Life was simpler in the fictional town of Mayberry, N.C., where “The Andy Griffith Show” was set, and images of Sheriff Andy Taylor and his son Opie evoke a more prosperous America. But did the mystique of that setting include a 90 percent tax rate on the wealthy?
On MSNBC Wednesday, appearing from the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., director and producer Ron Howard said he would be open to the wealthy paying more taxes.
“Well, to be honest, I remember on the ‘Andy Griffith Show’ when income taxes for the upper levels were as much as 90 percent,” Howard said. “And that’s the era that we often look back to with great nostalgia and it was a time of tremendous growth. So you know, I’m not averse to paying some taxes to try to help the country grow and help the economy grow.”
Howard said if that means paying more to the government than he currently pays, he is all for it.
“For me personally, I believe that it’s silly [to ask],” he replied “I’m with Warren Buffett on this one.”
Howard was in Washington, D.C. to promote a public service announcement for the Boys & Girls Club featuring Denzel Washington, Ashanti and LeBron James.
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