Strange Days
Oct 31, 2007 02:24 PM EST
Last night, on national television, Warren Buffett made the extraordinary announcement that he would like to pay more taxes. According to Mr. Buffett, he currently pays a 17.7% payroll and income tax and claims his situation proves that our tax system favors the rich. Unfortunately, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce had facts to counter that theory, showing that the top 1% of U.S. earners account for 39% of the tax revenue.
Now, this isn’t the first time we’ve heard wealthy entrepreneurs and celebrities volunteer for higher taxes. You may remember prominent celebrities making comments in the past advocating that those with means should be able to pay more taxes per year. Regrettably, as of yet, these altruistic individuals haven’t been able to back these grand intentions up.
Well, I have good news.
I will be introducing legislation whimsically titled the “Tax Me More” Act. This bill is very simple. It would allow anyone who wants to pay higher taxes to add the desired amount (no limits!) they would like to pay to their annual tax form. Under the “Tax Me More” Act, Warren Buffett and his friends will have the unique opportunity to pay as much tax as they want without forcing anyone else to continue to feed the beast.
I believe it is high time we allow those individuals that think higher taxes are the answer to America’s problems to put their money where their mouth is.
John Campbell
Congressman John Campbell was first elected to Congress in December of 2005. He brings with him to Washington a quarter century of experience in the business world and a record of accomplishment in both chambers of the California Legislature.
Congressman John Campbell represents California’s 48th Congressional District which encompasses Newport Beach, Irvine, Tustin, Lake Forest, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Woods, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Dana Point and parts of San Juan Capistrano and Santa Ana.
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