You missed my point.  I'm not talking about the 1% at the top. The engine IS the middle class and small business.  I am an attorney who represents many small businesses and I see first hand every day what excessive regulations and taxes (not just income, but the myriad of taxes, fees,  expenses, etc.) do to a small business owner who is trying to make it for him or herself and their employees.  You want to help those who have less?  Sure, keep the safety net for those truly at the bottom, but for the rest of us, the private sector middle class and small businesses is a much better vehicle to create wealth for those with less.