Progressive Taxation

My case is rather simple1: Extreme inequality is harmful to society2: Progressive Taxation reduces inequality1: Extreme inequality is harmful to society:Oxfam released a media briefing on January 18 of 2013 stating“It is now widely accepted that rapidly growing extreme wealth and inequality are harmful to human progress,and that something needs to be done. Already this year, the World Economic Forum’s Global Risk Report rated inequality as one of the top global risks of 2013”(1)Side note. . Oxfam is a international organization that addresses issues of poverty and is headquartered at Oxford. They are known to be reasonably politically neutral. For more on Oxfam follow this link. (2)Listed in this source are 5 reasons as to why Extreme Wealth and inequality is harmful. 1a) Extreme Wealth and inequality is economically inefficient“A growing chorus of voices is pointing to the fact that whilst a certain level of inequality may benefit growth by rewarding risk takers and innovation, the levels of inequality now being seen are in fact economically damaging and inefficient” (1)1b) Extreme Wealth and inequality is politically corrosive“If, in the words of the old adage ‘money equals power’ then more unequal societies represent a threat to meaningful democracy. ”(1)1c) Extreme Wealth and Inequality is Socially Divisive“Extremewealth and inequality undermines societies. It leads to far less social mobility. If you are born poor in a very unequalsociety you are much more likely to end your life in poverty. ” (1)1d) Extreme wealth and inequality is environmentally Destructive “More equal societies are better able to cope with disasters and extreme weather events. Studies show that more equalcountries are also better able to reduce carbon emissions” (1)1e) Extreme Wealth and Inequality is unethical“From an ethical point of view, it is extremely difficult to justify excessive wealth and inequality. In fact, most philosophersand all of the major religions caution against the pursuit of excessive wealth at all cost and prescribe sharing of income with less fortunate members of the community. ” (1)With negative effects socially, environmentally, economically, and politically coupled with the ethical concern it is clear that Extreme Wealth and inequalityare harmful to society. This being solidly established, it becomes clear that society must find a way to address this issue. 2: Progressive taxation works to reduce inequality“Progressive taxation that redistributes wealth from the rich to the poor is essential”(1)Lower income spend a higher percentage of their income on necessities like food, housing, and healthcare. A person should primarily be taxed on their 'discretionary' income. Progressive taxation lessens this burden of taxes placed on the poor that can be debilitating and places it on those who will hardly if at all feel the burden. This causes inequality to shrink in society. Due to the positive effect that progressive taxation has on inequality in general, society should implement progressive taxation. With that I pass things over to con. (My opening case was not near as comprehensive as I intended, I had a busy few days hopefully I can expound more in the next round. ) Sources (1). https://www.oxfam.org...(2) . http://en.wikipedia.org...