Do the wealthy owe America anything?

Question

America keeps them safe in an envronment where business can grow...

America passes laws that provide a business friendly environment...

America probably provided them with an education at schools and colleges...

would they be wealthy if they weren't in America?

do they have a greater responsibilty to America, due to everything that America has given them?

or do they owe nothing to anyone?

and I'm not saying they should give everything to America...

and on a side note, yes... they do pay more in taxes.. and that may be their way of giving back... which is fine... but I've also heard many complain about the higer taxes...

I never asked them to give me one thing in this question... there is a lot of assuming of my motivations here...

and on a side note... they do make their wealth from the employees that they hire... while it is good for the community, it is also very good for them...

on average... administrators earn more than their employees... and I know many people who would kill for 6k, or even a part of that a month... but it sounds like you're in a city, so it's probably a lot different...

and I'm not a business owner right now... if that's what you're asking...but there are many who are wealthy who DON'T OWN BUSINESSES... so, I'm not singling out the small business owner here at all...

Answer 1

The more you earn the higher your taxes. People work hard to get ahead.

Answer 2

hmmmm, you mean taxes.

you mean the jobs that they create, their personal wealth that is put on the line to promote a business venture.

you mean the share of Social Security that their businesses pay on your behalf.

you mean the profitable way that they run business that your investment money is in so that you can make a profit and save for your retirement.

you mean the heavy burden of health care benefits that the government mandates that businesses carry for their employees

you mean the fact that you can too be an rags to riches story

you mean that the wealthy are already taxed at a 32%+ tax rate whereas the 'common' person is taxed at a much lower rate, and most of the 'common' people get a large portion of taxes back as a refund

hmmmmm, what would you propose. that they give there money to you? wow..... are there some that abuse the wealth, certainly, is a person that plays pro sports or an entertainer really worth Millions a year?

this is america, where anyone can be wealthy, don't begrudge someone else theirs, and they won't begrudge you yours,

Answer 3

By risking my life's savings I opened my first restaurant. I employed 64 people. I generated $500K a year in tax revenue (payroll, sales and corporate tax). In return the city passed a smoking ban, the state decreased the DWI rate and the State increased min wage. So for me taking that risk the government passed laws to cut out 30% of my guests, tell me that I had to sell 20% less to the remaining guests and pay my staff 23% more.

America provides all of those things you mentioned to everyone. Why should those that take a risk be obligated to pay more than someone who doesn't?

RE your last side note. I wonder about what you do for a living, guessing you are not in administration. As a percentage, business owners make up a fraction of total payroll. My first restaurant's payroll (sans tips) was 65K a month of which I made 6K per month (when I was even able to cash those checks as I made sure to pay my staff before myself when times were tough).

Answer 4

How do you suppose the wealthy got that way? They work at it. If you are lucky enough to have been born in or to live in America you then have access to the free public school system provided for anyone through high school. Higher education must be paid for. The government does not pay for it although it may provide low interest loans for college. Other than that Americans are not "given" anything. We work for what we need. If by doing so we become wealthy - good for us that is the American way. We don't feel that the wealthy people in other countries owe us a thing.

Answer 5

The wealthy never want to admit they are wealthy. Hey, if I made over $100,000 a year I'm not middle class. Their tax savings allow them to hire gardeners, go on European vacations and drive expensive cars - that sure gives back to the economy like Bush says.

Answer 6

Eminent Domain. We, the American people, ALLOW people to own businesses only if their selfish benefit also benefits us--we will judge if it does, they can't be allowed on their own jury. Their denial of our domain is like someone saying he owns his own home, when actually the bank owns it until the mortgage is paid off. But these selfish, bloated fatcats with their excessive pride are really fascists who think certain people are born to be worshipped and don't have to give anything back to deserve their property. One of their slogans is "Life Isn't Fair." Fine, we outnumber them 100 to 1. That's not fair, so what? We could crush them indiscriminately and mercilessly were it not for their intimidating mind-control.

Answer 7

Nothing besides paying taxes. The majority of rich republicans made their money and have paid taxes, as compared to the rich democrats who Have inherited it and pay no taxes. Income is taxed Wealth is not.

Answer 8

The wealthy create wealth and a stable economy for America. They are the ones that start businesses that give others jobs. You shouldn't look down your nose at them.