Out of the loop

Oh I agree. Also some of these programs are pretty important. And even the less important ones exist for a reason. I'm not necessarily against trimming the fat but it should be given more consideration than "CLOSE ALL THE THINGS!!"

They have to worry that higher taxes will cause the economy to slow down. Some economists think this is bullshit, and it probably is. But the wealthy will definitely find tax havens and bring their money there, wherever it is in the world. Look at Switzerland.