hypocrisy: insider trading in Congress?

[Ron B]

Yep. They should be on the same retirement programs, have the same health care options and everything else as we do. That they don't is as much our fault as theirs. Until we demand it and hold them accountable they will continue to gild their cage with our money.

I agree 100%. We allow this to continue...maybe we should occupy somewhere? I'll bring the tarps and deoderant!

 

[cgalpha08]

Great comment. Let's add one more to that list. Lead from the front. If they want to force healthcare, or any other socialist program, on us. They should all take it on themselves first and see how it works out for them before they push it on us.

couldnt agree more!!

 

[Ron B]

Great comment. Let's add one more to that list. Lead from the front. If they want to force healthcare, or any other socialist program, on us. They should all take it on themselves first and see how it works out for them before they push it on us.

so called socialist health programs will never work in the country (excepting military? or my union healthcare plan?) because there is too much money to be made and we have been doing it the other way so long that it's just plain too late now -- so we are told how bad it would be if we were like those other countries and how people die while waiting in line etc...

So, while I definitely agree that it will never work here, one cannot say it doesn't work. Sure all systems have their flaws but we have to realize that our system is far from perfect as well. And yes (at the risk of sounding like an "ism")...if the morons in charge want to make us do something, they too should be in the same boat and lead by example.

 

[3Hummers]

I agree, we all need to pay our share. It is frustrating that half the country owes no income taxes (in fairness, they do still pay payroll, excise, medicare tax so they are not getting off totally free). That being said, the bottom 50% of the US accounted for 2.5% of the country's wealth in '07, which was $1.45 trillion. So even taking half of everything they have is a drop in the bucket -- me thinks what a lot of the freaking out about is raising the tax on the top 2% from 35% to 39%? Somewhere I read that the 4% increase would generate over $700 billion...which is coincidentally almost exactly half of what the bottom 50% "own".

Even more frustrating to me is when 30 of companies from the Fortune 500 owed no taxes for '08 thru '10. I know it's all loopholes and creative accounting but still smells fishy when I (and I assume everyone here) pay more taxes than General Electric (zero).

I see both sides and persuasive arguments can be made both ways. But the truth remains no matter what numbers or stats one posts...we are in deep doo-doo and all the gov can do is argue over our nation's motto and make pizza a vegetable...which brings me to another hypocrisy thread!

rb

Don't disagree in many respects, that is why I understand the need for a progressive tax system( even though I really like the flat tax or sales tax concept ) Paying payroll and Medicare taxes is putting down a deposit on future services you will receive. No one should get a break from that. From a philosophical standpoint I totally disagree with the notion that anyone, much less a huge percentage of the country, should pay no income tax, ie contribute to the national defense, roadway system, etc that we all use. I think people should have the choice to buy health care or not but they should be responsible for the cost of whatever healthcare they receive regardless of how they handle it. Me, you and everyone else should not be asked to pay for someone else's healthcare or any other expense of living. 99 weeks of unemployment benefits, unlimited welfare, subsidized housing....the list of well intentioned freebies is a mile long, there are no time limits on it or maximum benefits...no wonder we have an entire segment of the population that feels entitled to live at our expense. Makes you want to quit working, lay everyone off, buy a bunch tax free municipal bonds and tell the world to go hell.HHHmmmmmm retirement is sounding better and better.

 

[Ron B]

Makes you want to quit working, lay everyone off, buy a bunch tax free municipal bonds and tell the world to go hell.HHHmmmmmm retirement is sounding better and better.

Your words are wise...and take me with you David! Don't leave me behind!! I too have been a fan of the flat tax for a while now. I like how Australia has their tax system structured.

here is a chart from CNN/Fortune Magazine with their breakdown (from the Tax Policy Center i DC) of the half that won't owe 2010 income tax. I think "poor" was defined in the census as a family of 4 living below $23k...with jobs so scarce today, I wonder what percentage of the 63 million (the bottom 68% of the non-paying 45%) are living under $23k (which I cannot imagine doing in these times)?

I think my vote is for 3Hummers!!