300 word post

In recent decades, the difference between the income going to the richest and poorest segments of the US population has been increasing.

Since 1979, the after-tax income of the top 1% has increased by more than 250% while those among the bottom 20% have only seen an 11% increase. (Source: Statistical Abstract of the United States, 2010)

Does it matter if some groups have seen their income increase more rapidly than others?

Should the government impose higher taxes on the top 1% to try to shrink the "gap?"

Why or why not?