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The argument for a higher tax on income above a certain level is that it helps prevent tyranny.

In the US, anyway, wealth equals power. Great wealth accumulated in few hands shifts a great deal of power over the nation from the populace to those hands. Without some constraint, this poses a real threat to overall freedom and liberty.



You say that wealth accumulation poses a (vague, potential, in the future) threat to overall freedom and liberty... but arbitrary wealth redistribution poses an immediate, obvious threat to overall freedom and liberty _right now_.


Wealth accumulation and inequality poses problems right now, for example IMF says inequality Seriously Damages Growth...

Wealth accumulation also means other people does not have this money, with all the problems associated - including a lots of death by suicide.

Many free-marketeer are also against wealth accumulation (+ inheritance) as its gives unfair advantages on the market, ruin the meritocracy...

I don't see a tax that will have a little impact on the lifestyle of the wealthy as an threat to overall freedom and liberty...


The threat is not vague, potential, or in the future. It has happened in the past (which is why the tax code addressed it), and it is happening again.




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