Just because you say it is the same, does not mean it is the same.
Look, 40-45% of Americans pay no federal income tax. That is the ultimate tax shelter. True, they almost certainly do not have disposable income to invest in stocks and bonds, but their tax treatment is more favorable, and that is the point.
There are about 25.8 million IRAs, where interest, dividend and capital gain income goes untaxed until it is withdrawn and capital gains and dividend income are then taxed at favorable rates. You can even get a tax break for your contribution each year. (Not so for Roths which are not taxed when tapped) I would have thought many CC posters have IRAs or are aware of them.
http://www.iramarketreport.com/interesting-statistics-on-iras-that-savers-should-know/450/
I do not know how many people have savings beyond IRAs. All of these savings may/can be put into capital investments that produce gains, dividends, and/or interest—with risk.
And you are saying the availability of earning tax-favored income is about the same as the chance of becoming a runway model in Paris? Entertaining line, but complete fallacy (Reminds me of a Presidential candidate or two)
If this forum is a microcosm of the country’s financial literacy, I think there is a lot of work to be done