Comments on: Tax(ing) season

By: Miki

Miki — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 05:08:46 +0000

That’s OK, I was being diplomatic, too. If I wasn’t my comments might bring Homeland Security down on our doorstep:)

The widget still doesn’t work. I’ll check it again.

By: Denis

Denis — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 01:10:46 +0000

Oh dear, I was trying to use diplomatic language…

Damn ! (for the widget).

By: Miki

Miki — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 17:56:25 +0000

‘Peculiar” isn’t the adjective I’d use—disgusting, idiotic, obscene, insane—all seem more accurate. Large corporations and the ultra wealthy have never paid their “fair share” and I doubt they ever will.

No question that the monthly spending on the war, and the non-wars in places such as Afghanistan, is catastrophic to the American people, as is the more than 4000 who’ve been killed.

But heck, the people suffering here don’t fund political campaigns or help get politicians elected, so they don’t really count. Got to keep those priorities straight.

And no, the widget isn’t working (I checked it again:)

By: Denis

Denis — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 03:14:37 +0000

Well, I focus on the peculiar choice of spending: war over healthcare or education.

Yes it is unfair that large corporations do not pay taxes. It is even more unfair that ultra-wealthy escape it (hence in particular my remark on estate tax). If I escape the thought the refund I would get if these guys were paying more, I wonder if it is harmful.

Well, it is on many different levels but not as much and as immediately as the monthly billions to support the armed forces at war.

So does it work ? The widget I mean

By: Miki

Miki — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 02:11:50 +0000

Denis, the US fails in far more than spending too much. It also fails miserably in terms of any kind of fairness, considering that a large number of major corporations pay nothing as do the ultra-wealthy, while the middle class and below pay far more relatively speaking.

Respond and I’ll let you know if your widget works:)

By: Denis

Denis — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:49:20 +0000

Well here is the trick: generally that is what the income taxes try to achieve but it is a difficult balance to strike for each tranche of revenue. It also depends very much on the country (Scandinavians may accept more taxes than Americans), environment (socio-economic) and expectations of how the taxes are spent (welfare, education, health, military to pick hot campaign topics).

It is also important to consider the estate/inheritance tax in this scenario.

I am afraid that a lot of country fail to achieve the perfect balance and to be fair it is very difficult to achieve given its dynamic nature. But, to be honest, I think the US fails more on the spending side, especially under the Bush administration.

By: Miki

Miki — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 04:53:53 +0000

Oops, I forgot to check the follow-up box.

By: Miki

Miki — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 04:52:32 +0000

OK, Denis, I’ll bite. What country taxes in accordance with your scenario? It certainly isn’t the US.