It could have, though. Higher taxes on the rich, spend it on social programs.
Let's pay down the debt before increasing social programs. You know, save the country first. If a penny saved is a penny earned then everyone -rich or poor- is looking for a handout.
Why is this so horrible. Put more resources in the hands of the average person. They will get pumped right back into the economy. If people have money to spend, they can buy more things, including goods and services from gigantic tax-dodging mega-corporations.
Gigantic mega-corporations do enjoy increased growth and higher sales, don't they? Or am I mistaken?