Recent tendencies toward leftist policies encourage selfishness, lavish spending 
A cultural shift in the United States is evident. Examples of this fluctuation abound, from the acceptance of nudity in television programming to the change in perceptions of abortion to opinions of what defines marriage. This shift is not limited to social issues, however, as it extends into the economic spectrum as well. In December 2011, the Huffington Post published an article referencing a Pew Research Center poll that showed that 49 percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 29 held a favorable view of socialism, while only 46 percent had positive feelings toward capitalism. While some may argue that left-leaning social engineering will benefit America in the years ahead, what about leftist economic policies?
Mirroring the Marxist disdain for the bourgeoisie, Sen. Patty Murphy, a Democrat from Washington state, stated in July that her party would block any extension of the George W. Bush tax cuts that did not call for "the wealthy to pay their fair share." But what is their fair share? According to the Congressional Budget Office, the top 1 percent of wage earners pay 39 percent of American income taxes, while the top 20 percent of earners contribute 94 percent of U.S. income tax revenue. With the U.S. already boasting the most progressive income tax structure in the developed world, exactly what more do leftist leaders want? The same Pew poll revealed that 59 percent of Democrats claim a favorable view of socialism. Anyone doubtful of a cultural shift need only compare the Democrats of days gone by such as George Wallace, Strom Thurmond and Lester Maddox to current leaders like Patty Murphy, Maxine Waters and Keith Ellison.
One important example of the cultural shift, however, is the apparent lack of outrage over the impending increase in estate taxes if the Bush tax cuts are not extended. For hundreds of years, Americans have upheld rather than vilified the virtues of diligence, thrift, resourcefulness and, consequently, economic prosperity. There are even biblical principles discouraging debt (Proverbs 22), encouraging profitability (Matthew 25) and even leaving an inheritance for one's children and grandchildren (Proverbs 13) that are ingrained into many American minds. If the cuts expire, individual penalty-free bequests will be limited, and any inheritance in excess of $1 million will be taxed at 55 percent. Even the "gift tax" exemption that allows individuals to give portions of their wealth while still alive will be negated. The change will be especially difficult for family farmers who are forced to hold nearly $1 million per farm in land equity and equipment alone to remain competitive and family-owned businesses with similar situations.
Penalizing success stymies entrepreneurship and engenders selfishness. A culture that punishes the recipients of inheritance encourages individuals to consume for themselves and focus on the present, not the future.