I think you misunderstand what has been said, the IRS reported that the maximum marginal tax rate in the 50s was ~90%, but the effective rate was ~50%. Now the

I think you misunderstand what has been said, the IRS reported that the maximum marginal tax rate in the 50s was ~90%, but the effective rate was ~50%. Now the maximum marginal tax rate is 35% and the effective rate is ~16%. Rich people as a percentage of their wealth, and probably their income, spend less than poor people. Ipso facto one effective way to boost spending in the economy is to take money from the rich and give it to the poor, i.e. more taxes please.