HI Slewnior,
I believe in the Christian way - but I keep it very personal and do not expect others to see it my way or any other way.
I think it is very Christian to share and help others in need.
My progressive taxation is not a cause for bitterness. It is an inequity that results from my labor being more productive. I'm proud of that.
I accept that the progressive tax rates are etched in stone, and part of the generous way we Americans help our own when they are in need.
I'm a bit of a complainer about the progressive tax system because it gets bent out of shape by politicians. A tax cut that was a greater percentage of one's income was first aimed and given to the low income people and on a percentage basis was less for high income owners get skewed to be "a tax cut to the rich".
There's a lot of spin for those who incorrectly claim such.
If one doesn't get credit for paying far more in taxes vs. the lower income people, and then gets incorrectly labeled as the great beneficiary of the tax cuts - it is a less than a complete description of who's paying how much.
It is a twist of politics that is not complete and very unfair.Usually parlayed by the democrats who are classless preachers of divisive class envy and wealth confiscation.
It proposes that those who make more money are somehow evil cheaters and or crooks. That's a loser's view!
I've only known a few very wealthy people. I can say they are eccentric and committed to work and doing things right and better than anyone other competitor, thus their earned success. They display a passion for their work. Many are not that motivated to their work - it is a decision that one makes and it has consequences.
As a rule their wealth is so well earned that they do not cut corners paying what is right or want problems with the IRS. The cheaters of the tax system are the side jobbers who sidestep income reporting and cheat about expenses and deductions on their tax return.
I'm not saying that is true of everyone, but I'd say that's a fair recap of both income levels I've known.
The progressive tax system not only weaves its way through income taxes,but now it is woven into the retired cost I must pay for medicare, that I've already paid more into than those with lower income levels.
It's just another progressive taxation on the higher wage earners.
I've focussed and worked hard in my life and a byproduct of that was making more money and I've paid more vs. the benefits I get.
I'm OK with that - its what successful people have to pay to work in the greatest capitalist system in the world.
I do wish the democrats gave those who paid more, the credit/appreciation they deserve, vs. spread their divisive class envy and wealth confiscation themes that is the opposite of what our great country stands for. It undermines the FACT that the Great American Dream is alive and well in the USA. But it almost always comes with the price of commitment to work!
Successful people who have made it big should be admired and be role models for those willing to work hard and emulate their success.
They should not be treated as derogatory cheaters who haven't paid their fair share, when in fact they have paid far more on a percentage basis. So these people are bad because they have made a lot of money?
That's a very arbitrary way to judge a person!
I don't think that has anything to do with Christianity.
I don't put a price tag on my faith. If I give more in the church plate passing by, that doesn't make me a better Christian? I trust not.
If I make more than the person next to me on the pew, that does mean I gave more back to my government in taxes. Sometimes I feel very proud about that and sometimes I feel like it got wasted by the big largess of government.
I try to keep my profile low and hang with regular folks. I marvel at how generous people with lower incomes are so giving. It often makes me raise my bar of sharing and generosity.
As to christianity - it is the lifestyle I was raised to believe in and follow.
The fact I paid more in taxes with in the progressive tax scheme does not make me a better Christian.
Many of the better Christians give of their time and caring - it is not a monetary scale.
In that regard, I'm not a better Christian.
I find (perhaps to a fault) the positive reinforcement of financially being successful. I work many hours on it trying to keep on top of my business and ensuring it stays that way.
I came up from living in a ghetto home in Flint michigan. I'd wake up at night hearing the rats tear through my kitchen waste can. A good birthday was a pair of new bluejeans. I was an independent, do it on my own kid, who didn't want the nurturing.
I came up from that impoverished level and vowed to never go back. I grew up quickly before I was 18 and am not very sympathetic about today's millennials who can't make it cuz times are tough. Being a GMI student in the energy crisis 1971 -1976 wasn't real feasy either. A lot of my fellow classmates didn't come back to graduate. I did. I was lucky, but worked hard with dean's list grades. I'll gift a lot of my wealth back to Kettering in the full belief they will help many who are now like I was then.
I'm very proud to no longer have that fear.
I'm not perfect by any means. But I'm proud of where i am , in particular from where I started.
As far as being a good Christian, I live within my sense of right, I've been generous to many who were in need (more than I'll ever detail) felt bad for the weak moments I've sinned and will wait for judgement at the pearly gates .
Interesting dialogue like I always enjoy with you.
Bob |
