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Reflections: Redistribution of wealth through taxation

by Scott Holloway

Any type of big-brother sponsored wealth redistribution in this country would be a huge mistake which could actually negatively impact areas of the economy which benefit from the contributions made by the wealthy. Throughout history there have always been class differences within different cultures. Hard work, ingenuity, or being in the right place at the right time should not cause someone to be peanlized.

Instead of a redistribution of wealth, we should create an infrastructure where everyone is given equal opportunity to achieve their goals. Through education and training the playing field can be leveled. Over the past decades we have allowed cuts in education and job creation programs to erode our infrastructure of the future. There are many reasons for this including skyrocketing health care and medicare costs, misguided and wasteful government programs, and the desire for quick profits.

The wealthy despite enjoying comparatively lavish lifestyles also contribute large amounts of money to charities, universities, and other programs. The same can be said for large corporations, although the profits of some companies do admittedly run to the extreme. Perhaps a percentage of all profits from companies of a particular size could be used to fund education and training programs aimed at increasing the viable skills of potential workers. This would unfortunately require government involvement.

Few people would argue that there is an increasing gap forming between the wealthiest segment of our population and the remainder. We also possess a "make it and they will buy it" mentality which causes us to feel that everything is a necessity. A re-alignment of values and priorities for everyone, especially those whose money could be better spent elsewhere would help as well.

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