Heh. I doubt that's universal, certainly not to the extent of some of the supposedly high income snivelling and exaggeration in this thread.
When fortune smiles upon you, try to smile back, realize that you have it really, really good...
Few things ARE universal. Now, myself, make decent money. Im in the top 25th percentile. Im certainly not rich; however, I will be. Ive been an avid invester for about 15 years, and have another 10 or 15 to go. But, one thing I can say for sure. I dont recall off the top of my head personally knowing anyone who enjoyed tax day. In fact, everyone Ive known hated it. And Ive been in investment banking so personally have met and know at minimum 30 millionaires. My family is wealthy (grandparents) and own what was the oldest jewelry store in WA state. And none of them thought their taxes were fair or too low, and hated writing that check twice a year.
Now, there are the Gates and the Buffets of the world (although, Warren hasnt really done much more than state his intentions at this point), but they are far and few between.
THAT said, I have had several conversations with wealthy people who would be less bitter about paying taxes would the federal government show at least a little restraint. Yet they dont, and havent, and it doesnt look like they will very soon. But know this: wealth IS transferring out of this country. There are those who do say "good riddance", but for the most part the masses just want to tax them. Guess what...as investment leaves this country, so does innovation and motivation.
And finally, my position. I dont have a problem with a tiered tax system; however, I *do* have a problem with 46% (or whatever the percentage is now) of taxpayers who dont contribute. I also dont have a problem personally with my own tax rate. I think I paid net 19%. Thats fair for the income I make.
And as an aside, I have a rather healthy nest egg yet to be opened waiting for me...that is invested offshore. And it will remain there for tax reasons. So justify all you want...but the fact is, you sound like an envious little child when you do.