Typing from Chicago instead of from my usual home in Los Angeles, I am pleased to announce that this city is not always awful. When I was here in April, it was 38 degrees, and I maintained that this place was for animals, and not human beings. Although it is September, the weather is balmy, and it is amazing how pleasant I can be when I am not spitting blood every second of every day due to risks of hypothermia.
It is with this positive spirit that I want to praise presidential candidate Mitt Romney. He has come up with a sound policy proposal that all the other republican candidates should immediately embrace as their own. I could care less where good ideas come from, provided they are implemented.
Mr. Romney has proposed to abolish the capital gains tax for anybody making less than $200,000 per year. Good for you Mitt! Well done sir!
The capital gains tax is unethical. It is immoral, and it should be killed outright.
The first myth is that people who receive income from the financial markets are not actually “working.” This is nonsense. Investing takes guts, character, and a very strong stomach. It is about taking risks, which is what this nation was founded upon. Investing is hard work, and an entire financial services industry consists of professionals who are as vital to a person’s financial health as a doctor or clergy person are to their physical and spiritual health.
The next myth is that a capital gains tax cut is a sop to the rich. Again, this is sheer folly. Cutting taxes on everybody benefits everybody. The rich do not need to “give back.” They already give back in the form of producing thousands of jobs. To quote the brilliant economist Dr. Thomas Sowell, “It is the thieves and criminals that should give back because they produce nothing.” If I am given a $1000 tax cut and a multimillionaire is given a bigger tax cut, how does that hurt me? Not at all. I still benefit.
Republicans are scared to cut the capital gains tax for fear of being labeled as a friend of the rich. I agree that the capital gains tax should not be cut. It should be eliminated altogether. Enter Mitt Romney.
Mr. Romney realizes that the only way to disarm the criticism that cutting taxes benefits only the wealthy, he is directly eliminating the capital gains tax cut for those making under $200,000. I would prefer that he eliminate it for everyone, but this still a major step in the right direction, because it can actually be accomplished.
Buying stocks, commodities, or any other investment outside of treasury bills is risky. If I lose money, the government does not bail me out. Therefore, when I win, why should I be penalized for winning? We already have a graduated tax system.
The Indianapolis Colts won the Superbowl, and the Oakland Raiders finished last. To try and redistribute success means that when the NFL Draft comes around, the Raiders pick first and the Colts pick last. That is sufficient. To require Colts quarterback and Superbowl MVP Peyton Manning to quit the Colts and join the Raiders would be insane.
The democrats are socialists when it comes to taxes. They believe in Robin Hood Economics, which has never worked anywhere. The pilgrims experimented with socialism, and it failed then as well. Societies function properly when people are given incentives to work hard. Human beings by nature are incentive driven.
One other fact that often gets overlooked is the concept of charity. Rich people give more money to charity because they can. Poor people cannot give to charity. It is not their fault. They just don’t have it by definition. Rich people can either tighten their belts or loosen them, and antagonizing the rich is a good way to hurt those that need rich people to survive. On December 31st, rich people often sell stocks in their portfolio that they believe will never recover. By creating these losses, they can reduce their capital gains, leaving more money in their pocket. Why should I object if 90%of their extra money is spent on themselves if the other 10% goes to charity (number picked by example)? I can’t. If people are helping others, we should thank them, not condemn them for not giving more.
Nobody is guaranteed a victory in the game of investing, sure as there are no guarantees in the game of life. To punish the lucky winners (skillful winners in many cases) by confiscating their profits through taxes only provides a disincentive to investing. Contrary to what liberals think, the stock market is not greed…it is investing. What the left calls investing is what most human beings would call “spending.” It is not the same thing, and using phony words does not allow a cat to become a dog just because it is declared to be one.
America ceases to be a moral nation if we hurt those at the top out of sport, vengeance or jealousy. Low taxes benefits everybody, and high tax environments cripple societies. Those who disagree should listen to French President Nicolas Sarkozy. Liberals admire the French, and yet he wants France to emulate America from a tax standpoint. That should scream volumes.
Unfairly to Romney, his opponents will come up with their own plans, and he might lose some credit. Nevertheless, I personally am less interested in who changed the world than the fact that it was done. Romney’s opponents had better get on the ball. This policy proposal is one of the soundest ideas to come about in years, and it must become a reality, regardless of who wins in 2009.
The left wants to spend your money, and to do that they have to steal it. Yes, they will call it taxing and investing, but it is stealing. I worked hard to build an investment portfolio, and I will hold onto my investments for decades if I have to do so. I will not be able to take profits, but what is the point of taking profits if they will just be confiscated anyway? There is none.
The capital gains tax is a vile, horrible entity, and like liberalism itself, it must be crushed into nonexistence and wiped from the face of the Earth.
eric
Your last sentence is a little frightening, Eric. Just the same, let me ask a couple of questions?
What do you think about Risk Aversion Theory?
Do you or do you not believe that risk investment should be made?
If risk investment is not made, then should theoretical Keynesian investment kick in the money?
I ask this because A: We see Keynesian investment in acedemia and medicinal r&d working well with the markets and B: physical and infrastructural investment working well when actuated and C: expeditionary military escapades have failed so obviously over the years.
It’s a fair question(s).
JMJ
Chicago! I am so jealous! That is my ‘real’ hometown.
While you are on the subject of taxes….what do you think about the fairtax, eric?
I ran into it a couple of years ago before W proved to be incapable of making any of the fiscal reforms he talked about, and there was hope of actually changing the tax situation.
Basically, it eliminates an income tax, and inbeds taxes in whatever we buy. After reading a book on it, I am totally sold. In the two years since, there has been loud criticism…but when you followed the criticism to the truth, it was always based on misinformation.
Bottom line, I’m not against taxes. But I abhore the current income tax plan. I was thrilled to find an alternative that would really work. I am afraid the problem with it will be political, though, as that would eliminate a major weapon the partisans wield for votes. Then once again, I am wistful for a government that actually cared about what works and doesn’t work for the country rather than what it will mean politically.
Why I admire W, even though I have problems with what appears to be his weakness in communication: He will do the right thing, regardless of what it costs him politically.
“Buying stocks, commodities, or any other investment outside of treasury bills is risky. If I lose money, they government does not bail me out.”
Unless you’re a hedge fund.
“It is the thieves and criminals that should give back because they produce nothing.”
PLEASE tell me this isn’t crypto-racism.
“The left wants to spend your money, and to do that they have to steal it. Yes, they will call it taxing and investing, but it is stealing.”
It’s called the military-industrial complex. It runs counter the this country’s democratic traditions, and rather than being taxed at a level that would support it we’re selling out our children by taking on massive amounts of debt. These actions are really quite irresponsible.
foundyourpostongoogle: “It’s called the military-industrial complex. It runs counter the this country’s democratic traditions, and rather than being taxed at a level that would support it we’re selling out our children by taking on massive amounts of debt. These actions are really quite irresponsible.”
WOW! That’s the best libdolt BLEAT all day!! BOO-HOO, it’s the evil miltary-industrial complex, WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
That evil mil-indust complex you’re whining about not only employs millions of people but also provides the secrets for Bill Clinton to sell to the Chinese for campaign contributions.
so…….
SHUDDAP!
Carole,
I like the fairtax since NO ONE slides out. Not the very poor or the very rich. John LEFTwards cannot sue doctors into bankruptcy and then create shell corporations offshore to shelter his cash.
You make your money and are assessed on the GROSS at year’s end. No muss, no fuss, no IRS for Bubba and Hillary to sic on their enemies.
.” If I am given a $1000 tax cut and a multimillionaire is given a bigger tax cut, how does that hurt me? Not at all. I still benefit.
AAHHH ! But you dont benefit enough !
Leeches wiil tug at your heart strings and cry ” you’re hurting me”
Its’ not the hurt that is even there or that they care about it. If it hurt that bad they would get off their ass.
Its’ a word that is used to obtain percieved entitlements.
I came out of rehab 15 years ago. I opened my own business with a used 250.00 bench grinder. In one year I had 6 guys working for me and thousands of dollars worth of machinery. I busted my ass to get there. Everyone has been trained now , I have a well established clientel, and I just check in once in while.
Most people think I don’t work, or that I make easy money and should have the crap taxed out of me because it all comes so easy.
I want to sell the business. If this happens I will have to pay taxes on that profit.
When its the business that has already been paying into the system for 15 years and will continue to do so after I sell it. And still employ 6 guys who always paid their taxes and will continue to do so.
I’ll hold off on the sale and see if Romney can get in to the office.
Micky2,
Congrats. I am also one of the self-mades. Came from a poor family of 10! Enlisted in 79, started college in 89, and got bit by the “learning” bug! haha. I ended up getting my BA before I retired and my MA out in the Corp world.
Also, NO ONE gave my wife and I a thing and it’s a source of pride for us to look back on how far we’ve come. From a Cpl earning 402 (net) every two weeks to six figures as a Security Consultant.
It’s a pride thing, something that the gimme-gimme liberals haev no idea about.
Again, well done.
Gunny,
Right back at ya.
The captial gains tax is a tax on profit only from sale. A FAIR tax would simply shift the tax to the buyer, which would only force down the profit margin for the seller anyway. I don’t think you guys really understand taxes and economics.
JMJ
Gunny and Micky, you guys can pat yourselves on your backs all you like, but life is roughly half luck and half what you make of it. Some people are luckier than others. Some people are smarter, or stronger, or healthier, or born to better family, or whatever. Some people turn bad luck around, some don’t. Some turn good luck around, others don’t. I made my way on my own and have done pretty well for myself too, but I was lucky enough to be born into a good family and am pretty bright. My wife had it harder than me, and she’s turned that around and is now a professional, but she’s naturally bright as well. We don’t brag about any of this, though. We know that other people out there have thier own experiences and situations. Liberals tend to be pretty well-off people. Conservatives tend to be working class. Those demos chage a bit here and there, but the general rule is that the smarter and more educated you are, the more liberal you are. Not braggin – just reality. So, you guys can pat yourselves on the back all you like, but it only proves your vanity, not your real worth.
JMJ
but the general rule is that the smarter and more educated you are, the more liberal you are. “””Not braggin – just reality”””. So, you guys can pat yourselves on the back all you like, but it only provesyour vanity, not your real worth.
Talk about vanity !
Is your whole mission in life to come along and screw everything up as much as possible ?
How’s this for smart.
I only spent 2 months in High school and took a placement test to get early admissions to the U of Hawaii. I passed with a 3.5
AT 18 I had an Assoc. science in restaurant mangement and numerous certificates in culunary arts. Cost control(one out of a 100 get an A in this course, I got a b+), dining room management, nutrition and menu planning,food born disease, etc…
Luck my ass ! I took a pile of crap and turned it into ice cream and literally bled in the process, not to mention gallons of sweat.
I was not lucky enough to be born into a wealthy family, I dont know what you mean by “good”
And now to the point at hand.
Gunny and I were not bragging as much as we were pointing out the the liberal agenda to impose wealth redistribution.
I wrote you off a couple weeks ago, but this time you went and stuck your akward appendage in my conversation, again !
You’re gonna chop down my pride with your warped sense of cynisism and arrogance.
I can see you now, telling some kid who just won a marathon, ” it wasnt you who really won the race you know, it was the condition of the track and the direction of the wind”.
I hope you dont have kids.
Supposed to say; you’re ” not ” going to chop…
Vanity and pride are sins, Micky. Aren’t you a Christian? ;)
Look, all I’m saying is that life is different for everyone, opportunity is different for everyone, etc. You must be pretty bright. Everyone has a story, Micky. Your’s is not the be all and end all of reality. A healthy society provides as much opportunity as possible. That is the investment a nation makes in itself. Sucessful nations tend to make larger investments in their institutional and physical infrastructures. The less the investment, the less sucessful the population and thus the nation. The university you attended was created, at least in part, by the state. The roads you took to get their were laid by the state. The water you drank to keep you alive and clean was, at least in part, provided by and kept potable by the state. The food you ate wasn’t poisnous because the state inspected it. Most of the teachers who schooled you were at least in part educated by the state. The police that kept you safe during your stay were provided by the state. It goes on and on. The point is that you did not do it all by yourself. The state helped you. You can not deny that.
JMJ
J said;
“Micky. Your’s is not the be all and end all of reality.”
Neither is your’s, but I never said this.
J said;
“Vanity and pride are sins, Micky. Aren’t you a Christian? ”
Never said anything about vanity. Pride is an element of self esteem.
Has nothing to do with sin or christianity.
And what if I wasnt a christian ?
As for the rest of your warped views.
Well I guess you cant ever take credit for anything now can you ?
It all goes back and beyond the big bang right J ?
I’ve had this stupid arguement with you before. And it is why I called you irrelevent and obnoxious and arrogant.
You remind of the kindergartner that always asks why, no matter what the answer.
J said;
“That is the investment a nation makes in itself. Sucessful nations tend to make larger investments in their institutional and physical infrastructures. The less the investment, the less sucessful the population and thus the nation.”
(Am I supposed to believe you?)
Gosh J, I guess we cant give any credit to the individual spirit and the hard working Americans that built this country? Can we ? It’s all about the goverment, isnt it ?
You are saying it’s the govement first ? Not hardly man. We the people instituted this goverment. It didnt just popcorn fart its existence into society.
The people are why you have what you have today. Each and every INDIVIDUAL one of them that busted their butts to get where we are today.
It’s real basic and in order of existence, read closely, O.K?
God
Heaven and Earth
People
Goverment
You did notice that the people part came first, didnt you ?
Arent you a Christian ?
“WOW! That’s the best libdolt BLEAT all day!! BOO-HOO, it’s the evil miltary-industrial complex, WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!”
How old are you? Seriously?
“That evil mil-indust complex you’re whining about not only employs millions of people but also provides the secrets for Bill Clinton to sell to the Chinese for campaign contributions.”
yeah, it’s one of the biggest examples of state socialism around and it’s a massively corrupting force in our society – I agree!
Not only that, it’s state socialism devoted to killing people.
Do you have friends in Baghdad? I do. This is not an academic or “gimme my money” exercise for me.
That and I believe in the constitution.
“Well I guess you cant ever take credit for anything now can you?”
That’s just being riduculous. I never said that. What I was saying was that there are forces beyond our control, forces within our control, and a greater society that forms these forces. We are not animals in the woods. We are part of a broader society and that society is a part of us and everything we do. A PART.
“Am I supposed to believe you?”
You said you were an educated man, so I would imagine that you know what I said is true. When you look at sucessful First World nations, you see massive reinvestment of the GNP, from the national government on down to the states, to the localities to the families and the individuals. A family that invests in itself is a family that succeeds. A person who invests in his or her self is a person that succeeds. This is true on all levels of society.
As an educated person, you would know that people lived pretty much as our animal cousins until we formed united groups and communities. Once we did that, civilization rose at an exponential pace. It is our great creation of civilization that has brought us preeminace and success. Break that civilization down, and we will go down with it.
I’m an atheist, Micky. There is no God.
JMJ
“Gosh J, I guess we cant give any credit to the individual spirit and the hard working Americans that built this country? Can we ? It’s all about the goverment, isnt it ?”
No, it’s about both. Those hard working individuals used things like, oh, say, roads and laws to succeed.
“You are saying it’s the govement first ? Not hardly man. We the people instituted this goverment. It didnt just popcorn fart its existence into society.
The people are why you have what you have today. Each and every INDIVIDUAL one of them that busted their butts to get where we are today.”
Place the government first? Nobody says that. Why do you think we have the bill of rights? That doesn’t mean there’s no place for government, and when you are governed by people who think government can do nothing but harm, well, you get bad government.
“It’s real basic and in order of existence, read closely, O.K?
God
Heaven and Earth
People
Goverment”
Sorry, but your artificial orders have no bearing on anybody else.
What came first ?
Wuthout man you would not have squat.
Some body had to build that road , dude. And pass those laws.
True realist would never call God, earth, people and goverment an artificial order.
One has to be , before the other. Real simple.
foundyourpostongoogle said;
Sorry, but your artificial orders have no bearing on anybody else.
I say, speak for yourself and not everyone else. You sound like you are the headmaster.
J said;
“I’m an atheist, Micky. There is no God.”
Except for you right ?
To be a little more prcise in order to narrow Js world down to something more simple(he hates that word) so maybe he can understand this.
We are all gifted with pretty much equal opportunities(pretty much) ( I have to cover all angles so J has no wiggle room for cynicism or B.S.) some of us like Gunny and myself have made better use of these opportunities than others.
You and 21 letter name seem to miss the whole point that man is responsable for the institutions on this earth, no matter what you think.
Water is wet guy’s.
You may not belive in God , but the order still follows even if you take God out of the picture. Man could not exist nor survive and evolve without the earth.
Artificial ? You must be high.
Well, I came here to see once again if if I could have a rational discussion. And insted of having that, the lurking beady eyeballs in the dark came out again.
“True realist would never call God, earth, people and goverment an artificial order.
One has to be , before the other. Real simple.”
you’re assuming a clean separation and a linear causality that just doesn’t exist.
“I say, speak for yourself and not everyone else. You sound like you are the headmaster.”
I believe that’s the point I was making to you.
“You and 21 letter name seem to miss the whole point that man is responsable for the institutions on this earth, no matter what you think.”
again, that is exactly MY point.
I said there is no God, Micky. That would include myself.
Look, we all get it tat man comes first then comes civilization. Fine. Got it. Really. You need not repeat it. How that changes anything I said is completely beyond me. Your point is irrelevent to this discourse.
And, by the way, how the heck do you know whether or not “Gunny and myself have made better use of these opportunities than others”? What others? How do you know you couldn’t have accomplished much more? You’re assuming from a personal vacuum. A universe of anecdote. You have no idea what could have been or might have been. Nor do I. You assume too much, and you know what Felix Unger said about that! ;)
JMJ
You assume I know or give crap what felix said.
J said;
I said there is no God, Micky. That would include myself.
I made you the exception, because you know it all.
J said;
“Look, we all get it tat man comes first then comes civilization”
You contradict yourself.
This is what you do J, and you’re not good at it. Youy are just a pest
J said;
How that changes anything I said is completely beyond me. Your point is irrelevent to this discourse.
You changed it, not me , got it !
I was talking tro someone else and you interjected with your usual crap.
You didnt catch on the first time did you?
Two guys cant even pat each other on the back without you bringing your concieted ass over and say something that was totally uncalled for and irrelevant to the point
Listen to this, read it ! this is you ! preaching to us like we were fricking invalids ! Who and what on earth makes you think us or anyone needs your so called words of wisdom ?
This is you !
“”Gunny and Micky, you guys can pat yourselves on your backs all you like, but life is roughly half luck and half what you make of it. Some people are luckier than others. Some people are smarter, or stronger, or healthier, or born to better family, or whatever”” ( OH MY GOD ! YOU ARE SOOOOOOO SMART! YOU’RE GOING TO TELL ME ABOUT LIFE ? WAIT HERE, LET ME GO GET ALL MY FRIENDS!)
I dont need some arrogant self righteous pompus ass to tell me what I’ve known most of my life.
Once again, you couldnt just shut your yap and leave well enough alone !
You could of come into this conversation with something to offer beside dampening everyones spirit. But noooooooooooo.
Stay out of my conversations as I have stayed out of yours
If I gave credit to all that you assume deserves credit in my life I wouldnt even be able to call it my life. You dont know all the details, you know nothing but what I write.
You talk about assuming ?
You dont REALLY know what it took for me to be alive today. I do !
But I’ll tell you this. It was not any institution or man or goverment that is the reason I am here today.
Micky, I never tried to put you down. I only tried to get you to see youf fellow man as more than just an abhorant leech. I can see from your last post that you prefer to imagine the world as out to get you then just as it is. I’m sorry you feel that way. It must be miserable.
JMJ
You cant put me down J, But you know how to always put a negative spin on everything.
I do not see my fellow man as a leech. I was simply saying that the capital gains tax is representative of an entitlement mentality and that Gunnyand I are an example of self empowerment. Also that wealth redistribution would not be such an issue if more people got of there ass.
You are very obviously doing all the imagining. You have some secret knowledge of my view of the world as “out to get me” Anyone who knows me will tell you ” micky is fearless to the point that we think he’s crazy”
You have no idea of the odds I’ve overcome. And it was all about spirit, which was the platform of my original post, and not all the crap you brought into it. I wont bore anyone else with my odds and hurdles, but if you would like to see, go here.
http://micky2.wordpress.com/ Thoughts from a recovering addict
I’d have to say, beginning a title condemning an economic issue as “unethical” had me thinking, hm, this guy is going to attack a tax as immoral, and have no empirical evidence to argue behind.
My speculation wasn’t wrong. If you’re going to attack an economic view, please use numbers and data rather than merely rhetoric. I really don’t need to be told about what’s moral, who’s a socialist, and who needs to be wiped off the face of the earth.
Thanks for absolutely zero economic insight.
Micky, what are you talking about? How is a tax on the realized progit from sale somehow part of an “entitlement mentality?” The state needs money for roads and schools and police and firemen and signs and levees and sewers and cops and a military and courts and jails and on and on. Entitlements? These things are UTILTIIES – things we all need to survive and progress.
AND I DO HAVE A VERY GOOD IDEA WHERE YOU’RE
…(sorry) COMING FROM! You’re ASSUMING again. I was a drug addict for years myself. I beat it ALL BY MYSELF. No rehab, no God, nothing. Just me.
And, by the way, I happen to think that “fearless” people are dangerously insane. Fear is an innate animal instinct. If you have truly oversome that, then you are a danger to yourself and others. But I’m sure you’re not. I’m sure it’s just colloquial hyperbole. (I sure hope you’re not!) ;)
JMJ
Moreover – if you shifted the tax burden to the nuyer wouldn’t that just force down the price for the seller? Economics anyone???
JMJ
Jersy. this is where you truly shine for what you are.
I have no problem paying taxs for roads and the things you mentioned. But that is what my little business has been doing all along. I get taxed on my profit margin as income every year. And so will it’s prospective new owner. But the govt wants to find another line of profit to tax me on again. This makes the sale less attractive to me, so I will raise my price to make up the difference. Consequently its new owner will take longer to cover the cost of his purchase or circumvent that obstacle by raising his prices to my old customers.
It is all about entilement. These are taxes that are created because govt . things it is entitled to raise taxes because they are to stupid to learn how to hustle and use money efficiantly. Right now the dems would just love to bail out all the idiots that took adjustable rate mortgages, its not just the stuff you mentioned. Its what congress is saying they need more money for now. Just like the Minneapolis bridge. The money is there, but the priorities were not.
I never assumed you were a drug addict.I dont see anything in any post that suggest I said anything like this at all. Pulling things out the air again J ? As a matter of fact I was going to suggest you go get drunk and laid.
AS far as fearless goes, you took something I said to your own context again, to make yourself look righteous again. I am fearless,and crazy in a spontaneous way, but certainly not a fool. I operate on skill and confidence. I move into things straight forward looking it in the face with a clear idea of what I would do one way or the other.
J said;
if you shifted the tax burden to the nuyer wouldn’t that just force down the price for the seller? Economics anyone???
I have had several offers long before I thought of selling. My overhead and operational costs are only 27%.I have a five year lease at 275.00 a month for 900 sq. feet I have no competition in metal refinishing in Hawaii and am the first name and the best there is here. Others have tried and failed. In this case the answer to your question would be no.
Micky2: “These are taxes that are created because govt . things it is entitled to raise taxes because they are to stupid to learn how to hustle and use money efficiantly. Right now the dems would just love to bail out all the idiots that took adjustable rate mortgages.”
Is that INSANE or what? These people took a RISK and now that it went south, it’s time to whine to the Dhimmicrats so that they can spend OPM (other people’s money) and bail these idiots out.
My suggestion to them: GET ANOTHER JOB to pay your mortgage if need be.
I worked two jobs, happily, for six YEARS while on active duty, in order to get my family AHEAD. It’s what MEN DO.
Micky, I was a long-haired rock musician in the NY area for years. I’ve been drunk and laid more than you and everyone you’ve ever known combined. I could drink you under ten tables piled on top of each other. My liver has it’s own zip code! ;) (Not bragging, if anything a little rueful and just really uncomfortable most of the time!)
Entitlements, as educated people know, are taxed seperately from standard income, sales, capital gains and estate taxes, as well as fees and tariffs. Everyone pays, rich or poor, citizen or alien, and the income that is taxed is capped to compensate for the cap on entitlement returns. So please, try to understand the subject. You keep going on about “entitlements” but capital gains taxes have almost nothing to with that. You should know that. And don’t try to change the subject to what the government thinks it’s “entitled.” That’s semantic convolution, and it’s moot. It doesn’t matter what the government thinks or doesn’t think it’s “entitled.” The people, citizens eligible to vote, vote for representatives and executives who make and sign laws. The people are entitled to that, not the governmment itself. Would you like to take that away? No more pleb? Huh?
If the majority of voters are okay with capital gains taxes, then so be it. Apparently, most voters have no probelm with it. They are among the oldest forms of taxation, predating even the thought of income taxes. You can shuffle the tax burden however you want, but the end result will be the same. If you shift the burden to the buyer, then the seller will be forced to compensate for that burden. Period. Either way, the taxes have to be paid, otherwise, you and Gunny wouldn’t have roads, and cops, and firemen, and a military, or anything else that you need to make your precious money.
Gunny, there are only so many jobs and so much money to go around. In the simplistic, misogynist world that apparently exists in your mind, perhaps things are different. But the real world is more complex than “Get a job.”
JMJ
Ahhhh, the grand poopa speaks again.
The bearer of all knowledge.
The goverment puts whatever money wherever it wants no matter what you THINK the rules are. Socialistic minds like yours THINK they are entitled to tax the spit out of people because it involves no imagination, just an easy solution.
As far as bravado goes, you got nothing on me holmes. I have been dead ! You once again assume you can drink me under the table. And that you have been laid more than me.And you know all my friends and their past ? Ahhhhh, the grand poopa speaks again! The bearer of all knowledge !
You should go to work for the CIA since you know so much about things without any real information.
Or get your head examined.
This is why I discounted you the first time as irrelevent, and will promose this time never again to post in response to you. You are simple pest. You talk down to those who are otherwise intelligent people who dont agree with you. You are arrogant and a self centerd jerk.
I still think Gunny and myself are allowed to credit each other. I wish we could shake hands and give a little hug and say congratulations right in front of your face all day long.
( hey Gunny ! well done man)
Jersey,
I work for L3GSI, there are PAGES OF JOBS.
I look ay my hometown newspaper online and there are PAGES of jobs.
I did ENTRY-LEVEL security work (walked a beat) for 5.00/hr as a second job. As my performance GREW, I was promoted. I didn’t do drugs, I didn’t look like a scumbag, I worked on my job skills, and I WENT BACK TO SCHOOL. I made my own way. This was IN ADDITION to working full-time as a Marine AND raising a family, so don’t whine to me. My day started at 0430 and often ended at 1030-1100pm. I took advantage of opportunities and also volunteered to make my own. In a nutshell, I didn’t sit on my ass waiting for a handout, I went AFTER what I wanted. Now, I’m wearing Corporate Gray and I’ll gross 225K in the next fifteen months as a Security Consultant. MY earlier hard work is NOW PAYING OFF.
micky2,
Liberals = misery
And misery loves company. Rock on brother.
Micky2,
Meant to add, well done. There is NOTHING better than living WELL and KNOWING that you did it ALLon your own.
Jersey,
So you got laid and drunk a lot. Gee, you think I DIDN’T doing Med Floats and tours in Asia and SE Asia? I spent YEARS in Thailand. And I IMPROVED my lot in life and it’s apparent you did’t.
Man, Gunny, I hope you got your shots! ;)
My life is very good, thank you. I’m happily married and live a nice quiet life now.
Look, guys, let’s stop one-upping each other online. It’s silly. Let’s debate Eric’s posts. That’s fun.
JMJ
Jersey,
No problem.
Micky2 and I were trying to make the point that people make their own way. If they take a bad loan and can’t afford to make the payments, why do I have to bail them out? When does it end.
Glad it worked out for you.
Fairt point. But then why bail out the companies that lay out those risky loans? As things stand right now, these people are not getting bailed out. Bush is offering a limited plan that would provide credit councilling and such. The House, knowing Barney Frank, will probably offer something a little more comprehensive. But remember, Frank is very popular in the House on both sides of the aisle, and he works well in committee, so whatever comes out, it will be bipartisan, I can safely predict. One reason you want to bail these people out is that their lot can be a drag on the rest of the economy. A few tweaks on the lates bankruptcy “reform” would go a long way to helping these people without touching the taxpayer. Remember, these companies took advantage of that “reform,” unregulated investment schemes, and an uneducated, working-poor customer base (heck, they were giving out morgages to “illegal” aliens!), to make bad loans backed my major investment houses who are now coming after your tax dollars for help. The Fed and the treasury have every intention of riding into their rescue – why not the poor saps who got stung? And we don’t even need tax dollars to help them, just a little relief from the bankrupcy laws.
JMJ
Oh – and thanks for the good wishes! You too, man.
JMJ
“The Fed and the treasury have every intention of riding into their rescue – why not the poor saps who got stung?”
PRECISELY.
foundyourpostongoogle
So, if I make a stupid investment, you’ll bail me out?
The hypothetical point there Gunny was that if the gov’t bails out the lenders then should they not bail out the borrowers. These lenders, after all, were just as stupid to make those loans as the borrowers were to take them. Also, unlike the lenders, the borrowers don’t need your tax money, just some bankruptcy relief.
JMJ