The Pros And Cons Of Progressive Taxation

Although taxes have been in existence for around 5,000 years, many educated people are still left wondering who should have to pay what. (“Taxes”) The main idea that leaves large quantities of people divided is progressive taxation. Progressive taxation is the concept that the wealthy people of a nation should be responsible for paying their taxes at higher rates. While George F. Will expresses his negative thoughts about progressive taxation, George Lakoff and Bruce Budner are strong advocates behind this philosophy of progressive taxation. Despite the contrast in their opinions, their articles clearly demonstrate that they believe that their ideas will be best for both the wealthy and the economy of the United States as a whole.

Lakoff, a founder of Rockridge Institute, and Budner, a previous executive director of Rockridge Institute, have an article supporting progressive taxation. After describing progressive …show more content…
Both articles show that their authors find it necessary to have multiple perspectives when dealing with the conflict of progressive taxation. Will states, “But people with only one idea really have no idea,” and Lakoff and Budner conclude that “These arguments will appeal to those whom we call biconceptuals—the great majority of Americans whose worldviews borrow in various ways from both progressive and conservative values.” Both of these men understand the great difficulty behind the ideas of progressive taxation and acknowledge that one must be have a wide range of knowledge to understand the ideas that are being presented. Both articles also show that the authors agree that whatever decision is made that it will have a large impact on the society. Although the authors support very controversial ideas, they certainly agree that the effects of progressive taxation will be great whether they are negative or