Why voters do not want to tax the top 1%.

From Robin Hood to revolutions, history is littered with stories of attempts to level the playing field between the rich and the poor. Yet, in 2011, it seems that most voters object to raising taxes on the richest one per cent of the population. What has brought about this change in attitude?
For thousands of years, wealth was often inherited or accumulated by violent warfare. The ruling class was feared and often despised. But over the twentieth century, this slowly changed. Now, the rich are viewed as celebrities. Many entrepreneurs, such as Bill Gates and Steven Jobs, are admired.
The rich are experts at public relations. When a member of the top one per cent gives to a charity, he or she makes sure to get recognition. Often this recognition is in the form of a newspaper article, but sometimes it is a name on a hospital wing.
However, I have a theory that may explain this phenomenon. The conservative Republicans and Tea Party activists are extreme optimists. In talking with devout conservatives who make less than median income, I often find a positive attitude about money. He or she has confidence. If a few breaks go his or her way, riches would follow. On the other hand, liberals are sometimes pessimists. They often have a good income. However, when a liberal looks at someone less fortunate, he can see himself if a few breaks had gone against him.
Just a thought.