First, I'm doubtful that a family at the poverty line ($22K for a family of 4) pays 10% in income tax. I could be wrong, however. >> If you believe theological

First, I'm doubtful that a family at the poverty line ($22K for a family of 4) pays 10% in income tax. I could be wrong, however. >> If you believe theologically, ideologically, or otherwise that "all men (and women!) are created equal" then it follows they should pay equally. On this, I'm not sure how you can come to that conclusion. I'm assuming (possibly wrongly) that you're referring to the DOI, which states: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." This seems to refer to equal starting points, equal liberties, and equal opportunities–not equal amounts of wealth or income throughout life. I think "pursuit" is a key word here. We should all be free to pursue what makes us happy, but there are no rights or guarantees that we will get it.