Sorry course the progressive income tax is safe only because people are ignorant of it and other options. It's a horrible tax and no the government shouldnt be redistributing wealth, but I'm shocked, SHOCKED you could find a NY Times writer to agree with that, whats next he thinks two men buttfucking is no big deal?
Redistribution of wealth is what government do. Every wear a uniform while in service to your nation? Your PAY was another form of government wealth redistribution. Everything the government does is wealth redistribution.
There may be some slight differences between the parties, but overall, redistribution of wealth is what taxation does. I'm sure if most people would be objective and realisitic, they would agree that we need social programs to prevent people from having to live in poverty to an even greater extent than they do now. It isn't good for the country, for neighborhoods, cities, schools, etc. for things to be deteriorating and for people to be living in squalor. While we may not like to have to redistribute, it is really for everyone's benefit in the long run. I don't want to have to walk down the street or go to a park where people are living in tents and cardboard boxes. It isn't a pretty sight and most thoughtful and caring people don't want that for others or for themselves.
At some point people have to be responsible for their behavior bit to say your opposed to all redistribution means you want a society where government does nothing to insure all Americans have a shot at success. In short you become a facist Latin American banana republic which seems to be what the right wing wants. Redistribution is not socialism guaranteeing equal results is socialism and they are not a one for one match.
If you recall, Bush redistributed wealth to get out of his first recession in 2001. He sent every tax filer a $300 check, $600 if you filed jointly.
