What is just one thing that could reduce the vitriol here?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:the problem with income disparity, and with many not paying any taxes, is the majority (if it becomes that) votes in their own interest. you need to have skin in the game for a representative democracy to work.

So everyone needs to have something at stake.

Funny, I actually agree with this. When--as is the case with the US in the present age--our policies become so out-of-balance towards the consolidation of wealth into the tiniest of oligarchies, it ends up destabilizing the social order. As Jeff pointed out, you need skin in order to put it in the game. Redistribution of wealth is one of the most legitimate and important roles of government in a liberal democracy. This is why the Estate Tax is so critical. We have no dynasties here. Americans succeed or fail on their merits. All of that is at risk with the present, misguided policies of the American "conservative" movement.

[Anonymous]

Uh, oh. Here he comes sniffing around: OPs ideological soul-mate, Mr "Black People Smell" himself.

You guys should start a political movement. Ah, nevermind. Too late.

[Anonymous]

OP does not agree with your suggestion or the inflamatory repetition of the other crap. It is getting to be like the misspelling of potato.

Try just speaking for yourself instead of me. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:the problem with income disparity, and with many not paying any taxes, is the majority (if it becomes that) votes in their own interest. you need to have skin in the game for a representative democracy to work.

So everyone needs to have something at stake.

Funny, I actually agree with this. When--as is the case with the US in the present age--our policies become so out-of-balance towards the consolidation of wealth into the tiniest of oligarchies, it ends up destabilizing the social order. As Jeff pointed out, you need skin in order to put it in the game. Redistribution of wealth is one of the most legitimate and important roles of government in a liberal democracy. This is why the Estate Tax is so critical. We have no dynasties here. Americans succeed or fail on their merits. All of that is at risk with the present, misguided policies of the American "conservative" movement.

This is the PP you quoted. I'm 100% in favor of an Estate Tax, and a higher sales tax (or national gas tax), for these very reasons. When income disparity gets too great, or in a democracy, the have-nots outnumber the haves, you get bad consequences.

[Anonymous]

PP again.

Where are we?

47% NO-PAYERS are OK..................... or we want "some" skin in the game?

[jsteele]

Anonymous wrote:PP again.

Where are we?

47% NO-PAYERS are OK..................... or we want "some" skin in the game?

I've already said that because the 47% control so little of the wealth, I don't care if they don't pay income tax. Why do you refuse to recognize that they do pay other taxes, including payroll taxes? However, I would rather see less income disparity, resulting in a situation where working person controlled enough wealth to be required to pay taxes.

Yes, I know my position contains a nuance. I further recognize that, as a result, you will not be capable of understanding it.

[Anonymous]

Jeff, you flatter me.

My topic is Federal Income Tax. It has been that and continues to be.

It seems the data shows 47% are NO-PAYERS of Federal Income Tax.

If you want to confuse, distort, or simply introduce another discussion, so be it.

[Anonymous]

My topic is Federal Income Tax. It has been that and continues to be.

This is just embarrassing.

Ok, by way of introducing another discussion: why is it that Internet wingnuts always adopt the writing style of a lawfully evil necromancer from a bad Dungeons & Dragons fan-fiction e-book? I've always wondered.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

My topic is Federal Income Tax. It has been that and continues to be.

This is just embarrassing.

Ok, by way of introducing another discussion: why is it that Internet wingnuts always adopt the writing style of a lawfully evil necromancer from a bad Dungeons & Dragons fan-fiction e-book? I've always wondered.

I have no idea what that even means. Sounds awfully nerdy.

[Anonymous]

PP again.

Where this started by me was we have gone from fighting for representation for taxes paid. The problem was taxation without representation.

What we now have is representation plus a steady stream of benefits and harsh demands for MORE with 47% paying nothing ZERO nada.

Assertions have been made here that the 47% NO-PAYERS have nothing, unsupported in any way.

Are we really at that point where some said Obama will make my car payment and mortgage payment too?

[Anonymous]

Just a bit more evidence for my theory that, more than anything else, this is about ignorance:

The best poll finding of the day is that 22% of all Americans believe that Obama health care law has already been repealed, and another 26% aren't sure whether it's been repealed or not.

It's worth giving the full question..."As far as you know, which comes closest to describing the current status of the health reform law that was passed last year?" The choices were "It is still the law of the land" and "It has been repealed and is no longer law," with the rest in either "don't know" or refused to answer. Republicans were twice as likely to believe its been repealed than Democrats (30% of GOP, 12% of Dems).

http://plainblogaboutpolitics.blogspot.com/2011/02/outside-political-junkie-bubble.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Most Americans are woefully ignorant, and easily manipulated. What they want most of all is to be left alone. Or they turn sullen and resentful, and cling to a tiny sliver of knowledge, holding it in a death-grip as though only this little bit of trivia can sort everything out. (e.g. Mr 47%)

[Anonymous]

I think there would be less vitriol if we all had a bitchin' ride like Kwame Brown. I know that's utopian.

[Anonymous]

You fabricate whatever you like.

Most people are unaware that 47% are NO-PAYERS and if you were honest(?) you would admit that yourself.

Are you one of those on the free ride demanding it is still not enough?

[Anonymous]

Most people are unaware that 47% are NO-PAYERS and if you were honest(?) you would admit that yourself.
Are you one of those on the free ride demanding it is still not enough?

Have you thought about capitalizing "free ride". It might strengthen your argument. Perhaps use a red font.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Jeff, what should be the percentage of NO-PAYERS in our system? Those that have no taxation coupled with representation and an increasing flow of benefits?

PS I miised your suggestion for reducing vitriol.

No payers are the result of the earned income tax credit, which was reagan's alternative to social welfare programs. Maybe conservatives should rethink that.