Tax Underground

The Economy is Rigged if the Majority of the Cost to Run the Government is Shifted to Workers

The economy can be considered rigged when the burden of funding government operations disproportionately falls on workers. Ideally, taxes should be equitably distributed among workers, the wealthy, small businesses, and large corporations to ensure fairness and economic stability.

Baseline Measurement Using 1950s Data

We propose using the tax distribution of the 1950s as a baseline for comparison. In the 1950s, the tax burden was more evenly distributed, with workers paying 50% of taxes and the remaining 50% covered by the wealthy, small businesses, and large corporations. This balanced approach supported a robust middle class and fostered economic growth.

Anchor Numbers for Analysis

We will refine our understanding of tax distribution over time by working with "anchor numbers." Anchor numbers are key reference points that help us track changes in the tax burden distribution. For example, our anchor number for the 1950s is that workers paid 50% of taxes.

Current Tax Distribution in 2023

Our analysis for 2023 shows a significant shift, with 87% of taxes being paid by workers. This drastic increase indicates that the tax burden has become heavily skewed towards workers, suggesting that the economy is increasingly rigged against them.

Historical Context: Unions in the 1960s

In the 1960s, unions advocated for annual pay increases to match inflation, ensuring that workers' real wages remained stable. This historical context highlights the importance of fair wage practices and equitable tax policies in maintaining economic balance and protecting workers' purchasing power.