Saying ‘tax the rich’ hurts wealthy men’s feelings. Not taxing billionaires hurts everyone else

In New York, lawmakers are considering a pied-à-terre tax on second homes worth $5 million or more. It’s part of a growing wave of legislation focused on taxing the rich. 

But some wealthy people aren’t too happy about it. 

On an earnings call this week, Steven Roth, chief executive of Vornado Realty Trust, likened the rhetoric around taxing the rich to hate speech.

Steven Roth Chairman and CEO of Vornado Realty Trust, in 2017. [Photo: Misha Friedman/Getty Images] ...