Since when is "narrowing the gap between the rich and poor" the purpose of taxation?. Sounds like you've got your Marxism mixed up with your Reaganomics. So basically, you'd like to tax these CEO's to death, because we've collectively decided in our infinite wisdom that we don't think it's 'fair' that the system has rewarded them. The same system we all work under. Hmmm, OK fine. When we're done with them, I'll expect we'll do the same to movie stars, professional athletes, politicians, and anyone else we 'feel' don't 'deserve it'...........Maybe we should just go all the way, and cap all salaries nationwide at 20 grand a year for the 'greater good'; that should cut way down on the hypocritical bitching and whining ..

Mr Obama 'strayed' to the center, just long enough to get elected. As he had too. A "push to the left' is totally unnecessary.....It is interesting though, that Mr Sirota, assumes "the American center" is "progressive"....Exactly where did that little factoid come from?

The same GE that's in a position to make millions if Carbon Cap and Trade legislation is enacted? The same GE / MSNBC/ Weather Channel; that's in permanent 24/7 Global Warming crisis mode? Go figure! I wonder why? .......Gee, and I thought Exxon Mobil was the Antichrist...

Sorry 'paw", despite your condescending and insulting reply, you failed to answer the question. So I'll answer it for you: It's an assumption; most likely made to support the thesis of the article by the author. It's also one of those things that the reader was supposed to accept as a 'given' and not question. I apologize for having the temerity to actually ask a question. I'll make sure I get right back in line, and march in lockstep with the rest of the 'enlightened ones'.......

Actually, Obama is only half black, despite how the media and the rest of the country would love to have it be. Those pesky genes can really screw up a good PC story...So, the question should be: How many millionaires of mixed race do you know?

..... Means, only having to listen to what you want to hear, and agree with...........

........But not in a package that's supposed to be generating real jobs and helping homeowners. You know, as in "the mortgage crisis"; remember that? The majority of this so called "Stimulus Package" is nothing more than a spending bill designed to create more bloated, mismanaged government programs. And dropping another billion dollars into Amtrak; another tax payer black hole; is just another fine example of the arrogance and stupidity out there.

We should just rename this bill the: "Fix Every Social ill in America Package" That way there'll be no debate on exactly what it's purpose is. It's purpose will be, well; whatever 'crisis' du jour we want to address. STD's seem to be todays hot crisis topic. So I'm assuming that those that contract STD's will have trouble buying a house because they have to pay for health care and that in turn will be bad for the economy. ........'The Economy'; the real 'Economy' can wait. We've got programs to institute and checks to hand out..

So when the Dems. propose a bill, "pork spending" is really "stimulus"?...But when the Repubs. do the same, well I guess it's all pork and stupidity. "Zero Waste" might be a good mantra for Congress to employ. Imagine all the empty buildings and money we'd save. Now that's a stimulus plan I can get behind........... Here's a suggestion: Try actually catching that Frisbee, instead of letting it bounce off your head.........

Of course you do. Hell, your entitled to it! And the rest of the tax paying country will be thrilled to pay for it. Now, if someone can just point me in the direction of my 'free stuff'.......

I think it's a great idea, and would usher in a new era of international cooperation that could have the effect of reducing political strife....But unfortunately, we still seem to be in living a time when most people can't see beyond the fence in their yard, or care less about anything that doesn't supply immediate gratification. It's also not going to happen, until countries stop fighting over religion, resources, and strips of land........... Nice Idea though...Hell, I'd be happier at this point if only WE had a serious space program..

.......Is a government that muscled into partial ownership of Wells Fargo, a private company that didn't want the money; much in the same way organized crime muscles into private business; and then "whines" when Fargo basically says "screw it let's go on vacation"........Wells Fargo should tell them to take their money and shove it!

We don't "need" athletes, politicians, musicians, Hollywood surgeons, Nascar drivers, or movie stars, that make millions either. Jeeese, how did these thievng bastards sneak by comrad?

It appears, according to a Harvard economist; that the government; that would be those santimonious pratts preaching fiscal morality to us all; have inadvertently overpaid for all that bad debt the banks were carrying, to the tune of 79 billion..Yeah thats billion with a "B" It seems they couldn't figure out what the fair market price should be. ........Anyone for dropping a cap on their incompetent asses?.......I can't wait till Monday when the next bank bailout is due.

...Your hard earned "milk and cookies"... And...."That's the whole point. No seriously. that's the point".... Big Government is here to carry your sorry asses into the future. Line up lemmings!

I didn't see a picture of my house that needs re-siding in there; or my 14 year old car that could use replacing, or even my credit card balance that's approaching national debt levels.....Good work Socialists. It truly is, as Winston Churchill said, "An equal sharing of the misery"...