By Scott Ronalds

One of the richest men in the world wishes he was taxed more. Warren Buffett paid $7 million in federal taxes last year, which equated to 17% of his taxable income. Surprisingly, this was the lowest rate of any of the 20 employees in his office.

In a rare plea in the New York Times, Buffett is asking Congress to stop pampering the super rich. “My friends and I have been coddled long enough by a billionaire-friendly Congress”, he notes. His advice to Washington is to leave rates unchanged for 99.7% of taxpayers and raise taxes on Americans making more than $1 million, with an additional increase in rates for those making $10 million or more.

As for the potential backlash, he believes the super-rich will take it in stride:

“I know well many of the mega-rich and, by and large, they are very decent people. They love America and appreciate the opportunity this country has given them … Most wouldn’t mind being told to pay more in taxes as well, particularly when so many of their fellow citizens are truly suffering.”

America needs to reduce its deficit, urgently. Its second richest citizen is willing to do his part, and feels that his bridge and poker buddies wouldn’t mind sharing in the sacrifice either. If nothing else, it’s an interesting message to Congress.