Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Leave Me Alone!

* Warning ... very long rant ahead ... I tried to avoid it but I just can't anymore. I wish I knew how to do one of those "read more" links to hide this ridiculously long post ... scroll down past it if you don't want to read it. =)

I really am tired of the election cycle...especially since it's been going for what...two years now!

But this chaps my hide (emphasis mine).

"It's not that I want to punish your success. I just want to make sure that everybody that is behind you, that they have a chance for success too. I think when you spread the wealth around it's good for everybody."

What THE HELL!?! That is called redistribution and it's WRONG...it's legalized THEFT by the government. And it absolutely DOES punish success, you stark raving lunatic moron. You clearly do NOT understand economics.

I do not work my butt off (basically I have two jobs...though one is arguable more fun) to have the government take my money and give it to someone else (which they already do too much). If I want to donate my money to those less fortunate that is MY choice to make. If I want to stick all my money in my mattress and sit on it that is also MY choice to make. Who the hell in government is going to decide who "deserves" my money more than me???

I really am starting to hate (okay, hate is a strong word...how about loathe?) "the Messiah". When he first started running I liked him well enough...not enough to vote for him because I knew even two years ago that he was too liberal and lacked experience. But the more we learn about him and his ideas the more he freaks me out. The idea of this neo-Marxist Socialist gasbag in office with no opposition (because the Dems will hold onto the majority in the House and Senate...it's pretty much a given) scares the ever loving pee out of me.

Have you fallen for the claim that you'll get a tax cut as long as you make less than $250,000? Or that 95% of the country will get a tax cut? Sorry...jokes on you. (link may require subscription but it's so important that I quote most of here anyway...emphasis added is mine)
It's a clever pitch, because it lets him pose as a middle-class tax cutter while disguising that he's also proposing one of the largest tax increases ever on the other 5%. But how does he conjure this miracle, especially since more than a third of all Americans already pay no income taxes at all? There are several sleights of hand, but the most creative is to redefine the meaning of "tax cut."

For the Obama Democrats, a tax cut is no longer letting you keep more of what you earn. In their lexicon, a tax cut includes tens of billions of dollars in government handouts that are disguised by the phrase "tax credit." ...

In other words, they are an income transfer -- a federal check -- from taxpayers to nontaxpayers. Once upon a time we called this "welfare,"...

The Tax Foundation estimates that under the Obama plan 63 million Americans, or 44% of all tax filers, would have no income tax liability and most of those would get a check from the IRS each year. The Heritage Foundation's Center for Data Analysis estimates that by 2011, under the Obama plan, an additional 10 million filers would pay zero taxes while cashing checks from the IRS.


Excuse me?!?! Why is it a good idea for so many to have ZERO stake in how the government is funded and instead simply suck off the tits of the (so called) rich? Why should the hard working have to work even harder to pay for so called "tax cuts" (aka welfare)?

And may I just add that I probably fall into the category of those who would get one of those checks and lower my tax liability. But it's still WRONG. Just because I benefit doesn't mean I support it. I can't be bribed...which I try to tell my husband's union this season when they support the "wrong" candidate who bribes the heck out of them.

It gets worse...

The total annual expenditures on refundable "tax credits" would rise over the next 10 years by $647 billion to $1.054 trillion, according to the Tax Policy Center. This means that the tax-credit welfare state would soon cost four times actual cash welfare. By redefining such income payments as "tax credits," the Obama campaign also redefines them away as a tax share of GDP. Presto, the federal tax burden looks much smaller than it really is.

The political left defends "refundability" on grounds that these payments help to offset the payroll tax. And that was at least plausible when the only major refundable credit was the earned-income tax credit. Taken together, however, these tax credit payments would exceed payroll levies for most low-income workers.

It is also true that John McCain proposes a refundable tax credit -- his $5,000 to help individuals buy health insurance. We've written before that we prefer a tax deduction for individual health care, rather than a credit. But the big difference with Mr. Obama is that Mr. McCain's proposal replaces the tax subsidy for employer-sponsored health insurance that individuals don't now receive if they buy on their own. It merely changes the nature of the tax subsidy; it doesn't create a new one.

Please...PLEASE at least pay attention to these last points...I've added emphasis not in the original article.

There's another catch: Because Mr. Obama's tax credits are phased out as incomes rise, they impose a huge "marginal" tax rate increase on low-income workers. The marginal tax rate refers to the rate on the next dollar of income earned. As the nearby chart illustrates, the marginal rate for millions of low- and middle-income workers would spike as they earn more income.

Some families with an income of $40,000 could lose up to 40 cents in vanishing credits for every additional dollar earned from working overtime or taking a new job. As public policy, this is contradictory. The tax credits are sold in the name of "making work pay," but in practice they can be a disincentive to working harder, especially if you're a lower-income couple getting raises of $1,000 or $2,000 a year. One mystery -- among many -- of the McCain campaign is why it has allowed Mr. Obama's 95% illusion to go unanswered.


Notice that chart...right now if you make $45,000 a year you have zero marginal tax responsibility. Under Obama you'll have 40%! How in the heck is that a tax cut???

I'm all for having those who make more, pay more. That doesn't bother me...though I don't believe they should be completely and totally soaked. But I also believe that everyone should pay SOMETHING. We all have a stake in this great country and when you have a stake in something monetarily it means that much more. How can I appreciate my small stake when people in the top 2% of income earners pay almost 50% of the total taxes?!? Sure seems like I'm getting a free ride from them...or at least a half off ride.

Okay...deep breaths...

Of course, I don't believe all of the hype being talked about ... that an Obama presidency will bring about another Depression (though it could if he tries to hike up the taxes and implement the isolationist policies he preaches) ... that all opposition will be shut down and prosecuted (though they will try to pass the Fairness doctrine which will silence a lot of dissent) ... And I will do my best not to become a victim of ODS (similar to BDS). I think the office of the President deserves a lot more respect than its been given the last eight years.

I really just want to live my life with no government interference and lower taxes. WHY is that too much to ask?!?!?!?!?!?!

Alrighty...this is a great illustration of why the proposed tax plan of "the Messiah" is so screwed up...I'm stealing it from Dust Bunnies who borrowed it from someone else but it's been around for awhile so you may have already read it ...

Barstool Economics...
Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that's what they decided to do. The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. 'Since you are all such good customers, he said, 'I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20. Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?' They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.

And so:

The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.

'I only got a dollar out of the $20,'declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man,' but he got $10!

''Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth man. 'I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!'

'That's true!!' shouted the seventh man. 'Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!

''Wait a minute,' yelled the first four men in unison. 'We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!'

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!

And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

For those who understand, no explanation is needed.For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

14 comments:

Unknown said...

You are so consumed by ignorance that you can't simply state facts about Barack Obama, you have to fall back on calling him names. I'd dare call you a racist, but I am sure you're one of those people who would respond with "Oh some of my closest friends are black." It's people like you that is the main reason this country needs a change.

You really should stick to jewelry and leave the politics to people who actually know what they are talking about.

Sandee said...

Meagan isn't very nice is she. See, if your aren't a democrat in this race your are a racist. Just the way they spin it. It's a darn shame. I'll be glad when it's over. I'm so sick of all of it. Have a great day honey. I'm not going to beat you up. Have a great day. :)

Sandee said...

You notice that Meagan's link doesn't go anywhere? Isn't that interesting. :)

CastoCreations said...

See...I've been "schooled" by someone who knows better. Which of course is what the political elites want ...

Don't think for yourself ... we'll tell you what to think.

Meagan...if you are so sure of your beliefs how about debating my actual points. Instead of hiding behind an anonymous user ID that links to nowhere.

And I'm not afraid of being called a racist. Since I know it's not true and it's the best argument you can come up against my logic.

I only called him what he is - a socialist who talks a good talk but has no depth.

Thanks Sandee. I'm really looking forward to the end of this campaign. Sadly, either way it turns out it won't necessarily be "over" after Nov. 4. *sigh*

Unknown said...

Meagan, you fool. The ENTIRE POST was a statement of facts about Barack Obama. Did you read it? Or did you just see someone who doesn't like the guy FOR WHATEVER REASON and decide the person who wrote it is "consumed by ignorance"?

Go ahead, call all of us racists. We don't give a toss anymore, because (1) we aren't racists and (2) we know you don't even mean it. You can't possibly because no one is THAT stupid.

And by "stupid", I mean "believing that a vote against a radical socialist is a vote against racial equality." Which is basically what you would be saying if you called any of us here a racist for agreeing with the original post.

You know what YOU should stick to? Commenting on blogs where you can say that kind of silly thing and not get laughed at.

Seriously. These constant cries of "racism" at any criticism of Obama, it's getting really old. And very childish. Do you even think for yourself? Ever?

jana said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jana said...

I think we are coming very close to the tipping point on this "RACIST!!!" situation. If EVERYTHING anybody says about ANYTHING Obama has done, hasn't done, plans to do or doesn't plan to do pretty soon it has to lose meaning, right?

I mean, Jesus Christ, you wrote a really long article, full of facts, figures and resources that explain how you came to your conclusion regarding tax policy, and all this bitch can come up with is "Raaaaacist!!"?

Lame. Where's my Jack Daniels???

CastoCreations said...

Thank you Rachel and Speakdog. You guys rock. =)

Unknown said...

You'll note that Meagan's response did mention she used "fact" based information, even if it may be skewed or less of an issue than miss. Casto makes it. Meagan's response was particularly about the name calling of Barack Obama, which does tend to come from people who are more racist than those that are not. In that sense, those that are racist are almost always considered to be ignorant too.

Now, to the actual post. I'd say the big CEO's with all of their money also said, "who better to know where my money should go than myself," and now look where we are. That lack of regulation and self-serving, all-knowing attitude is what has tipped the tides of our economy into a downward spiral that has done a lot of damage to the very people you don't think deserve any help.

You do not know the people that have now been forced out of their jobs in every corner of this country, I would bet you on that, and I highly doubt you know every scenario that has put them there, so to generally say that they do not deserve the help or are not worthy of it is pretty disgusting.

I've noticed for awhile now that the right conservative types seem to be rather selfish individuals and this post only confirms that suspicion. The reason I say this is because I am yet to hear anyone who is clearly a right wing conservative give two shits about the people who are losing their homes, going bankrupt because of medical bills, the people who are losing their jobs after twenty years of working for a company, the students who cannot go to college, even though they have the grades, because their parents can't afford to help and will only go further into debt by trying to do so, the veterans that are now living on the streets. No, I never hear anything about how those people should be helped, what I do hear, however, is "I'm fine, and I don't want them to take any of my money. Those socialist programs will destroy us!" I know, free public education is a terrible thing, Medicare is too. Oh and don't forget that awful program called "Social Security." I know no one wants that.

Greed...greed...greed. That road has been followed for far too long. That road is what has brought us to this economic disaster.

Perhaps this sounds familiar to you. "To those that much is given, much is expected."

jana said...

notskinny:
the main flaw with your "argument" is that...well, there are a lot of flaws...

Your first mistake is assuming that I am some rich, greedy person who takes my money by stepping on other people. I'm not. I am a server in a restaurant and I bust my chops every fucking day. As for the people who need a hand up, that's fine. What I'm tired of is people who want an hand-out and think they deserve it.

The second mistake is your assumption that I don't know anyone who's lost their job or been laid off. Wrong again. My husband has been laid off twice in 4 years.

Another mistake is assuming that "free public education" is free. My property taxes and part of my federal income taxes pay for that education. And as for a college education...I worked full time and went to college, as did my husband. It never occured to us that the government (or someone else's taxes) should pay for our college.

And your last and largest mistake is that tired "To those that much is given, much is expected." That canard only works for Spiderman. You seem to think that money is "given" to people because some mystical unicorn poops it out. Wrong. Any small amount of money my family has is because we haul our asses in to work every fucking day and it is not greedy, nor is it wrong to expect the federal fucking government to let me keep the majority of it. Paying taxes is fine, all I'm expecting is fairness across the board.

What is "expected" from the chronic welfare recipient to whom much is given? Or what will be "expected" from the kid who went to college on the government's tab? Nothing more than a Socialist vote. On my dime.

Anonymous said...

Casto - this is a most excellent post. I don't think I could have simplified the tax system any better than what you have there.

Meagan is a nutjob! If speaking out against Obama makes one a racist - then - I guess I'm a very proud racist! I'm getting so sick and tired of those guys on the left calling everybody who speaks out against The Obamessiah a racist it's not even funny any more...it's just pathetic.

This history is there - The Democratic party IS the party of racists - David Dukes, Robert Byrd, George Wallace, etc etc. It was the Dems who blocked the Civil Rights Act of 1896 -yup- the Repubs tried to pass this thing almost 70 years before it passed in 1964..and..even then the Dems tried to block it...Robert Byrd holds the record for the longest filibuster in history.

But - you Obama sheep just keep those blinders on. After all, they do say ignorance is bliss - at least until you find out that you're busting your ass so that Obama can pass your money on to slackers, high school drop outs, crack whores, and everyone else who mooches off the system rather than work.

Obama is a true believer in the Black Liberation Theology - he did sit in the church for 20 years listening to it!! He is only looking out for his peeps..he doesn't care about white people except to get their votes.

Notskinny - your entire response is flawed. Apparently, you have never taken an economics, accounting, or government class otherwise you would understand this post and you wouldn't be making those assertions.

What caused this economic mess has nothing to do with conservatives. Also, you might want to do a little research about the highest paid CEO's in this country - especially in the banking and mortgage industries - they're all die-hard Democrats. So - do some research before you bash Republicans for this mess. It has everything to do with the liberal social policies that you want. The liberal social policy called the Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 that forced banks to give high risk loans to people that couldn't afford it. The same CRA that was revised in 1995 by Bill Clinton that now says banks and mortgage companies HAD to give loans to the poor without verifying income, employment, and identification - the the revision in 2003 that said that in addition to everything else - now you don't need the 20% downpayment and you couldn't force them to take PMI.

The one's who got the richest off this deal were the Democrats in charge of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac who guaranteed all those high risk loans to give to the poor.

If the free market system had been allowed to work and Carter and Clinton had kept government out of private business by forcing social liberal policies - we wouldn't be here now.

Conservatism and the free market system work as long as government doesn't interfere. The deregulation came from the Dems blocking the Republicans who wanted to regulate Fannie and Freddie and repeal the CRA.

Sorry for going on so long here Casto! Great post!

CastoCreations said...

notskinny...

Your argument is one that my own mom tries to make. Yet since she actually KNOWS me it makes it more difficult for her argument to work.

You claim that right wing folks are selfish. However I'm not selfish in the least and anyone who knows me knows this. I donate my time and my money ... but I make the decision as to where both will go. I don't want the government taking my money (that wasn't pooped out by unicorns but hard earned) and deciding who is more worthy of it.

I DO know people who have lost their homes and while it is sad ... it generally is their own fault. I shouldn't be held responsible for someone else's poor planning. It's a painful lesson for people to learn but hopefully most people WILL learn from it and make better decisions in the future.

However if the government just goes around bailing people out who made bad decisions then they will never learn and the problem will only become worse. It's like the parent who constantly bails out the troubled child. The child never learns to take responsibility.

I don't call that selfish. I call that compassionate ... it is more kind to teach someone to take care of themselves than to force them to slavishly rely on government.

Oh...and calling names is part and parcel of politics. I guess you think the people calling Sarah Palin a C**T are racist if that is the standard you use.

If it is greedy to want to keep the money that I worked so hard for and decide how to use it or donate it that is MY DECISION to make so I guess I'm greedy. The government didn't earn this money. I DID! I think I know the needs of my local community a little better than some faceless bureaucrat in DC and can distribute my donations more efficiently and effectively.

The whole canard about poor people is that they can't take care of themselves. There are SO many private and charitable organizations out there to help people in need. The United Way in our area alone spends MILLIONS of people's DONATIONS (freely given!) to help this community and I gladly and happily support them.

So please do not come here and assume that I'm some rich capitalist pig who sleeps on a bed of money. As of yesterday my husband and my check books had a combined $60. I know what it is to struggle and that is why I am all the more angry when government tries to take my hard earned money.

Now...using "free" programs like Medicare and Social Security probably isn't the best example to throw out there. Government run anything means that the government gets to decide who gets what. My MIL is limited as to the medications she can get on Medicare. And her social security check doesn't even cover her rent. Yeah, those programs are just stellar examples of competence. Oh wait...not really.

This country is going to be facing some very tough times. As boomers (who as a group tend to be much more selfish) start to retire and "demand" their "rights" like free medical care and retirement the rest of us either have to pony up or say enough. I say ENOUGH. Plan for your own future. Don't rely on the "government" (which is in fact funded by people who actually WORK) to provide for you.

So...now I've been called a racist and greedy. Nice.

Anna said...

Can I get an "Amen" Casto?! :)

Self reliance and personal responsibility are needed these days and are very much in short supply! My ultra-conservative brother is losing his house in the subprime crap. He screwed up and he's paying the price. But he's not asking for a handout. He's moved to an apartment and is hoping to keep up with his bills and praying he doesn't have to declare bankruptcy.

CastoCreations said...

Oh Anna I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. But I'm heartened to hear that he is taking responsibility. That is the key. Learning from our mistakes and moving forward. =)