Rich and taxes: economic inequality and policy implications

¶ … rich should pay more taxes than others requires a certain amount of thought and clarity on some of the words used in the argument. Firstly, what exactly does the word "rich" mean? The idea of being rich has obvious connotations such as having great amounts of money and many valuable possessions, but is that really what is meant in this argument ? The purpose of this essay is to describe and highlight the subjective nature of this argument and how there is not a correct answer.

Richness is a subjective term that can have a varying of meaning depending on where one lives and where they are perhaps travelling. If richness is based upon currency, it is not difficult to alter its value in sweeping changes that arise from traders and brokers. Richness is obviously temporary when viewing it in this way.

The word "should" suggests that the argument is of a moral tone and that a certain judgment is sought after when posing this thought. Once again the idea of subjective understanding plays a larger role in understanding the smaller elements of the argument, the words, and determining the best avenue of approach and returning an appropriate response.

The word "tax" is another vague term that can be applied in numerous circumstances. Taxes come in all shapes and forms. The IRS has volumes upon volumes of tax rules and regulations that appear to have no real definite purpose other than to confuse those who choose to participate in the system.

Local taxes differ greatly in tone and shape than federal taxes and different purposes can make it reasonable that rich people should not have to pay them. Sales taxes seem either completely unfair or fair, depending on one's view point so it seems that both the rich and the poor are both in the same side when considering sales tax.

To group all rich people and all taxes together does not really demonstrate to prove any real fact or idea. The moral implications suggested in wording of the argument immediately alerts the reader of this suggestion that it is based in a subjective nature and that any real knowledge is unattainable by posing in such a manner.