The recent TV ads run by supporters of Gov. Mark Dayton demonstrate a crisis in character, or deep ignorance. The ad shamelessly states that Republicans in the Legislature are protecting the greedy top 2 percent of wage earners from paying their fair share of income taxes by asking, “Can’t they just chip in a little?”
According to the IRS, the top 1 percent of wage-earning households account for roughly 20 percent of all income. Based on the TV ad, you’d think the top 2 percent have figured out a way to avoid paying income taxes altogether.
Also, according to the IRS, the top 1 percent pay roughly 39 percent of all income taxes. State tax rates are similar to federal, so earning 20 percent of all income while paying 39 percent of income taxes seems like “chipping in.” Either Gov. Dayton is ignorantly unaware of this fact or he’s willing to sacrifice the property rights of a minority in order to appeal to the emotions of the masses.
Wanting what other people have is a somewhat normal. However, taking an ever-increasing share of somebody’s possessions, even if you want to spend it on other people, demonstrates a deep crisis in character. There is nothing admirable or noble about spending other people’s money.
Let’s live within our means (the $34.2 billion in the state’s checkbook). This amount happens to match the budget passed by the state Legislature.
Lastly, let’s start telling the truth and stop playing on people’s emotions to get our way.
Jack Munich, Shoreview
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