The Progressive Income Tax: A Tale of Three Brothers | 5 Minute Video

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The three brothers, Tom, Dick, and Harry, who are carpenters with varying incomes and work hours, debated how to equally contribute to a $30,000 street improvement project, with Harry initially suggesting an equal split. Ultimately, after discussing proportional payments based on their incomes, they faced disagreement, particularly from Harry, who felt the proposed contributions did not equate to the equal benefits they would all receive from the enhancements.

Insights

  • The Class brothers' differing incomes highlighted a significant debate on fairness when it came to sharing costs for community improvements, as Harry's proposal for equal contributions was challenged by Tom and Dick, who believed contributions should reflect their varying earnings.
  • The discussion about payment methods revealed contrasting views on financial equity, with Dick advocating for proportional payments based on income, while Tom's suggestion of a progressive tax model emphasized a belief in wealth redistribution, ultimately leading to a conflict between Harry's sense of fairness and the others' perspectives on equitable contributions.

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Summary

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Brothers Debate Fairness in Contribution Costs

  • The three brothers, Tom, Dick, and Harry Class, all carpenters earning $25 per hour, had different work hours: Tom worked 20 hours per week, Dick worked 40 hours, and Harry worked 60 hours. Their family incomes varied, with Tom earning $25,000 annually, Dick and his wife earning $75,000, and Harry and his wife earning $150,000, as Harry's wife worked full-time earning $50,000, while Dick's wife worked part-time earning $25,000.
  • When the brothers decided to improve their street with a total cost of $30,000 for a security gate, street repaving, and enhanced lighting and landscaping, Harry proposed splitting the cost equally at $10,000 each. However, Tom and Dick objected, arguing that Harry should not pay the same amount due to his higher income, leading to a discussion about fairness in contributions based on their earnings.
  • Dick suggested a proportional payment based on their combined income of $250,000, resulting in Tom paying $3,000, Dick $9,000, and Harry $18,000. Tom countered with a proposal based on the progressive income tax system, suggesting Harry pay $23,450, Dick $6,550, and he pay nothing, which was accepted by Dick but rejected by Harry, who felt it was unfair despite the equal benefits received from the improvements.
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