Obama's middle-class tax cuts

H P Boston — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:20:41 GMT

Promises, promises, politics, politics, election next year. Will any of these people remember their promises, the plans , the hopes, the dreams. The things they can really get accomplished?
Will we be paying for this war till the end of eternity or getting tax cuts??? Be careful what you wish for and be careful who you vote for.

You be the judge!

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Jennie Denver,CO — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:21:58 GMT

Imagine that, tax cuts for people who actually need them. And here I thought the whole entire goal of our party was raising taxes. Good thing abortion is legal and gays are still trying to marry, otherwise the GOP would be in real trouble

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Gregg, Texas — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:32:42 GMT

This is all good political hype but he knows damn well he can't implement any of these pipe dreams. All politicians do is promise sh*& they know they can't deliver. People that make under 50,000 doesnt pay any taxes now, a cut of 500.00 will give you a whopping 23.00 dollars more on your return on the average.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

George — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:34:56 GMT

What about free checking?

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Erik — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:46:07 GMT

Go Obama!

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Tax cuts for people who actually pay taxes? Outrageous! — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:49:36 GMT

Why should the middle calss get to keep any of its money? Everybody knows that when the uber wealthy are happy, everybody else is soooooo much better off.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Bob, Denver — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:01:13 GMT

Booyah, Barack! As a CPA I agree with all of your tax policy recommendations. I especially agree with an increase in the capital gains/dividends tax rate from an absurdly low 15% to a more realistic 28%. The fact that a rich person pays less in taxes on a stock gain or investment than the poor schmoe that gets up each morning to do a real day's work is typical repugnicant tax policy. Money is money. Leveling tax rates on investment gains is just a start to make the tax system more fair. The greedy right-wingers are going to be squealing like stuck pigs. Enjoy!
Obama/Webb '08!

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Andy Pettsmart — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:24:37 GMT

Obama of course "skimmed over" the part on how to pay for it.

See, that's what's makes it easy for someone that has never had to run a business. You never have to figure out the small details. You leave that to your "people" to figure out.

Obama hasn't "Jumped the Shark" quite yet. But he's getting closer.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

beaverdambob — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:30:09 GMT

Wow, a tax plan that helps the rest of us, what a concept. Lets see, the republicans want to reform the taxes by: eliminating the death tax, which only benefits the rich, corporate welfare, which only benefits the rich, tax breaks to big oil, which only... well you get the idea. Ya got my vote dude.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Nick Dorsey — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:40:04 GMT

Talk about desperation time.

I guess if I were losing in virtually every state in every poll by usually double digits, I'd also be offering the unwashed masses the modern day version of a chicken in every pot, a TV in every room, and 2 cars in every garage.

In primary polls, I think the only place he's competitive is in Iowa, of all places, and Edwards might even pull that one out.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Ernie Rivers, San Diego CA — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 21:49:28 GMT

Does Obama realize what raising the cap gains tax by 40% will do to the economy? Capital investments will drop through the basement floor, and then its bye-bye jobs. Tax revenues from cap gains would also more then likely DECREASE. Why make cap investments or cash out of the ones you're in if you are going to get nailed with a huge tax burden?

Does this guy think, or does he just react?

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

HOT DAM — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 22:13:52 GMT

WHY NOT ROLL BACK THE BUSH TAX CUTS!!
Why not revamp the AMT too!!
Why not tax the health care pkg that Congress gets??

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Bee — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 22:15:54 GMT

I don't like 28% capital gain tax but i like 20%. As a supporter of Obama, i think the 28% is too high,perhaps, he should lower it to 20-22%. That's a lot bettter than 28%.

I guess i'll just have to pull all my money away from stock market. Nonetheless, i'll still support the senator because i like his vission on foreign policy and Education.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Shadow, Hamden, CT — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 22:41:25 GMT

A 28% capital gains tax is reasonable and the fact that it pays for a $500 tax cut to every working poor or middle class American in addition to all the other benefits is a VERY good trade off. Hard-right corporatists like to scream about how investment will be curtailed if the rich pay fair taxes, but that kind of trickle down economics only led to a recession in the 80's, and that history has again been repeated by GWB; the fact is that the economy did the best in the 90's when EVERYBODY benefited, not just the fifty percent of Americans who own stock, because the most consumers having more money to spend is what leads to real growth in the marketplace, not giving the rich guy an extra check.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

H P Boston — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:10:40 GMT

So Bee Obama suffers from double vision?
And 28% would be what the rate was before BUSH's tax cuts for the RICH investors.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Sszq, Ashland Oregon — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:22:51 GMT

Obama Please address thE ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX
IT IS WHAT IS WRONG!!! Hard work in middle class is not paying off

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

jim haneline, tacoma, wa — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:10:13 GMT

Obama better look at his union support, i.e. electricians etc who make $50 an hour with overtime, if he limits his definition of middle class as $50,000 a year. You can't make a house payment at $50k.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

OBAMA in '08, Pittsburgh PA — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:24:16 GMT

Finally, a candidate who wants to actually HELP the middle class and the poor! Barack Obama is a man of real character and integrity. He wants to sweep Washington clean of the lobbyists and special interests who have stolen our democracy. He will tell us the truth even when it hurts. We desperately need a President who can get things right the first time. Obama opposed the Iraq war long before candidates like Hillary, Edwards, Biden and Dodd realized it was a blunder. Experience does not always equal wisdom or good judgement. He faced down the autommakers in Detroit about energy efficient vehicles and he told Wall Street bigshots that it is not all about greed. As President, Barack Obama will lead a truly bipartisan effort to solve our nation's problems. The Democratic party would be wise to make him their standard bearer in 2008. He is like no candidate, since Bobby Kennedy, who can address the feelings, the hopes, dreams and aspirations of the people. Obama is the one candidate the Republicans really fear...because he represents the change voters are craving. The GOP dreams of running against Hillary and all the baggage she carries with her. No Democrat can make the Republican base foam at the mouth like a Clinton. With Obama, you get a fresh face, a new vitality, a can-do optimism, a positive approach, a man who will never lie to the people or promise more than he can deliver. A tidal wave of change is coming in November, 2008. Citizens are fed up and want a government that represents their interests and concerns. Hopefully, on January 20, 2009, it will be the beginning of a new era with President Barack Obama!

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Tuck,Realityville, Kansas — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:42:49 GMT

obama, how are you going to pay for that invasion of Pakistan?

oh, and why weren't you anti war as a federal senator?

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

mparker — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:43:59 GMT

Obama's plan is weak. Not enogh details, not enough to differrntiate himself from Hillary. Isn't it getting close to crucnh time?

Huckabee interview...a plug
http://political-buzz.com/2007/09/18/exclusive-interview-with-republican-presidential-candidate-mike-huckabee/

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

RealB.G. — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:45:11 GMT

Once again Obama is out front on the issue and makes sure his campaign is available to answer the tough questions even if they don't have all the answers. Over in Hillary-Land they take months to put out a Health Care plan and then refuse to answer questions by reporters on the record. I'll take a transparent slightly flawed plan over a "mirage of plan" anyday.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Darrius, Arkansas — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:45:48 GMT

Erie, raising the tax on capital gains is not going to make captial investment fall by any significant amount that matters because for the most part capital gains are passive income. I use the term "Passive" meaning that you don't personally do any labor in order to earn a capital gain, the money comes in whether you do anything or not. People who make most of their income from capital investments will still invest because they don't have a choice; there is no comparable alternative for them. These people can't go out a get a job that pays them $10 million dollars per year because they don't have the skill to earn that much without using leverage from their wealth.

When Obama gets his way, the major differences you will see is that the economy will boom, because cutting taxes on average American just gives them more money to spend immediately. And you will see rich people giving even more money to Republicans in attempts to have them lower their taxes again.

When it comes to discussions of policy, Obama owns all.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Darrius, Arkansas — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:49:35 GMT

P.S.

This plan is going to earn Obama a lot of support. Watch the CNN, NBC, FOX, ABC, and CBS all collaborate to make sure it gets no press at all, because if this plan is well talked about it will make him the front-runner, the nominee, and the President.

I especially like the part about eliminating taxes for senior citizens who make less than $50,000 per year.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Lans Fleming, Dover DL — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 01:42:09 GMT

WHY NOT ROLL BACK THE BUSH TAX CUTS!!

---------------

But Bush rolled back the Clinton tax increases, while Clinton rolled back the Reagan tax decreases, which Carter had rolled . . . wait a minute, okay, now I'm confused.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Jack Jills — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 03:29:44 GMT

Erik - Go Obama!

He better get going quick. It looks like he's fading fast.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Nobody, Nowhere, USA — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 03:57:26 GMT

If you want a tax cut, never elect a Democrat. Democrats are only good at raising taxes. Only Republicans cut taxes. They cut them for everyone but everyone gets a tax cut until they aren't paying taxes anymore, then they complain because people who earn more money are paying less taxes.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

DefendTheConstitution — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 06:25:09 GMT

Isn't it make much more sense to abolish personal income tax completely? And without increase in any other tax? Federal government just need to reduce its spending to the level of year 2000 to accomplish it.

Why they, "front runners", always comes with small twist on the problem just enough to get vote instead of cutting the evil from its root? Reduce tax here, but increase there.

Please, you tube Ron Paul.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Aslam, Corona, California — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 07:50:54 GMT

They always make promises but harly anyone ever keeps them.
Aslam
http://www.diabeticcorner.com

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

karlos — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 09:40:47 GMT

its that $500 a year that will sway my vote, not. if i drive 50 miles a day and get 25 mpg/ if i have 4 kids and drink 2 gallons of milk a day the rise in price for the 4 gallons my family uses a day since 2000 will wipe out that 500 bucks. i want stabilized prices so i know my money will stop shrinking in buying power, i want price rollback in areas of gas where there's excessive profiteering at my expense, lts the grocery store and the fuel pump that are killing my budget not the 500 bucks obama is waving at me.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Chad Crawford — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 11:00:54 GMT

We saw Barack at a rally in DC last night. I do feel we need to give this guy a chance. He is a breath of fresh air and speaking a message that is different than everyone else.

He has our vote.

And, in our home it is ABC - Anybody But Clinton

It is time for change.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Col Sanders, Louisville, KY — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 12:48:03 GMT

How a 'bout a chicken in every pot?

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Rick, WS, NC — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:06:10 GMT

Boy are most americans poorly informed...there aren't 150 million people in this country who pay income taxes...try a number more like 60 million who really pay income taxes, the rest may file returns but they aren't paying anything...more typical liberal hogwash, tax the "rich"

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Mimi — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:11:30 GMT

Republican view:

$00. - $15,000. year = Poverty
$15,000. - $450,000 year = Middle Class
$450,000 - UP = Upper Class

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Caroline, MI — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:38:01 GMT

Chad~
In our home it's anybody but Clinton, unless she is the nominee. We're realists, not idealists. Had enough of true believerism with the current administration.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Pat, Arkansas — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:38:53 GMT

It is about time someone started thinking about the middle-income class people. We are the ones who pay the taxes and work but no one wants to help us. We pay to send out children to college and cannot receive help on grants or scholarship to help our children receive their education. Barack has the right iden and he has my vote!

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Pat, Arkansas — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:39:58 GMT

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

happy col. sanders — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:51:44 GMT

how about a pot in every chicken?

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

NotRich in Florida — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:58:58 GMT

Sounds great! Take from the rich and give to the poor works all the time. Look at all the Socialist and Dictators in South America who hand out money to the poor in order to get votes. Free money always works for the weak minded; after all, me first - right. Is this a promise or a gimmick to get votes?

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

retired union man,ibew — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:59:55 GMT

I still say eliminate taxes on workers first $50,000 make college tuition 100% tax deductable and make medical expenses 100% tax deductable and the middle class will grow exponentially as they will have more of their hard earned $$ to spend on becomming healthy and preparing themselves and their kids for the future workplace and as a result AMERICA WILL BE THE PLACE WE ALL DREAM OF. for those who ask "how ya gonna pay for it?" simple the increased spending will increase taxes and a properly prepared workforce will ensure qualified AMERICANS for any and all jobs.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

retired union man,ibew — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:00:11 GMT

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

jerry/corpus christi texas — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:06:19 GMT

Still waiting for the middle class tax cuts Bill Clinton promised in 1992.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Barillary Clintbama — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:11:13 GMT

Democrat view:

poor = Democrat
rich = Republican

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

CJ — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 14:34:22 GMT

Take from the rich??? How old are some of you guys. Capital gains are exactly that GAINS. A slight increase will not hurt anyone, it's extra income, so in effect nothing is being taken away in the first place. I have stock through my company and even though it's really not all that much...it's just a little extra spending money, I don't consider it as real income I depend on.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

nuanced — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:12:23 GMT

Republican view:

voter = Republican
purged from the rolls = Democrat

It is what the AG scandal was all about. Let's hear it Z, is Gonzogate going away?

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Leaning towards Clinton, Atlanta GA — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:38:53 GMT

Obama, I like what I hear on this, you've got my attention.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

WJClinton — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:41:34 GMT

-> Still waiting for the middle class tax cuts Bill Clinton promised in 1992.

I tried, I tried!

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Barillary Clintbama — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 16:42:30 GMT

nuanced's view:

topic is tax relief = so what, I'll post something about disenfranchisement and the AG scandal

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Bee — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 17:11:06 GMT

Like i said in my earlier post, 28% capital gain tax is too much if you compare it with 15%. It is like 86.7% increament, that is too much to scare the whole financial market.

I know we Democrats like to focus on demand side of economics, i think it is hightime we reconsidered our approach to capital gain and dividend tax.

I firmly believe the senator won't take it to 28%, i am sure he's gonna raise it to say 20%-22%. That is more reasonable for the economy. Raising it to 28% can't win over the folks in wall street and red state. Obama shouldn't make that mistake at all.

Having said this, i am still supporting him because of his great vision on foreign policy and education.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Bee — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 17:13:58 GMT

CJ,

Capital gain is big deal to some of us that like to trade stock market. Some value investors like me appreciate the idea of capital gain because i like to buy a value stocks and hold it for at least a year before selling at profit.

Thus, the idea that capital gain is no big deal is absurd.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Diana B — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:11:11 GMT

He forgot a huge portion of the middle class. Those who make over $50,000. Those who make between $50-90 thousand per year are in the most desperate need of a tax break. We pay for all these programs that we don't qualify for. Why the $50,000 per year cap? To avoid giving it to the people who need it?

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Mimi — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:16:30 GMT

Rebulican View: = War

Democrate View: = Wait

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Blue state baby — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 18:34:47 GMT

Diana B, I agree with you. I say those between
$50,000 and $80,000 need it the most. But we have a government who thinks a family can live on $20,000.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Barillary Clintbama — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:17:04 GMT

Republican view = defend

Democrat view = appease

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

J.D. in California — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:38:31 GMT

Its really very simple. Cut taxes on the rich and a pile of money otherwise heading for government spending goes to a tiny minority of people who already have much more than they need. According to the idiots that money is sacred and will go into "investnment", with a little trickle down to the middle class. WRONG. That money goes into portfolios and stock investments. All that does is drive up stock prices, making the wealthy richer.

On the other hand when you give money back to the middle class, which makes up roughly 99.5% of America, the money goes into direct return in the form of spending. That money goes to businesses, large and small, which drives up income, increases investment and employment, and generates a faster growing and more stable economy. Furthermore, when the wealthy get a tax cut a large portion of that money goes overseas, doing nothing for our economy, stock prices or anything, other than helping the wealthy overseas. When a tax cut goes to the middle class very little of that money goes overseas.

I seriously doubt that the one half of one percent of the richest people in America, the only ones served by republican economics are posting here on First Read. The idiotic postings we are seeing are coming from poor dupes and hateful people. They would rather see other people suffer than do better themselves.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

H P Boston — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:44:24 GMT

Republicans think you should pull yourself up by your boot straps.

Democrats give you the boots!

Now it is time to BOOT the repukes to the curb!

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Meadow Thomas — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 20:19:56 GMT

Republican = taxpayer

Democrat = deadbeat

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

CJ — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 20:37:00 GMT

Bee I know what you are saying but it is still a gain. If you are relying it as sole income will you be put in the poor house or if you are doing well now does that mean you won't be able to buy that one extra item with small increase. It's still a net gain and not a net loss. Some people hate to loss a little extra money I guess....I would call it greed, but that would be too crass since I don't know your situation.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

CJ — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 20:41:44 GMT

J.D. as with this Republican economy and unfettered capitalism the events you described are exactly what have happened. Deregulation resulting in a credit crunch and predatory lending in the aim of making a profit. Notice how wholesale prices keep rising. When the middle class suffers the bottom falls out. I'm not anti-capatalist but I do believe in balance.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Richard, Washington State — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:09:04 GMT

CJ: The good economy during the 90's did not come about as the result of restricted capitalism and increased regulation, did it?

Banking and lending are highly regulated and that hasn't changed during the Bush administration. There has been varying rates of inflation (increases in wholesale prices) for the past 50 years, through all administrations and, historically speaking, inflation remains modest.

Deregulation has nothing to do with the "credit crunch" because there has been no deregulation. Deregulation does not cause predatory lending because there have been no regulatory changes in this administration that changed things from the way they were during the 90's. As I recall we had a pretty good burst of the tech bubble before Clinton left office, attributable to factors that developed in the 90's economy. A lot of people were hurt by that including average folks with very average investments. I know that 2000 was the first time my retirement investments actually had a significant negative return, on the order of 8% that year. Had some declines in 2001 and 2002, though not as much.

Now, if you want to implicate lower interest rates which benefit the consumer, especially where it comes to home-ownership, (yes, despite the excesses you will cite)then make your case. That is probably the one factor that helped fuel the real estate boom more than any other. Despite the negatives, the overall effects on home ownership and opportunity have been positive.

As for the rich, God Bless 'em, especially the generous and benevolent wealthy class we have in this country. That one half of one percent provides more than 50% of every public expenditure that you can name.

There is not a single dollar sent to the government that doesn't originate with a business somewhere and business owners are the ones that provide the employment that funds the social security system and the part of the federal government that they aren't already funding directly.

The top 20% provide over 80% of an almost three trillion dollar federal budget. How much more do you suggest would be fair?

I would imagine that all philanthropic organizations are funded better than 80% by the rich. I've never seen an average wage earner establish a foundation and none that I've ever seen have been funded by average wage earners to any significant extent.

Who pays the most real estate tax or the most sales tax? Disproportionately, it's the rich and of course it's because they have more. God knows where the $3 trillion federal budget would be if the rich suddenly disappeared.

As for Obama's tax proposal: As a very average middle class citizen I might benefit some. But not any more than I did from the Bush tax changes and probably less when the long term effects of an increase in the capital gains tax impact my modest retirement portfolio.

Obama's proposal is mundane and a standard politician's attempt to buy votes from the essentially uninformed.

You say you believe in balance. Can you show me an ecnonomic system anywhere that provides more overall balance and opportunity to the lower and middle classes than the one we have now?

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Lee Holmes — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:14:00 GMT

Wholesale prices are rising as a result of energy prices. Not the subprime mess. Yesterday,oil per bbl rose to a near record 81 bucks,courtesy of our ''war for oil''in Iraq,which leaves the lefties having to explain why gas prices keep rising instead of falling, while there is not a single American oil contract anywhere in Iraq.[Hunt Co.is trying to change this with the Kurds. We shall see]. Observe that there is no ''jawboning the Arabs''in Congress,as Pelosi demanded the Republicans do back when it was they who controlled that branch. Worse,a pack of leftwingers in Mexico decided to go ape and start blowing pipelines up aggravating international supply.
The deadline is 4.50$ a gallon at a nationwide average. This is where[ALEXANDERS Gas and Oil Trends,May,2007],companies will begin massive layoffs and wholesale prices will outstrip earned income even at the discount-stores level. You will have observed that the Congress,in well over eight months,and all during a time when gas rose to record levels breaching in May,the 1982-for-inflation record,has done nothing.
Pie-in-the-sky Ethanol schemes are already being disgarded due to their effects on emerging-nations food prices and supply as well as their near-non-existance as fuel stations in the US. Nuke plants are getting a second look,but most plants are co-generational anyway and do not use petroleum as a main power source outside of oil-bearing coal,which is unpopular,and ships that use conventional fuel oils. This is nearly exclusively confined to the automobile,military, and aircraft.
This situation is untenable and economically dangerous. 5.00$ P/G will bring between 8 and 10% unemployment which will create a cycle of breakdown. More people[in HillaryLand],unemployed but who must have mandatory health insurance which will engender higher taxes for government-subsidies which will create more unemployed,which will...You get the picture.
It is useful to observe that not once have the Democrats demanded an appearence by the chiefs of the Big Three automakers in order to nail down CAFE standards. The UAW is placing its weight behind Hillary,as will the TEAMSTERS.[both of which are fighting these standards]. The result is expectant. Here are a few examples.

The FORD EDGE: 19-21 MPG in V-6

The DODGE CALIBER 19-21 MPG in V-6

The JEEP COMMANDER 17-19 MPG in V-6

The CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO 21 MPG [CITY].

Bear in mind that these are regular-fleet vehicles with such wretched fuel economy,nor does any company push the smaller more fuel-efficient[cheaper,therefore unprofitable] vehicles which are a one-line minority in all three companies. Pass to the larger diesal-engine trucks which are an American lifeline to keeping wholesale prices low,and the result of 4-5.00 P/G will be catastrophic,with even basic commodities rising to unreachable levels for the poor-working-middle class.Meats,fruits,vegetables,dairy,even non-perishable goods,clothing,electronics,toys,tools ,furniture and/other will see their prices rise in an inflationary spiral,leading to more layoffs. And these effects will be immediate,as well as prolonged.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Richard, Washington State — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 22:21:14 GMT

One other thing: It's been demonstrated that lower capital gains taxes result in greater capital gains tax revenue to the government. That's part of what helped create the somewhat mythical and shortlived budget surpluses in the late 90's, none of which were expected or predicted by the administration then. These surpluses were significantly driven by capital gains taxes.

With lower rates, investors are more likely to take the gains and pay the taxes.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Windy City Girl, Chicago IL — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:34:07 GMT

"Republican = taxpayer

Democrat = deadbeat"

That is one of the most offensive things I have ever read. I wish all the Democrats could stop paying taxes and then the Republicans would have no choice but to fight this war with toy guns.

I mean at least say something true, like....

Democrat = Smart
Republican = Stupid :)

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

CJ — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 23:34:15 GMT

Richard thanks for the information...believe it or not I am with you. I know that long term implementations of plans like Obama's and Bush's tax cuts have short term gains but can have negative impact over the long term. I understand Bee's complaint, but I think a short term "correction" or policy to balance certain economic factors is acceptible...then let them expire and let the economy tend to itself. And Lee I know what you were stating as well, but what I said was a subtle dig at oil companies. Not that the current Democrats or Republicans can or want to do anything to that would actually be effective. As long as significant resources are poured into Iraq (not to mention the effects of oil speculation) there will be deficits and a see saw economy even though some have managed to benefit greatly.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Frenchy Olson, Portland Maine — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 01:56:42 GMT

Republican = Winner

Democrat = Surrender Monkey

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

D Grant — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 04:24:44 GMT

I heard someone say he'd better get going, speaking of Obama. I think he is going, however, there seems to be a virtual blackout of Obama in NY by the media. Moreover, there are some of you out there that seem to have a knee jerk reaction to anything he suggests and immediately criticize it w/o consideration. One voicer indicated that the capitol gains tax would be raised to 40 percent. The suggestion was 21 to 28 percent. Give your comments some thought, before you comment. He takes no money from lobbyist and is fighting for the common people of the nation. I can tell you this, if one had left this country and were isolated for the last ten to fifteen years, one would not recognize it upon return. It is not the same country that I grew up in. Despite the problems,racism, Korea, Vietnam, drugs, poverty, there was a sense of hope which has seemed to dissipate over the last few decades. The dollar is worthless, there are more laws restricting movement and there is a profound sense of hopelessness that is spreading through the country's working class families. If the European countries can educate there people with out them have to mortgage their lives away then why can then why can't my RICH country do this instead of importing brains. I think Obama wants to take care of American people.

Obama's middle-class tax cuts

Mike B, Providence, RI — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 15:50:33 GMT

…50,000 and under? What?! What about a family (like mine) making 65,000 to 70,000 per year? I guess Obama considers us the "elite". Under the Bush tax cuts (which the Dem’s say are exclusively for the rich) I have $2500.00 more in my pocket every year that I didn’t have under Clinton…that is a fact. We need to make that permanent. The Democrats need to clearly define what they consider middle class in terms of income. You will very rarely if ever see any of them do that…the ambiguity of the middle class income range allows democrats to take care of their constituency while the working backbone of this country suffers under higher taxes and socialist economic policy. Go McCain!