Absolutely true - as far as the statistic goes. In absolute dollars paid, the richest few % pay the largest % of total tax dollars. However, a factor missed by that simple (albeit correct) statistic is that the richest few % pay less % of their total income in income taxes than those in the more middle income range. That's probably the more salient point. A reasonable flat tax (even if it's a 3 or 4 graduated levels) on all income with no deductions or credits or preferences to how you make or spend your money seems like would void most or all arguments.
OK, let me be the first (Guess I have to be a Dem now, huh?): Michael Moore is a fringe whacko. I certainly do not see him as "mainstream" by any stretch of the imagination. Peace, RS
I'm not saying your statistics are wrong, only that I find them hard to believe unless you are including social security taxes. Most of the <50k earners pay little or nothing in income taxes. The AMT forces those above a fairly low threshold to pay approximately 25% of their taxable income, as defined by the AMT.