The Tea Party

[Rick]

Cool.

Be aware it was Lib1 and not Lib that made the post.

I'd hate for Lib to get blindsided...

[Gob]

Thanks for the heads up!

I definitely have little in common with Lib1, (and his curious ideas about me and the state) but again, I do not consider him anything other than a gentleman.

[dales]

Me2

[rubato]

What would you call fair?

We are somewhere between the top 5% and top 1% in income. Our gross is something over $300,000.

Objectively, we pay a lot in income taxes, over $70,000 both state and federal in 2010. But on the other hand we also saved about $74,000 a year in pre-tax income (it went up this year) and then deducted about $42,000 which is possible only because the tax laws are written to favor us and fuck you in the ass.

So the fact that my income group pays a larger share in taxes is uninteresting compared to the amount ... we don't pay.

You're a jackass.


yrs,
rubato

[Sue U]

Re Lib1: I thought it was funny hyperbole; I'm not asking for an apology. Just because I'm Jewish doesn't mean you can't call me a Nazi. Especially with what I take to be implicit reference to Godwin's Law.

[Gob]

The that’s settled.

Nice trick Sue, get your magnanimous acceptance in before the bastard has a chance to retract!

[liberty]

I can’t believe that LibOne would intentionally hurt anyone feelings short of being personally attacked.

I believe his intent was to point out that it was the kind of thing that Nazi did. They even removed gold teeth before and after they killed people.

When I was stationed in Oklahoma, I had a conservative friend that described himself , in jest, as being to the right of Attila the Hun. He also believed in the idea of a hundred percent inheritance tax.

[liberty]

Me? I'm fine with a 50% top marginal rate on income, eliminating the distinction between capital gains and ordinary income, eliminating most corporate tax subsidies, closing loopholes that allow corporate tax avoidance, eliminating the cap on social security payroll taxes, and a 100% estate tax on amounts in excess $1 million, for starters.

What do you call fair?

Do you really think fifty percent is gong to be enough; during more normal times I think you would be right, but we are in a position where besides maintaining a decent society we also have to pay down and eventually pay off the national debt. I really think seventy percent is more like it. Of course it could be sunset so when the debt is paid off the rate could be reduced.

[Liberty1]

OK, full discloser.

When I post here I try to have either a serious comment, or I try to be funny, or both. My Nazi comment was an attempt at both being a little humorous and have a serious point to it. When I post I often have very little time for composition, I tried to think of a better term than Nazi, but couldn't come up with anything.

I do know Sue is Jewish, but I didn't think of that in conjunction with the comment, and I may have used it anyway if I had. It would not have been meant in any true Nazi sense, more of a metaphor. I am a Christian and I have the utmost respect for the Jewish faith and it's people as the chosen people of God's second covenent. It appears Sue was not offended.

As far as I know, I have not intentionally insulted anyone on here except Scooter when I called him an ass a few weeks back, or occasionally Rubato for obvious reasons.

I definitely have little in common with Lib1, (and his curious ideas about me and the state) but again,

Not sure what those ideas I have are, other than you being a statist, if that's what you mean.

Aside from that, I appreciate the support from all.

[Rick]

Not speaking for Sue just a point Lib1 she's Jewish by heritage not in faith.

FWIW...

[Liberty1]

Maybe she just get's half respect then.

[Sue U]

Lib1, I undestood it just as you meant it. I laughed.

And Keld, I'm not sure what you mean by that?

[Gob]

Not sure what those ideas I have are, other than you being a statist, if that's what you mean.

Aside from that, I appreciate the support from all.

I'll ask again then, where is your evidence that I am a "statist"? (And what is your definition of "statist"?)

[Rick]

I meant I didn't believe you were religious.

Guess I could have said that but, see now I have another post...

[Sue U]

I meant I didn't believe you were religious.

Guess I could have said that but, see now I have another post...

I think "religious" means different things to different people. I belong to a synagogue, I am active in its affairs and in the community on its behalf, I send my kids to religious school, we observe the holidays. I don't believe in a God per se -- nor, as far as I can tell, do most people who belong to my synagogue, nor do many who are actively part of the Reform movement. My version of "faith" is something different entirely -- although that's undoubtedly a topic for a different thread in a different forum.

[Gob]

That's one hell (scuse pun) of a position to take and hold Sue.

[Rick]

Oh well guess I should have kept my fingers to myself...

[Rick]

But hey look, another post...

[Liberty1]

I'll ask again then, where is your evidence that I am a "statist"? (And what is your definition of "statist"?)

My evidence is just my observation of your opinions over the last several years.

Statist: Somone who's maintains the political phylosophy that emphasises the role of the state in politics or supports the use of the state to achieve economic, military or social goals

In short, the opposite of me who believes in limited government, maximum liberty and that the government should be looked at as the last possible solution to any problem.

[Gob]

.

Statist: Somone who's maintains the political phylosophy that emphasises the role of the state in politics or supports the use of the state to achieve economic, military or social goals

Can you name a society where that does not occur? And if you can, why have you not moved there?