[tossaccount123]

The US didn't have an income tax at all until the 20th century, at least at the federal level

[isostatic]

Rich: having wealth or great possessions; abundantly supplied with resources, means, or funds; wealthy: a rich man; a rich nation.

Not sure how income tax would apply to that

[rswail]

It also didn't have any public entitlements. It's also 100 years later. So the point is not particularly relevant.