09-14-2012, 06:24 AM
A very rough picture of the existence of redistributive policies in the US can be created by looking at the top tax rates for various periods.
1917 to 1921 67% to 73% This was to pay for WW1
1925 to 1931 25%
1932 to 1981 63% to 91% This 50 year period was the era of redistribution in the US. A dark era?
1982 to 1986 50% A transition period?
1987 to present 28% to 39.60%, 35% since 2003
At the present time neither of the two political parties are promoting redistributive tax policies. Redistribution ended in 1981.