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Obama's Class Warfare Tax Plan Will Hurt Everyone.

Obama is insisting on raising taxes again. We need to base this choice on creating growth and revenue not class warfare.

Valerie Jarrett recently suggested that the idea Obama administration has launched a class warfare campaign is only known because of Fox News. True all the other major network’s would cover the story the way Pravda would cover the communist party in the former Soviet Union, passing along the party propaganda as news. However after years of Obama insisting we need to raise taxes on the rich, without regard to the economic impact, in the name of some misguided idea of fairness, I think the American people see he is all about class warfare. Recently he is insisting on raising taxes on people making over $200,000 next year, suggesting the GOP should just forget about what is best for the country and cave into his terrible economic plan.

The coverage of this on networks like ABC should please Valerie Jarrett as they pass along the ridiculously useless statistic that only 3% of small businesses will be affected by Obama’s plan to increase taxes. First of all most of those businesses not affected are not the ones that will provide the job growth we are looking for. Many of the small businesses not affected are people looking to supplement their income or provide work for themselves only, with no intention of growing the business to hire others. The more important statistic is that 40% of the revenue to be collected from this tax increase is from small businesses, and that number would be closer to 50% in good economic times. In addition, the vast majority of the small business creating jobs will be the ones that are successful and affected by this tax increase.

President Obama has said we should not raise taxes in a recession, although we are not technically in a recession, we are perilously close with many projecting we will slip back into recession. The last thing we need to do is to increase marginal tax rates to take even more from the private sector so it can be wasted by Obama on things like high speed rail, Solyndra, and Tom Barrett’s trolley.

We should extend the Bush tax rates through next year, but let the raid on social security funds end. Then we can let the campaign decide the vision for the future. Personally I think to bring the deficit down we should cut spending and reform entitlements first. If we can‘t do those things, we will not be able to ever raise enough money to balance the budget.

Obama is running a campaign to pit one group against another, with class warfare as the centerpiece. He really has no choice with his record of complete failure; he can’t run on his record. His only plan for the future is to do more of the same, which is the definition of insanity to keep doing something that does not work. Obama may be successful, because as Mark Belling says, he is telling a lie that people want to believe. Obama is saying if we just tax the rich more we can fix our fiscal problems. The claim is ridiculous, but it just might work as it plays into people’s greed. If we fall for it we will all pay dearly in the long run.

Lyle Ruble July 12, 2012 at 02:00 am
@JRH and Chris....What I am curious about is how do we prioritized the revenues to fund the services that we want? What's at the top of priority list, what's second, etc.?
Lyle Ruble July 12, 2012 at 02:07 am
@JRH...Whether it's foreign or domestic, consumerism for consumerism's sake is destructive in the long term. The inability to save and delay gratification is a weakness that too many people suffer from. Until people's values get more in line with reality, then we will continue our decline.
James R Hoffa July 12, 2012 at 02:13 am
@Lyle -
Wasn't it responsible consumerism that led to the very best of days for our nation?
James R Hoffa July 12, 2012 at 02:19 am
@Lyle -
National defense would obviously be priority number 1, as it's expressly mandated by the Constitution, although, I'm sure there's plenty of fat in that budget which can be cut! Veteran affairs would be priority number 2. Segregated funds, with revenues raised by the excise taxes, would continue to fund their related purposes. Everything else would be assessed by current need and availability of funds during the budgeting process.
Lyle Ruble July 12, 2012 at 02:36 am
@JRH...Responsible consumerism is based on need and not want. A concentration on materialism is what has created many of our current problems. Why do people need the "McMansion" or a basic car at $35K+. We don't do our kids any favors by setting false expectations. Our kids, grand kids and great grand kids will be the first generation since WW II that will experience a declining standard of living. I expect to see that families will begin a process of housing mufti-generational members all in one house. Economics will force the change. It will take all available working members to work, producing income just to maintain an adequate standard of living. Recent college graduates are an example of this process beginning in earnest. The future doesn't look all that bright and hopeful. America is in transition and we might as well accept it as a reality.
James R Hoffa July 12, 2012 at 03:19 am
@Lyle -
Of course living outside one's means is irresponsible. But to indulge in luxuries if you have the means, and a sound cushion of liquidity as a backup in case something unexpected were to arise, is most certainly not irresponsible - it's the American way and dream, isn't it? Envy, desire, and a false sense of entitlement is what leads people to live beyond their means and get themselves into trouble - and that is irresponsible and it needs to stop. But you can't honestly blame the haves for tempting others into being irresponsible - that's such a ludicrous argument! Instead, the proper solution is personal responsibility and sound individual fiscal policy. I'm by no means a wealthy person. But I take proper care of what I have and spend a dollar wisely, which has allowed me to build up a cushion of liquidity and take part in having some toys. Just because I'm not living paycheck to paycheck and have a few toys, Bren and other liberals have called me affluent - PLEASE! I know plenty of people that make far more than I do that live like slobs and spend money like a fish out of water, and thus are in fact living paycheck to paycheck, and yet many liberals would have compassion for such people! Like Michael Moore's presented sob stories in his film Capitalism: A Love Story. Those people are living that way clearly by choice!
James R Hoffa July 12, 2012 at 03:20 am
But as opposed to holding them personally accountable for their own stupidity, you'd rather punish the righteous like myself and drag me down so as to eliminate their jealousy and envy, because we'd all be more equal that way. That's not the vision of America that I was raised on - sorry Lyle!
The lazy and unwise should have less than the prudent, hard-working, and wise - otherwise, where's the incentive to be prudent, hard-working, and wise?
John Wilson July 12, 2012 at 11:20 am
Glad to see you not only drank the water, but the entire lake as well; by the way, the figure is 250k...
Walker July 12, 2012 at 11:27 am
He lost me as soon as he gave credence to faux news.
http://factcheck.org/2008/02/the-budget-and-deficit-under-clinton/ Q: During the Clinton administration was the federal budget balanced? Was the federal deficit erased? A: Yes to both questions, whether you count Social Security or not. The Clinton years showed the effects of a large tax increase that Clinton pushed through in his first year, and that Republicans incorrectly claim is the "largest tax increase in history." It fell almost exclusively on upper-income taxpayers. Clinton’s fiscal 1994 budget also contained some spending restraints.
Todd Marohl July 12, 2012 at 11:35 am
Taxing the rich is not the solution. They already pay the lions share of taxes. In 2009, the top 400 taxpayers paid almost as much in federal taxes as the entire bottom 50% of taxpayers. http://www.aei-ideas.org/2012/07/top-400-taxpayers-paid-almost-as-much-in-federal-income-taxes-in-2009-as-the-entire-bottom-50/
Todd Marohl July 12, 2012 at 11:36 am
The solution is more people paying taxes.
John Wilson July 12, 2012 at 11:40 am
Jeff Christensen - you really can't blame him, as he has no argument, except, that is, to call people socialist and more of the blame the victim philosophy... there is absolutely no correlation or causation between high effective tax rates or low effective tax rates being good for economic prosperity. If there were, I'd be making the argument that Clinton gave us the highest tax rate in history, created 23 Million jobs in 8 years, while GWB, with his "Bush Tax Cuts" created only 3.3 Million jobs and gave us the Great Depression II. You really have to look at the entire system in the context of the economic period that they happened in.
Bren July 12, 2012 at 11:57 am
Mr. Hoffa, I'm not sure what you mean by the essence of government being about taxes. We are the government. It's about working together to make our country the greatest nation on earth. Paying some taxes garners me many benefits-primarily safety and security. Regulations (though weakened) protect us from tainted foods from places like China (you should read some U.S. Customs turnback reports sometime, but not before lunch), protect us from foreign threats, pandemics, etc. Government provides laws, roads, interest bearing retirement accounts, senior medical insurance, etc. That's what government means to me.
As for my specific tax code, every case is different and that's why I prefer our existing tax code (with some corrections) to cookie cutter %s. I think my tax rate is fair, I have no complaints. I've answered your question twice now. And I'm not quite sure how you can compare my car to multiple offshore accounts. Perhaps it was assembled in a Right to Work for Less state, but Toyota at least infuses cash into our economy. Explain how offshore accounts work for America, please?
Bren July 12, 2012 at 12:03 pm
Yes, also Fox, CNN, WSJ, NYT, BG, MJS, the Observer & Guardian (U.K.). If an online publication links to another publication I'll read that too. I believe it's important to get conservative, moderate, liberal, and international perspectives. How about you, Ima?
Lyle Ruble July 12, 2012 at 12:18 pm
@JRH....I don't disagree with the individual exercising personal responsibility and that has been the American ideal. I hold no malice toward the "haves" and their ability to live their lives without financial limitations. However, working for many years in marketing management, I know how easily people can be manipulated into doing things, that in the long run is not in their best interest. Can we protect people from their own stupidity and vulnerability, of course not. However, we don't have to take direct advantage of such vulnerability. Who would have ever thought that the constant marketing messages through television would create generations of indiscriminate consumption; the marketing profession knew pretty early on and took full advantage of such. You like toys that are vintage and pretty much made in America, you represent the exception and not the rule. One important marketing message had been the introduction of the concept of product lifetimes. This is precisely why the American auto industry got caught with their pants down and left the door open for foreign manufacturers. The consumer learned the hard way that they were being manipulated into buying inferior products, killing domestic auto production. The real issue is that the American consumer doesn't trust U.S. Companies and those that control those companies. Our business community has the reputation, well earned by the way, as exploitative, short sighted and focused only on profit for profit's sake.
Walker July 12, 2012 at 01:51 pm
History proves otherwise. The Clinton era was the most robust economy in our history.
Walker July 12, 2012 at 01:53 pm
Like the big corporations & rich fat cats that pay little to no taxes now?
James R Hoffa July 12, 2012 at 03:27 pm
@Lyle -
There you ago again with blaming the drug dealers - only this time the drug dealer is Madison Avenue and AMC's Mad Men (Don Draper and company). Detroit's only poor decade was the '70's. And the product coming from Japan and Europe at that time wasn't much better in terms of quality and longevity in all honestly, was it? But for some reason, it was enough to turn the masses against Detroit. I recall that in 5th grade of public school, 1989, my teacher actually 'taught' the class that foreign cars were better than American made cars - that's absurd! I was the only kid in the class that refused to drink the Kool-Aid and argued extensively with the teacher about it. In retrospect, I should have told my parents and taken the complaint to the school board! The public schools here were indoctrinating children against the American industrial worker. In Asian cultures, the schools teach their children domestic production patriotism in their consumerism. And we do the exact opposite - it's incredible really! I'm sorry, but that's messed up! You hear all the statistics claiming that the product coming out of Detroit was so comparatively bad, but the real world experiences tell a different tale, as evidenced on any discussion board pertaining to the subject. Here's just one example: http://www.businessweek.com/debateroom/archives/2009/02/americans_shoul.html Bottom line is that Americans are stupid and greedy, and now they feel entitled to boot!
James R Hoffa July 12, 2012 at 03:33 pm
@Bren -
So, you prefer a tax code: so huge and complicated that the average person can't make heads or tales of it; is full of loopholes; and effectively picks winners and losers? Ok, that clears up a lot - thanks for answering honestly! Seeing as how you keep on bringing it up, I must ask how a Welsh vacation contributes to the US tourism industry?
Todd Marohl July 12, 2012 at 10:29 pm
Did you not just see that 400 people pay almost half the federal income tax in this country?
Craig July 13, 2012 at 12:30 pm
Yes Clinton balanced the budget, had a steaming economy, and raised taxes. He also got a blow job from an intern and screwed every American in the ass. By giving China "most favored nation status", he created this economic meltdown. What people fail to see is how long it takes to get an unexistant economy like China had, come to fruition. While the US is trying to make due with scraps and is fighting over bailouts, handouts, entitlements, and how to create jobs- China is building interstate highways. This infrastructure they are building will make China the biggest economy in the world when the US economy starts to rebound.
In the meantime the US infrastructure is crap. Outdated, unfunded, and in disrepair. Even if we could recover economically, it is unsustainable because China will be doing things better, cheaper, and faster.
John Wilson July 13, 2012 at 01:58 pm
Craig - Your rather unnatural fixation with BJs and the imaginary sodomizing of Americans aside - Pls seek help - China has enjoyed MFN [Most Favorite Nation] status for many decades. Reagan was for it, Carter was for it, and both Bushes were for it, as was Clinton. Clinton was not the FIRST President to allow MFN status, now, referred to as NTR [Normal Trade Relations] in all US Statutes. This entire area is replete with complications and complexities, far beyond mere TRADE.
It should be noted that the congress could repeal NTR at any time they want, and after the T-Square incident in China, there were some abortive attempts to do just that. However, they did all fail, as will future efforts to do so, simply because of the complexity of our relationship with China and, more importantly, $$$ interests by huge American multinationals... Get used to it, America has made the choice NOT to be the Greatest Economic Nation on the face of the planet... we just want to get rid of a tanned president and fight 24/7 like kindergarten children in congress... We really are addicted to the Scorched Earth Policy… We have met the enemy, and it is US. It does not have to be this way...
Craig July 13, 2012 at 03:06 pm
Wilson: You're a couple pounds low on air pressure, and it has affected your thinking. Despite your long winded diatribe, all of the manufacturing jobs are in China.....that was my point.
Nothing in my post had anything to do with the 'tanned' President. Perhaps your love for dark skin is an indication of YOUR fixation with sodomy.
Keith Schmitz July 13, 2012 at 03:43 pm
Divilbiss' article is loaded with howlers. Not only has there already been class warfare -- against us in the middle class -- but if this puppet has a problem with people standing up for ourselves -- tough.
He is an economic traitor, and he is no doubt one of the puerile mindsT-Party, childishly parroting freedom and liberty, when that is being taken away by corporations. Love him talking about this push back as greed. What the hell moron got us into this problem in the first place? Thanks for writing this and demonstrating why this country is going to hell thanks to traitor like him. Tell us Bryant. What is this status quo getting us?
Keith Schmitz July 13, 2012 at 03:46 pm
Do you know how to cipher Todd? First, the figure is unbelievable and probably is another FOX lie. Second, have you noticed that they are still left with plenty of money, enough money to buy our elections.
So sick and tired of self-loathing people like you who cry for the rich. This county is benefiting nothing from them.
Keith Schmitz July 13, 2012 at 03:47 pm
You bet it is Todd. Ignoramuses like you whine about what are enough taxes. The answer, if you can comprehend it, is enough to run the country and it is obvious our country is running into the ground.
Keith Schmitz July 13, 2012 at 03:48 pm
Yeah, we are really impressed by citations from the fascist American Enterprise Institute. But do play again.
John Wilson July 13, 2012 at 04:02 pm
Craig - You sure went directly to , "your point", in your initial post. Anyway, you are wrong. "all of the maufacturing jobs are in China" is just stupid! Yes, manufacturing in America has declined, but that is because we elected to ship these positions overseas and engage in massive outsourcing. Manufacturing, in reality, is starting, once again, to grow in America.
Admittedly, this has nothing to do with BJs and Sodomy, but, neither does "your point"...
Craig July 13, 2012 at 04:06 pm
I think I made my point just fine. If you didn't need a tire pump to fill all the extra space in your head, maybe you would have thought so too.
Todd Marohl July 13, 2012 at 04:20 pm
Keith, I'm not crying for the rich. My point is that the people you define as rich pay the lions share of taxes in this country, while a large portion of the population do not pay any taxes. I think we need to lift the bottom up and make them viable taxpayers (more people working), than to continually trying to take more away from the people who are already paying the taxes. Even your rich liberals are denouncing their citizenship and taking their cash to other countries to avoid taxation.

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tntnewman June 19, 2013 at 10:10 am
Bruce and Ed, thank you for investing in our Village Centre with your ever increasing entertainmentRead More and food for all of us to enjoy and share with our friends. Irish Eye's Are a Smiling!!!
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Yes I do pay taxes John. Got some bad weed again John, eh?
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