Among the wealthy, a new voice for fiscal sacrifice

[Skipper]

Among the wealthy, a new voice for fiscal sacrifice

By Katrina vanden Heuvel
Tuesday, November 30, 2010

President Obama's discussion Tuesday with leaders of both parties about the expiring Bush tax cuts comes at a time when a growing chorus of progressives and other reasonable-minded Americans have been ramping up pressure on the White House to allow the cuts for millionaires to end - as intended - at the end of the year. Last week that chorus was joined by a group of unlikely, albeit welcome new singers: the millionaires themselves.

In a November letter to President Obama, a group calling itself Patriotic Millionaires for Fiscal Strength argued that the wealthiest Americans do not need, and should not be given, an extension on tax cuts that have done next to nothing to improve broad economic prosperity. "We are writing to urge you to stand firm against those who would put politics ahead of their country," the letter's authors write. "Now, during our nation's moment of need, we are eager to do our fair share."

Signers include a number of early Google executives as well as leaders of companies such as Ben and Jerry's, Men's Wearhouse and Princeton Review. They aren't the first group of ultra-wealthy people to signal discomfort with senseless fiscal policy designed to benefit the top 2 percent. A group of 700 business leaders and individuals known as Responsible Wealth have called the Bush tax cuts "irresponsible" and "downright inexcusable." Bill Gates Sr. and Warren Buffet, of course, have also called for a change in priorities.

Read more at: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/con...pmopinions

They can write checks to the US Treasury. They will gladly take donations. Hurricane Katrina vanden Huevel can lead the way. Why do these super rich think there should be a law to force them to pay more? They can't do it on their own? They found time to donate half their wealth to charities? Why not Uncle Sam?

Maybe they want ALL the rich to take on their fair share? And not just them and the others like them who are willing to pay?