"should the wealth creators in our society pay for everyone else?"
That's the essence of your idea. Marx would say that the rich are "parasites who live off the labor of the working class."
Same idea, turned on it's head.
Perhaps if those who are fortunate enought to have can share with those who do not, AND those who can will work to their best ability AND no one cheats - we can have an equitable system. I think some people call in "communitarianism." But that will most likely only work for small, homogenous communities (Denmark, anyone?)
Anyway, I am just reacting to your emotional tone. Perhaps it would be better if you didn't imply that all the rich were virtuous, hard-working heroes and all the poor were lazy, scum-sucking slobs. Welfare queens and noblesse oblige. Ginger, where are you on this argument?