Taxes have always been a hotly debated policy, but have been receiving more attention recently with the new Bush administration. This attention has spurred new thought and consideration of the issue. It seems that people vary in their reasons for supporting tax cuts, but also generally believe that taxes should be low and paid for by the wealthy. Ideas of limited government, equality of opportunity, and individualism influence Americans' beliefs regarding taxes; because of these beliefs, most Americans would favor a policy to cut taxes.
In one poll, conducted on January 3, 2001, respondents were asked if reducing the federal income tax should be a top priority. Sixty-six percent said it should be a top priority with an additional twenty-six percent saying tax cuts are important but are a lower priority. This means that ninety-two percent of people believe lowering taxes is important with only the remaining eight percent responding that tax cuts are not important.
When considering the political culture of America, it is clear why an overwhelming majority of people favor lowering taxes. Taxes are, in a simplified explanation, a means by which the government takes a citizen's money to spend on public goods. Because of a strong belief in individualism, people are opposed to the government taking personally hard-earned money; one should be able to decide how his or her money is spent.
Equality of opportunity also plays a role in tax cut opinions. Taxes are a method of redistributing wealth. By redistributing wealth, through an American's view, people who have not worked as hard or diligently will reap the benefits of those who have worked harder for their achievements. It is considered unfair for someone to benefit from another's labor, training or time as equally as the person who earned the reward.
Limited government beliefs are a third reason people favor tax cuts. The more money the government has to spend, the more power government will have over the people.