|
|
We appreciate your help
in keeping this site going.
|
|
08-14-2012, 07:51 AM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,223
|
|
History of the Progressive Tax Structure
Just a survey.
In your own words what good comes from the progressive tax rate structure?
There must be something or else it would not have been voted in in the first place. It also would not have survived in earnest from 1917-1981 if it was all bad. Rich people controlled the media during those periods just like they do now and they sure didn't like getting taxed. They also tried as hard as they could and often succeeded in getting tax loopholes in their favor. The other side came back with alternative minimum tax.
I'm just curious as to the board members' abilities to see both sides of an issue and at least agree that there are pros and cons. Which side they want is of course subject to differ and can only be resolved civilly by vote.
The Republican vs Democratic shouting match gets old fast. That stuff is available anywhere.
|
08-14-2012, 08:07 AM
|
|
Resident octogenarian
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Maryland
Posts: 20,860
|
|
Among the wealthy a generation back, people like Carnegie (and I wish they would learn how to pronounce his name) and others there was this attitude of noblesse oblige. Because they had acquired vast wealth they felt they should not only paay higher taxes but also give to the community, e.g., Carnegie Hall, etc.
The current generation of wealthy people, with a few exceptions, appear to be Randians, i.e., enlightened self interest = greed.
__________________
Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people.
Eleanor Roosevelt
|
08-14-2012, 08:12 AM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Connecticut
Posts: 511
|
|
It seems to me that, although a progressive tax system does have its shortcomings, such a system is probably the most equitable way of assessing a levy on the general population. It essentially distributes the burden based on one's ability to pay, the rationale being that those who benefit the most from the system should shoulder the greater burden in paying for it.
Although I understand the argument that such a system penalizes success I don't recall ever hearing of anyone who didn't seek out a higher level of compensation because they would have to pay more taxes as a consequence.
Progressive taxation is hardly perfect but I personally think it's the least abhorrent among the possible choices.
__________________
Butch
Extremist Moderate
|
08-14-2012, 08:28 AM
|
|
Area Man
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: The Swamp
Posts: 27,407
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by merrylander
Among the wealthy a generation back, people like Carnegie (and I wish they would learn how to pronounce his name) and others there was this attitude of noblesse oblige. Because they had acquired vast wealth they felt they should not only paay higher taxes but also give to the community, e.g., Carnegie Hall, etc.
The current generation of wealthy people, with a few exceptions, appear to be Randians, i.e., enlightened self interest = greed.
|
That's pretty much how I see it.
My hometown got the Packard Music Hall, Packard Park and the now defunct Packard Art Museum from the Packard family of automotive fame. The steel barons built some gorgeous parks and man made lakes that still exist and see regular use to this day. (The lakes served a dual purpose. They were primarily built as cooling water reserves for the mills. The recreational use was secondary. It wasn't all philanthropic in nature. )
These guys today....I'm afraid they think the community exists to serve them.
Actually, if they are as Randian as they appear to be....That is EXACTLY what they think. And, I don't care for them at all.
__________________
"When the lie is so big and the fog so thick, the Republican trick can play out again....."-------Frank Zappa
|
08-14-2012, 08:40 AM
|
|
Possibly admin. Maybe ;)
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Land of the burning river
Posts: 21,098
|
|
There is HUGE philanthropy in this country among the rich. All you have to do is look at the credits of any PBS show.
I don't have a problem with a progressive tax structure.
Pete
__________________
“How many legs does a dog have if you call the tail a leg? Four. Calling a tail a leg doesn't make it a leg.”
|
08-14-2012, 09:03 AM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 3,223
|
|
Have any on the economic hard right chimed in?
|
08-14-2012, 09:40 AM
|
|
Reformed Know-Nothing
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MoCo, MD
Posts: 25,909
|
|
I support a progressive income tax, but question whether today's system is indeed progressive for the wealthiest of Americans. Just ask "Mr. 14%," who could become "Mr. 1%" if his tax plan is adopted.
__________________
As long as the roots are not severed, all will be well in the garden.
Last edited by finnbow; 08-14-2012 at 09:56 AM.
|
08-14-2012, 10:45 AM
|
|
Loyal Opposition
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Johnson County, Kansas
Posts: 14,401
|
|
A progressive tax structure is a way for those who have benefited greatly from living in our system to support it proportionately.
Regards,
D-Ray
__________________
Then I'll get on my knees and pray,
We won't get fooled again; Don't get fooled again
|
08-14-2012, 11:07 AM
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 679
|
|
We all live in the same system, times are tough. Not fair that only one side
should pay in a bigger percentage while the other can still bask in the former
glory we once enjoyed.
Is there anything in the Constitution that promises all American citizens
a cozy retirement or low taxes for being less productive than their neighbors.
__________________
Banned
|
08-14-2012, 11:10 AM
|
|
Reformed Know-Nothing
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: MoCo, MD
Posts: 25,909
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by HatchetJack
Is there anything in the Constitution that promises all American citizens
a cozy retirement or low taxes for being less productive than their neighbors.
|
Non sequitur alert.
__________________
As long as the roots are not severed, all will be well in the garden.
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:19 PM.
|