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The author criticizes U.S. President Barack Obama for saying that the rich are not paying enough taxes and that everyone else is being economically exploited. In view of the claims of the president, the author looks at how income and the tax burden are actually distributed by citing data from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The author suggests a debate on where to draw the line should be a rational discussion, considering incentives, efficiency.

A list of the top 10 lowest state and local tax burdens for 2007 in the U.S. is presented. This includes Alaska, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Delaware, Alabama, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Wyoming, and Montana. State and local tax burdens were compared by combining the different levels of government, counting every tax and comparing those totals to a measure of income.

A list of top ten U.S. states with the highest tax burdens for 2007 ranked by the Tax Foundation is presented. New Jersey is at the 10th with a local tax burden of 11.6% and per capita tax burden of $5,991. Nebraska is at 9th place with a local tax burden of 11.9% and per capita tax burden of $4,549. The Connecticut, which is at the 8th place, has a local tax burden of 12.2%.

The article focuses on the taxpayer revolt in the U.S. since World War II. It is stated that as the tax burden increases, so does the number of taxpayers who believe that their taxes are too high. The tax burden since World War II has generally meandered between 16% and 18% of the gross domestic product (GDP). The author notes that the cause of the trend is the scheduled expiration of the 2003 tax relief and the imminent explosion of the Alternative Minimum Tax.

The article reflects on the story of the Pilgrims in New Plymouth Colony in relation to the belief of U.S. liberals on tax burden. The decision of colony members to embrace the free-market principle of private property ownership has led to their salvation. The Colony leaders changed course and allotted a parcel of land to settler to encourage self-sufficiency. Political leaders remain transfixed by a blind faith in the ability of government to shape and set the course of human behavior.

Comments on the plan of Republican Alabama Governor Bob Riley to pass a tax increase in the state. Reason behind the plan; Influence of his religious affiliation on his decision; Questions raised concerning the credibility of his basis for an increase in payment rates.

Presents political briefs in the United States as of June 4, 2001. Excerpt from an open letter of Vermont Republican Party to Senator Jim Jeffords; Reason for the cancellation of Attorney General John Ashcroft's scheduled appearance at the Conservative Political Action Conference and the California Republican Convention; Information on a study that showed that tax burden has shifted to the upper-income bracket.

Reports on the 1996 Tax Freedom Day in the United States. Average taxes per person; Alternative methods for measuring tax burden; Tax Freedom Day by state.