President Bush Seeks America's Support for Tax Cut

Bush, in a carefully crafted public relations push, said on Monday that "Everybody who pays taxes will get some relief" and also noted that "No American should pay more than a third of his income to the federal government." Bush's plan, which would make the U.S. progressive tax code a bit less progressive, or less socialist in nature (depending upon your viewpoint), would reduce American's taxes roughly $1.6 trillion over 10 years.

During Monday's White House press appearance, Bush invited families that belong to the three lowest income brackets and displayed a huge check made out to "U.S. taxpayer" for the amount of $1,600, the sum that the average American would save under the Bush plan. Asked by the press why a member of the highest tax bracket was not present, Bush responded that he represented that bracket. "I got a little pay raise coming to Washington from Austin. I'll be in the top bracket."

Democrats who oppose the tax cut, as well as members of the press, appear intent on killing any bills that might result from Bush's efforts. Both groups have spun the issue, claiming that the tax cut gives more back to the wealthiest Americans than to any other group of taxpayers. This mantra sticks readily in the minds of those not familiar with the issue, but who are willing to condemn Bush for his "kowtowing to the rich." What those opposing the plan fail to note (and what the masses often fail to realize) is that common sense (and basic mathematics) dictates that those earning the most and paying the highest percentage in taxes will receive a larger real dollar savings even from a smaller percentage decrease in taxes. The lower tax brackets, meanwhile, will receive much larger percentage cuts. Current brackets are 15 percent, 28 percent, 31 percent, 36 percent, and 39.6 percent. Bush would have those changed to four tax brackets of 10, 15, 25, and 33 percent.

Bush got perhaps the biggest boost for his plan last month, when Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan approved the plan, noting that surplus estimates had grown to such an extent that it would be possible to both offer tax cuts and pay down the national debt.