I'm trying to formulate arguments for progressive taxation. Does anyone have good references to share?
My take is that the wealthy benefit disproportionately from society. Michael Dell gains much more from roads and educated workers than does an elementary school teacher, it seems to me, but has anyone undertaken a simple accounting of the things that go into this? For example, I rather naively point out that were Michael Dell trying to run his business in an underdeveloped country, he would have to shoulder a tremendous burden --- for educating his workforce, providing roads, housing, etc., etc. --- that he does not have to bear here in the United States. If you account for this burden, it is a tremendous subsidy to him, for which he should pay, and the larger his business is, the more the subsidy. But, I'm having trouble making the argument from "larger" business to progressive taxation. I can see a conservative argument --- limiting social power --- but I'm wondering what a simple accounting of subsidies would yield along a curve of size of entity. Any help appreciated. Bill
