Croat I know it seems like I am picking on you but really you are one of the few attempting to rationalize their opinion which I respect. This allows for us to have a discussion, which has a possibility to reach a point of mutual understanding. Not just for us but others reading our discussion. Now on to your point, I agree investment is good and should be encouraged but only 14% of global investment is innovative investment (meaning we are trying to develop a business or product). The rest is purely financial which is loans and bonds and such which have nothing really to do with overall economic growth and more to do with personal wealth. So taxing capital gains at a higher rate (at least reflexive of income which you actually have to WORK to make) would not be the end of the world. Lastly a fee on trading would put an end to automated high speed trading which has recently made the stock market into a mad house. I think there is a balance to be struck.