> I totally fail to understand why this is a polarizing issue
Because for most people (especially in the US), this is emotional. As soon as you start talking about “taxing the rich” many people have a prepared inventory of feelings that get activated, and these feelings are telling them that even if I’m not rich, I could be some day, and this isn’t right.
If you want an example of the almost religious cult of personality around people with immense wealth, look no further than the people simping for Elon. The idea goes that surely these people are special, there’s a reason they have so much money, and by taking their money we'll accomplish nothing except crucifying these inventors that humankind relies upon.
Entire books (or perhaps libraries) have been written on the subject of the routines and life patterns of extremely rich people. They’re not like us.
Because for most people (especially in the US), this is emotional. As soon as you start talking about “taxing the rich” many people have a prepared inventory of feelings that get activated, and these feelings are telling them that even if I’m not rich, I could be some day, and this isn’t right.
If you want an example of the almost religious cult of personality around people with immense wealth, look no further than the people simping for Elon. The idea goes that surely these people are special, there’s a reason they have so much money, and by taking their money we'll accomplish nothing except crucifying these inventors that humankind relies upon.
Entire books (or perhaps libraries) have been written on the subject of the routines and life patterns of extremely rich people. They’re not like us.