Video: The Answer My Friend is Taxing the Rich

"What's the big deal about taxing the rich?" asked activist Harry Brill Monday evening. He stood on Solano Avenue under the awning of with a group of around 15. Each waved a sign that read, "MAKE THE RICH PAY MORE TAXES" or "INCREASE TAXES ON WEALTHY." Brill wanted to know why the wealthiest Americans couldn't "buy a 48-foot boat instead of a 50-foot boat" and help the country get what it needs, like decent schools, Medicare and social security. 

The rain saturated Solano Avenue, but failed to dampen spirits as the group broke into song.

"The answer my friend is taxing the rich / The answer is taxing the rich" they sang to the tune of Bob Dylan's Blowin in the Wind, accompanied by local musician Gregory Pratt on the guitar. 

When a couple of members of Grandmothers Against the War showed up, the lyrics were briefly changed to "Grandmothers against / against the War / Grandmothers against the war."

The group gets together weekly, usually on Monday nights, because — as Brill explained — they want to "do something" about the financial inequality that pervades the country. "People are starving," said Brill. "One in three children are in poverty. There should be a better distribution of taxes."

Evelyn Glaubman organizes the group events. "It's just me telling friends who then tell other friends," she said. The group plans to meet again next Monday at 6 p.m., with a location to be decided.

Is the answer taxing the rich? Share your thoughts in the comments.