Economics Department Head at George Mason University

Walter Williams is my favorite columnist. He has the best website ever, and he writes the most understandable columns of any of the political commentators. His articles are less commentary and more recitation of facts and principles. It appears to me that he understands the principles that founded this country. These principles have become lost in modern times of massive government growth and empowerment.

In 2005, he published a 10 part syndicated column that contained a basic lesson in economics. My favorite recent article is entitled "Congressional and Leftist Lies" which he released on November 14, 2007. In that article, he exposes the lies being told to attack and condemn President Bush's tax cuts to Americans. So many say that this is to help the rich and the poor will suffer the extra burden. He gives facts and figures as to which economic group bears which percentage of the national tax burden:

"In 2005, the top 1 percent of income earners, those with an annual adjusted gross income of $365,000 and higher, paid 39 percent of all federal income taxes; in 1999, they paid 36 percent."

"In 2005, the top 5 percent of income earners, those having an adjusted gross income of $145,000 and higher, paid 60 percent of all federal taxes; in 1999, it was 55 percent. The top 10 percent, earning income over $103,000, paid 70 percent. The top 25 percent, with income of over $62,000, paid 86 percent, and the top 50 percent, earning $31,000 and higher, paid 97 percent of all federal taxes."

"What about any argument suggesting that the burden of taxes have been shifted to the poor? The bottom 50 percent, earning $30,000 or less, paid 3 percent of total federal income taxes. In 1999, they paid 4 percent. Congressmen know all of this, but they attempt to hoodwink the average American who doesn't."


How can you argue with the numbers? If these numbers are not accurate, show me. The attempts by Congress to do away with the tax cuts are nothing more than an attempt to fool the public. I love this guy because he gives real information and not just opinion.