Even if those households believe that taxing the currently wealthy more heavily is bad for the economy as a whole, they are not being irrational from the perspective of their own self interest broadly construed.

FORBES: Of Tea and Taxes

The economic slowdown impacts even the absurdly wealthy, and if given truth serum I doubt that you would find too many owners who care more about winning trophies than their own personal fortune.

FORBES: Trophies Or Cash? The Ongoing Dichotomy Of European Soccer

If you want to keep these tax rates and deductions in place -- or give even more tax breaks to the wealthy, as the Republicans in Congress propose -- then one of two things happen: Either it means higher deficits, or it means more sacrifice from the middle class.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Speaks at the Associated Press Luncheon