Because money is a mystery to me. I know only that it's better to have more of it than less, and it's better to have it sooner than later. I also know that I ain't got any, and that everyone I know who has it is Republican. Not only that, but money is at the heart of why they are Republican: Repub tax policies allow rich people to keep more of their money than Dem tax policies. So my first question is, if you're so liberal, howcome you ain't poor? My other questions are below the flip.
I guess it's only fair to tell you about the world from where I stand since I'm asking you personal questions about finances and political belief. I am a newly minted Ph.D. in a humanities field and am seeking an academic job, but have no solid or current leads. I am broke, living paycheck to paycheck with 4 (yes, 4!) children. My wife works part time, I work full time as an adjunct lecturer at 2 schools in a red state. I and my wife have no health insurance because we make too much for the state variety, and our jobs provide none. 2 of our kids are covered by state medicaid, 2 are not and have no coverage at present. We pray for good health and careful drivers. My last thought before I sleep and first one upon waking is about bills I can't pay.
My brother in law is my age, has been out of school for 7 years, and makes around 800k as an endodontist, and is hard core Republican. Tax policy is THE issue for him. Most wealthy Repubs I know firmly believe that anyone can do what they did and get rich. Land of opportunity where hard work is rewarded, don't you know. If you're poor, you must be lazy. Or stupid.
So if you're liberal and rich, is there a disconnect for you about tax policy? How many rich liberals are there? Do you support redistribution of wealth? Even if it means people like you pay high taxes so people like me can have insurance? Is there anything wrong with Repubs wanting to keep more of the money they earn? Do you and your rich Repub neighbor do significantly different things with your disposable income?