Post by Prometheus on Nov 30, 2020 2:22:50 GMT
A penalty for being successful?
"Nothing is certain except death and taxes" or words to that effect have become a cliche. The topic of taxes is so much a part of our lives that I dare say that the topic is one of the first political discussions (or arguments) we can remember hearing in our homes as children.
The topic of taxes is central to our lives and, often, to our political decisions. Being central to our political decisions, is it any wonder that people who earn more tend to favor politicians who promise lower taxes? It's not always a "party thing" or some indicator of any larger ideology but simply a matter of personal economics.
If a poor person complains about being taxed too much, it becomes a "cause."
Ditto the folks on the lower rungs of "middle class."
Ditto the folks on the lower rungs of "middle class."
Why is there some much consternation then when more well-heeled people complain about high taxes?
"They can afford it!" is the usual retort. It sort of depends on where they actually are in the hierarchy, but in my experience, the richer a person is, the more debt they tend to have and therefore the more higher taxes will hurt them financially.
"They benefit more from the services provided by taxes."
Of course they do. There's no denying it. And they should pay more than a person scrounging for bus fare. But how much higher do their taxes have to be, and are "poorer" people willing to have their taxes increased when their benefit increases?
This is probably where people will say that the benefits to the poor (by programs like UHC or BIG - which I support) would ultimately benefit the rich even more in the long run: healthier, less-stressed workers do a better job, etc.
Again, very true. Healthier, less-stressed people tend to be more productive at work, but what is the benefit when there are no jobs for these healthy, less-stressed people because we taxed the rich and their companies right out of the country?
Again, very true. Healthier, less-stressed people tend to be more productive at work, but what is the benefit when there are no jobs for these healthy, less-stressed people because we taxed the rich and their companies right out of the country?
I think it's time to talk about being reasonable and equitable in tax policy. We don't need to jack up the percentages as much as we need to close the loopholes that allow less tax collection. The rich are already paying the lion's share of taxes collected even with the loopholes. Close the loopholes and drop the percentages. It's time for the US tax code to become shorter than the Bible or "War and Peace" rather than longer.
Sure. Some of the loopholes also benefit the "middle classes" too, but maybe it's time for everyone to learn how to manage their money beyond robbing Peter to pay Paul.
Sure. Some of the loopholes also benefit the "middle classes" too, but maybe it's time for everyone to learn how to manage their money beyond robbing Peter to pay Paul.
And while we're at it, let's stop this farcical notion that we are just "lending" money to the government: no more tax returns. You paid your taxes. The money is gone. Learn how to budget. There are plenty of countries in the world following this model and they get along just fine.
This is the point where everyone who was happy with my "close the loopholes" suggestion gets angry, because they don't just want the rich to pay their taxes. They want to hurt them... without suffering any pain themselves.
Sorry, kids. Life is pain. That's also as certain as death and taxes.
Instead of worrying so much about how to hurt the "enemy," try figuring out how to help everyone... even the "enemy"... especially the "enemy."
Maybe then, they'll become a "friend."
And, who knows, maybe some other problems will work themselves out in the process.
And, who knows, maybe some other problems will work themselves out in the process.
Stop voting for parties and start voting for real change rather than just changing the name of the oppressing group.
.........having seen a Doc on pandemics and how there's really nothing stopping them repeatedly arriving.![[cheers]](http://storage.proboards.com/7182076/images/engyBVslEdpmpmdnBwZQ.gif)
