I’ve written numerous columns recently about the need to find common ground in today’s polarized political climate. One way to do this is by encouraging citizens to focus on matters that materially affect their lives, rather than being distracted by symbolic or trivial battles. Over the past two decades, politicians have spent enormous political capital waging culture wars that have little to no tangible impact on most Americans. Instead of directing our frustration at those politicians, we often turn our anger on one another. And when we do express anger toward political leaders, it is frequently misdirected.

We blame politicians for crime, inflation, grocery prices, and a host of other problems over which they have limited control. Meanwhile, the super-rich live lavishly (think: Wal-mart heiress commissions new $300 million yacht), largely insulated from public outrage.

When someone finally proposes that the ultra-wealthy pay more in taxes (such as California’s Billionaire Tax), we are warned to panic. We’re told the rich will flee, taking their money with them to another state or country, and that higher taxes will cripple economic growth. The problem is that history does not support this claim.

In fact, the top marginal tax rate was in the 1950s and 1960s, precisely when the U.S. economy was growing rapidly. Population growth during that period was also strong and steadily increasing. In short, economic and population growth have continued regardless of tax rates on the wealthy.

But let’s assume, for the sake of argument, that times have changed and higher taxes really would cause the rich to leave. Where exactly would they go? Of the 38 members countries in the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), only nine have lower tax rates than the U.S. Would large numbers of wealthy Americans really relocate to countries like Mexico or Chile for a marginal tax advantage? It’s possible, but high unlikely.

Another common objection to taxing the wealthy rests on “trickle-down economics”: the idea that if those at the top accumulate more wealth, it will eventually benefit everyone else. Unfortunately, this simply hasn’t happened. Since the 1970s, wealth has become increasingly concentrated. Today, the richest 10% of Americans (34 million people) own roughly 67% of the nation’s wealth. In other words, those 34 million individuals possess more wealth than the remaining 300 million Americans COMBINED. This imbalance has grown dramatically over the past five decades.

Some argue that the ultra-rich make up for this through charitable giving. But the data tell a different story. High-income individuals give from their surplus: those making $2 million or more donate roughly 4-8% of their income, while people earning under $50,000 give 14%. More importantly, it would be far more effective for the wealthy to use their power and influence to advocate for higher taxes on themselves (something 400 millionaires and billionaires did recently), rather selectively funding private charities. Such an approach would better serve the public good by supporting higher teachers and police salaries, better funded K-12 schools, and a more affordable health care system.

Have we become so blinded by greed that we are willing to excuse billionaires for fleeing higher taxes rather than giving up a vacation home, yacht, or private jet?

All of this brings to mind something I read recently that left a lasting impression: everything we possess – our money, our property, our wealth – came from someone else and will pass to someone else. None of it is truly ours. In the end, the only thing we genuinely own are our actions. If the wealthy would rather run than contribute to the common good, we need to make them own that choice.

Dr. Raymond E. Barranco is professor of sociology at Mississippi State University. He earned his Ph.D. in Sociology from Louisiana State University, and his work has been published in multiple criminology and sociology journals. Dr. Barranco invites readers to send feedback and sociology-related questions you’d like him to address in this space to [email protected].

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