Let's expand on this entire philosophical concept here ...
If we accept that it's OK to charge richer people more money (because they simply have more of a commodity than someone else), then can we push that mantra into other things? Where does it end?
- If you agree that electricty delivery rates should be tiered based on personal income, then why not also the water delivery rates? And the sewage rates? And the trash disposal should have tiered rates?
- If you have more money, you should have to pay a higher tax rate in your school system, so they can build a bigger and better football field
- We probably should pay for postage based on personal income level too; a first-class stamp for a rich person should cost $3 but only $.50 for a poor person, all for the same first-class postage when you both mail in your payment on your tiered CA electric bill ...
- why don't we charge a higher rate for property taxes when you own more land? (up to 1 acre = Rate 1; up to 2 ac = Rate 2; up to 3ac at Rate 3, etc) - If you have more land, you can certainly afford to pay a higher property tax rate, right? If you own 1.1 acres and your nextdoor neighbor has .97 acres, it's fair for you to pay a higher property tax rate, right?
Not only should this work in the public sector, but it should extend into the private sector also ...
- when you order Domino's and they drive to your neighbor's house and charge $X for delivery, but charge you $X+Y for delivery, because you make more money than your neighbor, even though the delivery driver drove the same distance to park on the same spot on the street ... You should pay more because you make more, right?
- When you buy tires for your F150, you should pay a higher tire-tax for the brand and model of P265 tires as they guy who just put the exact same tires on his F150, because you can pay more, so you should pay more taxes on the identical product
- when you roll into Kroger to get your weekly foods for home, you should pay a higher sales tax rate for your eggs and milk and butter and bread because you make more money
There is always someone richer and poorer than you. You can find disparity everywhere in life. Trying to even the playing field by manipulating tax rates does not create excellence; it dilutes the efforts of all. Taxing rich people at higher rates encourages them to move elsewhere (taking their money with them), which means that pool of money you wanted to tap into is gone. Giving money to poor people does not incentivize them to excell or improve; it motivates them to do less.
Fair" used to be based on a concept of unbiased opportunity; everyone had the same chance to excel at something they were good at. Somehow, somewhere along the way, that word "fair" has become bastardized into meaning a gauranteed result no matter what happens.
Anyone who's had more than one child should try this at home ...
Hey Johnny, we know you've worked hard at mowing lawns after school while your twin brother Tommy played basketball with his buddies. But your brother Tommy is sad because he cannot afford to buy a nice bike like you bought with your hard earned money. So we're going to take some of your money and give it to your brother; it's only "fair" ... you've got more money that he does. Will Tommy be happy? Sure - he's getting a great deal. Is Johnny happy? Not in the least, and he's unlikely to continue to mow lawns if he's going to be "taxed" at a different rate.