[abas]

I'd like to hear your arguments for it being substantially more valuable for the rich man to have the dollar than the poor. At least in this economy it seems like I am constantly hearing about how it is better to put money in the hands of the less well off because they will spend it and it will help drive the economy.

[sokoloff]

Putting the money to work in a manner that builds companies and creates jobs has a different long-run effect than giving it to someone who will go buy a burger with it.

In the short-run, consuming helps that same dollar get spent over and over. In the long-run, creating wealth and jobs is more valuable, IMO.

When raising taxes drives capital to locales which are more capital-friendly (chiefly via lower taxes), then it inevitably takes job creation with it.

[jhancock]

The answer could be "both". The economy needs both the consumption and the top-down execution. Keeping it all in balance is the real trick. This argument would be better positioned as "What is the right balance of taxation for the short term to provide a healthy economy?"