Anyone else here on the DU who falls in the top 2%? Increased taxes ok?

[Pachamama]

I am fortunate enough to have through hard work and lots of good luck and being at the right place at the right time (Microsoft) to have done well enough that I don't have to work and can be a stay-home mom...My husband has a good paying job too and there isn't a day that doesn't go by that I don't realize how fortunate I am. I have greatly, greatly benefited through Bu$h's tax breaks (especially on Dividend taxes) and the lowering of my tax bracket %, and I get lots of write-offs. It's all legal....I pay my taxes that I do owe and I don't gripe about it. My husband and I are active philanthropists and give a lot of our income to charity and environmental causes and educational causes.

I will be affected by John Kerry's tax plans to raise taxes on the wealthiest in this country and those making over $200K....and you know what - I think its great! I have no problem with that and I have no complaints.

People in this country, especially many of the wealthiest have only been getting richer while the middle-class is getting squeezed and working families are working harder for less and no benefits. I have lived in Europe where taxes are twice, three times what people pay here. But you know what? Kids are well-educated (free University education in Germany for example) and people have healthcare and elderly are cared for. Single parents can know that their children are provided good childcare so that they can work and they don't have to worry. The focus is on the family - in Denmark and Sweden where many of my relatives are from, both parents are given 12-18 months off each with 50% pay to care for newborn children...those employees are loyal to their companies and go back and work hard because their companies and gov't is committed to them and their families. It's not uncommon to see a Dad pushing the stroller on a street in Copenhagen with a lil infant and 2 year old because his wife/partner is now back at work and it's his turn. Kids are being raised by their families and have education and healthcare. The community takes care of the community and the government uses the taxpayers monies to do so.

Here in this country, people complain about taxes, but they forget about how their roads, libraries, schools etc. is paid for. Things that we all benefit from, even if we don't have children.

I was disgusted when my husband and I got our California "Car Tax Refund" back from Guvenator Ahnuld Schwarzenegger (his bribe to Kalifornien's for putting him in office)....it was a sizeable check - that check, has contributed to the booming deficit in California by Billions. It was money that went to Firefighters, libraries, police etc. I have some neighbors who are buying nice new Hummers with tax breaks and loving it. I don't love it...it was dirty money...we turned around and donated it and then some to a charity. We are all sharing this planet, this world our country....we have to be there for more than just ourselves.....I welcome my tax increase....I owe it to my country and my fellow citizens....

I consider it my patriotic duty....

:hi:

On Further Edit: I want to make sure that fellow DUers know that I in no way wanted to come across as implying that anyone who doesn't want to pay more taxes implies that I think they are unpatriotic...I was referring merely to myself and my interpretation of my own patriotic duties and obligations as a citizen and someone who loves my country and my neighbors. There is so much wealth in this country and we as a country should be helping our fellow citizens all succeed and care for our community...not just a few should benefit financially...That is why I have no problem paying more taxes if I know that the local retirement home stays open - that all kids are getting a good education - that the local library can be open 7 days a week and get new books - that elderly aren't cutting their pills in half - that firestations aren't being cut etc. etc.

I also hope my description of my situation came across as bragging...I know how fortunate I am and am very grateful...I have a duty to give back....its a karma kind of thing.... :hi:

[Walt Starr]

1. Not this year

but I am in management and my wife is an attorney, so it is justa matter of time.

and yes, I will gladly pay the extra taxes.

[22181]

2. Hubby and I are close - and unlike the Freepers...

... We aren't cheapies who expect a free ride for our good fortune. Taxes are what we pay for a civilized society. I'd rather pay more for the civilized society than pay less as we are now and have a barbaric cowboy neanderthal puppet in office trying to take over the middle east.

[Mika]

3. I'm supposedly a "stinkin rich" dentist..

.. and I'm making nowhere near 200K. Too much stress.

But I love patients who do. ;-) :hi:

I have no problem with progressive taxation. Its only right.

[prodigal_green]

4. Are you a member of this organization?

http://www.responsiblewealth.org

[flamingyouth]

6. I'm a member of it

It's a great group.

[Pachamama]

13. No, but I know people who are...I make sure all my investments are

managed with the Domini index of socially responsible companies and I am teamed up with other women in organizations like http://www.badbabes.org

I'm also working on a great project like 1000flowers.org

Lots of fun....

[flamingyouth]

5. I totally can relate and I agree with you

My family is from Sweden, where the tax rate is very high, but people are taken care of, unlike here.

I've always told people that I'm fortunate for what I have and for what my family and I have worked for. I don't complain about paying taxes - except when my tax dollars go toward starting wars and to companies like Halliburton, while people in our own country go without health care, shelter, food and other basic needs. That's when I get mad about taxes.

As far as I'm concerned, we should rescind the tax cuts to the wealthiest among us, put the money back into our schools and our infrastructure. By doing so, we'd not only help people but put a lot of Americans back to work.

[mongo]

52. Will you marry me?

I'm 51% Swedish....

[drmom]

7. Right there with you...

..my partner and I are both doctors, and we are more than happy to give up tax breaks for the betterment of our society. It is ridiculous to NOT expect those who benefit most from our democracy to help at least equally in its maintenance, if not more. (By that I mean equal in a percentage of income, not in total contribution.)

[proud patriot]

8. No ...LOL not even close

and the gropenater's car tax cut was disgusting .

[girl gone mad]

9. I'm not..

lucky enough to be in the top 2% bracket, but I did have to pay a hefty inheritence tax several years ago, and I didn't mind. I was handed a check for more money than I had earned in my entire life up to that point. It only seemed fair to pay taxes on it, just as I would if I had actually worked for the money.

[Commendatori]

10. I honestly believe that if people knoew what we spent money on

there would be no one like you, anywhere in the country.

Your attitude is admirable. I'd like to say that I'd be the same way, and if I were making $200 MILLION per year I probably would, but if I were making $200 THOUSAND I'd probably be screaming "quit funding things that should be state responsibilities (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cowgirl Hall of Fame, tattoo removal for ex gang members in San Luis Obispo, etc.) before taking more from me."

I'm a Democrat because I believe they have the right take on almost all social issues, but I'm not always on board with our party on fiscal issues. Unless you're making deep seven figures, I believe that anything more than a third to the feds is overtaxation, and even at Bill Gates' level I could never support a penny over 50%.

To me, being called unpatriotic (not claiming you said that, but some have) for wanting lower taxes is the same as being called unpatriotic for questioning Bush's decision to go to war - I think both are bullshit. I want pork and waste cut from the payroll, especially in defense (which we're apparently not allowed to question) and in some social programs where administrative costs eat up more than half of the funds, before ANYONE has to pay so much as one extra cent in taxes. To be honest, whether our side or the Repugs, I do have one attitude that's consistent: if you can't run this country on $2.4 trillion per year, get the hell out of office and let someone else try.

[Pithlet]

24. No

This is about unequal distribution of the tax burden in this country. Those of us who feel this way aren't ignorant about how tax dollars are spent. Wasteful spending is definitely an issue that needs to be addressed. But the rich getting tax breaks that place a bigger burden on the poor and middle class is an issue, and that is a problem that is just as big, and needs to be corrected. And I think it is more than admirable that someone who benefits from those tax breaks acknowledges it and wishes to do something about it. That is something that is far too rare, and is in no way shrouded in ignorance.

[Commendatori]

29. ???

I didn't say that the original post was ignorant, but I believe a lot of people are. For every one time I've heard anyone even address wasteful spending, I've heard a couple hundred calls to increase taxes.

Ask any politician - state or local, any party - who talks about increasing taxes where he or she is going to trim waste from the budget. Just don't hold your breath for an answer.

I'm only saying that I want waste trimmed before I see anyone's taxes going up, even the taxes of millionaires. Once it's been done, restructure the tax burden, fine - but if you just raise taxes and already have the money spent, what happens when the government overspends? More tax increases with no cuts in waste. Eventually, we get to things like some of the crap "essential" defense programs we have now and inexcuseable pork.

Hey, I turned down a promotion / raise because it would have put me in the next bracket and would have resulted in actually working longer hours to take home no more than I net now. I don't like the current structure any more than you do, but I want the waste gone first. That's the way it's done in household budgets, and that's the way government should do it, too. I want government to show me that it can trim a little before taking more, and I don't think that's too much to ask.

[Pithlet]

32. ??????????

You were implying ignorance in that you stated that if everyone were privy to the info that you have, then no one would take the position that the OP has. It may not be direct, but it was implied. So, I don't know what the ??? was about.

I just disagree with you about the priorities. I don't think we have to wait until the waste issue is dealt with to make the tax system more fair, particularly since not everyone will agree with what truly constitutes waste.

It is not fair that the tax burden is carried by the middle class and poor no matter how our taxes are used. You don't have to take care of one in order to take care of the other. If we wait around until all the waste is eliminated, then we may never lift the unfair burden off the less-than-rich.

[Commendatori]

36. I was implying that most people

don't know much about government spending. Next time you're at a mall, ask any ten or twenty people to guess the budget size and what percentages go to defense, entitlements, pork, or whatever else comes to mind. You might get one who is close - I tried this at the Pentagon City mall in Arlington a few times this spring and am still looking for someone to be anywhere near the right idea. To assume that your average citizen is as politically aware as the type of person who hangs out here is absurd. I stand by what I said.

As for waste, the type of argument you put forth - which I admit is not without logic - is how we got to this point today. I used to work for the Defense Department and was astounded at all the waste I saw. It's only gotten worse, and it's a good bet that I saw no more than a fraction of 1%.

Someday, we won't be able to sustain this level of waste, and a lot of that money could be going to the poor right now. I understand your logic, but if you take everyone who makes $200K and above and restore them to the 39.6 bracket, and then make an intelligent guess as to how many tax loopholes will be used to duck higher taxes by these people (most of whom can afford better accountants than most of us), you should be able to arrive at a good guess as to how much extra revenue will come in. It won't cover nearly as much as we hope, and won't come close to covering new spending proposals by either party. I say that this amount of revenue can be dwarfed just by starting the elimination of waste now, but if you don't think so then I hope we can just agree to disagree. My work day is over shortly and i'm anxious to start my weekend. I hope you have a good one :)

[Pithlet]

38. Damn, I lost my reply

DU is so buggy.

I basically said that I think where we disagree is that we have to sit around and let the rich continue to have their tax breaks until we fix spending. Because of politics, no one will ever agree on when this is. Too many people think that programs that help the poor are waste, for example, and they're usually the same people who want all the tax breaks for the rich.

[Commendatori]

44. I understand your point and don't really disagree, it's just that

if government gets the revenue it needs to enact what it wants, the motivation to trim waste disappears. I realize you admitted that wasteful spending is an issue which must be dealt with, but if we enact tax increases first and needs seem to be covered, do you honestly think the waste problem will be tackled? I don't.

I am not for tax breaks for the rich either (although to be honest, I wouldn't set the bar as low as $200K, which isn't all that much for a family of four in my adopted hometown in California), but I want to see the government act like a family does - when revenue doesn't fit all needs, cut out those trips to Best Buy and stop buying yourselves those Star Trek boxed sets before you trim the kids' allowances (I know, not a perfect analogy, but I believe you understand me).

BTW, thanks for having the decency to engage in a civil discussion. I think we're basically on the same page, it's just nice to see that you and I can approach it from different angles without ether of us screaming like a member of Judas Priest. I haven't gotten that from everyone today, so I reiterate my wishes of a great weekend. In your case, I really mean it :)

[reprobate]

51. May I interject another suggestion?

Who sets both the level of taxation and the level of spending (including waste)?

Congress and president.

Who controls congress and president?

The corporations that contribute to their reelection funds.

How to sever the connection between corporate funding and spending?

Public funding of all elections.

I know it's a simple solution, but it's really a simple problem. If a politician is controled by those that provide the money, then make the only ones who can contribute money to them the public. Maybe then they will answer to the people instead of the corporate CEOs.

Alternative: Make all elected offices for life. Then each year hold an election to see if we will let them live another year.

[Name removed]

33. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Pachamama]

37. Umm, was this directed at me, because I didn't say that....just checking

..its not clear who this was directed to....I couldn't find the qoutes you refer to...

[Pithlet]

39. It was in response to post 10

By BlueOysterDemocrat.

[Commendatori]

43. Speaking of shoving it,

consider doing so with your attitude. I'd answer your challenge if I thought you were open to discussion, but you're too pissed off and I'm too disinterested in your opinion for any such exchange to be worthwhile. Thanks for the laugh regarding the 15%, though. As we all know, such laws are always complied with by the federal government. (Chuckle, snort, guffaw).

I wonder if you, like me, were outraged at stuff like Linda Ronstadt being silenced. We're in the same party and you're telling me to shut the F up because you don't agree with me and / or are "sick of hearing it?"

Since when are you my boss? See, I recognize your right to rant and scream, which is the difference between us. I will not shut the F up, nor will I pay attention to you anymore. Just because you're sick of hearing something doesn't mean that I was privy to your list of acceptable talking points, and it doesn't mean that you're right. If you think that all social programs are within your quoted 15%, just keep thiking that way. It'll help you sleep, and I think you could use some.

The amusing part: the night after Kerry talks about respect and civil discourse, I get this maniacal screed from you? I can only hope neither Kerry nor any other prominent Democrat stoops to your level, because if they start sounding like angry Republicans we're in for four more years of the Chimp.

Feel free to respond if you like, but I'll have you on ignore before you can post it. Unlike you, I don't presume to silence people who are saying things I'm "sick of" (for example, your entire attitude), I simply won't devote my energy to reading your rants. Someone else disagreed with me on this issue too, but in a civil manner. That's where I'll focus my attention. You're not worth any more of my time, so please feel free to turn your Republican-style scream approach towards someone who cares what your mood is.

Times like this...make me want to laugh. Have a nice weekend.

[Hamlette]

48. Since I'm on ignore you won't see this

but I'm legal counsel for the following federal programs in my state:
food stamps
workforce investment act
TANF
Unemployment
Refugee Assistance, and
Child Care
including all the programs that fall under those programs like TAA, TRA-NAFTA etc.

I participate in all the audits.
If we go over 15%, we're screwed. We've never done it. Not even close.

Sorry for the attitude but I don't expect those of us on our side to be so uninformed and it makes me angry.

[Fleshdancer]

11. I'm in the $100,000 bracket and I wouldn't mind a tax cut...

if it meant getting rid of our debt, universal healthcare, adequate care for Veterans, mandatory pre-school, better education, cheaper college tuition, cleaner environment etc.

I love my country and I have no problem investing in it.

[Lorien]

50. $100,000 isn't enough to benefit

the real benefits go to those making over $400,000 a year. You're still middle class!

Heck, I'm making 1/3 of what I was four years ago, and I would still take a tax hike if the money went to making America a better place to work and live. If you love your country, then back it up with cold hard cash, I say!

[Eric J in MN]

55. do you mean tax increase? nt

nt

[Fleshdancer]

60. OOPS! Yeah, that's what I meant *blush*

It's been a looong week.

[lukasahero]

12. I (we) support it

Absolutely. I believe those who have been fortunate in life have the responsibility to help up those who have not.

[DeepModem Mom]

14. Yes, we do -- And there is nothing more unattractive than people...

to whom much is given devoting their lives to enriching themselves and their fellows instead of extending a helping hand to others; there are none whose fortunate lives are more barren than those who go to the polls only to vote for the candidate who promises lower taxes to keep more money in their greedy hands, with not one care for our country, and what we should be as a people and a nation.

We would not only gladly forfeit the tax cuts, but we are maxed-out contributors to John Kerry, and other Democrats.

[Pachamama]

19. Me too Fellow Mommy!!! Good for you!

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Career Prole]

15. You know what?

I'll never even know you, yet I love you and your husband...I want you to know that. :hug:

[Pachamama]

20. Thanks! I'm blushing....

We know eachother, just not in person....I'm your neighbor and a fellow American.... :pals:

[Career Prole]

41. In that case I am honored to meet you, neighbor.

:toast:

[apnu]

16. dog poor recipient of the dot-bomb bust.

I'm a systems administrator that also does the work of a network admin/security specialist, SQL DB specialist, web development specialist, help desk, break fix and Chief Technical Officer. Not to mention, I'm cross platform (M$/Linux/Unix) on all of those things. (I wear a lot of hats) I make about 30K less than I should (at late 90's levels) and that still wouldn't put me over 100K (again at late 90's levels).

I earn a fraction of what I'm worth, and the market for jobs sucks total ass for my skill set, so I keep what I've got for the time being.

At least I earn enough to keep a decent roof over my head, food in the pantry, and the bills paid. But beyond all of that I don't have a dime. No savings, no retirement, and treading water against debt.

I, for one, will welcome Kerry's plans with open arms.

[democrat_patriot]

22. Were in the same boat...

I'm hoping we can at least keep the tech jobs that are still here..

Hope is on the way!

[apnu]

35. "Hope is on the way"

is the Best slogan for this campaign thus far!

I rarely get emotional about political things, but that slogan actually makes me swell with hope!

[bandy]

17. I am glad that you are in that position and

would not begrudge anyone for being there. But one thing that bothers me so much is how do we pay for:

military
roads
"home land security"
fire departments
police departments
schools
social programs
government employees
politicians
street signs
motor vehicles
voting
etc., etc., etc.

the little people, the elderly, the disabled - can we pay for these services? I don't think so, but we are! Every tax break you receive is mostly coming from those who can least afford them.

[Pachamama]

I'd rather see some of the military budget go to more socially-oriented

programs...

Call me a socialist, but how about instead of the Bechtel's and Halliburton's getting contracts where they are clearly making in no-bid contracts and our taxpayer dollars aren't getting the best deal and take what we pay in "overpayments" to the Military Industrial Complex Companies and give it to the elderly and healthcare and disabled and children's education....or to the very veteran's in the military who are suffering?

:eyes:

Our tax payer dollars are being spent incorrectly....we could still have a strong military, safe country and strong economy while taking care of our citizens....but the special interests are driving a lot of the spending....there is a reason why lobbyists make so much money....

[ProfessorPlum]

18. I'm nowhere near the 200K mark

but I'm doing very comfortably and I feel the way you do. A better world and nation for the people around me is a better world for me.

The GOPs dream seems to be to live in a nation of impoverished, ignorant, sick people. That sounds like my definition of hell.

I gladly pay my taxes (especially those parts of them that go to helping others - public education, medicaid, etc. - I'm less thrilled with the taxes that go down the military-industrial toilet, but oh well) to create more healthy, wealthy, and educated neighbors. That's the kind of USA I like to think about creating!

[Blue_Roses]

21. from someone who lives

paycheck to paycheck sometimes robbing Peter to pay Paul, I cannot understand or grasp this, but do know that the greed of those who are financially better off than us (the Ken Lays...) make me sick. I got in an argument with a rwinger at my gym the other day about this issue. He feels that we should not help the little guy and that there should massive welfare reform to make sure "minorities" work and don't suck off the government. Well, as someone who has a college degree and became a "stay-at-home" mom after the birth of my first child, we became one of those who "sucked off" the government(my husband lost his job while I was pregnant with no insurance--had to get on medicaid to pay for my pregnancy) as he puts it...and I told him so. His response, oh, that's okay, but it's the OTHERS. I wanted to slap him across the gym. It's this kind of mentality that keeps us stuck.

I think they need to step into reality. I took NO PLEASURE in sitting in that crowded room while waiting for my "number" to be called and then to have to wade through all the humilation of proving that we needed help. It was disgusting and oh, by the way, it was in TEXAS, which was at a time when Bush was governor. He didn't like "welfare" and made it know with his cuts.

I really liked what Barack Obama said, "people want to work and do better." So many don't want to take from the hand of others, but when the tax cuts are so unfairly dispersed that's what the right would like for it to look like we are doing and nothing could be farther from the truth.

[Pithlet]

23. I'm not sure

where we fall in the tax bracket, but we do pretty well. I'm a stay at home mom as well and feel very fortunate. I also feel the same way you do about taxes. Far too much burden is placed on the middle and lower classes.

[2Design]

25. I thought you were joking when you posted that title......thanks for

posting. It was nice to read that you want to support this country and helping others and that you do.

I know 20 years ago when I visited europe - I found their cities safer. There wasn't the crime we have here and I believe it is because they help each other. They are interdependent. Not handouts but hands up. Jobs, health care, and other ways of helping each other.

At this time, my salary is probably in the bottom 10%, not sure what someone does to make more money.

It is good to hear you and others on this message thread are willing to give to others.

[Pachamama]

27. I think anyone who is in the top 2% who doesn't want to give more back

is a cancer on this country and could care less if they siphoned it all off into their coffers at the expense of American working families...I mean that...I know many of these people in that category of income and I'd say its about 50/50 - and guess which way they vote?

hmmmm....not hard to guess, eh?

[Habibi]

59. I like that!

It's a good meme to propagate: "Anyone in the top 2% who doesn't want to give more back is a cancer on this country."

[jdj]

70. here's that list from Buzzflash "if you don't want to pay taxes

then don't use these services" (or as Randi Rhodes says, don't use the infrastructure of this country)

http://www.buzzflash.com/perspectives/2002/taxes.html

Don't drive on paved streets or highways.

- Don't call 911.

- Don't flush your toilet.

- Don't bring your garbage to the curb.

- Don't fly in an airplane that uses air-traffic controllers.

- Don't use the court system.

- Don't call the police when you get robbed.

- Don't use the US Post Office, send all your letters via FedEx or UPS.

- Don't ask for a farm subsidy for not growing crops.

- Don't ask for a taxpayer subsidy to do business in a city or state.

- Don't buy a sports franchise and ask the taxpayers to build your stadium.

- Don't send your children to public schools.

- Don't attend a state university.

- Don't expect a social security payment.

- Don't let Medicare pay your bills if you are over 65 or disabled.

- Don't look for a government contract to bolster your defense industry business.

- Don't look for a government.

- Don't look for a lucrative government consultant contract.

- Don't run for political office where your salary is paid for by the taxpayers.

- Don't accept government research findings that subsidize research for your industry.

- Don't be an airline and expect the government to bail you out.

- Don't be a car company and expect the government to bail you out.

- Don't be a steel company and expect the government to bail you out.

- Don't be a company that pollutes and expect the taxpayer to bail you out.

- Don't climb to the top of the Washington Monument, which is maintained at taxpayer expense.

- Don't make use of police services.

- Don't be rescued by fire department paramedic team.

- Don't call the fire department.

- Don't expect federal assistance if a natural disaster destroys your home or business.

- Don't expect the military to defend your country


and many, many more at the link

[heidiho]

26. I Am In the category too and I would rather pay a little

more in taxes than see the cuts in spending for the poor like we have seen in the past three years.

Bush, I don't need your stinkin' tax cut. Give it to someone who does need it.

[Pachamama]

28. Thanks Heidi! I knew there were others like me out there in DU land!

And in this great nation....

I'd also like to see Kerry come out and reject his salary and give it to .... our veterans?

Just an idea...

Keep up the good work!

[wellstone_democrat]

30. My inlaws feel the same

They have done very very well over the years and always have been Republicans of the "paleo" variety. They find the current regime sickening and the financial policies "insane"

they say they are willing to pay taxes to support the country and find it horrifying to know that people are without medical care "in a country this rich."

There are plenty of you out there who haven't lost their minds in an orgy of greed. And I'm happy for that.

[Pachamama]

31. Orgy of Greed - I like that one - definition of Bu$h Supporters...

and of ignorance....

[bandy]

34. During the Reagan, Bush 1 terms I was wishing

I could stay home with my 4 teens. That for sure didn't happen. By the time Clinton came to office it was too late. I am not hurting by any stretch of the imagination but I for sure do not want to pay for police and fire protection for Palm Beach, Fl., one of the wealthiest areas in the world.

[Tight_rope]

40. I'm not fortunate to be part of that top 1%. However....

As a single individual with no right-offs, I know what it's like to have most of your paycheck go to taxes. 25% of my paycheck goes toward taxes and I make less then $30,000 a year. I never complain about having to pay taxes because I want to be able to call the fire department if I have a fire, I want to be able to call the police if something horrible is happening, I want all children (and keep in mind I have no children, no nieces or nephews) to have a good education. I want all children to have good schools and working school busses to be able to pick them up to transport them to and from school, so that some sick individual doesn't snatch them to sexually molest them of kill them. I want all these things. Bush took these things away from me and I want them back. I believe that John Kerry can give them back.

[Tight_rope]

42. Thank You Pachamama! I truly respect you and your husband!

[DancingBear]

45. Yes, we are part of that 2%

Again, through some good fortune and much hard work.

We will GLADLY give that money back if it means we are helping those less fortunate than us.

How could anyone not??

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

46. Pretty much. But 2 words: Iraq War. I'm a proud vet. Our country

can't be doing things like this. I'd love to have more money from tax cuts but to turn our country into some kind of imperialist agressor state is not worth it. They must go.

[fishnfla]

47. Yes, we pay without complaint

I can name a dozen ways in which the Federal Goverment helps our family. For instance, without the guaranteed student loan program, we would not have been able to achieve the income in the first place.
Also, federal programs assist our business, so we get back much more than we pay, in my view.

[LittleApple81]

49. I am not even close. But I WANT PEOPLE TO GET HELP WITHOUT HAVING

to promise anything to any specific god or vested interest. I feel the need to help because I have been helped in the past. I got scholarships to go to college, I got help during two months during college by being able to get food stamps (I did not enjoy the feeling but I did not need to get in a soup line to be fed... and as soon as I got a job again I got off the foodstamps).
These people who say "It is my money and I don't want to share" is amazing.

[YNGW]

53. There's plenty of tax shelters.

I'm in the top 1% and see no reason to pay anymore than I have to pay. I can't remember a single time in the last several years where I paid anymore than 8%-10% of my total taxable income in combined federal and state taxes. If someone is paying more than you should, I suggest you change accountants.

[Pachamama]

54. And how much of your annual income and net worth do you give to charity?

I mean, with all the savings you have in tax shelters, do you take any of that money and give it to environmental causes, education, etc.? Have you set up any charitable trusts or foundations? I've set up 3 and my plans are to also have a scholarship fund in the next few years at my alma mater for young women in technology and the sciences.

Just curious....:eyes:

PS: DUers - YNGW just mentioned the dirty lil secret of the top % of the wealthiest Americans in this country - with all the tax breaks & shelters and write-offs, none of us are paying more than 10-12% of our income in taxes....try telling how fair that is to the two parents working a couple of jobs including late shifts to make it from paycheck to paycheck, can't put together enough money for a downpayment to own a home because of that and pay 25% of their income in taxes because they don't have these write-offs...not too fair eh?

Our tax system is a sham and about as "fair and balanced" as FAUX News and like I said, I personally don't feel any animosity or take issue with paying more in taxes. I would however like to know its not going into the pockets of Halliburton and the military industrial companies benefiting from this illegal war....

[YNGW]

58. Just curious.

How much I give or don't give or what I have set up is not any of your business.

I pay probably 5 times more into the system than most people make a year, and I definitely pay more into the system than I receive back in benefits.

Let's just say I'm highly skeptical of anyone who would say "Hi, I'm from the government and I'm here to help you." I believe local charities and non-profits do a much better job than a government bureaucracy ever could.

[Pachamama]

67. This is an anonymous site - I asked for percentages and obviously for

my own anonymity am not divulging the names of my foundations.

Sheesh...why so defensive?

You've answered my questions, whether you realize it or not...

Have a good one....

Namaste

[DemoTex]

56. Dr.D and I are in that bracket.

We would welcome a tax increase to ease the tax burden on the middle-income earners. Ironically, our big tax refund from 2003 has all gone to the Kerry campaign. Bet Bu$h didn't count on that!

[JPJones]

57. I always like how rich people point out how hard they work

Like coal miners don't work hard.

[Pachamama]

68. I worked hard, but for me it was luck and being at the right place/time

...and your right, it is an interesting irony how that always has to be thrown in there....I guess they got to make sure they justify it somehow, although your right, as opposed to someone - not working hard? Point taken and agreed...Like I said in my posting, I know I'm fortunate and while I don't make apologies for success and am grateful, its luck & timing too..not all hard work...that's an honest answer....

[BiggJawn]

74. I still don't understand that...

Somebody working their brain hard (which is actually beneficial for it in your old age) is worth a million bucks a year, but somebody destroying their joints and back so they'll be in a wheelchair by the time they're 60 for the benefit of somebody working their brain is worth only $30,000...

I'd rather wake up in the morning with a headache that made me $400,000 than stiff hands and joint pain that only made me $400....

[Habibi]

61. I do! If you remove a few zeroes. But I have a question:

The freeper fitness guru at my gym was laughing about Bill Clinton's speech earlier this week, to one of his clients. I overheard him say something to the effect that, "If Clinton thinks his tax cut is too big, why doesn't he just give his back? Nobody's stopping him."

What do you think is the best answer to this sort of mind-set? Telling Fitness Guru he needs to "give back" would, I suspect, elicit an eye-spin the likes of which haven't been seen since Alan Sues. The guy's a small businessman, I have no idea what his income is but he works pretty hard. What's the flaw in this thinking? (I mean I know what the flaw is, but is there any argument that would convince somebody like this, or at least shut them up for a minute or two?)

[DemoTex]

62. Is it irony or justice that there are no rich Freepers?

Inquiring minds are flippin' on that one!

[Habibi]

63. Are there not, really?

I'd like to believe that, but . . . Bush has way too many freeperesque campaign donors.

[DemoTex]

64. No, I speak strictly of the atavistic members of Free Republic

Trailer trash. Lot lizards. Ku Klux Klanners.

[belle]

66. Haven't lurked around there long enough to know if there are or not, but

certainly a lot of them seem to fall into what used to be called the lumpenproletariat, or whatever the 21st century equivalent is. rank and file of the Nazis, you betcha. Not "trailer trash;" lower-middle to middle-middle-rank economic bracket who aspire to be members of uhhh the bourgeois class I guess.. Except in America, we don't really believe in class; I think for them the ideal works out to "middle-class values, upper-upper crust income bracket." We're all supposed to be winners, don't you know.

[belle]

65. I'm not, but my folks are, and AFAIK they'd be fine with it.

Even said so, I believe.

[Protected]

69. When I make it into that 2% bracket I won't mind at all...

Though right now I'm making $0 so I'm paying $0 in income taxes! It feels so... not great! :)

[Jane Austin]

71. I used to be, and might be again someday.

I'm fine with an increase.

Gosh, do you children <g> realize that before the Reagan administration, the tax rate on the the top catagories was way higher than it is today. All through the 70's, the top rate was 70%, and in the 50's it was even higher than that.

I consider today's crop of super-rich to be a bunch of whinybabies, with their 39% top rate AFTER a million tax breaks and dodges.

[Pachamama]

76. Actually, the top rate aren't paying 39% with tax breaks, shelters etc..

After all the Gov't write-offs, shelters etc.....its more like 10-15% range....We paid 12% this year...totally legal....Like Bill Clinton said - thank you George and the Republicans....Although in bi-partisan fairness, this has been going on for awhile...started before Dimwit, but Dimwit made it even more beneficial for wealthy to get wealthier....

And I agree with you....the majority of super-rich are a bunch of whinybabies....

[BiggJawn]

72. No, sorry, I got one of those $600 "Walmart Gift Certificates"...

Not a real "tax cut".
It's only a matter of time, though...I got a HUGE 2.01% increase this year, brought me up to about $38,750...Maybe in my next life...

I'll gladly trade jobs with Tommy Ridge. See which college he can send his kids to on MY paycheck!...

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

73. No we are not above $200K

but I am more than happy to pay a bit more taxes if the money is used better. My idea is to cut 15% of the defense budget and put it to K-12 education, healthcare for all, Headstart, etc. but I'm not sure I'll ever see that happen.

[Gold Metal Flake]

75. I am in the top 2%....

of homeowners having the ugliest cars in my neighborhood. In that way, I am a wealthy man, my friend.