Who Wants to 'Punish' the Rich?

Do we really 'hate' the rich? Liberals have created this aura or perception, but is it based on any public will or feeling? I don't believe it for a minute. In fact, I believe that most Americans have an admiration and curious interest with the rich. That's because I believe that most Americans hope to become rich!

As a teenager, I took a job as a caddy at Broadmoor Country Club in Indianapolis. It was a great job for two reasons. First, the job introduced me to golf, which is the greatest game and can be played throughout life. Secondly, I had first hand access to successful, rich people for hours at a time.

As I observed the members of the club, I began to notice a number of fascinating details about their lives. Most impressive to a teenage boy was the fact that they drove nice cars, had new golf clubs, and wore nice branded clothes. Simple envy or respect for the lifestyle made me (the teenager) want to be like these folks.

As it turns out, the more subtle characteristics of the rich are the most important aspects of their success. Most of the successful people I caddied for were in fact Entrepreneurs, that is, small business owners. There were some trust fund - family money members, there were also a handful of Corporate members and big business execs (now referred to as 'fat cats' or 'fat cat bankers'), but not that many. The majority of the members were simply entrepreneurs, owning and running smaller business or working for themselves.

Another characteristic that was revealed during their rounds of golf - strong and competitive nature. Most of them hated to lose, even if it was a $10 nassau with their buddies on a Saturday morning. They were hungry, competitive people with an expectation for winning. From my view, they were winning in life.

To wrap up the story of my exposure to the 'Rich', it must be said that I never experienced any ill will or 'hatred' for the members of Broadmoor C.C. In fact, quite the opposite was true. I found myself admiring and studying these people, wanting to eventually be among them.

Perspective on 'Punishing' the Rich


As Liberals gear up for punishing the rich, I got to thinking about what should be done to them... What do everyday Americans think the 'rich' should be tasked with? What if we...:

• Force the rich to pay DOUBLE the tax rate of average people
• Establish deductions that are insignificant to rich, only helping middle income families significantly
• Force extra taxes on the rich, such as employment taxes and high corporate tax rates
• Regulate them and their businesses, making it difficult to engage in commerce 

See, we ALREADY do all of these things to the alleged 'rich'. What further action should we take to punish them? How much of their hard earned money would Liberals like the Government to take (I say STEAL).

My opinion is that anyone who wants to punish the 'rich' must have given up hope that they themselves will ever be 'rich'. There's simply no justification for further measures. Frankly, there isn't justification for the status quo as the 'rich' are already treated quite differently, aren't they?

Tomorrow, I've got a great addendum to this article regarding TAX RATES. Here's the teaser question: Does the Government (both parties) want higher tax rates (percentages) or more tax revenue (dollars collected)? The two are mutually exclusive... more tomorrow.

Liberty Lands a Left Hook!

Liberty Landed a Left Hook to the Health Care Bill yesterday, ruling it to be 'unconstitutional' with respect to the Commerce Clause. Many of us Conservatives have known this to be true, simply waiting for the rulings to come down the pike. Though we feel good today, basking in the victory, we should not rest easily. There is no telling what can happen with our Judicial systems. 

Ultimately, it is undoubtedly now on path for a Supreme Court decision within the next year or two. The sooner the better, for a number of reasons. First, the longer we wait to strike this monstrosity down the more damage is done. Additionally, the longer the business community is paralyzed and will continue to sit on it's cash. Secondly, as it stands we will likely enjoy a 5-4 victory in the Supreme Court on the Constitutionality of the 'Law'. By waiting, we simply jeopardize that outcome as accidents happen. As a side note, Kagan should recuse herself due to her involvement before this appointment. I don't expect that she will.

The Virginia decision was very well reasoned and explained in the 42 page document. Ultimately, this legislation would open the door to unlimited State power to control the populous. Though this mandate and penalty (tax) are not enormous, the precedent cannot be allowed.

What if next time the fine is $2,000 or $10,000 or more? What if the enforcement is clearly outlined that criminal punishment would fall on those that don't comply? What if the mandate was for using certain light bulbs or not eating celery with every meal? As you see, this door simply cannot be opened. That is the 

Road to Serfdom...

Again, this is a nice victory. Be clear, we have a long way to go. Even if the mandate is ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, what we have left is a law remaining in effect without one of it's 'crutches'. This will spell the doom of the private insurance industry, forcing a public option and flocking people toward the Government for help...

My biggest fear is that this is by design... that's right. Think about it... when the system fails (and it will unless a full repeal happens) won't it be convenient to say, 'well, the judicial crippled any chance for success by stripping our mandate...' Is anything that this Administration does not part of some spooky Alinsky-esque plan? This just seemed too easy and clear cut, how could they have expected the mandate to be held up?