Show Me Yours, And I'll Show You Mine
81
You heard me correctly. That's right. I want to see what you've got. Mr. Geithner, Mr. Kerry, and Mr. Rangel. If you show me yours, I'll gladly show you mine. The money, that is, of course. More specifically, the money I have to pay in taxes to my government. You see, when I see your grimacing face on the news show, "This Week," and hear the words fall from your lips, "We're going to have to do what's necessary. We have to bring these deficits down very dramatically, and that's going to require some very hard choices," I think to myself—what about you? Okay, you've paid your taxes by now. I got that. But would you have paid them had you not been posted to your current position as Treasury Secretary? And why didn't you pay them in the first place? Did you have some personal deficits of your own that needed to be paid down dramatically that you redirected money that may have gone to those taxes to your debts? Were there hard choices to be made on whether or not the taxes should be paid—or perhaps the self-discussion was more, whether or not you'd be caught?
Speaking of the idea that, "We have to bring these deficits down very dramatically," I find myself wondering why, in the discussion arguing for allowing the Bush tax cuts to expire—which is really what we're talking about here—we're not also hearing a word spoken about cutting any real spending. What I hear is that we'll just go on spending like mad, and we'll just keep hiking up the tax rates and everything will be hunky dory.
Don't fret. The expiring tax cuts will only affect the top 2%.
On both counts, I don't think so, friend.
But that's the thing. When these guys (the politicians and appointed officials) all say, "we," they obviously mean us. The people. Not them. Because so often we hear stories about sleight of hand when it comes to politicians and their taxes.
Like Kerry, for example. How seriously can we take a guy like that? Here's a guy who will most definitely vote for the Bush tax cuts to expire who plays games with his own taxes to avoid paying them. The responsibility to reduce the deficit obviously does not apply to his millionaire status. That's for those other millionaires. The bad guy millionaires.
As far as Rangel goes, I don't think I need to say any more on the issue that hasn't already been said a half a dozen times in the blogosphere and right here on Hub Pages. He's a tax cheat and I hope he gets a swift kick right in the kiester, and maybe even a swift kick right out of office. If he doesn't get that boot from the Congress itself, that boot ought to come from the voters. No one in their right mind would have any rational reason to let this guy continue on.
Look, I'm not against taxes. Certainly that's not to suggest that I like taxes. But there are indeed essential functions of our government that have to be paid for. The police, for example. Fire and rescue. We have to have a military presense to maintain our sovereignty and secure the nation from people who wish to do us harm. I'll even concede that while I did not appreciate the shenanigans that led to having to bail out AIG and other large banks, that in light of the situation, we had to do it. I'm fairly confident that without some level of intervention, the economy of the United States, and perhaps the world, would have collapsed in a way that would have made the Great Depression look like a child's game.
The bottom line for me, is that if I have to pay my taxes, for whatever the purpose is that they are being taken from me, then it needs to be a fair game. You (the politicians) have to play fair. You have to pay your taxes as well, and do your part.
On a bit of a sidenote, I think quite frankly, that you too (again, politicians) must make hard choices in what you do, and how you do it. Take how much you're getting paid for example. Perhaps you should reconsider taking any pay increases so long as 10% of the population is unemployed, and struggling, and while the deficits are literally bursting at the seams. Perhaps you should be thinking about the impact of higher deficits, and higher taxes on the overall economy.
And of course pay your taxes too. All of them. Just like you expect everyone else to do. Don't try to park your yacht in a state where they don't levy a tax on such items, and then snidely suggest that whether or not the taxes are owed depends on who owns it. How stupid do you really think the American people are? Isn't that one of the oldest tricks in the book? Hiding assets. Especially luxury ones which are taxed in your state but not in others? And aren't you supposed to be beyond that? Aren't you supposed to be one of those guys who protects the government from such fraudulent, tax cheats? Aren't you supposed to be one of those guys who identifies loopholes and closes them, rather than takes advantage of them quietly so long as no one notices?
Show me yours and I'll gladly show you mine, guys. Every one of you. I'm not that way. I'll go ahead and participate in what's necessary to do. I'll make my sacrifices, and I'll pay my taxes as you deem fit. Whether I agree with it or not is, of course, irrelevant. The taxes will be charged irregardless of what I think. They'll be charged irregardless of whether or not I like what they are being used for. I'll pay them because that's my obligation as an American. I'll make my hard choices because that's what I have to do when my job goes south and my taxes go up.
Somehow, I am oddly left with this nagging suspicion that I, and my fellow other Americans, may be the only ones standing, exposed, at the end of the day. We can't really believe for a minute that an expectation of honesty and integrity from the likes of these scoundrels is really something that's even possible. Can we?
Hubs I've Read Recently
- Yummy lunch ideas for kids when your on a budget!
So the other day I left to go to my hair appointment. My trip to the beauty salon happens about every four months after several reschedulings. So by the time I am able to go, I'm pretty excited! Either that... - Little Pink Houses For You And Me, Watch Video
Do you like pink houses ? This hubs for you. www.hubpages.com/fans/add/zzron Don't you just love itLittle Pink Houses For You And Me, Watch Video Do you like pink houses ? This hubs for... - Tax Dodging Dirt-Bag Dems
****ALL FIGURES QUOTED IN THIS ARTICLE WERE OBTAINED BY USING THE NAME OF THE PERSON, /TAXES. I USED THE WEB SITE ASK.COM******* Well, as I sit here stewing in my endless anger over the destruction that the...
 | Amazon Price: $50.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $1.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $5.88 List Price: $11.94 |
 | Amazon Price: $29.50 |
 | Amazon Price: $0.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $2.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $19.88 List Price: $24.99 |
Kerry in the hotseat...
Read More by Springboard
- The Mosque Is Not About Religious Freedom
Allow me to cut right to the chase, if you will, about this whole Mosque thing. This was, without question, a rather hot button topic from the start. But after remarks from President Barack Obama recently... - It's Not Just About Immigration Anymore
The situation on our borders with Mexico is yet another glaring example of the absolute idiocy, and incompetence of the Obama administration. The president has now been given every reason to clamp down on... - Corporate Boards Are Glorified Thiefs
I have nothing against the rich. I should set that onto the table right off the bat. In fact, just the other day in my own comments on another hub I made reference to the expiring of the Bush tax cuts as sort... - The Springboard
On Blogspot; the occassional random thought, political rant, talk about money, or whatever comes to mind at any particular moment. - SPRINGBOARD ON THE 5 O'CLOCK NEWS
It is said that everyone eventually is honored with their very own 15 minutes of fame. Yesterday that honor literally landed on my doorstep thanks to a local deputy who was recently charged with an OWI after...
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (10)
- Funny (7)
- Awesome (4)
- Beautiful (7)
- Interesting
CommentsLoading...
Springboard,
Great hub here. You really echo and strengthen the points I made in my recent hub. Like you, I have NO PROBLEM opening my tax return for any and all to see, though the paltry amount I earn is depressing! Also, I know there is a need for taxes to pay for public services and military expenditures, but nearly all the drunken spending being done by the left is just unnecessary and they could EASILY make some cuts instead of raising OUR taxes. Of course, that wouldn't help them buy any votes!
I am disturbed by leaders who do not respect the laws of the land. They should be the first to obey laws, pay taxes, and set the example for the rest of us. That's what leadership is about.
POP, if only we threw these guys in jail like we do a guy like Snipes. I'm sick of these guys acting like above-the-law elites. Do as I say, not as I do. A bunch of bull is what that is.
Sheri, a sad but true reality.
Dahoglund, it would seem to me that the word "leadership" has now become foreign to our elected officials. Nowadays, although my take may be a bit on the extreme side, it feels more like "dictatorship."
When in Rome do as the Romans do.Rome fell due to a lack of confidence in the government.Sound familiar? Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.Irresponsability at the top trickles down to the bottom.
One for all and all for ?
Standing exposed - good ending after that title! I didn't know what to expect...do I want to read this or not...OK, I'll take a chance...and glad I did. You said it all perfectly.
Someonewhoknows, "One for all and all for..." nothing if we're not careful. We're not unlike Rome to be sure. We've risen relatively fast, and I think people don't even consider the possibility of our failure, nor do many understand that so often history has a way of repeating itself.
Sheila, I wanted to make it as provocative as I could. Hopefully I succeeded in both being provocative as well as on point. :)
Indeed a provocative and passionate hub, Springboard.
It is the same all over the world. Dirt always swim on the top - my mother's saying. It always was and it always will be.
Thanks Msorensson, and thanks for stopping by.
Hello, in America we have a similar saying, though the word dirt can be replaced with a vastly less nice word. :)
Jim,
Great hub and also right on point. Our taxes are going down a rat hole and the politicians are all a** holes who are never going to drain the swamp. The current bunch are the worst but all the rest havn't been much better!!!!!!!!!
I have been trying to do some research on the subject, but it appear that the Bush tax cuts, lowered the amount of taxes the government got from individuals, brought more in from the corporations. This appears to be in complete contradiction to what the democrats are saying.
Keep on hubbing!
Interesting and well thought out !!
Tom, it's something that really grates me. Interestingly enough, it's very difficult to find examples of the same thing on republicans—and I'm not trying to take sides here. When you think of tax cheats you think of these guys first and foremost, Kerry, Gheithner, and Rangel because they're right at the front of the current tax mess, and are ones who are directly calling for the expiration of the Bush tax cuts and telling us we should all do the responsible thing. But Daschle comes to mind as well. When you look up republicans in trouble with their taxes all you get is very low-level figures. Nothing even close to the scale here. Not sure exactly what that says, but I hope America is paying attention. Democrats love higher taxes but apparently don't like to pay them. Republicans don't like to pay them either, but what they do instead of avoiding them, is LOWER them.
Eovery, be careful suggesting democrats say contradictory things. ;)
Carolina, thanks.
It seems like it's the same the World over.
Unfortunately so. That said, its economic growth that should be the source of tax revenue, not simply higher and MORE taxes. But so long as they are levied...well, they have to be paid. ESPECIALLY by the guys who sign them into law.
Very well said, and about the most interesting political hub I've read for a long time. Thank you.
yeah, rats have taken DC. I paid mine and I am on disability. Nice job sir! Think they'll listen?
While Canadian, I think this hub is fantastic and great insight [for me] as to what we all want from those decision makers that effect our lives and coming to terms with reality that this may never be possible.
I WILL show you mine however, should you.........
Thanks SB
Kimberly
Its same, whether in America or India!! Thanks for the insightful, timely hub!!
Cheers!!
No pun intended but...right on the money! In fact, these people should be making an extra effort to be sure they are in line with what is required by the current tax laws. I did not hear anything about Charlie Rangel or John Kerry firing their CPA's in the news. Maybe these people need to consider a pay reduction. Afterall, they are making six figures and have benefits out the whazoo! Tell the average American how much of a problem that is because they don't know. Maybe if their incomes were simplified more like ours they would have less of a problem keeping up with those pesky taxes. Households who adopt a "buckle down" policy also adopt a policy to quit spending in the process...that's part of the buckledown. These people are spending their days coming up with more reasons to spend. Since there is no money, well, we'll just have to raise taxes, afterall that is some of the hard choices we are paid to make here in Congress. The problem with these folks is they operate on the premise that Americans are ignorant and poorly informed and they actually believe it. They need to dust off their resumes and start looking for a new line of work! WB
Nice hub, and so true. I thought that paying taxes was our patriotic duty, yet democrats seem to try and play whatever game they can to try and not pay taxes. It certainly is a case of the political class saying do as I say and not as I do.
Keep up the goodwork!
HappyHer, glad to have contributed to that. :)
Ralwus, I said a while back that we ought to, as a nation, forego sending in our tax monies and send in hearing aids instead. CLEARLY no one in Washington hears much except their own rhetoric.
Springboard I completely agree on every count. No matter which party I want them exposed. We have gone from a republic to damn near a regime over the course of the last decade and now it seems that the new administration wants to micromanage every aspect of our lives. I just read an article that some Americans are going abroad and renouncing their citizenship. Did you in your wildest dreams ever think we would reach this point ?
Kimberly, very sad but true. Whereever there is a tax, there will someone who tries to cheat it. It just makes it worse for me when it happens to be someone who WRITES and VOTES on the bills that make them law. Great to see you here, and thanks for stopping by. On the latter offer... :)
Dreamreachout, and probably the world over. Great to see you.
Wayne, I'm sure we all have an extra piece of luggage or two lying around the house we haven't used in a while. Perhaps instead of donating mine to Goodwill, I'll just send it to Washington. It looks like a few of those guys on the Hill are going to need them.
When are we going to do term limits?
John, it is something no one likes to do, but as you pointed out, it is our duty. I'm not sure if I'd go as far as to call it patriotic, considering the current size of our government and the higher taxes which are as a result of that bigger government. But certainly it is the law, and our duty as citizens is to obey the laws. Until we are told otherwise, we have an obligation to pay the taxes we owe, and as I said before, that should ESPECIALLY hold true when you are on the side of writing the laws and creating or being a proponent of higher taxes—of which Kerry specifically is.
Tony, the short answer to your question is no. I never thought we'd reach a point where Americans would want to emmigrate to other countries to escape it—retring abroad is one thing. But to leave BECAUSE the country is no longer a desirable place for an American to live is a very sad thing.
Drchris, I don't think we need them. First thing we need to do is to vote out the current fools in office. Second is to vote in new people—the trick is not simply voting in new fools. We give them 1 term. We tell them basically you have one shot to do our work. If you do not do our work you will be ousted come next election cycle. We will not allow you to sit idle for 30 years setting yourself up while the rest of America suffers. Term limits are not necessary if Americans are active in their government, vigilant in what their government does or does not do, and if America holds its elected leaders accountable when they get it wrong.
I guess it boils down to this; I don't care how long the guy serves so long as he's doing right by the people and holding his office for the right reasons. If a CEO were to be doing the right things by the company, the employees, and the shareholders, I'd like to keep him onboard for as long as I can.
Great Hub, some really cogent comments!
Thanks for the personal accolades on the hub. As for the comments, I can only say that my readers are the very best brains around. I'm very thankful for their constant engagement on the issues. :)
Great Hub title! Was it Rousseau who said that 'to tax and to please is not given to man'? He was undoubtedly correct but there is no way you can 'please' when tax is not paid fairly - and avoided by those who are financially best placed to pay it.
The first time I read the tittle of this hub surprising me and the the picture of the top. Sorry I misunderstanding. Because there's no sexy thing inside this hub..hahahaha. I get more than information but I learn much from you, my friend. Vote this up.
Prasetio
Excellent as usual!! Rated this one up!!
Culturespain, funny this one has surged in "lookers." I just hope that for the folks who came in looking for, well, something else weren't TOO disappointed at what they got instead. ;)
Prasetio, You caught me. :) Yes, I was wanting to see the reality of the question, "what's in a title" in action. In addition, I figured the pretty girl would be a draw as well. I've seen that done in a couple other hubs and I thought it was fairly clever to increase traffic, for whatever that's worth. Experimentation is part of the thing I love about this HubPages thing. You can really play around with stuff.
Patti, thanks, and thanks for stopping by. I like your new sunshine profile pic. :)
Springboard - great write up on the hypocrisy and double standards of those elected to fix these issues. The problem is the same here in the UK. What gets me is the cost of incompetent government, we actually pay a LOT of money to keep these fools in office, run their expense bugets and generally stuff their fat bellies with steak, prawn, whisket, brandy and wine. We fund their over inflated salaries to ensure that they can continure to run their overinflated lives and ego's.
In the pre-internet age we needed these people to represent us because it was impossible to get 'the will of the people' to them. Now? We can let them have our will any time we like and they can see our feelings instantly! Do they listen?
Voted up, great work.
great hub Springboard
MakeMoney, all excellent and spot on points. I don't mind a guy being successful or getting paid if he's doing the job. When the actual happening is a raping and pilfering of the system itself I have a problem.
DaMan, thanks. I appreciate that. :)
Most transparent and ethical congress ever... pshaw... this bunch of crooks has got to go and this November will be a peaceful revolution against those in power...
haha catchy pic...
I totally agree with you
Rlaframboise, I just happened to be discussing the issue of transparency yesterday, and the comment I made was that the Obama administration and current democratic congress is about as transparent as tin foil. I absolutely cannot wait until November to get here.
Thedragon, as the old saying goes, there's more than one way to skin a cat... :) Glad you liked the pic.
Taskmanagement, thanks, and thanks for stopping by.
Hmm....So Great
Great hub Springboard and congrats on the big 100 score !
that girl on the picture is just so hot... oh man :)
Wow, powerful hub here...message is clear. Thrilled I stumpled upon you!!!
This is an excellent hub that is very well written. I look forward to reading more of your hubs.
TattoGuy, as of this writing it has dropped back down a bit. But its still a benchmark in that its the first 100 on a hub for me. Not that I'm going for numbers, of course. ;)
Biz, I can't disagree with that.
Ladybird and Shawn, thanks, and glad you found me. :)
Great hub, Love the hook title! Though my question, in regard to our politicians is, how did they ever get the ability to set and vote on thier own pay?
I bring this up for several reasons,
1. No one else, well except for maybe CEO's and such get to do this ( could you just imagine)? Go to work Monday meet with your co-workers before you start decide what you should be earning and simply write it up. Go tell your boss we decided we need a raise this is what we've set and off to work you go. Ha ha!
2. With the average ( note this number is not exact but will work for the point) American salary being $43.362 this being a high range as those under 25 are not included. And the entry salary for a Senator and House Rep, being $174.000 it becomes clear they are abusing this right.
3. Regardless of what taxes they pay isn't it basically just a double tax anyway since our taxes pay thier salary?
So my question is why do they deserve this much in the first place? Because the truth is why should we think anyone making this much money has any clue how to help someone making $50.000 or 40.000 or even if your doing well in some states 30.000. I think we should set thier pay or use the average at least to base it.
Wouldn't this also lend itself to getting represenatives who truly want to help the country? Of course this part is what makes your topic even worse. And shows the true scums we have as leaders that even with this they still want to cheat and lie.
"We the people" did not have this in mind. I vote to lower all salaries in the Senate and House to $45.000. Hey I can dream can't I? Now how much are those dream taxes,,,, Ha ha!
Hope someone is listening. But do they really listen? Great job! Thumbs up!
Great story sound crazy : )
I try to make a point of avoiding such topics in my life as they only serve to depress me more and more. We are in a sad state in this country as well as the world. Leadership as has been said is non-existent because we elected leaders that have been corrupted. You want leadership find a leader. A leader is someone who cares about their team more than themselves. Look at sports the captains and coaches want to win the championship, not set individual records. Yet we always elect officials that are concerned with themselves only.
Furthermore history doesn't have a tendency to repeat itself, it does repeat itself. "There is nothing new under the sun" - King Solomon. We can expect to fall just as tremendously as the Romans did because we are the spitting image of their empire. Corrupt leaders fighting for more power, and citizens too blinded by their own greed to care. There is much more to life than taxes and debts, but that is all we ever talk about. Mark my words a change is coming and it will not be of wholly of our own doing.
EXCELLENT HUB!
Robertbloggert, VERY astute to recognize the reality about who actually decides CEO pay. Boards of directors of course. Made up largely of current CEO's, former CEO's, and future CEO's. I wrote a couple of hubs which bring that point up, and I'm very happy to see I'm not alone in my opinion that market forces have nothing to do with determining CEO salaries, when those who are on the boards are serving what are essentially their own interests.
But that is for another topic, so my apologies for running off course a bit.
On the question of how much elected leaders should be paid, it's a difficult one to answer for me. I very much like the idea that they should be paid closer to the national average wage, though I'm not necessarily for the idea of paying them THE average. Certainly, I do agree, however, that the leaders should be more representative of the rest of the population. They are our voice, are they not? They are supposed to represent our interests, are they not? So, perhaps if more of them were down here, on everyone else's level, perhaps they'd better understand our NEEDS. Now, I'm not talking about adding social programs, and redistributing wealth. Just the opposite, actually. But they would also understand how much MORE my livelihood is affected by the actions they take, and the taxes that are as a result, than it affects themselves.
Interestingly enough, and I'm not sure if it has a thing to do with the price of tea in China considering most of these guys have income sources outside of their government functions, but their pays is BELOW the $250,000 figure they came up with to describe the rich.
PR, them? Listen? I said it in another hub of mine that we ought to forego sending in our taxes to Washington. Send them hearing aids instead. :)
World, the word crazy puts the reality far too lightly.
Eilander, a thought came to mind commenting on a hub Breakfastpop wrote a few days ago. I wrote, "I remember reading once that the presidency and even some of the representative positions were intended for the 'elites.' That would suggest, if that were the intent, that having become an elite you had already acheived your status."
To me that means essentially that you've already made your money. You've already established yourself in society. You are an 'elite' as a direct result of the people, the system, and the process by which it is all governed—and yes by your own efforts which you are and were free to pursue of course.
I went on to say, "By the time you reach that status and decide then to serve, your only desired gain should then be to maintain the order of that system which allowed you to achieve your status, and ensure for its preservation."
It's backwards nowadays IMO. I think our founding fathers would be rolling in their graves.
My accountant says that if we knew how much we really pay in taxes there would be another revolution. She is soooo right. Your employer must match many of the taxes you pay so you never even see that money not to mention the incredible taxes on everything you can think of...it's ridiculous. We have to stick together that there should be no new taxes, period. If the frivolous spending was truly cut out of government we would be able to afford a new Renaissance. America is working it's butt off to have it's government fritter away it's wealth on true stupidity. Doubly underscored by the fact that the people who can't figure out any other solution than raising taxes are, themselves, dodging the taxes we already have. Is it possible not to be outraged? Thanks for your article, I'm with you.
It's true, when you take into account ALL of the taxes we pay, right down to the sales taxes at the register, it's deplorable. I agree 100% that government needs to step out of the way and allow things to take their natural course in most circumstances. Fire, police, military, and stuff like that are necessary government functions. Well defined social outreach and assistance programs which are also limited in their availability are fine as well. But where we are at today with massive spending at record highs...it has to stop somewhere because the tax situation will only get worse if we don't.
BTW, I think a tax revolt is brewing in this country. People are tired of working for nothing, and being taxed to the hilt. I know I certainly am.
Really glad you wrote this. We need to look hard on taxes on businesses . . . esp small businesses.
I guess I may be the only dissenting voice here. The article is well written. No disagreement there.
The premise I don't agree with however. The reality is that the current tax cuts up for renewal are one of the greatest drivers of the current deficit. Combined with the two wars that we have been fighting for the greater part of the past decade.
I agree that cuts need to be made, but there isn't a single politician that will get elected by saying they will make cuts to Medicare (the elderly are the most reliable voting block in any election), Medicaid, or Social Security. While I generally don't agree with the GOP on much, I do feel that the age to receive SS benefits should be raised.
That said, I refuse to feel sorry for the individuals who make over 200K and complain that their taxes will be increasing. As a percentage of take home, it will still be a far lower rate than what those of us who make the average of $43K gross annually.
In personal finance, I would counsel people with money problems to increase their income AND cut their expenses. The largest drivers of government expense are Social entitlement programs and the defense budget.
Interestingly, both are key sticking points for GOP candidates. Wrapping up both wars would go a long way to cutting the expense of our defense program, but no GOP candidate will be elected running on a platform of eliminating the Social Security program.
Allowing the tax cuts for the top 2% will go a ways to addressing the deficit currently, without significantly impacting the economic recovery.
Your article is excellent. I noticed also that Rangel cheating on his taxes is called an "ethics violation" while if I do it it is called "felony tax evasion." :D
This experimentation method of attractive hub title and also figuring it appropriately is a very great idea for increasing additional traffic. More than this idea, discussing here whatever you think very frankly and also replying all your comments in a very eloborate way is so nice. Keep writing!
Don, spot on. Small business is the heart of jobs. It's also the future of all business, and real business innovation. If you truly want progress, that's where you have to look for it.
TTanglewood, you, like most on your side of the viewpoint always fail to see the one important aspect of NOT taxing the rich. In cases where the rich are being taxed less, they are putting more of that money to work in the markets, through consumerism, and are making capital investments that create infrastructure, and frankly JOBS. I realize it's not a perfect system. The money doesn't always trickle down to the folks the way it necessarily might be suggested it should in a system like this. But I strongly argue that FAR MORE money gets to the people when the rich are able to pursue their investments unhindered. Poor people do not create companies. They do not create jobs. And not creating companies and not creating jobs adds nothing to the tax rolls. In fact, it COSTS money. The top 2% is comprised mainly of the nation's small businesses. Those small businesses provide 70% of all jobs in this country, and are the biggest creators of jobs. The more money you take out of their pockets, the less jobs they'll create, and the less jobs they'll be able to afford to keep. When the unemployment rate continues to hover around 10%, the last thing you want to do is stick the guy who can drive those unemployment numbers down with more cost.
I have said it many times, but sticking to the rich is sticking it to ourselves. THEY don't pay their taxes anyway, right? WE do. In the price of the products we buy. In the amount of wages we're paid. In the amount of benefits we're offered.
When costs go up for the rich, and taxes are certainly a part of cost, our prices go up, and our wages and benefits go down. Or jobs get cut to make up the difference. It's that simple.
I've used this analogy before, but it's worth using again. I'm a landlord. I charge a certain amount for the rent. I include the heat in the rent. Is that heat free? NO. It's built in to the rent amount, and I'm still getting a margin that I have determined I want to get. If you consider the heat is free, and you run it at 90 degrees, and my costs go up, you don't make me eat my profits. You cause your rent to go up, because I will still want to maintain the same margin. The cost of your rent is directly related to the costs that I encounter in offering the flat to you.
James. Yes. Always the double standard when it comes to these kinds of guys. In another article I recently wrote, "Another Example of An Overpaid CEO," I cite Mark Hurd from HP who gets a $40 million severence package after he resigns over falsified expense reports to cover up an affair with a female contractor AND then is accused of sexual harassment. He gets $40 million, I'd be lucky to get an unemployment check. In fact I wouldn't. lol
Paradise, thanks. Yes, I do think its important that even if the title is a bit provocative, or suggestive, that it still must have some relevence to the topic that follows it. In this case it was a little fun with word play. I was very pleased that of any newcomers to my hubs, they were still engaged in the topic and many of them left very compelling and informed comments. :)
This isn't right
LOVED this article. I think you speak for the American middle class here, and you did an excellent job.
The sad thing is, you can't expect a country to be so powerful and not corrupt... the world we live in today.
Feyin, I agree.
Izzy, I would like to think we have enough people in the world who aren't corrupt or even corruptable. I think what happens is like pedophiles gravitate to certain jobs that allow them to get close to kids, crooks and corruptable people gravitate to politics. It's just a theory. :)
great hub! I like it.
Thanks, and thanks for stopping by. Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Jim, Some people think they are just above the law, sad thing. I am back and I am glad to read again your hubs I also visited your site and it looks nice as well,
I think you write well in politics, keep it on, Take care, Maita
voted up & beautiful! WOW! Did we go to different schools together? You are exactly right. What ever happened to "We the People..." Washington must be a 'cesspool' of greed and iniquity. Good to find someone who agrees with me. I will follow...
I know there is a need for taxes to pay for public services and military spending
r4
Maita, it seems to me as soon as these guys get their nameplates fresh on the door, they forget why they are there, and that they are our representatives. Above the law is a good assessment of where there mindsets are.
BTW, glad you enjoyed the blog. It's a bit of jumbled, disorganized mess, but I kind of like it that way. :)
Samson, perhaps we did. It's as pleasing to me to know that I'm not alone when there's so much garbage that people are eager to dismiss in this world today. Thanks for stopping by.
Alyacarmen, yes. There is.
Hello:
Fantastic Hub. I followed you, bookmarked this Hub, voted you up, shared this Hub and said it is AWESOME. If you get a chance come around and visit my Hub.
Thanks,
Dean
Will do, and thanks on all five counts. :)
Excellent hub.Thank you for sharing your knowledge.I like your article.
www.artoflegendindia.com
Thanks, and thanks for stopping by.
hi, springboard.. you've really hit the nail on the proverbial head here. the middle class is definitely suffering tremendously, and you state the problems and answers very well. thanks for this hub!
Nice hub. Some people will get away from paying taxes if they can. :)
Nice writing style... Ahhh politics, I could think about it for hours but I try to limit myself before it consumes me. Nice choice of picture too ;)
Nancy, thanks and thanks for stopping by.
BeatsMe, yes. But like I said, for me it makes it doubly bad when it's the very people who write and decide on the tax laws for the rest of us. If THEY don't like the taxes, then why not expel the energy in writing laws that everyone can live with—including THEM. :)
Vaalion, I am entirely consumed. Can I just say sometimes it hurts? lol
Great hub. The rich will always find a way around the law.
Love your title.
Namaste.
Sharp observations - America will east itself. I just finished an article on the evils of Big Pharma and how they have leaned on the Obama Amdministration scoring a big win - in 1816 Thomas Jefferson warned of corporations “I hope we shall…crush in its birth the aristocracy of our moneyed corporations which are already to challenge our government to a trial of strength and to bid defiance to the laws of their country.” Clever hook with the title and the hot girl!
Deborah, so true. Unfortunately. Yeah, the title did attract a bit of surprise attention. :)
Shimla, I like corporations. I like the opportunities that capitalism mostly presents. What I don't like are unscrupulous people who rape and pilfer the system. If we could remove that element, and I know that's asking a ton, then maybe things wouldn't be the way they are. Maybe.
As for the "hook," I figured I'd try something a little different. By all my accounts, it worked. Though, no deceptions of course...I wanted it all to somehow be related (well, except the girl of course. That may have been admittedly a bit agregious on my part.)
I like the girl - and you're right about corporations of course - many make a lot of good things that I enjoy every day - including the Somac that I take to stop reflux after too many beers and spicy food - a modicum of decency and fairness would make some of them a lot more likable.
I cannot disagree. In capitalism everyone is supposed to be able to enjoy the fruits borne from success...if the company succeeds everyone is supposed to share in the prize. Instead, a guy on the bottom gets a lousy 2% or 3% raise, if he gets a raise at all, and the company says, "Whaddaya want?" when you give them a dirty look, while they offer the CEO two times his salary in bonuses, stock options, and then add 15% to THEIR salary and other compensation for the next year.
I'm not looking for a handout. Just a little more thanks for my hard work which is really the nuts and bolts that drives the machine, and allows the CEO and the other shareholders their gains and dividends. And when you tell me there's no money left for me, make sure you say the same thing to the CEO.
Great Hub and on the money! Pardon the choice of puns.
Greed used to be a good thing as it was applied to motivate a person -- greed has become a power trippers tools to walk all over us at the bottom. If Governments would govern the masses rather than cater to the rich we could trust them.... but governments are no longer governing - they too are power tripping.
Solution? Ban together from the bottom up.... that's what I tried to say in my hub Pioneering the next economy.
Fantastic title for a hub my friend - fantastic!!!
Neil
Not so much about catering to the rich for me, but certainly if you are going to write laws that affect anyone, including the rich, you ought to at least consider before you vote YES to more taxes whether or not you yourself would be so willing to pay them. I listened to Kerry and many of these other guys repeatedly say "We've got to do our part as a people," and I'm thinking okay. Fine. I got that. The question then becomes does that mean you too, Mr. Senator? Or do you mean just the other rich people. The ones who made their money honestly?
I'll be out of town the next couple of days, but hopefully I can remind myself to take a look at your other hub. It sounds interesting. Thanks for stopping by.
Springboard
IT IS REPORTED THAT 50% OF THE PEOPLE don’t pay taxes, 2 to3% of the people (rich ) pay 50% of the taxes. Where does the middle class fit into this equation?
President Barak Obama and the Democrats want to continue the Bush Tax cuts for the middle class and discontinue the tax cuts for the rich (making over $ 250,000.)
So if the president is successful in keeping the tax cuts for the middle class, explain how his actions are a tax cut? To end the tax cuts for the $250,000+ group , taxes will go up. 50% of the higher TAX bracket are small businesses, chances are that they will not be hiring more help if their taxes go up. How many middle class people put people to work? Unemployment is 9.6% and there are 14.6 million workers out of work. It is a well known fact that raising taxes in a recession is just plain stupid and irresponsible.
The CBO announced that the 2010 deficit of $1.4 trillion is the second highest in US history.
I cannot disagree. I've long held that there should be no corporate tax specifically. Tax the goods at the point of production (income tax on the labor) and tax the goods at the point of sale. To me it makes no sense to tax a corporation considering that corporations are in the business of making profits. That means they are looking for margins. If their margins are shrunk by higher costs due to taxation, they'll raise prices, lower wages, reduce hiring, and hack away at worker benefits. How this ultimately helps anyone is anyone's guess.
As for the deficit, it's enough to make anyone's head spin.
Comments never stop coming and this one is impressed. And for your sake I would look at the hub called "Gone Missing" by Kcmadison!
lol. I'm convinced. :)
Springboard
Congress adjourned without voting on the Bush Tax cuts. Speaker Pelosi did not allow any action on a bill to extend the tax cuts , she didn’t have enough votes to pass a bill excluding the top 2 % rich people.
Some 47 democrats would have joined the Republicans to pass a bill that included ALL taxpayers if a bill was proposed. The question whether the none vote will have any effect on the Nov election remains to be seen.
It seems to me they (the dems) are stalling. Their fate is foreseeably sealed for the midterms, and this would be one more coffin nail.
Springboard
JUST WONDERING WHEN the Democrats and President Barak Obama WILL DECIDE NOT TO BLAME BUSH FOR THE ECONOMIC PROBLEMS. Past President Clinton recently said that the Democrats and President Obama need more time. What he didn't say was that the Democrats have had control of congress and the economy since 2007 when unemployment was 4.6%. Let’s hope for the best in Nov when the people can decide who should be representing them in congress.
Who's been in control is the one little detail the dems love to leave out of the whole picture. I think November will show that Americans are a bit smarter than the dems have thought all along.
Springboard
ABOUT A YEAR AGO President Obama admitted to a New York times writer that their were no ''shovel ready jobs ''.He made the statement as '' off the record'' shameful as it was. The true character of President Barak Obama is what the public needs to be concerned of. The lie continues on and on even when he knowingly is telling a lie.
It is true , President Obama lied then and continues.
President Obama is a fraud elected by the people under false pretenses. On Nov 2nd vote against the fraud.
Sorry so late to the comment Jon, but spot on as usual. The only thing shovel ready was the crap this guy puts out on a continual basis.
breakfastpop Level 8 Commenter 21 months ago
Springboard, you just haven't gotten the memo have you? People like Rangel are special. They are above the law and not accountable to anyone. I suppose they would pay their taxes just like everybody else, if they felt like they were like everybody else. They're not...they are special, very special.