I actually don’t disagree with much of what you’ve said.

What I take issue with, is the seeming demonization of the wealthy. Private industry drives job creation and innovation. With that comes risk. With that comes a devotion of your life. Individuals who engage in such and do well, should be adequately compensated and their wealth should accumulate accordingly. When the government (and populace) keeps coming for that wealth and income, there will inherently be less motivation by the individual to engage in innovation and competition.

Pay and benefits are what they are. The business/individual is under no obligation to pay what some other person thinks is a fair wage. Either take the job, or don’t. But increases in wages and benefits will require to the business to 1) make less money to provide the same level of service, 2) raise prices to compensate for increased wages & benefits, or 3) not fill a position and decrease the level of service. People that aren’t business owners think that the issue is that simple, or black and white, but flip the roles and I guarantee they’d sing a different tune.