Question from a reader:
I believe we should collect more taxes from the wealthy. Specifically, wouldn’t it be difficult to amend the law to impose 70% or 80% income tax on famous celebrities and athletes?
Thinking About Taxes
Recently, while having tea with friends at a café, we started discussing taxes. There was a lively debate about the opinion that high-income
earners should be taxed more. As a group of comedy-loving men in our 30s, we jokingly said things like, “Why not just tax celebrities and athletes at 70% or 80%!” But then we got a bit serious and wondered about the reality of the situation.
The Balance of Taxes
It’s true that if high-income earners pay more taxes, it could lighten the burden for low-income individuals. However, there’s also a concern that excessive taxation could diminish people’s motivation to work. One of my friends mentioned that if taxes are too high, they might think, “Why should I work hard if I’m just going to lose everything I earn?” This really highlights how complex the issue of taxes can be. As a father in my early 30s, I find myself sensitive to how taxes are utilized and distributed, especially when considering my child’s future. I was surprised when I heard about Shohei Ohtani, thinking, “He’s getting advertising revenue from Japan, but paying taxes in the U.S.?” Such situations might indicate a need to reassess our tax system.
The Importance of Work
During my conversations with friends, I realized there’s some truth to the idea that “wealthy individuals contribute to the prosperity of those around them.” When wealthy people work hard and spend their money, it helps the economy thrive. Therefore, instead of merely attacking high-income earners, it may be more important to focus on how to achieve a balanced approach. While I usually enjoy making people laugh through comedy, it’s refreshing to engage in serious discussions like this every now and then—of course, with a touch of humor! Delving deeper into thoughts about taxes has helped me formulate my own opinions.
I Want to Hear Everyone’s Opinions!
So, what do you think? Please share your thoughts and experiences regarding taxes on high-income earners in the comments. Although we don’t often discuss taxes, I believe it’s a relevant issue that affects us all. Let’s think about it together!
