The reason Americans should pay income taxes is to fund the country and government which they continue to demand. There are 315 million Americans today and you seem to think only a handful of them should pay the lion's share of income taxes? If you wish to live off the wealth of others, then don't (*)(*)(*)(*) and moan when those paying the bills want to be involved in how government is run! I don't agree with you at all on taxes...if someone lives in the USA then help pay for the USA...it cannot be any more simple. I'm not involved in politics and I won't discuss party politics. I only wish to identify root issues and talk about remedy as we move forward. Talking politics, finger-pointing, placing blame, etc. is 100% living in the past. BTW; here on Political Forum there are technical discussions on science, environment, health, economics, budgets, etc. You just don't get it...you CANNOT demand more and more from the wealthy, you cannot demand more and more from industry, for at some point you will see diminishing returns. Demand more taxes from corporations, watch them seek foreign nations to relocate, then whine that US companies are outsourcing and/or relocating. Demand more taxes from those already paying the lion's share and they will move more money and investments offshore then you can whine about that...
The first year of the income tax only one person paid it. It was never intended to apply to everyone. There are other taxes for that. Go ahead and leave, lots of people already have and have taken their fortunes with them don't let the door hit you on the way out Funny thing though, far more wealthy people are moving to the US than leaving, despite the taxes.
Regarding the OP....Electric utilities require significant infrastructure that traverses both public and private land in order to be able to deliver electricity at an adequate level to power America. These 'public' utilities are quasi-private companies that have been granted certain authority over public areas. In addition, they are typically heavily regulated by local and State governments. This arrangement does allow the delivering of electricity 24/7 at regulated voltage/amperage as well as the use of natural resources and Federal dams for electricity generation. The arrangement also allows for political/governmental regulation of rates which includes sanctioning YOU if you use more than your State has told your utility is 'normal' which is most likely tied to some fanny-sitting so-called 'environmental' bureaucrat's unilateral decision.
My city is thinking of selling it utilities. They say it is "in the best interest of the citizens to get lower rates" which translates to "We can get some cash to buy some votes with while dumping the workers off our benefits plan"
