Write Your Calhounian Class Autobiography

Isn't this dichotomy way, way too simplistic?

Consider the tax revenues that pay for roads. Do you drive on the roads? Lots of taxes pay for services or programs that we all enjoy to one degree or another. Even the development of the internet used lots of tax money. So how do you figure out if you're a net "tax producer" or "tax consumer?"

I also think it is difficult to calcualte one's status as a tax consumer/producer.

My family has received thousands in farm subsidies. But how much of that money has gone to land owners and equipment dealers? The farm subsidies have just increased demand for tractors and land.

I'd be willing to bet that in the next 20 years, the Calhounian class difference will outshine regular class distinctions, especially given the crowding out effect of Medicare and Social Security. People are already discussing the debate in those terms, albeit in an indirect way.

Ed, larger populations should result in more roads, so you should try to estimate the marginal amount of road spending resulting from your residence. Money has to come from somewhere, so there will always be Calhounian tax consumers and producers.