So you want higher taxes, eh?

Viewed from the standpoint that more money = more success, I’ll always be viewed as a loser compared to Warren Buffet.  I don’t mind – there’s only a small handful of people on the planet that could be classified as more successful.

Yet, when I hear this kind of talk from this highly intelligent guy, I just don’t get why a schlub like me can think of the answer in a flash:

I should pay more tax, says US billionaire Warren Buffett

The United States’ second-richest man has delivered a blunt message to the Bush administration: he wants to pay more tax.

Warren Buffett, the famous investor known as the "Sage of Omaha", has complained that he pays a lower rate of tax than any of his staff – including his receptionist. Mr Buffett, who is worth an estimated $52bn (£25bn), said: "The taxation system has tilted towards the rich and away from the middle class in the last 10 years. It’s dramatic; I don’t think it’s appreciated and I think it should be addressed."

Note to Mr. Buffet – whip out that oversized check book, put down a "1", follow it with a bunch of "0"s, and hand it to the IRS.  Your guilt will be gone without intruding into my pitiful finances.  Thank you.

During an interview with NBC television, Mr Buffett brandished an informal survey of 15 of his 18 office staff at his Berkshire Hathaway empire. The billionaire said he was paying 17.7% payroll and income tax, compared with an average in the office of 32.9%.

"There wasn’t anyone in the office, from the receptionist up, who paid as low a tax rate and I have no tax planning; I don’t have an accountant or use tax shelters. I just follow what the US Congress tells me to do," he said.

I notice the lack of his distinction that his lower tax is based on the dividend rate vs the wage rate of his employees.  This is not rocket science!

Oh, the insinuation that the rich are not paying their fair share? 

Republicans say the net effect would be a $2 trillion tax increase that would hurt small businesses and farmers. Meanwhile, Mr Buffett’s remarks drew a robust response from the US Chamber of Commerce, which said the top 1% of US earners accounted for 39% of tax revenue – and the highest earning 25% of the population delivered 86% of the tax-take.

I believe that would classify as progressive under any definition…..add to it that the bottom 50% pays about 4% of the total income tax.

Like I said – if those that are rich believe that they are under taxed are complaining, write a check.  They won’t – look it up – almost all states and the IRS will accept monies above and beyond what is expected.