“The council voted unanimously Monday to impose a 2.25 percent tax on the city’s highest earners. Personal income in excess of $250,000 for individuals and in excess of $500,000 for married couples filing joint returns would be taxed.” Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/seattle-approves-new-income-tax-for-wealthy-residents/2017/07/10/22929eb4-65d1-11e7-94ab-5b1f0ff459df_story.html?utm_term=.3e91d27f003d

Why is this action upsetting individuals? I'm upset because our nation was founded on democratic principles. Our Constitution, laws, and representative government were established to protect the rights of all people; rich and poor. Those who want to take money from one group and redistribute it to others are socialists. This is anathema to American citizens who believe in freedom.

What is socialism? “Socialism refers to a broad array of doctrines or political movements that envisage a socio-economic system in which the ownership of industry and the distribution of wealth are determined by the state or by agents of the state or the collective. In its most general sense, socialism seeks the co-prosperity and common cause of all people, which could be accomplished without force in religious and utopian communities. But, in general practice, it refers to the use of state force to redistribute wealth.” Source: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Socialism

Margaret Thatcher once said, “The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other peoples' money. Source: http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/138248 (This is exactly what happened in Venezuela.)

Some wealthy people own mansions, aircraft, yachts, islands, and expensive cars. We read about movie stars, athletes, and singers receiving awards and earning large salaries. Television showcases exotic homes, boats, and cars owned by wealthy people. These programs make some people envious of wealth flaunted by the rich.

I think it’s okay to be envious of wealthy people. Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, Larry Ellison, Elon Musk and Michael Bloomberg are examples of rich Americans. It’s possible that their wealth will inspire others to work hard and become rich, too. Alternatively, some people become jealous but fail to become inspired. They complain while sitting on their behinds and can’t understand why they’re not rich.

The difference between a socialist and me is I applaud the accomplishments of these rich folks whereas a socialist will try to take their wealth and use it for his or her own purpose.

I have learned that if socialists are in government, they will enact laws to redistribute wealth - thereby gaining votes using government handouts. If a socialist is outside the government, he or she will simply steal from the wealthy. The result is the same.