I like Obama, but I do not agree with his economic stance.

[Anonymous]

Let's not forget that in addition to income tax raises Obama is also looking to increas FICA tax --for every hundred thousand.--the amount on taxes Americans who have been producing will be out of control--while those who are not producing financially will also be affected becasue they will a)lose jobs because small employers will reduce work force b)those who have vendor shops that are smaller in nature will go under c) large corporations will reduce work force--keep in mind that a lot of large companies are already doing this as a result of market opinion that obama could win. Taxing Oil companies additionally is another weird idea--oil for now at least is private and saying "geez you there are making too much, I think I will tax you more" goes against free market--of course Obama would also like to have government take over some aspects of oil production--that would basically be seizing private enterprise..again a scary thought. If I were some of these oil companies, I would seriously think of relocating corporate headquarters--as the world reduces taxes, we are just hiking hiking hiking. I think if people really looked at his economic policies they would be afraid.very afraid. I love the idea of a minority of any race or a woman to be president but not enough to overlook what their agenda is and right now I think people are so in love with the idea of Obama that they are glossing over what he is proposing.

[Anonymous]

I agree. In addition to the payroll tax increase, I believe he also proposes phasing out deductions for family incomes over 250K. I know to middle america this sounds reasonable because 250K would make you rich, but inside the beltway that is absolutely a middle class salary. It will crush the urban areas. I have voted democratic all my life, but I am wigging out about this economic plan.

Why increase my payroll taxes so he can continue to pay social security checks to my well off parents? Why not means test social security instead? Because those of us working all the time to pay off loans and support our school aged kids don't have much of a political voice. It's wrong, and really squeezing the people who are already squeezed caring for kids. I love him but I wish Obama would think outside of the 1980's liberal dogma box on this issue.

[Anonymous]

pp, I fully agree. It just seems crazy.
I could live with Western European Socialism because the is something in it for everyone, including the upper middle and upper classes. But it sounds like with him, I will become a workhorse for everyone else. My kids will see less of me because I will work more. That is not fair. The "economically disadvantaged" will do better, (and probably see more of their kids).
I am all for fighting poverty, but I don't have much more to give.

[Anonymous]

I think the idea that the "wealthy" will be carrying more and more of the burden is unrealistic. I think you will see more and more people opting out of traditional pay and creating s corps to avoid some of these taxes. There is just no reason why someone should pay as much as 50% of their earnings to support other people. I don't care how much you make, you should be able to keep a good portion of your money. I think most people who are in the lower brackets do not understand that the majority of people who make 250k and above do not work 40 hours a week and have considerable risk in their jobs ex. if they do not produce they do not make that amount of money and their jobs are not assured like a union position. I think turning social security into a welfare program is a slippery slope and think a better answer would be to up the retirement age. Why? When social security was created people did not have the same life exceptancy and so we have people on the ss program far longer than was initially envisoned. I have no problem with a higher age limit because I believe in working and contributing as long as I can and I do not want to be a drain on other people.

[Anonymous]

pp, again I agree. I think that the 40 hr a week earners are very naive about what most professionals go through. The money does not come magically. That said, the only way that I would buy into a stronger social welfare system, is if I could benefit from it as an upper middle class person. When I see European women getting all the bennies when they have kids, I am envious. In those places those benefits are available to every one. Thus professional women making 250K don't have to consider abortions because they can't figure out how to manage with the childcare maze, and possible job loss that we endure.
I think that it is high time that those Americans with secure, but lower paying jobs, spent a day with me. "When will you be home?", "I have no idea, maybe 10:00 p.m., but I'll let you know at 9:00 p.m."
I am a liberal, but I get the impression that Obama thinks that there is more for us to give. He will wear me out, and I am no masochist. If he does not explain what he has planned, I am going to have to cast a ballot for that nut McCain. What could go wrong, we have had an even nuttier one for the last 8 years.

[Anonymous]

I find it amusing that anyone there is coherent conversation on economic policy the reflects the true realities of just what will happen with Obamunism..things get quiet. I am hoping more people get smart to what will happen and at least make an informed choice.

[Anonymous]

I have to agree. I detest the idea of staying in Iraq, detest the Republican approach of turning everything in to a "moral" or religious issue, but I can't vote for Obama and his taxes.

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:I have to agree. I detest the idea of staying in Iraq, detest the Republican approach of turning everything in to a "moral" or religious issue, but I can't vote for Obama and his taxes.

You would rather see Americans continued to be killed in an unnecessary war than to pay higher taxes? Wow!

[Anonymous]

I wish I could say that I could be voting "for" something in this election. I won't be. It has been many years since I voted "for" candidate rather than against his opponent. I even had to vote for Edwin Edwards as governor of my state (the absolute worst election I've ever had to vote in). I feel like those of us who are socially liberal but fiscally conservative have no party.

There are other factors, more personal. Obama would decimate my profession (Jeff, I am certain you know what that is, assuming my IP address never changes). I prefer a minimalist government overall, and when the legislative and executive branches are of the same party too much gets done.

I don't like either candidate or either party. But I will once again vote for what I see as the lesser of two evils.

[Anonymous]

As for my vote--it will be on economics--I think the "do you want to see Americans Killed" guilt trip is not going to fly with people because no one wants anyone killed..ever..but wars are a reality sometimes and I am thankful that we are not having a draft since everyone over there had a choice. I am first trying to protect my family and our future and just "giving" it away is not something we are going to do. We have worked too hard to have someone come in and just say that it's fair to steal our earnings and that is what Obama is talking about..theft. I have a feeling that the majority of people who are thrilled to have the taxes change will not be the same people who are going to lose thousands upon thousands of hard earned dollars themselves.