&#62; I thought it was always was, and always will be, that way :-)<p>The system is significantly more progressive now than it was in the past.  The fraction of taxes paid by upper income folks is higher now than it was during the 91% days.  Federal income tax is only paid by folks with greater than median income.  (Yes, lower income folks do pay SS, but they get it back and more in retirement.  SS is much less favorable, in rate of return, for upper income folks.)