I just sent in my 2021 taxes. I did it gladly. It’s a responsibility of participating in this society. But I’ve got to tell you, as I watched the dollars flow out of my account, I couldn’t help but remember that the richest and second-richest people in America — Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos — pay a far lower tax rate than I do. In fact, some years they don’t pay any taxes at all.
There are some basic needs that government must ensure a vast majority of its citizens have met. If these basic needs are not met a nation will soon be in violent turmoil. Our country is no different. Why do you think there is a vast number of people flooding our borders? We are starting to see unrest within our country and our political leaders are oblivious to what is happening. If we want improvement in our country, it is time that men and women of intellect and character put politics aside and address the problems facing our country now and the problems that are fast approaching. They can do this by educating the vast majority of our people. Our people do not need politicians to lie to them, they need educators to educate them. Stop playing games with political terms such as socialism, when you know damn well that social programs are not socialism. Do you think feeding, housing, and caring for the poor and sick is socialism? Let me remind you that we just celebrated the crucifixion and resurrection of a man who walk on this earth teaching of love and caring for the weak and the poor. Was he a socialist?
Instead of imposing a monetary fine for working (income tax), why not instead expect people to contribute back to the system in proportion to the benefit received? Ideally, phase out the income tax entirely and replace it with a progressive wealth tax. (Start at perhaps half a percent for assets twice the poverty level)
I believe there's one fact concerning the wealthiest members of our society that we should keep in mind namely: Our wealthiest citizens live their entire lives in a Gilded Age, as did their ancestors before them and as will their children and grandchildren. The wealthy have accumulated so much wealth for so long that they will be able to keep opulent lifestyles going no matter what happens to middle and lower income people. By raising taxes on the wealthiest individuals, we will not force them to sacrifice as they have moved far beyond the reality of sacrifice and sharing. The tax we collect and try to redistribute more fairly among others in society will not bring about anything such as the End of the Gilded Age. Let's all keep that in mind as we attempt to return to a more level playing field for most of us.
I am currently retired. I was a case manager for Social Services. I love to help others. Did I have the best paying job; FAR FROM IT! Even with everything that had to be done, I was considered a peon! Now, I receive my pension. It’s not a set you up for life amount of money. I had an option to stop paying taxes. HOWEVER, I STILL GLADLY PAY TAXES! It’s for the same reason you do Mr. Reich; I want to continue the responsibility of participating in our society. Hell, someone’s got to do it, why not me! It helps our society. My situation makes it possible to be able to do this. But things have got to change. I completely support President Biden’s plan. Having more wealth SHOULD NOT mean you are taxed less. Whatever brings this wealth should be taxed! THAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO!
I've never resented paying my fair share of taxes, I know that those dollars help our country in many positive ways. I do resent, however, how the wealthy manipulate their riches to avoid paying a dime while enjoying the benefits our country has to offer paid by all of us. I happily signed the petition, now let's tax them, It's long overdue.
It’s thoroughly repulsive to me how this can be. I cannot stand these uber-wealthy guys. I think of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and at least they do some good for others in the world instead of flying into space with their “big boy” toys. Beyond disgusting to me 🌻
Done! I signed and also Tweeted. The tax rate after teaching a lifetime $ of billion should be 99-100%! We can all have medical care and affordable/free education if these multi-billionaires paid a fair share. This is criminal, in my opinion, to allow wealth one cannot spend in 12 lifetimes when people have basic needs not met!
Agree. The billionaire class seems to view the ability and willingness to avoid or evade taxes as a status symbol. This should stop. It's time that our leaders stop making taxes a bogeyman.
I totally agree with you and your suggestion. Most people agree with you certainly on tax issues. But, how will that make the Republican congressmen and senators to do something about it?
Duke it out verbally with a few billionaires on LinkedIn. They are powerful and adamantly opposed and get enormous support from the business community that hopes this dynamic will make them wealthy one day. Hoarding is happening at the intersection of business and government so engage where if might be effective. I am not anti-business but our nation needs balance.
So, yes, we will call Manchin and Sinema and Schumer and maybe Mark Kelly, like I did many, many times to support Build Back Better and the voting rights bills, which is right and proper as citizens. But, as in those cases, the Billionaire's Tax bill will be opposed by those citizens with great speech, greater influence, in short more money. And in our corrupt campaign finance and lobbying systems in America, the billionaire's will likely win. Of course no Republicans will support this tax, yet the blame for it failing to pass will be - driven by headlines in all journalistic outlets - placed squarely on Democrats. So it is in America. I will still do what I think is right, but I confess to little optimism for this measure or for much else in the American scheme of governance at this point.
My own view is that income and wealth taxes should be paid by everyone at levels appropriate to their income and wealth. That way everyone is contributing, everyone is seen to be contributing and everyone can take credit for and feel good about contributing to that civilised society for all referred to by Justice Oliver Wendell Jones. Maybe sounds a bit leftish, but if properly structured, I'd argue entirely in line with decent "One Nation" US Republican and UK Conservative thinking, albeit that "One Nation" concept being rather in deep freeze currently. Perhaps too we shouldn't forget the impact and interaction of income and wealth taxes with sales (value added in the UK) and local community taxes - I'm not sure we always get that balance right for the less privileged of us in society.
There are some basic needs that government must ensure a vast majority of its citizens have met. If these basic needs are not met a nation will soon be in violent turmoil. Our country is no different. Why do you think there is a vast number of people flooding our borders? We are starting to see unrest within our country and our political leaders are oblivious to what is happening. If we want improvement in our country, it is time that men and women of intellect and character put politics aside and address the problems facing our country now and the problems that are fast approaching. They can do this by educating the vast majority of our people. Our people do not need politicians to lie to them, they need educators to educate them. Stop playing games with political terms such as socialism, when you know damn well that social programs are not socialism. Do you think feeding, housing, and caring for the poor and sick is socialism? Let me remind you that we just celebrated the crucifixion and resurrection of a man who walk on this earth teaching of love and caring for the weak and the poor. Was he a socialist?
Instead of imposing a monetary fine for working (income tax), why not instead expect people to contribute back to the system in proportion to the benefit received? Ideally, phase out the income tax entirely and replace it with a progressive wealth tax. (Start at perhaps half a percent for assets twice the poverty level)
Yes! Tax the billionaire’s wealth!
I believe there's one fact concerning the wealthiest members of our society that we should keep in mind namely: Our wealthiest citizens live their entire lives in a Gilded Age, as did their ancestors before them and as will their children and grandchildren. The wealthy have accumulated so much wealth for so long that they will be able to keep opulent lifestyles going no matter what happens to middle and lower income people. By raising taxes on the wealthiest individuals, we will not force them to sacrifice as they have moved far beyond the reality of sacrifice and sharing. The tax we collect and try to redistribute more fairly among others in society will not bring about anything such as the End of the Gilded Age. Let's all keep that in mind as we attempt to return to a more level playing field for most of us.
Amen! Preach it Brother Reich!
Kathleen Peterson
I prefer the Eisenhower tax rates, which were truly graduated and depended on income, no matter how high it might get. Ike had the right idea.
I am currently retired. I was a case manager for Social Services. I love to help others. Did I have the best paying job; FAR FROM IT! Even with everything that had to be done, I was considered a peon! Now, I receive my pension. It’s not a set you up for life amount of money. I had an option to stop paying taxes. HOWEVER, I STILL GLADLY PAY TAXES! It’s for the same reason you do Mr. Reich; I want to continue the responsibility of participating in our society. Hell, someone’s got to do it, why not me! It helps our society. My situation makes it possible to be able to do this. But things have got to change. I completely support President Biden’s plan. Having more wealth SHOULD NOT mean you are taxed less. Whatever brings this wealth should be taxed! THAT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO!
I've never resented paying my fair share of taxes, I know that those dollars help our country in many positive ways. I do resent, however, how the wealthy manipulate their riches to avoid paying a dime while enjoying the benefits our country has to offer paid by all of us. I happily signed the petition, now let's tax them, It's long overdue.
It’s thoroughly repulsive to me how this can be. I cannot stand these uber-wealthy guys. I think of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and at least they do some good for others in the world instead of flying into space with their “big boy” toys. Beyond disgusting to me 🌻
Done! I signed and also Tweeted. The tax rate after teaching a lifetime $ of billion should be 99-100%! We can all have medical care and affordable/free education if these multi-billionaires paid a fair share. This is criminal, in my opinion, to allow wealth one cannot spend in 12 lifetimes when people have basic needs not met!
Agree. The billionaire class seems to view the ability and willingness to avoid or evade taxes as a status symbol. This should stop. It's time that our leaders stop making taxes a bogeyman.
Well, stone me, let's just send our tax bills to Elon and Jeff.
I totally agree with you and your suggestion. Most people agree with you certainly on tax issues. But, how will that make the Republican congressmen and senators to do something about it?
Duke it out verbally with a few billionaires on LinkedIn. They are powerful and adamantly opposed and get enormous support from the business community that hopes this dynamic will make them wealthy one day. Hoarding is happening at the intersection of business and government so engage where if might be effective. I am not anti-business but our nation needs balance.
So, yes, we will call Manchin and Sinema and Schumer and maybe Mark Kelly, like I did many, many times to support Build Back Better and the voting rights bills, which is right and proper as citizens. But, as in those cases, the Billionaire's Tax bill will be opposed by those citizens with great speech, greater influence, in short more money. And in our corrupt campaign finance and lobbying systems in America, the billionaire's will likely win. Of course no Republicans will support this tax, yet the blame for it failing to pass will be - driven by headlines in all journalistic outlets - placed squarely on Democrats. So it is in America. I will still do what I think is right, but I confess to little optimism for this measure or for much else in the American scheme of governance at this point.
My own view is that income and wealth taxes should be paid by everyone at levels appropriate to their income and wealth. That way everyone is contributing, everyone is seen to be contributing and everyone can take credit for and feel good about contributing to that civilised society for all referred to by Justice Oliver Wendell Jones. Maybe sounds a bit leftish, but if properly structured, I'd argue entirely in line with decent "One Nation" US Republican and UK Conservative thinking, albeit that "One Nation" concept being rather in deep freeze currently. Perhaps too we shouldn't forget the impact and interaction of income and wealth taxes with sales (value added in the UK) and local community taxes - I'm not sure we always get that balance right for the less privileged of us in society.