Because I’m so concerned about conditions in this country, this Food for Thought is offered.

Once upon a time, some believed that if the wealthiest paid fewer taxes, the money they kept would flow in ways that helped everyone. Human nature being what it is, the past thirty years have shown that Trickle Down economics has been a money boomerang. The wealthiest have used the income they kept to make themselves richer [see chart below]. Read more.

In 1944, those with stratospheric earnings paid 94% of their income in federal taxes. Imagine the condition of this country’s dilapidated schools, roads, health care, educational resources and other troubling conditions if  those making millions and billions a year were taxed as they were during the 1940s and 1950s.

Remember, taxes are how local, state and the federal government provide services and protect citizens. Consider: Perhaps the concern with taxes should not be the amount but ROI [Return on Investment], how taxes are spent to keep citizens safe, well educated, healthy, pay government salaries and expenses, and improve everyone’s Quality of Life.

Graphics reprinted with permission from EconomicsHelp.org.