This book deals at some length with the question: Since there are many more poor than rich why
don't the poor just tax the rich heavily and reduce the inequality? In the 19th century and the
first half of the 20th century the topic of inequality was discussed widely. Ending or
reducing inequality was a prime motivating factor in the emergence of communism and socialism.
The book discusses why later in the 20th century inequality has faded out as an issue.
Extensive tables and graphs of data are presented showing the extent of inequality in America
as well as globally. It is shown that a combination of low taxes on capital gains contributed
to a series of real estate and stock bubbles that provided great wealth to the top tiers while
real income for average workers stagnated. Improved commercial efficiency due to computers
electronics the Internet and fast transport allowed production and distribution with fewer
workers just as the advent of electrification mechanization production lines vehicles and
trains in the 1920s and 1930s produced the same stagnating effect.
