The tax man cometh for ... the middle class. So says Krugman.

President Obama is proposing tax increases on the wealthy -- income, reduction of charitable deductions and capital gains -- to pay for his massive spending increases both stimulus bill and general budget proposals for health, and environment.

I've said his increases and those of other liberals who want to see the expansion of government programs and activities, are never limited to the wealthy but invariably include the middle class and the poor. Why? Because the wealthy don't have enough money to pay for everything.

My thought was confirmed by liberal economist Paul Krugman of the New York Times. He loves President Obama's proposed budget but does point out it's contingent on the economy recovering -- it includes rosy economic forecasts. And as an aside he says we can expect tax increases on the middle class.

And even if fundamental health care reform brings costs under control, I at
least find it hard to see how the federal government can meet its long-term
obligations without some tax increases on the middle class. Whatever
politicians may say now, there’s probably a value-added tax in our future.

As President Obama moves us further down the road towards European-style socialism the question isn't if but how much will taxes go up on all Americans.