“Socialists mainly share the belief that capitalism unfairly concentrates power and wealth among a small segment of society that controls capital, and creates an unequal society. All socialists advocate the creation of an egalitarian society, in which wealth and power are distributed more evenly, ( i got this from wikipedia)

Taxing and redistribution of income are not the same thing. Most people, regardless of political affiliation, accept and support the notion that we all need to contribute, in the form of paying taxes, for critical services such as public safety, education and infrastructure. Most of us also believe in the idea of the government, using our taxes, helping those of us who find themselves in dire straights, in need of food shelter, medical care etc… But I believe most people, and I certainly include myself, don’t believe in the redistribution of income which is what Obama called for and precisely the issue that should be addressed. While a progressive tax system is “nothing new” as you point out, a presidential candidate explicitly saying we are going to take money from you and give to other people so they can have more, is certainly a change in tone and degree.
Again, you may think that is a super idea and support it. My point here is not that you shouldn’t feel that way. I’m pointing out that this is a very fundamental question about what one believes the role of government and taxation should be. If you go to school, work hard, create something, start a business, whatever, and make more income, should the government take what they consider to be your excess and give it to someone who didn’t or couldn’t do what you did? Whatever your position, those are the types of questions elections are about, not whether Joe is a “licensed” plumber or what Obama’s middle name is.

This guy wasn’t born yesterday!

I love it. A citizen asks a presidential candidate that makes an unannounced stop in his neighborhood, a question about his tax plan. That candidate makes the political error of telling the truth and revealing his view of the role of government and taxation. Supporters of that candidate then proceed to go on the attack….on the citizen that asked the question! They have brought up back taxes, liens, the fact that he goes by his middle name, even read information on air from his divorce. Anything but focus on the issue at hand. Joe, who does plumbing, asked a question we should all be asking candidates and ourselves. Do you believe, like Obama, that it is the role of government to redistribute income? If you go to college and get a better paying job, the state takes a chunk of your increased income and gives it to someone who didn’t or couldn’t. It is a fundamental question that can profoundly impact our society and we all should address it, whichever side you come out on. The real scam RG is that such a significant point has been lost in all the noise, which I suspect was the point to begin with.