your analogy. I think it is a tried and true approach to trying to kill the messenger to avoid discussing the message. The Bern voluntarily paying in higher rates than the law requires does nothing for anybody. It doesn't change the picture of the national kitty, which requires the participation of the entire country. Just like on climate - if somehow a truly constructive int'l agreement could be reached but it was extremely time sensitive and all the world leaders needed to rush to the signing on their private jets to make it happen, every climate warrior would escort them personally to their private jets. Private jets don't move the needle. In fact I recently saw or read an opinion by a climate warrior to the effect that too many self proclaimed tree huggers start and end their climate combat by turning down their A/C, driving a Prius, and eating farm to table food. That's great, but the world needs policy change (in their views). He'd rather see them keep their SUV and fight like hell to outlaw SUVs. The Prius and the lower A/C setting are mostly about them feeling good about themselves, not finding solutions that would make a difference.

Dean Smith railed against the 4 corners that he perfected. He complained about it bitterly. And he used it to win basketball games right up until shot clock made it impossible. That was rational, not hypocritical.

If the Bern is in the top tax bracket and still favors (what you and I would both consider) oppressive top bracket rates, then he's putting his money where his mouth is. Just like Warren Buffett isn't a fool who voluntarily pays more in LTCG taxes than he has to just because he laments his lower effective tax rate than his secretary's. He can't do any good by doing that.

Anyone who would voluntarily pay more in taxes than the law requires is an idiot and a fool, and should not be president. Fortunately for Bern supporters, that's not the case with him.
[Post edited by hoolstoptheheels at 04/16/2019 1:48PM]