I'll bite, as in my initial post I did not blanked the entirety of the profession. What firms, agencies, or interests have you acted as a consultant for? I'd be inclined to believe that if we are talking about an aggregate monetary value exceeding a billion; Whyregisterhere? could have a field day incompasing the scope of social or economic devestation those interests may have incurred. I will concede that I could be in the wrong (but this is probably not likely).
Yahoo1991's post in point. He attributes bitterness to the argument, while totally ignorant of those he is responding towards. His argument that his profession has brought economic growth and prosperity as a whole to society' is laughable, not just in light of the above example (my grandfather), as only a tool would argue this was the case. To harbor in anyway the belief that the average standard of living has not become more removed from the upper classes is asinine.
Continuing, the fallacy that your taxes in any way contribute to your fellow human beings, is indeed that. I by no means decry priviledge, or opportunity as some injust social evil to be abolished, but ones associations (not just with fellow human beings) are a conscious choice that can have negative effects on millions of individuals. Individuals moreover, in many cases (not necessarily yours), offset their actions by some small charitable contribution, which is insignificant in comparison to the damage inflicted. I never bring up my personal charitable work, or what I have accomplished in it's regards- as it is an act of charity and love in which I would be embarrassed to ever expect or want recognition in lieu.
Because one can, does that necessarily mean one should? It could be argued that in no way have you made use of your 'above average intellect or work ethic' (once again refer to my above points that I could be incorrect in regards to your career), as if that were the case could you not be equally successful without resorting to the profession in question? Further argument could be made, that if the above was correct, you chose a much easier path- and that if anything throws doubt upon the claims above.
You bring up arguments in regards to the state of the economy (I'll assume the US is the basis), but what professions have contributed to this development? Once again, what companies, interests, what professions? Are we going to laughingly exonerate the institutions of banking and law (in regards to this)? Their contributions are significant.
I care nothing about socioeconomic classes. The question is that of the consequences of ones actions, or morality if you want. Many times these are justified to oneself because they may be indirect, or intentionally ignorant (to sooth any conscious doubts)- this is a path well worn, and it does not take much thought to conclude why this is may be.
Equal is not necessarily fair, but does the same comparison not also extend to law. Law is by no means just. The direct harm that has been inacted upon individuals under the guise of lawfulness (or law) is so extensive and perverse that it should sicken the majority of people. Unfortunately all the checks and balances that were intended to avoid these problems have intentionally been thrown out- under the guise of prosperity (for a few).