Jump to content
Join the Unexplained Mysteries community today! It's free and setting up an account only takes a moment.
- Sign In or Create Account -

Taxing the Rich


RavenHawk

Recommended Posts

OK, you define the rich as the top 2%, I assume, by income tax information.

Yes of course, what else would I be referring to? This is what was established by the President.

I'm sure you are aware that the federal government was fairly solvent for decades BEFORE there was an income tax. The point is that to balance a budget, one must spend less than one takes in, or at least no more than one takes in.

Yes, that is correct. That is why I am for repealing the 16th Amendment, cut spending, and get the government out of the Entitlement and welfare business.

So I don't understand your suggestion that revenue is not part of the equation or that spending is not either. You seem to offer an extremely over-simplified view of this issue that has partisan undertones. Maybe I'm misreading what you're posting?

I think you are misreading what I am saying and the thing is, is that this is very simplistic. It is not rocket science. Don’t make it more complicated that it really is.

I’m not suggesting that revenue is not part of the equation. Revenue is not a problem. What I am suggesting is what is the purpose of going after the rich to only gain $75 billion, when you need something on the order of $500+ billion? If there are a million here and a million there out there, then let’s identify and collect those first. And not allow the Bush tax cuts expire for everyone. Since this $75 is a contention then set it aside and go after the lion’s share of these millions “here and there”. Let’s collect the $425 billion first and see where that takes us.

Increase the revenue and cut the spending. It works for me, and why won't it work for the government?

We need to either raise revenue or cut spending. It is illogical to do both. This would be a wasteful, meaningless compromise. Cut spending to within our means, lower tax rates to stimulate growth and revenue will take care of itself. Q.E.D.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm not suggesting that revenue is not part of the equation. Revenue is not a problem. What I am suggesting is what is the purpose of going after the rich to only gain $75 billion, when you need something on the order of $500+ billion? If there are a million here and a million there out there, then let's identify and collect those first. And not allow the Bush tax cuts expire for everyone. Since this $75 is a contention then set it aside and go after the lion's share of these millions "here and there". Let's collect the $425 billion first and see where that takes us.

Yes of course...it's best to focus on other things first..lets say, military spending. Maybe there's a $25 billion there .. But no, that's too little. Let's focus on the remaining 300 billion first.

Maybe cut fundings for public transport a lil? That could be about another $10 billion. But no, that would be ridiculous to go after the ppl their transportation first. Let's focus on the remaining 290 billion first.

What about ... cutting some dollars in health care? About $50 billion over there. But no, that would be crazy to start cutting health care first..let's concentrate on the remaining 240 billion first and then we'll see where that leaves us... etc..

:rolleyes:

(these numbers are of course fictional to prove an overly obvious point)

Edited by Render
Link to comment
Share on other sites

We can discuss who needs to pay more or less and what is the best most fair way for the goverment to steal our money until we are blue in the face. but until the goverment learns to live with in it's means like the majority of americans including the top 2% it really doesn't mean anything. How far are we going to let the goverment go with this idea of finding new ways to increase revenue(steal more of our money). well let me tell you if the current trend continues I predict it will end with the goverment usurping all wealth and creating another socialist utopia that will last about as long as all the other ones.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Like Ryan said in the debate, don`nt let them kid you the taxes are not going to raised on the middle class. I see it comming,taxes will go up on just about everything. The Obama Care will kick in in 2014, another tax.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The ship is sinking and while one group is bailing with spoons another group is pulling more and more people (weight) into the boat. It's just a matter of time. The only thing left to be resolved is what the new global economy paradigm will look like for those who are not wealthy.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes of course, what else would I be referring to? This is what was established by the President.

Yes, that is correct. That is why I am for repealing the 16th Amendment, cut spending, and get the government out of the Entitlement and welfare business.

I think you are misreading what I am saying and the thing is, is that this is very simplistic. It is not rocket science. Don't make it more complicated that it really is.

I'm not suggesting that revenue is not part of the equation. Revenue is not a problem. What I am suggesting is what is the purpose of going after the rich to only gain $75 billion, when you need something on the order of $500+ billion? If there are a million here and a million there out there, then let's identify and collect those first. And not allow the Bush tax cuts expire for everyone. Since this $75 is a contention then set it aside and go after the lion's share of these millions "here and there". Let's collect the $425 billion first and see where that takes us.

We need to either raise revenue or cut spending. It is illogical to do both. This would be a wasteful, meaningless compromise. Cut spending to within our means, lower tax rates to stimulate growth and revenue will take care of itself. Q.E.D.

Well, you might be referring to an individuals net worth, for example, instead of the income tax. Very rich individuals do not pay much of an income tax, if they have a good accountant, which they all do. Capital gains, deferred income and many others are the game they play.

Revenue is not a problem? Then why are we talking about it? IF revenue were to equal expenditures, THEN it would not be a problem. Because it does not, and we have been practicing deficit spending for generations now, it is certainly a problem.

And so are expenditures a problem. I would say the latter is far more a problem than the former, but they are both a problem if we are to survive the inevitable.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

lets see, there are about 150-200,000 high speed transactions per second on a normal trading day. Taxing each with 1 cent that could be $20,000 per second, which would be half of the federal debt increase.

So, it's still a tax and someone will have to pay for it.

And what about the other half? And what assurances will be given that that money simply won't be spent?

No tax increases should be discussed until cuts are on the table as well. We've been down the road "increase taxes and we'll cut something later" road before and we've been ****ed every time.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The three most common ways Liberals say to decrease the Deficit is to 1) Let tax cuts on the Rich expire, and 2) Tax corporations more, and 3) end foreign wars.

So, then foreign wars have cost (going off a liberal leaning site) 1.4 Trillion since 2001 (almost 12 years), or about 100 Billion per year. Maybe 120 billion to round up for discussion.

Then add in the revenue brought in by taxing the rich.... The reported amount of which is 600 billion over 10 years. Or about 60 Billion per year. For a total of 180 billion per year.

Then add corporate tax increases... which makes up about 8% of the Federal Revenues, or about 8% of 2.2 Trillion, or about 175 Billion. So even DOUBLING that would only add another 175 Billion to the pot.

So then we end up with about 350 Billion extra is tax hikes and ending of foreign wars per year... When we are spending 1.4 Trillion Extra per year. So, even if we do all these Super Duper Liberal Fixes... we still are going to be DOWN a trillion dollars a year. Unless.... unless... we cut other stuff and raise other taxes. Which Obama's voters are not going to like, and so... so... it is not going to happen.

Basically there is not going to be any fix without a LOT of hurt. The Rich can't carry the entire burden, neither can corporations. And ending the various Wars helps in the single digit percentages.

Entitlements are going to HAVE to be looked at and somehow fixed.

There is no way to fix the Deficit to even Bush level spending, AND be "Nice" to the middle class.

Edited by DieChecker
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

. The Obama Care will kick in in 2014, another tax.

Please explain how you personally will be taxed?

I thought not.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Maybe you just don't comprehend the difference between $75 billion and $16 trillion??? What is needed is in the hundreds of Billions and all we need to initially cut down is maybe $5 trillion. At $500 billion per years would be 10 years.

Your timetable is an artificial construct. 10 years 20 years 50 years 100 years. What is it that you think the debt should be paid in 1 year?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

To resolve the debt crisis all Americans would need to pitch in.

Farm subsidies for the giant agro businesses and corporate welfare for oil companies and countless other businesses should be completely eliminated, our taxpayers funds should not be used to insure that dividends get paid to corporate shareholders.

The burden of this financial crisis should not laid on just the working middle class. The rich just like anybody else should pay a fair share, a tax rate at 40% may should high but that was the rate they paid during the 50's and 60's. People who make over $500,000 of income should pay this rate, those under should pay the 25% of income.

Study: Tax Cuts for the Rich Don't Spur Growth

Cutting taxes for the wealthy does not generate faster economic growth, according to a new report. But those cuts may widen the income gap between the rich and the rest, according to a new report.

A study from the Congressional Research Service -- the non-partisan research office for Congress -- shows that "there is little evidence over the past 65 years that tax cuts for the highest earners are associated with savings, investment or productivity growth."

In fact, the study found that higher tax rates for the wealthy are statistically associated with higher levels of growth....

The share of total income going to the top 0.1 percent hovered around 4 percent during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, then rose to 12 percent by the mid-2000s. During this period, the average tax rate paid by the 0.1 percent fell from more than 40 percent to below 25 percent.

From: http://finance.yahoo...-151649273.html

Edited by WHO U KIDDIN
Link to comment
Share on other sites

To resolve the debt crisis all Americans would need to pitch in.

Farm subsidies for the giant agro businesses and corporate welfare for oil companies and countless other businesses should be completely eliminated, our taxpayers funds should not be used to insure that dividends get paid to corporate shareholders.

I'd be in favor of those. The Agro Subsidies are probably around $10 billion a year, and Obama wants to cut that to $5 billion, which some Republicans have even shown favor toward. Big Oil supposedly is harder to nail down. The actual subsidies are somewhat more then $10 billion a year, but many organizations toss all kinds of other stuff in with that (including military defense of sources and pipelines), to get a yearly pricetag of $50 billion.

So cutting both of those we should get $60 billion a year off the Deficit, or about 5% of the Deficit.

We'll also probably be looking at higher farm produce prices and higher fuel prices... out of spite if not because of the cost of defering those lost revenues.

Edited by DieChecker
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't know, at my house when we run into a debt situation we try to spend less than we take in. It seems to work. I guess I could go steal from my neighbor to increase my revenue. I'm too lazy to get another job. I could hit my employer up to give me more money but, with these current economic times... well the stolen money would be tax free! life of crime here I come.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The tax rate will go up, they will use their deductions and they will end up paying less than the average person does.

This is the problem I have with it. Like others have said, there's no lack of deductions for people with a lot of money. The news is full of megacorporations that paid no taxes or even got a refund along with their billions of profit. For really rich people, the income tax rate means nothing.

For the move to have been an actual reform instead of an empty gesture, it should have focused on raising the taxes that rich people actually pay - capital gains, inheritence, gifts - that sort of thing or capping the deductions for any single tax filer. Of course, if he tried that on a Monday, I suspect the forum would be blowing up Tuesday with the breaking news that the President has been shot.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

or capping the deductions for any single tax filer.

That is what I think should be done. Fix the existing tax law, don't just pile more useless, unenforcable crap on top.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't know, at my house when we run into a debt situation we try to spend less than we take in.

National economics are in no way comparable to your household budget.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

National economics are in no way comparable to your household budget.

Yeah they operate in fairy world it appears. the freaking money keeps appearing as fast as they can spend it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

National economics are in no way comparable to your household budget.

Only in that it is like a person being able to increase their own credit card limit and being able to print up more money if they need to make a run to the store.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Your timetable is an artificial construct. 10 years 20 years 50 years 100 years. What is it that you think the debt should be paid in 1 year?

Yes, of course it is an artificial construct. It comes from Washington. It sounds impressive like our leaders are actually doing something. When they speak of a $5trillion reduction, it’s over a 10 year period but we all know that they also mean “Revenue Enhancements”. I would want to see like $1 trillion per year. At the very least substantial spending cuts put on the table. I would prefer that the GDP surpass the debt but we would need a Reagan for that. But you still haven’t answered the question of the OP yet and that is, how far do you think $75 billion per year is going to carry us?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

(these numbers are of course fictional to prove an overly obvious point)

You had a point?? The obvious point is that we need spending cuts across the board now! And I hope we do go off the fiscal cliff so that those cuts go into effect. The government is hurting the people by spending so much on Entitlements and welfare.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, you might be referring to an individuals net worth, for example, instead of the income tax.

I’m referring to the income tax tables which everyone else is. Or at least those that are asking the question of how much will be raised.

Very rich individuals do not pay much of an income tax, if they have a good accountant, which they all do. Capital gains, deferred income and many others are the game they play.

Overall, the poorest end up with about the same amount of breaks in the tax rate that the top 1% do. I’m not looking at the data right now, but both get about a 12% break off of their tax bracket.

Revenue is not a problem? Then why are we talking about it? IF revenue were to equal expenditures, THEN it would not be a problem. Because it does not, and we have been practicing deficit spending for generations now, it is certainly a problem.

We shouldn’t be. But you have the wrong point of view. It should be that the expenditures should be within revenue. That is why deficit spending is a problem.

And so are expenditures a problem. I would say the latter is far more a problem than the former, but they are both a problem if we are to survive the inevitable.

It’s not “and so”, it is THEe problem. If we are to survive then we need to cut both.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The burden of this financial crisis should not laid on just the working middle class. The rich just like anybody else should pay a fair share, a tax rate at 40% may should high but that was the rate they paid during the 50's and 60's. People who make over $500,000 of income should pay this rate, those under should pay the 25% of income.

So you don’t think that the top 10% paying 70% of the tax burden is fair? BTW, the tax rate of the rich in the 50s and 60s ranged in the 70% to 90%.

Cutting taxes for the wealthy does not generate faster economic growth, according to a new report. But those cuts may widen the income gap between the rich and the rest, according to a new report.

Interesting that it uses the adjective “faster”?? So it doesn’t deny that it does promote economic growth. Lower taxes still gives positive growth? Isn’t that preferable? You also forgot that the environment also effects growth. I.e., if there is a threat of taxes going up, then investors will be less likely to invest. Does the report cover that?

A study from the Congressional Research Service -- the non-partisan research office for Congress -- shows that "there is little evidence over the past 65 years that tax cuts for the highest earners are associated with savings, investment or productivity growth."

In fact, the study found that higher tax rates for the wealthy are statistically associated with higher levels of growth....

And I can tell you that without reading it that the study is very skewed. What was going on between 1945 and 1971 as what was going on from 1972 to 1980 as what was going on from 1981 to 2007?

1945 to 1971: We were in debt from the Depression, The New Deal, and WWII. It took us until 1971 to pay down that debt. Tax rates for the rich were 90%. But the cash was flowing. Manufacturing was at its peak because we were rebuilding not only ourselves but also Europe, Japan, and China. It was good times.

1972 to 1980: Manufacturing for rebuilding wasn’t needed as much and we were getting competition from others like Japan. But tax rates remained high which incurred inflation and higher gas prices, etc.

1981 to 2007: The Reagan Boom, tax rates were drastically cut. Pay got better. More people could invest. The Stock Market skyrocketed. You can only make money if you invest money.

Of course there is a lot more going on, but this study only averages out these different periods (as if there weren’t separate periods), so of course there is little evidence.

The share of total income going to the top 0.1 percent hovered around 4 percent during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, then rose to 12 percent by the mid-2000s. During this period, the average tax rate paid by the 0.1 percent fell from more than 40 percent to below 25 percent.

The rich will always get richer. Why be concerned about that? In fact that is what you want to happen. Because our rich get richer, creates a standard of living for the poor in this nation that they are better off than some 80% of the rest of the world. Our poor would be the wealthy in most other nations.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

We can discuss who needs to pay more or less and what is the best most fair way for the goverment to steal our money until we are blue in the face. but until the goverment learns to live with in it's means like the majority of americans including the top 2% it really doesn't mean anything. How far are we going to let the goverment go with this idea of finding new ways to increase revenue(steal more of our money). well let me tell you if the current trend continues I predict it will end with the goverment usurping all wealth and creating another socialist utopia that will last about as long as all the other ones.

You're right they'll never learn or rather act responsibly as I know they know full well how they are screwing us.

The lefties and socialists will cry the EVERYBODY NEEDS TO CHIP IN FAIR SHARE WHAA WHAA BLAH BLAH taxes are patriotic broken record bs. But the problem is that tax payers always have and always will chip in sometimes a whole lot and sometimes a little but that doesn't matter because every dime we've given them they've spent. That's fine though. They are supposed to spend it. The problem is that they have also irresponsibly made astronomically large purchases on credit and then tell us what a jam they're in and that somebody needs to pay for their mistakes, the rich and really all of us throughout time. And so taxes go up and they do the same thing all over again. No, they just continue doing the same things as they never got out of debt and started over. Then they ask for more and so on and so on until we become 16 trillion in debt and half the country has had enough of being told it's their patriotic duty to keep bailing them out when they never use the bail money as they should. There is no end in sight. It will go on and on until everything crashes. So lets put further spending aside and give Obama his 1.6 trillion in new taxes over the next ten years. Is it just me or would that not take 100 consecutive years of the same policy with no inflation and no interest and absolutely zero spending on anything to pay off? The only way to even consider balancing out is all troops at home, no wars, no foreign aid except for private donations, strictly constitutional spending on true general welfare and only necessary additions and infrastructure maintenance, reasonable wages for those in office, no extravagant tax paid vacations or entertainment, a major reform of the tax code thereby granting a business and consumer friendly capitalistic marketplace, no lobbying and the utmost consideration to the appropriation of tax dollars and balancing budget sheets to the dollar all the while paying as much as possible towards every owed debt until we are free and clear of them all. Is that too much?

Edit: meant to ask how the minuscule amounts of money from the rich guarantee anything but class envy and division?

Edited by -Mr_Fess-
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah they operate in fairy world it appears. the freaking money keeps appearing as fast as they can spend it.

Your household does not print money for one thing.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes, of course it is an artificial construct. It comes from Washington. It sounds impressive like our leaders are actually doing something. When they speak of a $5trillion reduction, it's over a 10 year period but we all know that they also mean "Revenue Enhancements". I would want to see like $1 trillion per year. At the very least substantial spending cuts put on the table. I would prefer that the GDP surpass the debt but we would need a Reagan for that. But you still haven't answered the question of the OP yet and that is, how far do you think $75 billion per year is going to carry us?

so basically you're admitting that the timetables that you use to justify your ranting in this thread are meaningless. Thanks. 75B is 75B. It's not zero.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.