Personally, I think the argument is pointless unless we discuss all taxes (and this includes fees, tariffs and any other monies we pay our local, state, and federal governments) if you add up all the taxes we pay, those on the lower end of the economic ladder pay a disproportionate percentage of their income to the government and to financial institutions just to get by

Prove it. Financial institutions, yes..because lower income individuals may borrow more, and end up paying more interest. I think usurous interest is deplorable,when it occurs, and Financial institutions should be held accountable. Taxes...no way. Most of the tax (all levels) is being paid by those with the most taxable income.

Sure the rich have an easier run of it, as you have stated. They're rich! And good for them, if they've earned their money honestly and through hard and non-exploitive work. A graded tax scheme...fine, but a steep increase beyond a certain income level...why? It amounts to penalization.