Originally posted on 02/01/2011:

Quote Originally Posted by guitarjosh View Post
Taxes on the wealthy have gone down as tax exemptions have been discarded. And as taxes have been lowered, the revenue has increased. And middle class taxes are near 5 decade lows.
How about a source for once?

I agree that conservatives complain too much about high taxes, but the point remains you can't increase tax revenues by decreasing tax revenues. Here is a bit of history you are leaving out.

The Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981 drastically lowered the top rate to 50 percent and DECREASED exemptions for the poorer taxpayers. In 1984 President Reagan called for a sweeping reform of the income tax so it would have a broader base (more poor people paying in) and lower rates for the wealthy. The "revenue neutral" Tax Reform Act of 1986 slashed the top tax rate down to 28 percent (even though the upper middle class rate stayed at 35 percent) and more poor people were put on the tax roles. During this time America slipped in per capita income and standard of living.

This is called REGRESSIVE taxation is leads to the tax burden being shifted OFF the ultra wealthy and onto the middle class. Next you will reply with the but but but 47% pay no taxes, then I will correct you and say only 10% of houselhold pay no taxes then you will make up more lies and around and around we go...
Economic Scene - Yes, 47% of Households Owe No Taxes. Look Closer. - NYTimes.com