Progressive Tax Codes

I don't think that progressive taxation is in all cases necessarily and absolutely against the natural law. For starters, there should at least be tax brackets to allow a break for the poor, if not a fleecing of the rich. Furthermore, to a limited degree, I would say some fleecing of the rich is acceptable. Why? How could I hold that what is immoral for an envious, looting mob should not also be immoral for Leviathan?

I dunno. It is indeed difficult to derive from first principles, but the legitimate sovereign state just seems to be a valid, distinct moral category, to which there pertain privileges beyond those of the private citizen.

That being said, it is terrifying how the masses don't give a second thought to the perceived justice of the rich being forced to pay taxes at a higher rate then everyone else. "But the rich have an obligation to help the poor," says the imaginary interlocutor, to which I respond, "Absolutely!" But more importantly, I have an obligation to not be party to the envious looting of what isn't mine!