Quote from IShopAtPublix:
You should really read Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle"
The rights that people take for granted in the US (40 hour workweek, OSHA, FDA, USDA, etc.) did not come about due to generosity of corporations, but as a result of struggle for worker's rights. Both socialism and communism grew out of perceived inequities of the Industrial Revolution.
Since many people don't know history, they assume that certain concepts are outdated (Unions for example) and life can only improve (everlasting progress)
If your fundamental life philosophy is that workers are trash and "rich people" in their infinite wisdom dispense wealth upon the lesser human beings then you are inclined to believe that taxation of the rich is the most important thing.
People like me, perceive society as an interconnected and interdependent mechanism. The "rich" need a stable society built upon the rule of law with excellent infrastructure and educated hard working employees. The "rich" are not doing anyone any favors by employing others, it is a mutually beneficial transaction expertise for money.
P.S Instead of complaining, your wife should be grateful to live in the US and not in Romania for example. If US did not have 21st century "White man's burden" more money could be allocated towards making college and graduate school free.