The coming social disaster as best I can figure

[BigV]

So the ALG's interpretation of the line in the Berkshire document is that Berkshire probably owes some taxes.

Are you suggesting that incorporated entities decline to take advantage of all the benefits of the tax laws available to it? Why would anyone voluntarily pay more taxes than the law obligates them to do so? Your citation says they had the chance to pay more but didn't. Ok, that makes them EXACTLY like every other person I know. I only pay what I have to, I take advantage of all the legal options available to me to minimize the taxes I pay, so do you.

And I'd like you to try to substantiate the assertion that Buffett advocates paying more taxes. What I've read is that Buffett advocates changing the tax laws so that those with more means pay more taxes. This story simply validates Buffett's point--the laws in place now make it legal and possible, indeed, compulsory for corporations to pay as little as possible (see fiduciary responsibility and corporate opportunity). Which, ironically, results in a lower percentage than some individuals pay.

Thanks for making Warren Buffett's point for him.