Direct quote in fact - 

“The subjects of every state ought to contribute towards the support of the government, as nearly as possible, in proportion to their respective abilities; that is, in proportion to the revenue which they respectively enjoy under the protection of the state.”

Adam Smith

Bell_curve

Taxing the rich directly reduces the tax burden upon those who are not wealthy

That is categorically false. Raising taxes on the rich has no necessary relationship with tax rates for anyone else.

When you factor in reduced investment, there will almost certainly be negative fallout on the non-wealthy.

econ

Tax the Rich? Not a Good Idea

Undisciplined

> Taxing the rich directly reduces the tax burden upon those who are not wealthy

That is categorically false. Raising taxes on the rich has no necessary relationship with tax rates for anyone else.

When you factor in reduced investment, there will almost certainly be negative fallout on the non-wealthy.