Why become a socialist state?

The Illinois flat income tax is about as fair as it gets when it comes to taxation. According to the Illinois Department of Revenue, a Barrington resident with a median income of $165,186 would pay $4,596 in state income tax (3 percent). A Des Plaines resident median income of $43,792 would pay $1,314. The Barrington resident is already paying 3.5 times more state income tax. The tax rate may be the same, but the tax burden is greater. Why does the Barrington resident under new state proposals have to carry more of the burden? What is this resident's incentive to continue to be a productive member of society? Why does Illinois and the U.S. want to become a total socialist form of government? How about citizens taking responsibility for their own welfare?

Guy A. Montinola

Wheaton