How you compare
Ralph Nader shares a 67% similarity with your beliefs on Taxes and Budget
I support an increase in taxes for the wealthiest Americans
"I'd really put meat in the process of progressive taxation. The richer people are, the more the percentage you pay."
"RN: I think we should have a very modest wealth tax. I agree with the founder of the Price Club, who thinks it should be 1 percent. PB: One percent of your wealth each year would be turned over to the federal government? RN: Right."
"Q: What do you think is the maximum income-tax rate that should be imposed on wage earners? A: Zero under $100,000. Now you got to ask me how I am going to make — Q: What is the rate above $100,000? What is the top rate? A: Then you have a graduated rate. Thirty-five percent, in that range, for the top rate. It comes down to the loopholes. When it was 70 percent, did you ever meet anybody who paid 70 percent? Now, where would I make it up? This is where the creativity comes in. I would move the incidence of taxation, first, from work to wealth."
I am neutral on tax cuts for middle-class families
"We can solve the problem of poverty and homelessness. But it will take more than the "Alice in Wonderland" economics of the Bush Administration which believes there is only one solution to all problems-cut taxes for the wealthy who, unlike working families, do not spend their Bush bonus. We need to get off this plutocratic tax-cutting binge and start grappling with real solutions to real problems."
In the Public Interest, "Tax Cuts Homeless Problems Grow" Jun 3, 2003
I support a flat tax system across income levels
"I'd really put meat in the process of progressive taxation. The richer people are, the more the percentage you pay."
Q: Would you support something like a flat tax? A: "No. I would simplify the tax bill but always keep progressivity in there. First of all, it’s hard to find a major fortune in America that hasn’t benefited by special-interest legislation. So when people ask, “Why should the rich pay a larger percent of their income than middle-income people?” -- my answer is not an answer most people get: It’s because their power developed from laws that enriched them."
San Francisco Chronicle, Sunday Interview, p. 3/Z1 Oct 13, 1996
