Economy section...is this where taxation questions go?

[merrylander]

Originally Posted by bhunter

The left doesn't have an answer, but ultimately they'd probably like everyone to have equal amounts of income and wealth. Of course, their utopian ideal will never exists, but that doesn't halt their redistribution schemes. Personally, I'd like to see government at all levels operate on a budget of ten percent of GDP.

Just pray that you are not on the bridge when it collapses.

[finnbow]

Originally Posted by bhunter

The left doesn't have an answer ...

Nor does the right, BTW. Their "answer" for the past 30 years has been supply-side, trickle-down economics. The recent CBO report clearly shows that this approach ain't working either.

[Charles]

Originally Posted by whoaru99

Seems it's always been in the background to some level, but I seem to be hearing more about the well-to-do/wealthy/rich needing to pay their fair share of taxes, yet I don't recall anyone sticking their neck out with an opinion about just what is "their fair share".

I admit it, I have no idea what a fair share is in this regard.

What are y'alls thoughts on what constitutes a fair share?

(Maybe this is a dead horse topic. I guess if so then it won't be a very long thread.)

"Fair" is a place you go to eat corn dogs and ride the Ferris wheel.

It has nothing to do with politics or taxes.

Chas

[bhunter]

Originally Posted by merrylander

Just pray that you are not on the bridge when it collapses.

Government has greatly expanded over the years and the bridges and infrastructure are still in poor shape. Where did all that bridge repair money go? Obviously, the current system hasn't worked very well. Government is just too damn big.

[merrylander]

Originally Posted by bhunter

Government has greatly expanded over the years and the bridges and infrastructure are still in poor shape. Where did all that bridge repair money go? Obviously, the current system hasn't worked very well. Government is just too damn big.

I believe if you look in Iraq and Afghanistan you will find most of the money. The rest is on Okinawa, etc.

[bhunter]

Originally Posted by merrylander

I believe if you look in Iraq and Afghanistan you will find most of the money. The rest is on Okinawa, etc.

The infrastructure deterioration predates Afghanistan and Iraq. A lot of the infrastucture is under state and local government. Sadly, Baja Mexico has better roads than San Diego.

[merrylander]

Originally Posted by bhunter

The infrastructure deterioration predates Afghanistan and Iraq. A lot of the infrastucture is under state and local government. Sadly, Baja Mexico has better roads than San Diego.

Hell, Croatia has better roads than we do.

[vinyl1]

Originally Posted by bhunter

Government has greatly expanded over the years and the bridges and infrastructure are still in poor shape. Where did all that bridge repair money go? Obviously, the current system hasn't worked very well. Government is just too damn big.

The bulk of the money is eaten up by three things: Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. Payments to and on behalf of individuals consume 62% of the Federal budget. Defense, depending on how you count, is about 14-20%