re: "weak propaganda"
I think it is a parable. Demonstrates that those who pay the most taxes should get most of the tax cut. Those that pay no taxes should not get any of the tax cut. Seems pretty straight forward and fair to me!
"how much of america's wealth do those 10% control? is it over 60%? all of a sudden the tax burden falls into context. amazing what happens when numbers aren't manipulated."
Many centuries ago, an Italian economist Vilfredo Pareto did a study of wealth distribution in the world. He found 80% of the wealth was controlled by 20% of the people. I believe this is probably about the same today. Those 20% of the people pay 80% of the taxes, and that is fine too. But when there is a tax cut, they should get 80% of the cut as well! (IMHO)
"i don't believe in self motivated situational ethics. therefore, my standards DO NOT change with my income bracket. if i'm poor, i want to pay a lower % in taxes. as i get wealthier, i want to pay more due to my good fortune. seems quite rational. if the poor have it so good... then become poor and match their lifestyle... think of all those tax dollars you will save!"
I agree with you 100%. However, when there is a tax cut, people should benefit in proportion to what they pay, dont you think?
"i'm waiting for the rich to argue they don't get anything back in services. please. corporate welfare is many times greater than welfare for the poor. the tax code is welfare for accountants. the legal system is welfare for lawyers. the military used to be a jobs program. military contracts yield billions ($20k toilet seats and the like)."
I agree to a point that there are many things in our system that benefit the wealthy, but I do not think you can consider a source of employment or business opportunity that requires education and competition as welfare. The legal system does not give handouts to lawyers...presumably they have to have a lengthy education in the law and work / compete to get the most lucrative work. Same with opportunities for military contracts...the money (arguably!) is not just handed out. Presumably there is competition and the most efficient qualified firm gets the job. Dealing a small amount with military specifications for my employer, I can tell you that there are a lot of details that have to be taken care of to do this kind of work. It is not a hand out! While tax accountants benefit from the tax code, they still have to compete for the most lucrative work. My wife has done taxes for people and it is hard work and does require training on the tax code. To me, welfare is something that is given to someone, but the recipient does not provide an equal amount of work in return.
"It is intellectually dishonest to change one's view on taxation as one's tax bracket increases."
A previous boss of mine used to say "Where you stand on an issue depends on where you sit." On the other hand, did I say anything to give you the impression that my view on taxation is related to my tax bracket? If I did, I apologize...as I did not mean to.
"btw, yes the govt spends too much and wastes too much money. yes, they should be more efficient. yes, everyone should benefit from the savings."
That is why I support Bush. He is in favor of less government. Everyone who pays taxes should benefit, but the benefit should be in proporation to the taxes paid.
"In case you didn't know, the game is not tax cuts. if everyone gets equal cuts then purchasing power (the real deal!) essentially goes nowhere due to price increases to offset the new demand. the game is to increase one's taxes MORE than everyone else. the rich *know* this is the game. the *poor* know this. the middle class appears to be asleep. they'd take a "tax cut" even if it meant their purchasing power dropped. the headline appears to be enough."
I consider myself to be finanically and economically astute. I have a MBA and have taken quite a few economics courses. Your point that tax cuts will result in equal offsetting inflation is not true. Certanily there will be an inflationary component, but all of the money will not be spent. Much of it, particularly that to the higher tax brakets, will be saved or invested. There will be benefits in the form of stimulation to the economy as well as additional investment capital. |
