we don't have this broad tax base funded by good union jobs anymore. that's gone.
now, we have a sharp division between the rich and the poor, and if we want a social system then there's no choice but making the rich pay for it.
nor are these good union jobs coming back any time soon, without serious shifts in global economic policy.
and, if you don't like that, you need to reflect on the policies that brought us here - you hollowed it out, it's gone and we have to adjust.
but, of course it's the same people that brought us neo-liberalism that won't adjust for it. they want it both ways, and they need some sense knocked into them - they can't have it both ways. they won, their policies were enacted and the consequences of them - the elimination of the middle class - are upon us. now, we have to change.