I should pay more tax, says US billionaire Warren Buffett

[Swede]

Too bad there arn't more rich folks like him.


The United States' second-richest man has delivered a blunt message to the Bush administration: he wants to pay more tax.

Warren Buffett, the famous investor known as the "Sage of Omaha", has complained that he pays a lower rate of tax than any of his staff - including his receptionist. Mr Buffett, who is worth an estimated $52bn (£25bn), said: "The taxation system has tilted towards the rich and away from the middle class in the last 10 years. It's dramatic; I don't think it's appreciated and I think it should be addressed."



http://business.guardian.co.uk/story/0,,2202020,00.html

[Zywiec]

1. What's stopping him from writing a check to the IRS?

If he thinks he should pay more, why doesn't he?

[AngryAmish]

2. agreed

[Swede]

3. You sure are a fast reader.

nt

[ThomCat]

5. One person choosing to give more money is charity, not fair taxation.

It doesn't solve the problem of regressive taxation. You're missing the whole point he's trying to make.

[Zywiec]

6. I know the point he's trying to make.

I saw him on the Today show yesterday. But maybe if he sets the example, others will follow. I belive Bill Gates also thinks the tax rate should be changed. Maybe if the richest Americans do it, it will cause others as well.

Put your money where your mouth is...

[ThomCat]

8. That would not change tax laws.

In fact, it would give concervative pundits a club to beat them with. Giving extra money to uncle sam would be something to demand of any rich person who claims to be on the left. Rich people on the right would get away free and clear because nobody would expect them to give extra money.

So then, not only do you have regressive taxation, you also have pressure on the left to fund government more than the right.

Personally, I'd rather see legislation that actually fixes the tax system. And that has to come from legislators. It can't come from one or two rich people voluntarily getting nagged into giving away more money.

[Lone_Star_Dem]

12. No. He's doing this the right way.

Questioning the unfairness of the system of taxation on those with lower incomes, and because he has money the media is actually giving him air time.

Imagine if this were some poor working class schmuck, do you think they'd get the press he's gotten?

[Bandit]

7. The Law.....He is saying the same thing as the Clintons though

It is illegal to give the government money outright. Bribery and such..There has to be taxes created by legitimate means and he is saying not all rich people are unwilling to pay their fair share..

[MrCoffee]

4. i'll send him my 1040, he can reimburse me.

[Momgonepostal]

9. I'm glad to see there are people with attitudes like that

At least one rich guy out there isn't gritching about all the taxes he pays. It's refreshing to see that he can see things as they really are.

[cali]

10. It's more than one rich guy

I hate to bust any DU conventional wisdom, but there's an organization of rich people dedicated to keeping the inheritance tax. Bill Gates Sr. heads it.

[Momgonepostal]

11. I know it's more than one person

and I think it's good that this particular one person's opinions are getting some press.