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Coerced altruism is made worse in the U.S. because the 50 percent that don't pay taxes are also eligible to vote in public elections. Thus, a simple majority, that has no responsibility to pay for government services, will vote consistently for politicians that promote more (free) government services. This scheme is inherently corrupt. The progressive income tax system is the root of this corruption. A flat tax would go a long way to correct this Marxist scam. Unfortunately, too many Demorats get elected while promoting this scam. Demorats need to be publicly demonized around 15 April for promoting this scam.

Coerced altruism...

It's *NOT* altruism. It's offering a return on investment to stakeholders and an investment in goverment to help ensure favourable geo-political, economic climate, and delivery of services (water, power, etc.).

It ought to be a self-realization that as one of these top-tier people, you wouldn't have two dimes to rub together without the low end buying your increasingly pathetic wares and (no) services. That would be altruistic or simply just a willingness to give something back to stakeholders.

As it is, to fatten your bottom line you've unemployed the Americans for slaves in China or some Asian-Pacific paradise, or imported them. To fatten your bottom line you've begged the government to help you negotiate a deal with a foreign nation or taken advantage of a new economic pact. You're not doing all that much, and probably didn't do all that much to start off in the scheme of contribution to humanity. You've just become a successful snake-oil salesman (from Gates to Sheen to Woods) while watching your money make more money. Or you're a lawyer suing some industry for some windfall judgement that'll pay you $50,000 per minute in legal fees. Or some "esteemed" member of government.

Coerced altruism is made worse in the U.S. because the 50 percent that don't pay taxes are also eligible to vote in public elections.

Well said, and I fear that the situation will only get worse over time.

The de facto tax strategy of politicians (all Dumbocrats and unfortunately most Republicans.....grrrrr.....) is basically "Tax the rich." But according to the current tax code, "rich" can mean as little as $60,000 per year.

"Tax the rich" is a safe, self-serving strategy for politicians, because the number of income tax free-loaders who vote will always outnumber voters who get screwed on income taxes.