Straight talk on Social Security?

Clara Kansas City, MO — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:31:49 GMT

Clara,
“…Before I forget, please in your next response, try not to make so many assumption and stop putting words in my mouth about "everyone owning a franchise" and what not. It makes you sounds crazy. All I did was use a franchise as an EXAMPLE! I thought I pointed that out…” Adam, St. Louis (Sent Thursday, July 31, 2008 1:43 PM)
Adam: Here is what you said,… from Tuesday KAINE SIDESTEPS VP QUESTIONS headline:
“…The government didn't GIVE me my money I earned it! …People want money? GO AND GET IT!!!! I did! I personally think, that I deserve NO MORE and NO LESS tax then everyone else! … It is so easy in this country to make money…Jimmie Johns sub shops (EXAMPLE, no i do not own a jimmie johns, but would love to, it may be my next venture.), opening year on a franchise makes an average of $130,000! OPENING YEAR!!!! That is an incredible yield! 5 year average is 398,000 dollars! Again amazing yield! And Jimmie Johns will sponsor your opening, you need NO up front money, they front everything for you!!!! People, small business is what keeps this country going, higher taxes on the "rich" (over 250K a year) and that will equal FEWER small businesses! Use your heads people! …Everyone needs to stop crying about money problems and go get more money if they want it, it is out there ready for the taking, it only takes a little guts and a bit of drive! I had NOTHING, no college no NOTHING! and I was able to open and run a successful business. YOU CAN TOO!!!!!! If you don't like your lot in life CHANGE IT and stop waiting for someone else to change it for you!” Adam, St. Louis (Sent Tuesday, July 29, 2008 11:43 AM) {I have trimmed this down substantially,…in the interest of saving space}
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I apologize that I offended you. But there are several statements up top that I felt I was addressing. I was intentionally elaborating on your example with my own metaphor. I took your thought bubble to the next ‘natural’ conclusion. What set me on edge was the comment, “…It’s so easy in this country to make money…”. I felt I was very clearly assessing your comments and responding. Sorry you felt I ‘put’ words in your mouth. By NOT copying your whole quote, I was attempting to get others to go find it and read it for themselves. Granted, it took me two whole days to get the darn thing posted, so it wasn’t very timely. My points remain valid, in my opinion. I still take umbrage that you seem to think any American has the equity, capital or borrowing power to open a franchise. I’m sorry you didn’t catch my indignation to my perception of your assumptions. I don’t think everyone thinks SS has been a complete failure, either. But that’s a whole other discussion. PS. Nice to see we agree on Casey’s dumba** remarks this morning. J And I had no idea you were voting for Obama, Great! Again, I am sorry that I offended you.

Straight talk on Social Security?

John, MI — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:32:18 GMT

Doesn't matter if he may or may not raise taxes, if Obama gets in he will DEFINITLY raise taxes and our country will be even worse.

Straight talk on Social Security?

Colleen, Ithaca, NY — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:33:53 GMT

McCain has no discernible position on almost any issue. His only objective is to make everybody run from Obama. I feel sick.

Straight talk on Social Security?

Jerry, Chevy Chase, MD — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:33:53 GMT

Is this straight talk or double talk???????

Straight talk on Social Security?

MI Chick — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:34:05 GMT

McCheese's entire campaign is "hasn't been all that clear."

Trying to post again...

"I think the McCain camp watched our primary on the Democratic side very carefully and they know that any accusation of racial divisiveness can be very, very harmful for a candidate's prospects,” he said.
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That's brillant, Wolfie. Thanks for the newsflash.

This guy is a great campaign strategist? C'mon! How's is going to feel if he loses because of this? Oh wait - that's what you were going for, right? Maybe he is a great strategist - just not a great dem.
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Watching Moron Joe this morning, they kept talking about how all this "kerfluffle" (as David called it) was Obama's fault as he "fired the first shot"?

What? Am I missing something here?

He said something about him being black in June. Not a peep from the McCheese campaign.

All Obama did the other day was point out the obvious. Hasn't their narrtive been all along that he's too "exotic", too "foreign" to be president? We should fear what we don't know and that he's got a funny name?

Joe was saying that McCain wasn't doing this - that the folks on the Internet was saying this and it was fasely attributed to the candidate.

WHAT???????

Straight talk on Social Security?

April - Denver, CO — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:34:12 GMT

At a town hall in Nevada on Tuesday, McCain did his best to put this tax issue to rest. “My friends, I’m gonna keep current tax rates low and cut others -- not because I want to make the rich richer, but because it keeps jobs in America and creates new ones and gets our economy moving again by making sure that you spend money as you see fit not the government spending it,” McCain said in his opening remarks.
======================
So where are all these jobs the rich are supposedly creating? This tired old Republican line of econominc reasoning hasn't worked in the real world yet, so what makes anyone think it's gonna work now?

Straight talk on Social Security?

MSierra, SF — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:34:34 GMT

"This isn't a flip-flop. It's a sex-change operation."

I THOUGHT SO !!
The Christine Keeler of the Republican Party

From Huff Post:

'... WSJ Columnist: Is McCain Losing It?

Wall Street Journal columnist Daniel Henninger looks at John McCain's tax policy and concludes, "This isn't a flip-flop. It's a sex-change operation." He continues:

What I'm asking is, does John McCain have the mental focus, the intellectual discipline, to avoid being out-slicked by Barack Obama, if he isn't abandoned by his own voters?

Why as well shouldn't the Obama camp exploit all of this? If Sen. Obama's "inexperience" is Mr. McCain's ace in the hole, why not trump that by asking, "Does Sen. McCain know his own mind?"
...

Yes, Sen. McCain has honor and country. Another month of illogical, impolitic remarks and Sen. McCain will erase even that. Absent a coherent message for voters, he will be one-on-one with Barack Obama in the fall. He will lose.

The Chicago Tribune's Frank James comments: "More evidence that Sen. John McCain is giving fits to many conservatives, like those who comprise The Wall Street Journal's editorial board: they're asking aloud if he's stupid."...'

WSJ Editorial Board, the answer is YES !!

Talk about a flip flopper !!

Does John McCain speak for the McCain campaign ?

Take a nap John; you’ve had a long morning and now you're getting cranky

Straight talk on Social Security?

Texas — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:34:45 GMT

Just another reason not to trust anything that comes out of McCain's mouth.

Straight talk on Social Security?

I'm Just Sayin' — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:36:09 GMT

Edward R. Murrow would be stunned by how easily the mainstream media got PLAYED yesterday by the insidious and specious race-card accusations leveled by the new Karl Rove campaign, formerly the campaign known as McCain.

Straight talk on Social Security?

Brian M. De — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:36:12 GMT

Straight Talk Express my behind . The Social Security is a shame he says. Yeah it's a shame he is making over $400,000.00 a year has a wife worth millions owns more than 8 homes and feels the need to deprieve people who need it those benefits that he could just pass on instead of recieving them. Strange bird that John McShame.

Straight talk on Social Security?

Nicholas: Minnesota — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:36:25 GMT

Wow, this is directly analogous to Sen. Obama's Iraq War plan. That Sen. Obama holds the position that he will get us out of Iraq in 16 months (Sen. McCain will not raise taxes) but will adapt that time goal in an effort to protect our troops (Sen. McCain will not oppose a tax raise to protect social security).

Straight talk on Social Security?

Rod, South Carolina. — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:36:43 GMT

It doesn't? John that is just stupid. How come you feel it necessary to make this about Obama when it is really about John Mccain's pledge.

Straight talk on Social Security?

Pat Huntington NY — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:36:55 GMT

Doesn't matter if he may or may not raise taxes, if Obama gets in he will DEFINITLY raise taxes and our country will be even worse.
John, MI (Sent Friday, August 01, 2008 11:32 AM)

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More lies from the GOP I see. Obama's tax plan is to give 98% of Americans a TAX CUT, and only the very rich, like, only 2% of Americans will see some of the Bush Tax Giveaways rolled back.

How is that an across the board tax hike?

Also, Obama's Soc. Sec. plan - will only impact those making more than $250,000 - meaning, more than 98% of Americans will have no increase in their soc. sec. payroll tax.

McCain's plan, cut more federal gov't revenues, exaserbate the defecit to bring the US on the verge of bankruptcy, let the value of the dollar continue to plummet, and all the while, let the rich get richer, the middle class become the poor class, and let the oil companies get even more richer!

Obama is the best bet to putting us back on the road of fiscal responsibility and good economic policies that, unlike McCain, won't sell us to the lowest bidder, like foreign nations as China and Saudi Arabia, who hold large amounts of US debt!

Straight talk on Social Security?

The Real Truth — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:38:46 GMT

I have one question, what happen to all of the tax money that was paid by millions of people who died and did not get a chance to collect Social Security. If some one has been taken funds from S.S., when are they going to pay it back and at what rate? Where is GAO when you need them?

Straight talk on Social Security?

Barbara C. - Fort Lauderdale, FL — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:38:54 GMT

So...let me get this straight...now that the Gallup Tracking Poll is a virtual tie again, you will begin to pick on McCain for awhile....

Straight talk on Social Security?

McCain's LostHonor, Sedona, Arizona — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:39:06 GMT

McCain's position is that as part of negotiations he may be forced to raise our Social Security taxes, but don't worry, because in return he'll insist that he gets to cut our benefits.

It's only fair, and it's the Republican way.

Straight talk on Social Security?

Patrick — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:39:31 GMT

What a stupid post. Have you seen the results of the independent study group showing MCCAIN actually would raise taxes on people making under $100,000 per year. You know, 99% of the country. LOL Idiot. Another untrue WEDGE issue misleading the American people. And the country continues to SINK. Good job Republicans. Reagan would be ashamed of you.

Straight talk on Social Security?

Clara Kansas City, MO — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:40:02 GMT

Social Security is a perfect example of a regressive tax. It is a Flat tax, in that proportionally, everyone pays the same. Granted, people earning more pay more on their increased earnings. I have never understood why capping this makes sense. Yes, it would make higher incomes pay more; but taxes are the dues we pay to live in a free society.

This is the most conservative thing you will ever hear me say; but I really support a Flat tax on earnings and get rid of everything else. I know it skews things unfavorably toward the rich; but if it were somehow 'fair' and simple - wouldn't people just get used to it? And here is another radical thought - I'm just talking here; but what if we had 10 cabinet positions and 10 boxes on your new simple 1040EZ tax form where the public actually picks where they want their tax dollars to go. oila' now you have a budget. Wouldn't government be so much simpler? I get that there is way more nuance to some of this; but seriously, does it have to be as complicated as DC has made it? I just don't think so.

PS. To handle crisis things like September 11th, it would then take 'an act of Congress' to issue 'war bonds' or some other means to pay for it.

Straight talk on Social Security?

Senator Obama can give a speech and has substance! — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:40:05 GMT

Mccain has his positions and he 'will articulate them'? By all means go ahead if you truly have them Mr. mcgoo. This is code language for 'I don't have a clue' other than to privatize Social Security.
What a dodge of the answers. No substance to this man. He can't give an interesting speech and he doesn't have substance.

The choice is clear: Senator Obama!

Straight talk on Social Security?

twocanpete — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:40:09 GMT

It's real simple, you tax the income all the way up. If Bill Gates and his ilk were paying social tax on ALL of their income there would be no shortfall!
http://twocanpete.blogspot.com

Straight talk on Social Security?

Senator Obama can give a speech and has substance! — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:40:28 GMT

Straight talk on Social Security?

Nj — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:41:00 GMT

Obama will raise taxes on the RICH. The GOP talking point machine again @ work. And why isnt anyone talking about how McShame wants to make SS private???

Same old junk. Obama will raise taxes, Lose the War, is not ready, he doesnt understand etc....

Anyone who votes for the GOP after the last 8 years is a complete FOOL

Straight talk on Social Security?

Matt, CA — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:41:04 GMT

John -- Obama has repeatedly said he would only raise taxes on those making $250,000 a year or more. That means the vast majority of people in this country will either see no increase or lower taxes. Those are the facts. What I don't seem to understand is why so many people question Barack Obama's policies, and lately, his character. It is in this country's best interest to vote for a Democrat this November.

Straight talk on Social Security?

Vic, Washington D.C. — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:41:14 GMT

Doesn't matter if he may or may not raise taxes, if Obama gets in he will DEFINITLY raise taxes and our country will be even worse

John, MI

Please inform yourself Obama has consistently stated that the tax increases will be on the top tier of the country those making more than 250,000.00 a year so if your in that tax bracket then yes your taxes will be raised. For the rest of us that aren't in that bracket we'll recieve a tax cut of 1000.00 dollars which to me helps those in middle america where the dream is becoming unattainable

Straight talk on Social Security?

MK,MO — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:41:30 GMT

tax the people that can least afford it, it's just what republicans do, anyone that is thinking about voting for mccain should read the following very closely, he "my friends" is not your friend.

I posted this earlier but it was censored, we'll try again.

the following statement was made by a man very intimate with mccain

"He is a striver and a combatant, often at war with himself, who has conducted a lifelong struggle ‘to prove to myself that I was the man I had always wanted to be,’ as he has written. Multiple influences have shaped his thinking, from his famous grandfather and father, both four-star Navy admirals, to his travels and his extensive reading of history and literature.”

Mr. McCain’s famous father and grandfather are the only reason McCain ever made pilot, he was described by his superiors as "underachiever". He knew that he could be a slacker because of his families influence, he is a true elitist that thinks the middle and lower class are mere breeders for the his military, he is not worthy to be president and quite frankly he is the scariest candidate I have seen in my lifetime, he will bring war on the U.S.A., he thinks it's his destiny.

MK,MO

Straight talk on Social Security?

coninPA — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:42:13 GMT

He is THE MAVERICK no more!

He is a NEOCON!

Straight talk on Social Security?

Kimberly — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:42:56 GMT

John... How could we possibly get any worse? Face it, because of Bush there is no way, either the Repub's or the Dem's can NOT raise taxes. We are so far in debt, that there is just no way around it. Now how we raise them, and what we do with the money is the bigger question and issue.

Regan raised taxes... all presidents have to come up with $'s... it's reality....Take a look a the facts. In the last 3 decades there has been 3 democrats elected to the presidency... 2 of which were Clinton.. you do the math!

My taxes aren't the same as they were 3 decades ago, are yours?

Straight talk on Social Security?

Amy B Portland, ME — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:43:57 GMT

"Read my lips, no new taxes" Isn't that what Bush Senior said before he....raised taxes. Politicians, gotta love 'em.

Straight talk on Social Security?

Lyn, KCMO — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:45:21 GMT

John, MI - if you make more than $250,000 you will pay more in taxes, but more of us make $50,000 or less. Our taxes will go down...

You don't hear of anyone in the 250K wage bracket loosing their homes...

Straight talk on Social Security?

Robert, Boulder CO — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:45:30 GMT

John, Obama has stated he will LOWER taxes for the middle class. You and McCain are just spewing out the same old tired Republican rhetoric. I bet you did better during the Clinton years yet still think Bush was a better president. The only people who vote Republican and are actually voting their interests are those among the wealthiest of Americans who are allowed to avoid paying taxes by sending everything offshore, the defense contractors and the oil companies. Everyone else who has voted Republican votes against their own interests.

Straight talk on Social Security?

JOE GLAYTON GEORGIA — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:46:02 GMT

JOHN, MI :

DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR TALKING ABOUT? OBAMA IS GOING TO RAISE TAXES ON THE WEALTHY IF YOU ARE ONE OF THEM SO BE IT. THE REST OF THE POPULATION IS NOT GOING TO GET A TAX INCREASE.

DO YOU UNDERSTAND ANYONE MAKEING OVER 109 THOUSAND DOLLARS PAY NO SS TAX WHEN THEY MAKE OVER THAT SUM. DONT YOU THINK THAT MAKES SENSE FOR THE UPPER INCOME PEOPLE SHOULD PAY JUST LIKE EVERY ONE ELSE>?

IF YOU DONT MAKE THAT MUCH MONEY THEN YOU HAVE NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT, IF YOU DO YOU SHOULD BE PAYING MORE FOR THE SS YOU GET FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE JUST LIKE ME

GO AND BELIEVE MC CAIN BECAUSE HE IS ANOTHER GEORGE BUSH AND SAYS ONE THING BUT DOES ANOTHER.

Straight talk on Social Security?

McApocolypse Now — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:46:06 GMT

I love the smell of campaign lies in the morning.

Straight talk on Social Security?

LP — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:46:06 GMT

Well he is spoken on Social Security and other plan details ...

oh nevermind

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0708/12215.html

Straight talk on Social Security?

Nicholas: Minnesota — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:46:21 GMT

And didn't John McCain SIGN a pledge to NH-ites b/f the primary to not raise taxes, catapulting him to victory in the 'Live Free or Die' state? The question here is not about taxes or no taxes. It's about trusting a supposedly straight-talking candidate and the many, many examples of political expediency.

I'd rather have a candidate offer sour medicine than political expediency--granted, I am probably different from the average voter in this respect (though the average voter might claim to agree with me).

Straight talk on Social Security?

Jay, Dallas, TX — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:47:08 GMT

John, it's unbelieveable that people like you still exist in this country.

Unless of course you are wealthy, then i understand your view.

Anyone not making $250,000 a year as an individual is unquestionably worse off now than they were under Bill Clinton. No doubt about it.

Bush lied to you about giving you huge tax breaks, instead giving those to the rich and small breaks to regular working people. Of course his economic policies have caused the cost of living to sky-rocket since he's been in office, more than dworphing the small tax breaks he gave you.

How anyone living under this horrible economy that was created by Republican rule for the first 6 years of Bush's presidency and sit there and say that Obama would make it worse is unbelieveable.

Wake up and look at what's happening around you. This country is going down the drains so fast on so many levels and it's all because of the Republican elitist policies that have so heavily favored the rich and big buisness over the vast majority of working class Americans. Just like always happens when Republicans get elected.

Republicans are moe concerned about legislating morality - violating the seperation of church and state - and beneifiting their rich supporters, than living up to their idiology of small government and low taxes.

Straight talk on Social Security?

Simon Sayys — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:49:16 GMT

How about the straight talk on Obama's $1000 "energy rebate". Where exactly will Obama get the money? he says from the oil companies. So do you think that will raise or lower gas prices?

Straight talk on Social Security?

Jeff Daniels IL — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:49:45 GMT

see if he becomes president he is going to raise our SS taxes but blame the dem's in the house and senate!!
and to me the code word for sit down and work this out, means to me that the benefits are going to be CUT, the increases for inflation are going away or they will freeze it for 2 years, and as for me, i'm turning 46 next week and i have a funny feeling that i will not be getting my full benifet till i'm 72. if me pushes the retirement age up, that will help save SS!! so get ready, if he is elected president, just like regean, there will be a major benifet CUT!! with regean it was no benifet for college age dependents. my wife and i lost our benifet, instead of counting on using that to pay for college i have to work 2 jobs and go to school part time. my dad died very young, my older brother and sister were able to use there benifet in full and i got screwed, look like I'm getting screwed again by a old republican!!!!

Straight talk on Social Security?

Stop spreading Lies — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:50:29 GMT

John,MI ~ you need to go to factcheck.org. You are only talking about those who make over $250,000 a year. Is that you? If so, good. I'm glad your taxes are going up. Get a real job.

Straight talk on Social Security?

Diane from Illinois — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:55:17 GMT

Shouldn't this heading contain a huge question mark after it? Shouldn't it read: "Straight Talk on Social Security????" seeing that McCain hasn't one straight word about it from the beginning. WHEN is the media going to STOP giving this joker a free ride and report him like he is...old, confused and flip-flopping on every issue????

Straight talk on Social Security?

desertson, Salt Lake City, UT — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:55:18 GMT

The problems with SS could easily be fixed by removing the the income cap. I'm not sure where the cap is exactly, but I believe it's around $100,000. In other words, only income up to the cap is subject to the payroll tax, after that, you pay no more, regardless of income. Talk about a regressive tax!

The cap was the concession FDR had to give to the Republican Congress in order to get any kind of Social Security legislation passed in 1933. Otherwise, there would have been no SS whatsoever. Times have changed and the program needs to be updated, too.

Straight talk on Social Security?

TJK, HUNT VALLEY, MD — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:56:28 GMT

Has anyone asked the candidates if White House staff should honor subpoenas and testify before Congressional Committees about unethical/unlawful behavior?

Straight talk on Social Security?

thats a fact jack — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:57:23 GMT

51,000 more folks unemployed last month, golly bush/cheney/rove/mccant economic plan must be working

Straight talk on Social Security?

Cindy Lou, TX — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:58:29 GMT

What a gently questioning article about the candidate the press loves! Had Obama made these kinds of "unclear" statements, the MSM and McCain would have called him an inexperienced rookie who is moving toward the center to get elected.

And some say the MSM loves Obama. I think not.

RME.

Straight talk on Social Security?

Lorna, Klamath Falls, OR — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:58:44 GMT

Obama wants to raise the CAP on social security, not the tax rate deducted from your paycheck. This will allow higher income people to pay their fair share. Most of us that make under $100,000 per year, continue to pay the entire year. Wealthy people who make over $100,000 on up to millions, stop having SS deductions in the firt month or two of the year. If you raise the cap (earnings maximum) then the higher income people will have to pay more and there will be more $$'s in the social security fund. That is what Obama is proposing.

Straight talk on Social Security?

Beth, Denton, TX — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:58:59 GMT

More "double-talk" from the Straight Talk Express...why can't politicians just be honest? It would be so darn refreshing!

Also, I'm really glad I read FR's "First Thoughts" column today before going shopping for school supplies. If Walmart is going to influence how its employees vote, I can choose not to shop there. I might have to spend a little more time looking for bargains elsewhere (stuff won't be all under the same roof). I often find better bargains elsewhere anyway.

Straight talk on Social Security?

donna — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:59:32 GMT

“I have my positions, and I’ll articulate them. But nothing’s off the table.”-McCain

If you have your positions Senator, why didn't you tell Stephanopolis what they are? Geroge, why did you let him get away without outlining his positions? Why did you let him skate by with a non-answer?
Colleen,
Make sure your grandmother knows of McCain's disgust for SS.

"...the way Tip O’Neill and Ronald Reagan did many years ago.” That fix in the 1980s included tax increases and benefit cuts". -McCain

Senator McCain that was thirty years ago. You should have your own ideas in the 21st century. We need fresh, more effective solutions. Are problems are not the same as they were in 1980.

...."The message? Although McCain himself is opposed to tax increases, Washington is full of “partisanship and gridlock,” and he wants to “sit down and work these issues out,” which could mean tax increases. Right?" -First Read

In other words he is resigned to raising taxes, but is already blaming the Democrats for what HE will do.

Straight talk on Social Security?

idtt, laurle md — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:03:14 GMT

Pat, I share your optimism. Nashville, I hope everything works out for you and your family.

Straight talk on Social Security?

Joe Don, Topeka, KS — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 16:06:46 GMT

There are taxes and there are taxes, and this isn't very complicated.

Obama's "tax increase" proposal is to lift the cap on the level of income that's subject to SS withholding. Right now, low and moderate income workers have 100% of their wages subject to SS withholding, while anual salary above $97.5K isn't taxed for social security at all. Obama doesn't propose an increased rate, just an equal application of the rate so millionaires pay the same tax rate on their salaries as the rest of us do.

The irony here is that those with the smaller paychecks, who are most likely to rely on Social Security benefits, presently have the highest proportion of their earnings taxed. That keeps them from saving more and being less reliant on SS.

McCain doesn't like Obama's plan, for obvious reasons, and he tries to make voters think – falsely and irresponsibly – that the average wage earner would be affected.

You'd think the media would think it important enough to provide this simple explanation, but apparently it isn't as fascinating as Britney and Paris.