And it must be compulsory, through taxation, as government is “what we do together.”  So this past week we saw Seattle pass an income tax (which may be unconstitutional), amid the cry of its citizens to be allowed to pay their fair share.

…backers of the measure rallied supporters, including software developer Carissa Knipe, who told the council before its 9-0 vote on Monday that she earns more than $170,000 and endorses the tax measure.  “Seattle should serve everyone, not just rich folks,” she said. “I would love to be taxed.”

And in a not-unrelated story (from my perspective), Warren Buffett showed his generosity by donating more $3B+ to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.  Mr. Buffett, like Ms. Knipe, has repeatedly said that he should be taxed more.

Now, I’ve always thought…why not just pay?  Mr. Buffett gave $3B to Bill and Melinda Gates, why not write a check to pay down the debt by $3B?  Of course, progressive supporters of increased taxes steadfastly refuse to go this route:

Now they claim this will be of no effort–that any individual can’t make a difference.  But why does Mr. Buffett think it will make a difference if he gives his money to a private foundation but progressives generally don’t think it will make a difference to give to the government? Why is money that goes to the government only somehow effective if everybody else is forced to give a similar amount?  We don’t seem to think that way with any other philanthropic efforts–free rider problems are handled every day with worthwhile private charities.  If government is such a worthwhile destination of our funds, why can’t it attract voluntary giving the way private charities do?  Besides, since ~ 50% of the population is veering to the progressive side, wouldn’t all their concerted effort make a difference?

Or is this outward expression of support for higher funding of government simply a part of their doctrinal confession that they really don’t believe in?  Is it merely part of the dogma they must publicly espouse to be acceptable to the kind of people that they want to hang out with?