This has been my argument against Democratic policies all along ...

CNN Money Article on Obama tax plan to fund health care.

It's really a simple question I'm asking, when catastrophe strikes, who helps more ? ... the government or private individuals ? Heck, even when it's not a catastrophe, who helps more ? ... people or the government ?

When Katrina struck, who gave their time and helped those in need and rebuilt ? I'd argue that Oprah helped out more than any government agency. And how are those individuals or collections of individuals able to help so much ? They became successful business people and individuals, and now they have the resources to help out.

If we taxed Oprah or Bill Gates to death, how would they be able to amass fortunes and now be in a situation to help out as much as they are ? On top of that we all know how backwards the government is and when you run a business like a business you get efficiencies and not bloat.

Just had to get that off my chest. You don't have to "incent" people to give, they do it already, but surely don't hinder. The top 1% earners already pay 40% of the tax burden. People just don't see that or refuse to believe it.

I'll never forget the day when I helped a young single mother do her taxes when I was in college. She wanted me to double check all the figures because she was only getting $1,200 back on her tax refund. I looked at her return and she had only paid $900 INTO the system. She was complaining that she wasn't getting enough back !

Yes she was struggling, yes her neighbors were always there to help out, yes she was already getting government assistance in the form of programs ... but to COMPLAIN that the system somehow OWED her MORE money than she PAID IN.