Backlash Against Rich Has Gone Global

IT IS never a great sign when politicians start appealing to taxpayers’ patriotism. Defending the French government’s recent decision to raise the top rate of income tax to 75%, Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici told Le Monde: "This is not a punitive measure, but a patriotic measure." The rich, he explained, are being given an opportunity to make "an exceptional contribution" to solving France’s financial problems. I am sure they are very grateful.