Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Philip, NB, NY — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:45:53 GMT

This just proves that the tax code is just too much...get rid of the enire darn thing and replace it with a national VAT [for those who don't know, that short hand for Value Added Tax] on all goods and services.

And it's politics as usual for Mitt to bash Hillary for something introduced in a body of Congress she's not part of. Mitt...go back to your US Gov't high school class...Rangel is in the House, she's in the Senate.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

H P Boston — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:47:59 GMT

No way the repukes will vote on that! How can they keep the government so STABLE and out of debt with a tax change like that!! Our deficit is not as high as the repukes can muster, we just add in the WAR and VIOLA! We are DOOMED!!! Every one knows if you make $500,000 you can not pay TAXES!! (serious sarcasm.)

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Mark Anthony, Sioux City, Iowa — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:52:46 GMT

Why does MSNBC give any stage to this flip-flopping Massachusetts Mormon? It is clear that he is an elitist who think his sons driving a Winnebago in IA is equivalent to soldiers riding in a Humvee in Iraq.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Paw Paw, NC — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:53:06 GMT

Stick all that crap where the sun don't shine you want to do tax reform go to a "Straight Percentage Tax on all Individuals and Business no deductions and no exemptions". Doing away with the IRS, Tax preparation and all the other Bull Sh-- would save the American people a substantial fortune. If they were really serious about tax reform they would make an effort to simplify instead of complicate matters.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

s.michaels, jacksonville fl — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 15:57:29 GMT

Here, lets do this if the Democrats have their way. Each of us will take all our money, and just flush it down the toliet. It will do just as much good for this country as it would if the Democrats had it.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

John B, Des Moines, IA — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:04:24 GMT

Good work Rangel. Keep taxes down on the middle class and restore some of the progressivity that has been removed over the last generation in the name of trickle down economics. Clearly it isn't working, clearly it's been a contribution to the top-heavy accumulation of wealth.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Tuck, Realityville, KS — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:17:36 GMT

Romeny lies again... and the gop falls for it or loves the lies.

right now if you make less than 105K (single))your taxes have gone up because of the bush and republicans... but if you make 135 or more your taxes have gone down.

we can't afford to have the GOP in charge, the run up the national debt like drunken awol members of the Texas National Guard...
and they give tax cuts to the wealthy

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

U2 — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:22:02 GMT

s.michaels:
Let me get this clear - you want to take ALL your money and flush it down the toilet instead of (maybe) paying 4% of extra taxes on income above $200,000: lets say you make 250,000, with 0 withholding assuming you are married filing jointly, you pay 78,000 in taxes (again that is assuming 0 withholding)- according to your interesting logic, you want to flush 172000 down the drain instead of paying $2000 - what a very GOP logic.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Joe Biden, Jimmy, Ark. — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:22:03 GMT

Great one democraps - take money from people who actually earn it and give to the slimy idiots that believe they're owed it. Absolutely immoral. P.S. To Philip in NY - Mit is saying Hilary Clinton-Marx would sign this garbage if she was president.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Charles Roberts Anytown USA — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:23:58 GMT

I'm a republican and I like Rangels AMT reform idea, Improvement to it would be; throw in a flat tax, fire the IRS and ALL congress including the president, raise Rangels salary to 3 million, and hire him as a dictator to run Washington. Outstanding!!!

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

mikeeg,abdn,wa — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:27:35 GMT

s. michaels the repubs are flushing all AMERICAS $ AND BLOOD DOWN THE TOILET OF IRAQ.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

nuanced — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:38:56 GMT

The Republicans can tear down but they don't know how to build anything that works. Where is their proposal to keep the AMT from gouging the middle class? Where is their proposal to balance the budget and why haven't they done so for any of the past 6 years? All talk and no action. Why do they hate America?

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Wedge Duncan, Everett, WA — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:45:10 GMT

How many of you have ever been employed by a poor person? This nation has fought wars against socialism and half of you want them running your lives! Higher taxes hurt ALL of us. I wish libtards would understand that.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

A Stone, Austin, Texas — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:46:00 GMT

I'd be willing to pay my share of those taxes. Sure I'll pay more, but my country has given me so much, that I think it's time to give something back. A true patriot loves to pay his taxes because taxes are the life blood of the American economy. The less you feed it the weaker it gets. Tax-cutters cannot be considered patriotic; only selfish. I say that if you are rich and aren't willing to pay your share in America, then you should be deported or in prison on charges of Treason for trying strangle the American economy. Many neo-cons try to relate their war-time spending to "the greatest generation" but when we were fighting World War II the government ran commercials that declared "Fight the Axis! pay your taxes! Taxes for tanks and bullets and battleships! Buy War Bonds!" We shouldn't force the soldiers and police officers and firemen that depend on our tax dollars to take a paycut so that we can enjoy writing off a hummer. America is better than that.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

John S. Alexander,Edinboro, PA — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:51:01 GMT

We do need tax reform, can this be where we can come together and agree that it is so convoluted that it only is good for people who have tax lawyers to cheat and cover up their income. What have the candidates to say that really is change, nothing so far. Lets e-mail them all and tell them to talk issues like this, maybe if enough of us do this they will get the message. A pox on all politicians who avoid our problems and the media who loves a good catfight and will not stick to the meat and potatos (potatoes?)of the economy. 3rd quater profits down for many companies shows a lack of confidence in the white house and congress.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

pat huntington ny — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 16:55:10 GMT

Please save me from the AMT...

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Rick, WS, NC — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:00:01 GMT

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

SW — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:03:14 GMT

Taxes keep getting cut for the rich, and big companies, and the Republicans would like us to think that restoring some kind of sanity would be a tax increase.

Most of America, that hasn't been married to the talking points, can see through this.

The richest contribute much money to both parties to keep it that way.

It's just one side is slightly less Republican than the other....

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

GSJ - Ga. — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:07:59 GMT

Just a sign of things to come if the Socialist-Libs win in '08. We will take money out of the hands of all people and just shift it to government.

God Please Bless America and don't allow the Socialist Party (Democrat) win in 2008. Wait a minute, I am not sure if I allowed to refer to God anymore in this country.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Dave Bell — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:10:52 GMT

Oh Please..who would EVER trust a NY democrat to re write tax laws..NY is the highest taxed state in the nation...No state comes close to NY taxes AND DEBT.. And notice they NEVER say cut spending.. ESPECIALLY not a NY democrat...And what NY democrat has any right to use "fair" and "taxes" in the same sentence..NONE!!!!NY loses more jobs and population than any other state ..To bad its population that never includes thier tax and spend politicans though...

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Dave, Tn — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:13:47 GMT

"taxes are the life blood of the American economy"

wow then we should all pay 80% income tax and really fire things up.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

TEC-SPRING -TX — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:14:49 GMT

So the King needs more money, he goes to the noblemen and ask for taxes, the noblemen go to the lords and ask for more taxes the lords go the the clans and ask for more taxes and the clans go the the serfs and ask for more taxes. That is how trickle down economics works.
In modern times the Government ask for more taxes so they tax business and personal income. The business passes the cost of the tax down to the consumer. The citizen asks for a raise, which is passed down to the consumer. In the end it is the consumer who pays all taxes and we call that the Federal Income tax system.
So no manner how the tax is structured the consumers pays all taxes. The value added tax only makes sense if you equally tax all goods and services and remove all of the current taxes on income, goods and services. We already have a value added tax on many consumables such as gasoline.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

pat huntington ny — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:18:09 GMT

Uh...imagine a Federal Gov't that is supposed to protect us from terrorists and hostile nations relying solely on tax revenues based on consumption...seems a bit scary unless someone can show me proof that it'll allow the gov't to function and perform its traditional duties, including protecting us.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

CJ — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:25:56 GMT

What it is a reversal of trickle down economics...which Republicans loathe and love to call socialist. One reason why the GOP offers little for the middle class. It'd be nice to think that the "heavy" earners can always pay less in taxes...but where will the tax relief and reinvestment for the middle class come from?? Out of Bush's butt?? With rising gas prices and income gaps a tax increase on "high" earners is most likely inevitable but leave it to the GOP to scream bloody murder. That is the result of our current tax laws...by the way..i'm in favor of the Fair Tax.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

jerry/corpus christi texas — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:28:17 GMT

Thank god we don't have a state income tax......
of course it is in the state constitution......

Hard to believe a man who has $2 million of taxpayer money used for a building named after him at NYU.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

pat huntington ny — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:28:42 GMT

Dave Bell - yes, NY has high taxes, but they are mostly Property Taxes having nothing to do with the State Gov't. And to the extent the State had something to do with it, for the past 12 years we had a Republican Gov, and a Republican Controlled Senate. So it's not a purely democrat problem. Perhaps you should do your homework before you diss on NYS! Oh, and our high property taxes are primarily ties to high school taxes to fund our superior schools [mostly on LI] and are among the top in the country. So it's probably money well spent [but still too high I agree].

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

David B. , San Antonio TX — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:30:05 GMT

Per the IRS Data on 2005 returns: The top 1% paid 39.4% of all taxes, while only comprising 21% of the total adjusted gross income. The top 5% of taxpayers paid almost 60% of all taxes. THE BOTTOM 50% PAID ONLY 3.1% OF THE TAX. Instead of increasing taxes, we should focus on getting these people into the workforce and off entitlement programs.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Sierra, SF — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:30:45 GMT

mikeeg,abdn,wa: '...s. michaels the repubs are flushing all AMERICAS $ AND BLOOD DOWN THE TOILET OF IRAQ....'

Thank you, mikeeg !!
Why are we wasting so much money on this aggression ?

s. michaels, how do you want to pay for teh Iraq war ?
Do you want to pay for another war, with Iran ?

NO THANKS !!
NO FLAT TAX !!
LET'S LET EVERYBODY PULL THEIR FAIR SHARE !!

Edwards/Obama '08
Rangel Sec. of Treasury !!

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

jerry/corpus christi texas — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:32:54 GMT

I found this amusing........

On November 9, 2006, Rangel, in announcing some of his plans as new chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said he planned to push more funds into his home state of New York. He added to this, "Mississippi gets more than their fair share back in federal money, but who the hell wants to live in Mississippi?" Mississippi Rep. Chip Pickering demanded an apology and Rangel issued a statement declaring: "I certainly don't mean to offend anyone. I just love New York so much that I can't understand why everyone wouldn't want to live here."

From looking at the taxes in New York, I can understand why nobody wants to live in New York.

Bad enough they had to get someone from Illinois to run their state.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Matt, Hagerstown, MD — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:33:48 GMT

Its a shame we would never do it; but we should be getting rid of all income and property tax and go to pure sales tax; federal state and local combined in one. This would reduce the number of people the IRS would have to track and audit (only bussiness would need to report). Maybe then we could shrink the IRS budget and be more efficent. Everyone would pay taxes on what they buy no loop holes to wiggle out of.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Ricardo in California — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:35:41 GMT

The war in Iraq which we all know was based on lies and political propoganda is costing the american taxpayer 200 million dollars a month. A war that was made up, had nothing to do with 9/11 and has cost thousands of american lives. The idiot republicans have no room to talk about waste and destruction. They redefined it in Iraq.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Chris, Wood River, IL — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:36:48 GMT

Great...4% increase for the top 2 tax brackets, in addition to the soon-to-be expiring Bush tax-cuts (an additional 4%). That'll put the top 2 federal tax brackets at 41% and 44%. They're already higher than France's top 2 tax brackets after their recent tax cuts. Just beautiful...should do wonders for the economy. Our current tax code is a disaster. Just remember: 4400 words in the US Constitution, 732,000 words in the Holy Bible...and over 9,000,000 words in the US tax code! And it's growing by the day. We need a flat tax or the Fairtax, and let's eliminate these lobbyists and corrupt politicians.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Ricardo in California — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:36:58 GMT

I stand corrected ..the war in Iraq is costing the american taxpayer 200 million dollars A DAY not a month.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11880954/

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Johnny Warren — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:37:08 GMT

PLEASE DON'T LET DEMOCRATS FIX THE TAXES. ALL THEY DO IS RAISE AND I WOULD NEVER TRUST THEM TO "FIX" IT KNOWING FULL WELL TAXES WILL ONLY GO UP FOR EVERYONE. HOW ELSE CAN THEY SUPPORT THEIR MEDICAL COVERAGE, HIGH SALARIES AND EXTRAVAGANT LIVING STYLE.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

P F lawton OK — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:38:13 GMT

If you want to fix the tax problem, stop using it as a hidden source of welfare. Rangle wants to increase the child tax credit (earned income credit) that allows a tax return to some of those who never pay a cent of taxes.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Glenn in St. Louis — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:38:15 GMT

I find it interesting now that their ox is getting gored that the Dems on this forum are wanting something done about AMT. We Republicans have been complaining for years that a fix/reform was needed for AMT. Glad you could join us in the fight. I am all for a VAT and unwind the social-management tax code.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Gary, New York — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:40:40 GMT

$150K a year can barely afford a small house in a middle-class neighborhood within 1 hour of NYC! How is this rich and when is it going to stop!

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Nick, Riverside, CA — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:40:45 GMT

TEC - Spring - TX
Thank you for being the only smart person i've seen when it comes to the whole tax machine.
That has to be the smartest thing i've heard anyone on here say.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

James G., Oak Park, MI — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:41:20 GMT

What just amazes me about the "I don't want to pay taxes", "taxes are evil & should be killed" crowd, is that they just don't understand the true value that a sound tax strategy/policy allows them to enjoy their war mongering existence.

For example, without taxes, you have no Food and Drug Administration. Meaning that some food companies can they can change the chemical formulas they use to preserve the food you buy for your consumption, your family's consumption, your pet's consumption or whatever to be the cheapest possible to increase their margins on the sales of their products. Whether or not it's good for your health or not is not their concern, only that they make a healthy profit.

And by the way, since we don't pay taxes, and there are only (for example) 2 whole chicken producers, they can charge you $500 for one chicken. Not a fresh one mind you, that'll cost extra. Outrageous huh? They can collude and fix their prices at whatever they want, whether the market drives/supports that price or not. See Oil prices at $90 a barrel, when the demand market for said oil would support a $60 per barrel cost. Speculation alone is driving the current price levels.

My point is for my Republican brethren, that taxes serve more than one purpose. They are used to regulate business, enforcement of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) for those that don't know. Which is used to enforce the "rules" of commerce. Without the rules being enforced, chaos wins.

So yes, A. Stone from Austin was correct that taxes are the lifeblood of the economy. Without them, the economy would fall apart.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Bob, Charlotte,NC — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:44:25 GMT

Pat in Huntington

Having lived on LI for 30+ years and educated three sons in both public and private schools on LI including the one that you currently reside, you really should ask for a rebate. The education system is fine in many other states in the US including NC where I now live and watch the education my god children are getting at a significantly (25% of LI school) less tax base. PS. The state tax, local sales tax and all other taxes are cheaper. The relationship between quality of education and tax assessment is BS.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Dyinglikeflies, New York, NY — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:45:56 GMT

The Rangel tax proposal is fair, obviously. To the people who hijacked my Republican party in 1994, that makes it especially dangerous. Watch for a firestorm of response from the RNC message machine to try and distort the proposal as being a "tax increase" when, for many more people, it is the exact opposite. The only way the Democrats (and moderate Republicans who care about the future of the party) can save this proposal is to get the word out, over and over, that anyone who OPPOSES this proposal is opposing a middle class tax cut.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

GSJ - GA. — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:47:39 GMT

I AM FOR THE FAIRTAX!

http://www.mikehuckabee.com/index.cfm?FuseAction=Issues.View&Issue_id=5

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Hardworking Democratic Woman — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:49:06 GMT

Joe Biden you are the reason that the people who REALLY WORK (the middle class) will make SURE the Democrats get back into office. I resent being referred to as a slimy idiot. Just remember that the people who you claim dont work as hard as you are the very ones that do ALL of the dirty jobs that allow you to drive around in your Hummer and send your kids to soccer & cheerleading. You need us because you are too pompus and lazy to mow your own lawn or wash your own dishes. Please move from your glass house before you throw stones.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Debbie S, Seminole, FL — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:53:07 GMT

Forget any and all tax changes. They are all discriminatory and unfair anyway. Either a flat tax or a value added tax or a combination of both. No exemptions, no exclusions, no bull. Let everyone pay for their share. Those with highest incomes are shielded unbelievably, those at the lowest get EVERYTHING handed to them with no incentive to try a little, and those of us in the middle (lower, middle or upper middle class) bear the brunt of it all. Let's go fair and simple and eliminate all the wasteful overspending on the current system. How dang hard is this to understand????

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

jerry/corpus christi texas — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:54:06 GMT

New York property tax rates 07-08

Tax Rates

The annual Statement of Account that Finance mailed to homeowners June 2007 is based on the new tax rates.
The new property tax rates for the 2007/08 tax year are listed in the following table:

YEAR CLASS 1 CLASS 2 CLASS 3 CLASS 4
07/08 15.434% 11.928% 11.577% 10.059%

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

George Toscano, Jr, Hampton, NH — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:54:53 GMT

People who call for the VAT tax "like Eurpoe has" are totally clueless.

If you at the history of every country in Europe that has the VAT tax, you will find that as the Country was instituting the VAT tax, they realized that the $s generated were not going to be able to offset the money needed to run the Country. So they kept the Income Tax. 2 Tax systems without and no reform.

Teh IRS Code is complex, but it is complex on purpose. In 1977 when they passed the new Capital Gains Tax, on the front page og the Wall Street Journal, they reported that Congress made the Capital Gains Tax calculation difficult on purpose to give the 2000 candidates Fodder to campaign on.

The problem is that each side governs by what is good for their Political Party, not what is good for the Country.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

CJ — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:55:18 GMT

$250 not $150 Gary. Look, this won't go foward without a debate. The GOP hands will surely be on any AMT bill that passes.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Nick A., Deerfield, IL — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:55:51 GMT

David B in San Antonio,
The intent is to divided the tax liability to those who can most afford it. After all the value of the incremental $1 to the wealthly is much less than it is to those who are poor or middle classed. So the measurement you present here is a red herring. 21% of the AGI for the top 1% but 39% of the taxes doesn't equate to wealth. AGI, after all, is adjusted gross income, or income after itemized deductions. You want to really compare the tax burden to the ability to pay. The top 1% of Americans own 34.3% of the accumulated wealth in America (according to the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances). The top 10% own over 70% of the accumulated weath in America and the bottom 40% of Americans own less than a half of a percent of the accumulated wealth in America. If you put that up against your IRS tax burden figures, the tax distribution seems pretty fair and equitable.

And getting people off entitlement programs into the workforce should absolutely be a priority, problem is the job they would qualify for don't pay them enough to be significant tax contributors. And even if they were trained and highly skilled, there would not be enough jobs that pay at a high rate to make them high tax contributors.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Jim Stanton, The Villages ,Fl. — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 17:59:57 GMT

The only fairtax system is a value added tax .It will do away with the AMT and force those people who are in the underground economy(cash only) to pay their fair share.http://www.fairtax.com
BY the way, the top 10% of wage earners pay 70% of all taxes(the highest % in the history of the IRS), while the lowest 50% of wage earners pay 3 % of all taxes.So Bush has not been as kind to high wage earners as the demagogues would let you believe.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Lower Taxes Phoenix, AZ — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:00:59 GMT

All I can say is don't knock it until you try it or until you come up with a better plan.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Sunny, Atlanta, GA — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:02:16 GMT

Take a look at the Fair Tax, folks. www.fairtax.org

For those of us who are considered "wealthy" enough to tax at 32% but working two jobs while barely making ends meet with old cars, a small house in the 'burbs, and children to raise, it's the only plan that makes sense.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

CJ — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:04:54 GMT

Hardworking Democratic Woman if you haven't gotten the memo the GOP are effectively anti-american blue collar worker and anti-middle class. That is the result of their policies...even if they don't realize it. They'll get a clue......someday.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

CJ — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:06:33 GMT

Debbie S you are 100% correct.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

J.C. — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:09:53 GMT

I love watching you middle-class Republican dittoheads going berserk about rich people having to pay their fair share in taxes. You all must be planning to win the lottery soon. How else to explain this "let me eat cake, just leave the poor rich people alone" kneejerk reaction?

And how do you think we're going to pay for this boondoggle war that's hemorrhaging hundreds of billions of dollars? You must think money will rain down from the sky. You don't seem to care how much of our money the government wastes as long as none of it gets into the hands of sick kids or poor people. What fine Americans you are!

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

just the facts — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:16:56 GMT

"Great one democraps - take money from people who actually earn it and give to the slimy idiots that believe they're owed it."

You should really read b/4 you spew such vitriol. Rangel didn't say word one about the tax cuts subsidizing any entitlement program. He specifically said the money was going right back to the ones who paid it. He even, if you read full details of his plan, said that corporate taxes would be reduced from 35% to 30%, so there goes that standard republican antitax excuse.
You should really look before you leap, cause otherwise you sound more foolish than usual.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

pat huntington ny — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:20:07 GMT

REPUBLICANS CONTROLLED NY FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS THEREFORE IF THERE'S BLAME TO BE HAD FOR OUR HIGH TAXES ITS THEM....

I just love all this NY bashing from a-holes like Jerry...you don't live here, yet you seem qualified to bash it. Yes, the taxes are high. The breaking point is near.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

just the facts — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:21:59 GMT

Income taxes are evil...do away with them...why would you want taxes levied on your income anyway, talk about a disincentive to produce...tax consumption to encourage savings and voila everyone will have personal charge of their tax bill...now thats fair

Consumption tax only? Do you really think that is going to keep your highways, hospitals, police, firemen, teachers, etc. going? And you can't say "my property tax pays for all that". What about all the people who live in apts?

Everyone hates taxes, but some of us kinds like not having to quit our jobs to teach our kids and not having to take out our own tonsils or set our own broken bones. And if some "horrible, slimy, entitlement getting, handout seeking liberal" tries to break into my house, I kinda like the idea of being able to dial 911. And by 911, I sure don't mean Rudy!

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

John Doe, Seattle, Wash — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:22:45 GMT

Every time I think about voting for a Democrat this piece of trash opens his mouth and reminds me why...

THE DEMOCRATS MUST NEVER HAVE BOTH THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH AND THE JUDICIAL BRANCH.

First he proposes bringing back the draft, now he proposes a tax bill that will kill the people who bring the most to society.

This tax does not just tax the mega rich, it targets people who are professionals and business owners who are responsible for the job growth in this country.

I would call this guy an idiot if he weren't such an evil piece of crap.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

karlos — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:24:41 GMT

please don't make taxes the primary issue of this election. that's how bush beat gore in 2000 and look what we got. in 2000 the repub. tax cut plan was 1.3 tril over 10 yrs. gore 550 bil. diff of 750 bill. half that went to top 3% left 375 bill. 37.5 bill a year. population of 270 mill in 97% divided into 37.5 bil divided by 365 days a year = 40 cents a day. so while all these p=eople thought they woukd get big bucks off bush he really gave 97% of us 40 cents. and the deficit soared' social security got screwed, and your other taxesent up not to mention the cost of living and gas.great choice.don't believe any gop rhetoric on taxes do the math.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Craig C, Port St. Lucie, Florida — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:25:48 GMT

Our politicians created the tax problems we have but never take any responsibility for it. While most of us work hard to make enough to get by and worry about retirement these clowns sit around trying to divy up the money we put into their budgets so that they get the best results when elections come up. They don't have to worry about retirement because they've already made sure their pension will make them more comfortable in retirement than most of us are in our peak earnings periods.

Meanwhile they do nothing about the problems we all think are important - social security, border protection, campaign finance reform, health care - the things they promise to fix when they campaign!

They aren't stupid. Politicians in both parties know if they ignore the problems and point at the other party the American public doesn't have the common sense to throw them out and elect someone who will address the issues! They know that even if we do throw them out, their fat pensions will make them comfortable for the rest of their lives anyhow.

Politics is the best "Pyramid Scheme" going!

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

TEC-Spring-Tx. — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:28:38 GMT

Nick, Riverside, CA, in the middle ages it was a little more obvious where the Kings money originated. Thanks for reading.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Rusty C, Alpharetta, GA — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:28:59 GMT

It shows who the Republicans represent when they sound all the tax-increase alarms over something that is so top-heavy ($500K+) on where it falls. The Bush tax cuts disproportionately benefited those at the very top, and this largely reverses that. The changes that apply to hedge fund managers and others on Wall Street, as well as offshore tax havens, should be especially hard for Republicans to oppose if they're forced to get into specifics (which they really don't like to do).

I applaud the Democrats not only for coming up with a plan, but also for the whole pay-as-you-go concept. It's politically much EASIER to do what Bush and his enablers have done and not say how you're going to pay for anything, but rather just add to the deficit. Anytime you have to raise a tax somewhere or cut a popular program, that move will become a lightning rod for criticism. But doing it that way shows that there's no free lunch and we're not going to keep adding to future generations' burden or become servile to China or Japan.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

just asking — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:29:14 GMT

From looking at the taxes in New York, I can understand why nobody wants to live in New York.

Then why are there 8 million people in NYC alone?

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

just asking — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:31:44 GMT

We Republicans have been complaining for years that a fix/reform was needed for AMT.

Republicans have held Congress for most of the last 13 years. Not to mention the last 6 of holding power in the entire govt!

They couldn't get this done before because.......?

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

D. Granite City, Illinois — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:32:04 GMT

If a single mother (doctor, lawyer, etc). is making 200,000 a year or more, will the 4% increase apply to her? Or is this just another way of making married people suffer? If everyone would stop bringing kids into the world they cant afford, we could eliminate the income tax altogether, instead of giving government more power. I dont care if they where they think the tax money should come-a lot of us want the rich to foot the bill for people, but we are really just given Uncle Sam power to spend the money of hardworking people folks to subsidize the stupidity of a few.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Nick A., Deerfield, IL — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:32:06 GMT

Can we all agree that the current system doesn't work? If we do, something new must be tried.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

King George — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:32:15 GMT

Here's what Romney really means:

"Today, Democrats in Washington, D.C. are unveiling a massive tax increase bill for the WEALTHIEST American people. Our WEALTHY cannot afford the Democrats and a Democrat President like Hillary Clinton who will sign tax increases into law."

Boo hoo.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Stephen, Dallas, TX — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:32:59 GMT

I just don't understand how a critically-thinking logical person can argue that the numbers mentioned by Dave B. (Top 1% pay nearly 40%, Top 5% pay roughly 60%, and Bottom 50% pay only 3%) are fair, let alone that they should be further skewed towards the bottom 50%. I personally think that the problem is not that the Top 50% of the country pays ONLY 97% of all taxes; rather, it's that the Bottom 50% pay ONLY 3%! How does 97% vs. 3% seem fair? Personally, I dislike sending my money to Washington because I don't think that either of the main parties spends it wisely. The Dems want to change the tax code and shift more of the money to the bottom. The people who don't end up paying ANY taxes don't deserve MORE (or any, in my eyes) money to come back to them in refunds. The concept of refunds implies that you put something into the pot in the first place. I would love to see a Flat Tax system in which everybody pays the same percentage. However, that will never happen, because that would be an astronomical increase for the lower and middle class, and most people seem to think it's fair to burden certain groups of people unproportionately.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Spot, Mpls, MN — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:33:52 GMT

Discussions on taxes sure bring out the morons! How come so many are gomers from the south?

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

nuanced — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:36:29 GMT

How many of you have ever been employed by a poor person?
Wedge Duncan, Everett, WA

--- My company owner tells me I make more money than he does whenever I ask for a raise. My house is much bigger and nicer than his. He also says he has never been able to take a vacation whenever I ask for one.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

J.C. — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:45:10 GMT

"First he proposes bringing back the draft, now he proposes a tax bill that will kill the people who bring the most to society. I would call this guy an idiot if he weren't such an evil piece of crap."

Another stone-cold selfish Republican weighs in. How dare someone propose a draft and higher taxes in a time of war! The nerve of that evil piece of crap! Thank God there weren't more of your kind around during WWII. We'd all be speaking German.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Brian, Las Vegas — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:47:25 GMT

Why doesn't Romney donate the $9 million he's donated into his own campaign to education and build a couple of schools instead of running a losing campaign?

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Dave, Tn — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:49:39 GMT

We Gomers in the South will only be laughing if the democrats get their way. Things in blue states will only get worse than they are now, and the money & jobs will move down here.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Dot, Illinois — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 18:54:33 GMT

Nick A, Deerfield, IL

I agree. I think we all see that the current tax codes are a mess, and that something needs to be done to correct them. So, even if this proposal by Rep Rangel isn't perfect ( I don't claim to know enough about tax law to make a determination) at least it might start some discussions that could lead to a bill we can all live with. If other members of Congress don't like his plan, they can present their own, conferences can be held and maybe a compromise bill can be worked out. My point is, you have to start somewhere.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Joel- Austell, Ga — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:03:20 GMT

The only true fix to the crushing Communist Progressive income tax that the democrats support is the FAIR TAX as proposed in the book by Neal Boortz and Congressman John Linder.America does not need the IRS and wealth envy needs to disappear. America needs to be slashing and burning govt programs so that it won't need as much tax dollars.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

VVade, Dalhart, Texas — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:03:40 GMT

I think it's about time for those making the higher incomes to pay their fair share of taxes. The people earning minimum wage need a break in their taxes. Higher income earners complain about their taxes being too high. When's the last time they tried to get Congress to make the minimum wage a liveable wage? Then, a flat tax might be fair to all.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Jon Montgomery — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:05:05 GMT

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

William, Litchfield Park, AZ — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:15:07 GMT

How is a consumption tax supposed to work? I clear solid six figures, but live in a neighborhood where I'd estimate the average income is around $40-$50K per year. (Yes, I put a lot away...) Anyway, we all pay the same for a gallon of gas. We all pay the same for a pound of hamburger; or a loaf of bread. We all have similar cars and lawnmowers and SUV's that never leave the pavement. We are all about level in the consumption department. But the idea is to tax us all the same?
I guess I should support that, right?
It's not the current tax law that causes problems, it's the current tax loopholes.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Bee — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:20:56 GMT

I am not sure if i like this democratic proposal on tax. Republican are not better either. Party of War! War! War! The main reason i don't trust Republican with my money is "War". They will spend every of our last dollar on military industrial complex and they don't understand anything called public good.

I hope Democrats stick with efficiency rather than tax hike every time.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Bill Morgan, Branson, Missouri — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:25:53 GMT

So many readers have been liberally brainwashed that it is almost hopeless, but all citizens need to learn that government is never your friend. National government does only two things well: wage war and levy taxes. Remember that government produces NOTHING except red tape. Every dollar paid in taxes is a drain on our economy. Our efforts should be directed toward putting that money into the open economy where it pays sellers, transporters, producers, advertising media and sundry other middlemen, all of whom pay taxes on their incomes. Smaller government creates greater prosperity. Live with it!

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Greg Okc — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:26:11 GMT

Why should I pay $80,000.00 (using u2s #s) + aprox $25,000.00 ss and medi? How can anyone think this is right? Im not rich!! How is it the Dems think someone making $84,000.00 a year cant afford health insurance, but someone making $200,000.00 should pay over $100,000.00 in fed taxs? Get real!!

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Eric Morgan, Orlando FL — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:27:19 GMT

This tax proposal is the same-old song-and-dance! Gee, we'll pay for the tax cuts by taxing the rich and corporations? Great! Except where do you think those corporations are going to recoup their losses? That's right, an increase in the products we buy, which will only hurt the middle and lower class worse than the upperclass. Be careful of any proposal that claims it will tax someone other than you. It's just a bunch of hogwash.

The Fairtax plan (www.fairtax.org) is by far the best tax proposal out there, and has over 65 co-sponsors in the House. And by the way, it is NOT a VAT (Value Added Tax), but a tax on the final sale of new items, basically a sales tax. I would much rather choose when I pay taxes based on my spending habits as opposed to how much I work. And the impact on the poor of such a system? None, not with the prebate that the proposal includes. You're basically paid in advance for all your taxes up to the poverty level before you're paying taxes to the government. There's so much more to it, but this is not the forum for it. Go to their website and see for yourself.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

GAB, Austin,TX — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:36:43 GMT

When we occupied Iraq, the U.S. set up a flat 15% tax for the Iraqis.
When the Soviet Union fell, the U.S. sent tax advisers to assist the Russians in setting up an income tax system.. They looked at the American tax system and said "no thanks".
The American people are the most gullible people on the planet. They constantly enact laws not in their best interests. Throw all the bums out!

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Norbert — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:44:10 GMT

Oddly, this bill is perhaps hardest on poor people. I can't see that a $425 increase in the standard deduction and an increase in childless EITC eligibility would do nearly as much for them as Bush's 10% bottom rate and increase in the child credit.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Lester, North Vernon, Indiana — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:55:19 GMT

The fair tax just needs a few more co-sponcers,
call or write your reps. tell them you would like
them to co-sponcer bill HR 25 or bill S 1025,
Congressman John Linder is the sponcer on this bill
and he has 65 co-sponcers, I called and wrote my
congressman (Baron Hill D-Ind) and he said he was not
for it, his replacement might be. Every one would pay the same tax rate, if you buy alot then you pay
alot, if you don't buy much then you don't pay much,
drug dealers, prostitutes, and yes even Mexicans would all pay the same. if Washington was really worried about the middle class, the fair tax would do the job. Call your Rep. now and see how much he
wants to help the middle class.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

J.C. — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:56:11 GMT

So many dittoheads have been brainwashed that it is almost hopeless, but all citizens need to learn that Republican governments are never your friend. All they do well is line the pockets of big corporations and the super-wealthy with your tax dollars and bankrupt the country to pay for a foolish war. Live with it! No wonder you think government sucks. The people you vote for are always doing their best to destroy it.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Barry U. Headinsand — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 19:59:05 GMT

The tax code is so complex, I don't think either party can come up with a plan that's truly fair. Besides, they're all so wrapped up in trying to fool the public into thinking the other party's out to rip us off that nobody can have a rational, objective discussion. The whole thing's too dirtied by politics. I'm sick of it all and sick of the politicians. I'm moving to Saudi Arabia. They don't have income tax there.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Jane Roe, in bleeding Kansas — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 20:08:02 GMT

Taxs can only come from three sources: accumulated wealth in its various forms: tax on sales of goods, and tax income. To get the money needed you must go where the money is. Hence the old saw about why it is banks that get robbed; THAT'S WHERE THE MONEY IS!
So, if you are one of those with money, expect to pay taxes according to the needs of the country that enabled you to inherit or earn that money. Bless the system that allows you to have so much when many others have so littel. Do not envy or scold those who have been forced to rely on the generosity of the government when they were stricken with some variety of disability. Most of them cannot work, or they would be working. Just be grateful you weren't stricken with some imforseeable disaster which prevents you from being in the work force. Quit judging those less fortunate and be grateful for your own good, but undeserved, good fortune. Fortune is blind and no one 'deserves' good or bad fortune it just is what it is. So pay your taxes and be glad you can pay. What a privilege!

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

just telling — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 20:10:26 GMT

Then why are there 8 million people in NYC alone?

just asking

[[[[[

They can't afford to leave. Too many tolls on the bridges and tunnels that egress from the city.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

K.Marx — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 20:14:43 GMT

I say income tax the rich until it hurts -- they wouldn't be rich if they actually had to work for their money, paid their employees a decent percentage of what they generate, or had not raped the public by overpricing their goods (gas/oil and etc)!!!!

Jon Montgomery

I've been saying the same thing for what seems like centuries now. Be ready though, it takes a while before it starts to work well.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Christi Travis, Jacksonville, FL — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 20:41:59 GMT

Everyone knows that we need money to run the country. The first question is how much money and for what. The second question is how to generate the money needed. The more money the government has the more it will spend. We need to maintain critical needs funding but not be wasteful. You can get a 50 inch plasma TV or a 27 inch tube tv and see the same thing. I think any tax revision proposal should be thoroughly evaluated for both short term and long term reprocusions. All taxes roll downhill in one way or another. Just taxing the wealthiest Americans more won't help, the cost will just get added into everyones cost of goods and services.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Jim, St. Louis, MO — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 20:46:47 GMT

The Fairtax would be the most benefical tax code for the middle class. And it would still allow those in poverty to pay no taxes. It would also eliminate 80% of the corporate lobbyists who run this country. The sole purpose for their lobbying is for special tax treatment to be implemented into the code. The FairTax would also stop drug dealers and pimps from avoiding taxes...because all of their purchases would be taxed. In addition, the $2trillion that is warehoused offshore by the wealthy and corporations would come back to the US and be invested here, because it would no longer be subject to capital gains taxes. Think what $2trillion would do to boost our economy?

A study last year showed that when you call the IRS for information/advice, you're given the wrong answer 25% of the time...yet we're still responsible to get it right on our end. Money magazine did a study amongst 45 of the top tax preparers in the country. They were given a hypothetical family's situation and instructed to prepare the taxes. There were 45 different figures on what the family owed. Some differing by thousands of dollars, some indicating a return, some indicating that they owed money. NO ONE fully understands this complex tax code. And confusion is a form of power being used by our legislators, while lobbyists line their pockets.

The FairTax would eliminate these concerns. Would it be perfect? Heck no...but it would be infinitely better than what we have now, or any of the other alternatives.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

just asking — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 20:48:44 GMT

At least NY bridges and tunnels are still standing.
My public schools have added on tutoring programs before and after school and weekends and holidays, if necessary. Every individual student in my children's middle school has the use of a laptop for learning and homework. The school also offers on premises, supervised dance lessons and drama clubs. The children have a media class in a real tv/radio station that broadcasts on cable. For all this, NYC has also issued property tax rebates to every homeowner each year for the last 4-5 years.
How about your state?

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Chas Rangle, NY — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 20:50:35 GMT

My tax plan is simple. If you have it, I want it.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

TC n AZ — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 21:22:52 GMT

Rangel is a moron so tell us something we don't know.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Jeff W, Edmond, OK — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 21:44:51 GMT

In 46 of the past 50 years, the tax REVENUES have been within 1 point of 17% of GDP - regardless of the marginal tax rates. Revenues are up big-time thanks to Bush's pro-growth tax cuts. The key to maintaing high revenues is to have tax policy that encourages growth.

Charlie's proposal will hurt the rich, discourage investment and thwart growth, thus reducing tax revenues.

But as usual. Democrats will blame the tax cuts for deficits and not point out the record tax revenues. I'm happy to blame worthless Republicans on the outrageous spending, but it will only get worse if Hillary-care comes into play. Man, think of the problems that anti-growth tax policy coupled with socialized medicine would cause. Yikes!

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Jeff W, Edmond, OK — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 21:53:21 GMT

To The Hardworking Democrat Woman,

We appreciate the struggle of the "working class." Yes, I have a lawn service. Back when Bush cut taxes, at the time it gave me an extra $180 or so per month. The additional portion of my own my money that I was able to keep made me decide to get the lawn service.

Raising my taxes because I'm "rich" would probably make me decide to fire the service and do it myself, or make my son do it. This means I'd fire the guy that I pay to do it now.

Why do the working class seem to think that raising taxes on rich people will help them? It won't. It will cost them jobs. Anyone who has a private sector job gets paid by someone who probably is considered rich. Raising taxes and increasing the costs to your employers is not going to do much in the way of getting you a pay increase.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Greg Okc — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:04:28 GMT

jon motgomery you really have no clue. I have been in the same industry for the last 25 years. I now run a company with aprox 30 employees. I have seen mgrs come and go some with a lot of education others with little. What I have seen is that the more pressure you can deal with the more money you will make. When I was a young man I worked in the oil fields of Oklahoma. 100 hour weeks, dirty work, been there done that. What I deal with now is 100% worse. Most people dont want to make the sacrifices it takes to get paid well $300,000.00 +. To be the one to make the tough decisions that affect other peoples lives. No one enjoys it but it has to be done. To know that when you leave work it goes with you. To explain to your kids why you cant be there. I am not complaining but when you tell me that because i am willing to do what it takes you feel that I should give up more, forgive me for not being in agreement. Then I remember that I run a small co. what do the people that run these huge corps carry?

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Jeff W, Edmond, OK — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:05:00 GMT

James in Oak Park;

I know very few Republicans who are against taxes. We all know they are needed, we just don't like the amount we pay and the way so much is wasted. And, we don't like the fact that Democrats would have you believe that raising taxes means increased revenues and lowering taxes reduces revenue. It's been proven time and again that the reverse it true.

By the way, in regards to your FDA example.... If a company put out a product that was not safe, people would become sick and/or die, sue, make millions and put the company out of business. Knowing this, companies would do their own research and testing to do their best to be sure the products they sold were safe, because if they didn't they would fail and their competitors would thrive. Capitalism and free markets would ensure safety and quality in the marketplace. Obviously, we do need the FDA, but your example that companies would put out unsafe products in order to maximize profits is just plain silly. To succeed and thrive, companies must put out safe, quality products that people want and need at competitive prices.

Obviously again, we do need some regulation to keep it fair and protect the consumers, but we need to keep the regulation to a minimum.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Jeff W, Edmond, OK — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 22:10:58 GMT

Hmmm one person works 40 hrs a week or nat at all and makes $3,000,000.00 a year. Another person works 60-80 hrs or more a week and makes $50,000.00.

Even at an 80% income tax the first still has $600,000.00 to live on for working less or not at all (cry me a river). I say income tax the rich until it hurts -- they wouldn't be rich if they actually had to work for their money, paid their employees a decent percentage of what they generate, or had not raped the public by overpricing their goods (gas/oil and etc)!!!!
Jon Montgomery (Sent Thursday, October 25, 2007 3:05 PM)

If they don't like working 80 hours per week for $50,000, they should have paid attention in school.

Why do people think that just because you work in an office or behind a desk, then you're not "working." Most people making big $$ work very hard, and worked very hard to get in the position they are in. The trust-fund babies do exist, but most millionaires earned their money.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

workin joe — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 23:10:59 GMT

A "flat tax" isn't all that bad an idea, and it would
make things easier for us working stiffs. I sorta remember a canitate last election (who is running agian) being big on the idea. P.S. he wasn't a Democrat.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Mare Justine, CT — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 23:51:39 GMT

I just love all this NY bashing from a-holes like Jerry...you don't live here, yet you seem qualified to bash it. Yes, the taxes are high. The breaking point is near.
pat huntington ny

You call the guy an a**hole, then you agree with him. You must be some kind of a nit-wit.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Robert, Birmngham, Al — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 00:49:59 GMT

Why do we want to work long hours and take risk with rates like this? This makes me want to work less, cut back staff and maybe trade stocks only for long term capital gain.
Don't they get that in Washington?

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

John B, Des Moines, IA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 01:48:49 GMT

Enough with the Fair Tax, it doesn't work. http://www.factcheck.org/taxes/unspinning_the_fairtax.html First of all, the Fair Tax isn't a 24% tax as advertised, it's a 30% sales tax being misleadingly portrayed as a 24% tax to make it sound better. Secondly, it isn't revenue neutral. By some estimates it could take a sales tax of over 50% to deal with the loss of corporate income tax, inheritance tax, and a lower tax rate on the wealthy. Fair Tax advocates pretend that money is going to come from some imaginary combination of magically increased economic activity, reduced collection costs, and an idealistic view that suddenly people won't be compelled to cheat on their taxes if the collection method changes. Speaking of categories of tax that will be eliminated and reduced taxes on the rich (including virtually all of the inheritance tax) that revenue has to be replaced somehow. The only remaining source of that revenue is the middle class, and if you follow the link you'll see that the proportion of revenue provided by the middle class will actually increase. Not to say that would be a surprise. The history of Republican tax cuts has been to increase the proportion of revenue provided by the middle class over time. Then they come back and say "don't you think you pay too much in taxes?" "Of course", you say, and they push through another tax break that gives nearly all the benefits to corporations and the already wealthy. Of course that's the way it should be because taxes are a disincentive to work, right? After all, which would you rather have, a $30,000 job at 25% taxable or a $300,000 job at 35%? That's what I thought. Lest there be any residual doubt about the motivation of people in the upper reaches of the economy look at how they've concentrated wealth during the last generation of almost entirely Republican rule http://www.faculty.fairfield.edu/faculty/hodgson/Courses/so11/stratification/income&wealth.htm

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

FACT //AZ — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 03:35:02 GMT

I'mso sick of having these Washingon paper Hangers continue to make we the people pay for their self serving agenda's!!! It will take a half century to correct these Idots screw up's!! At present the dollar is no longer stable, our country has lost industry to off shore, as of last week our trucking industry was shot right in the A@@ by the Mexican, our infrastructure is crippled by Red tape, Fema again feel on it's A@@ as water tankers and support could not get clearence to be involved in the CA fires..

Get a grip, Washington only will take and Take ,, we have a recourse and that is to unload these homesteaders from Washington!

Washington set on it's A@@ while southern CAL BURNED!!!

2.4 Trillion pumped into a ungratefull Irag???? And our people have to sleep in the streets?????

And all you in Southern cal got is """my prayers are with those who lost every thing!!!

There is a saying """Wish in one hand and Sh!t in the other!!! Which one is full??????

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Shawn Bartz, Clarkston, MI — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 06:50:49 GMT

Charlie Rangel - his absurdity would be hilarious if he wasn't so serious. GW spoke the truth when he said, "You can't help the wage earner by hurting the wage payer." Most of the "rich" the Dems want to tax to death aren't salaried employees, but our local small business owners, the backbone of the American economy. Since this is all based on income, not wealth, it hurts them disproportionately the most. The trickle-down effect will be that they will not be able to employ as many people, will be unable to expand their operations, and it will increase the unemployment rate. Minimum wage increases do the same thing. Considering better than 90% of minimum wage jobs are temporary in nature, meaning that they are inherently entry-level and people move up and out of those positions, increasing what employers are required to pay for said positions only serves to reduce the number of positions available. Typical liberal outcome of harming those they profess to help.

If you really want to fix things - www.fairtax.org

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

JJ — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 16:44:52 GMT

In case you Democratic idiots do not realize the top 5% of wage earners pay about 50% of the individial taxes to begin with the bottom 30 pay less than 5% keep top loading the tax system and awarding those that don't work and have children simply for the EIC and see what happens. Its simple math. I guess that is why the Dems don't get it...its too simple!

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

James G., Oak Park, MI — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 18:44:19 GMT

Jeff W.

The FDA example is very valid. See recalls of Chinese made products (lead in paint) for example. The manufacturing of these products in China was done to save money. Then the supplier there decided to cut more corners and use more lead in their paint mixtures, resulting in the increased toxicity of the paint. Now, those companies are going to pay a price (brand reputation, customer loyalty) for a decision that was outside of their scope. The Chinese Gov't doesn't have the same oversight that we do, but it's companies like Mattel, that'll take the reputation hit, not some unnamed Chinese supplier. This is the problem when cost, not the needs/wants of the consumer is the focus of the enterprise, intentional or not.

Republicans don't have clean hands in regards to wasteful spending either. I still have yet to see any Repub hold this administration's feet to the fire regarding funding for this war. If ANY business in existence ever missed it's budget the way they have on spending in Iraq, that business would've been in bankruptcy faster than you can say "What the...."!

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

John B, Des Moines, IA — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 19:17:28 GMT

JJ, apparently you're the idiot because you haven't picked up from the rest of the thread that the top 5% of taxpayers control almost 59% of the wealth. By that measure they are UNDER paying. It's simple math, I guess that's why you don't get it!

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

Chris, Chesapeake, VA — Mon, 29 Oct 2007 04:32:10 GMT

What a horrible idea... take a system of taxation that has produced RECORD TAX REVENUE and turn the tables on the highest producers to that tax base.

In effect, this punishes them for being the largest contributors to the very same government that ultimately spends the majority of its funds to help out the bottom 50% of the population that pays only a tiny % of the total tax base.

Of course, who cares that the top 5% pay for more than 50% of the total tax base, right? And does it matter that they are also directly responsible for much of the job growth and exceptionally high level of employment that exists in the U.S. today? Or the fact that everything they buy - including their much discussed "lavish lifestyles" ultimately benefits everyone else in the country through the direct trickle down effect it has?

And what about the truly massive amounts of charitable donations made by the wealthiest individuals in this country? Let's also conveniently ignore that and many other important facts while we're at it.

In fact, now that I think about it - why should -anyone- actually think through the logic and bother to research the facts & figure? After all, it is much easier and more popular to just buy into the Democrat's "class warfare" platform, and blame the fact that you don't have the perfect life you wanted on Bush and the Republicans instead of taking responsibility for your own life and decisions.

If you punish the biggest contributors to the tax system, you will do nothing but REDUCE overall tax receipts & stifle the entrepreneurial spirit that made the economy and the country what it is today.

The democrats are using the childhood story of Robin Hood to win votes. Their fairy tale logic of "take from the rich and give to the poor" was an enjoyable children's story but it would be an exceedingly poor way to run the tax system and the government... and one which, for the sake of ALL taxpayers in ALL tax brackets, I hope never comes to pass.

Rangel unveils Dem tax proposal

MoK, New York,NY — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 20:30:07 GMT

To Jim Stanton.Fl

Jim, You have got to stop drinking the cool-aid. As a Hedge Fund Manager, I just love the 15% cap gains tax I pay on all my income. The reason the top 1% is paying 25% of the taxes is not because the rates are high( they have been reduced constantly for the last 30 years or so since Reagan cut the rates), but they make disproportionately more than at any time in history. I am willing to pay my fair share. A strong country is one where everyone prospers and there is always a helping hand for the disadvantaged. Jesus did not kick the poor and sick and just give his blessings to the rich. The more you can get people to contribute, the better of we are. If that means I pay a little more, so be it.