re: #279 Walter L. Newton

“The man of great wealth owes a peculiar obligation to the State,
because he derives special advantages from the mere existence of
government” - Teddy Roosevelt

In other words: With great compensation comes commensurate obligation.

Next sentence…

“Not only should he recognize this obligation in the way he leads his daily life and in the way he earns and spends his money, but it should also be recognized by the way in which he pays for the protection the State gives him.”

(Teddy Roosevelt - 1906 State of the Union address)

In the good old days the noblemen - the priveleged members of society - were required to provide their personal presence on the battlefield and spare troops to assist the king at war, thus risking their lives and their estates.