage of poverty, as before the $1,000,000 gift, would exist.

[woofer]

From each according to his ability, to each according to his needs. Comrades!

Workers of the world, unite!

Y'know, I came from a large, midwestern farm family. Nine kids, 5 of which went to school beyond high school. I, and my siblings, have all been steadily employed all of our adult lives. There's not a slacker in the bunch. Two own their businesses, two others have retired after thirty year careers, I'm about to retire (as soon as the stock market co-operates). So I disagree with the good professor's ideas and ideals. There's room for personal wealth growth in the country and in the economy. To whine about some mythical lack of opportunity for upward social and financial mobility is a farce and feeds the natural laziness inherent to all humans who would rather look for excuses than opportunities.

Applying lessons learned, getting an education, diligent saving and investing strategies are what raise people up. Not holding out your hand, waiting for someone to come along and start dragging you.

[Oilfield]

From year 2003 data the top 5% wage earners paid 53.25% of all taxes, top 10% paid 64.89% and the top 50% of wage earners paid 96.03%. There is some data (I can't find it now) that indicates 95% of the bottom wage earners do not pay any taxes at all.

If we look at what the leftist socialists did with welfare starting in the '60s through the '90s and the failure of their agenda all we have to do is look at New Orleans. Now that the rebuilding is commencing and refugees are returning the city seems to be returning to the jungle it was prior to the cleansing Katrina gave it.

Why do the liberals state that we should never have removed the national guard from New Orleans after Katrina but want to cut and run from Iraq?

[DemforBush]

"...a defective public educational system that limits social mobility and the ability of people who can't afford private school to develop their talents."

Sounds to me like a great argument for vouchers! :)

[Lonesome in Massachussets]

At present, the top fifth of the population receives earns more than 50 percent of the nation's annual income,

[PeteB570]

I finished work at 9:00 PM and just fired up the glowing box to start again this morning.

Maybe the people I will see drinking cheap wine out of a brown bag down at the corner Quick Stop around 10:00AM this morning should try that thing called WORK.

Oh, yeah, WORK is a four letter word to some people.

[Beckwith]

Edward L. Rubin is an old-fashioned communist.

[Jeff Chandler]

Freepers of the World Unite!