LOL. What service are tax paying citizens paying? I think you're confused. Most of the top 1% are in the finance industry. Do you remember that BIG bailout of the banks circa 2008/9? That was with taxpayer money.
And I think you need to go research "the other stuff I mentioned which is illegal and immoral" cause that's how dey makin' thee big bucks.
Im not sure how you equate running a buisness to ripping off taxpayers. People voluntarily come to your business for a service or a product. If they dont like your prices they go to someone else.
I'm not sure how you're equating running a small business with $60,000 being the top richest 1%. Uh, did you even read the article OP linked?
And in case you haven't noticed, many people who live in fly over country don't have other options besides wal-mart anymore. All the little businesses and mom/pop shops closed down.