AJ, at what point should people be responsible for themselves and where their life goes?
i think we could all universally agree here that there will always be a segment of society that just simply is not able to provide for themselves, through whatever circumstances that includes. i'm glad my tax money can be used in a meaningful way to help them with whatever programs that may include.
but what about able-bodied people who simply don't like to work, or aren't willing to gain more education, or won't work hard enough to get a promotion, or don't seek higher paying jobs? what about those who choose to make flipping burgers a lifelong goal? how much do you think gov't should dip more into your pocket and mine to help those who choose not to help themselves?
this is where i think you aren't connecting with a lot of us here.
if someone is willing to put in the time and effort to become a millionaire or billionaire, good for them! why should they then have to turn around and be required to give up more of their money just because they were willing to work hard enough to be successful?
if your issue involves those who royally screw the system by hiding their money off shore where it can't be taxed, or push congress to pass laws that let them off of their share of the tax burden, then let's have that discussion (and it's likely one where you'll find a lot more people who want to see that stop). but your insistence that success means being required to fork over the results of your effort isn't a logical path.