Obama and "the virtue of Selfishness"

Originally posted by whodey
That is some interesting data, however, I think comparing the US government with that of the Netherlands, for example, is like comparing apples to oranges. For example, in the Netherlands, does government help themselves to retirement savings that was payed in taxes by the populace? Does the government in the Netherlands take 91 cents on the dollar that is ...[text shortened]... conomist worth his weight in salt would say that raising taxes dampens overall economic growth.

Any economist worth his salt would not agree to such a simplistic formulation.

Originally posted by der schwarze Ritter
Since you're fond of definitions, here's one I thought you should know:

cov·et·ous
adj.

1. Excessively and culpably desirous of the possessions of another. See Synonyms at jealous.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/covetousness

BTW -- It's a sin to be covetous. In fact, there's a commandment from God that states: Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's possessions. Just thought you should know.

Covetousness has nothing to do with putting together a fair tax policy to raise the necessary revenue for government programs that the majority deem desirable. From 2002-06, 75% of income growth in the US went to the top 1% of earners. Insisting that those who benefit most from our system pay a proper share of the revenue needed to sustain it is "stealing" from them only in the warped minds of extreme right wingers.

Originally posted by no1marauder
Covetousness has nothing to do with putting together a fair tax policy to raise the necessary revenue for government programs that the majority deem desirable. From 2002-06, 75% of income growth in the US went to the top 1% of earners. Insisting that those who benefit most from our system pay a proper share of the revenue needed to sustain it is "stealing" from them only in the warped minds of extreme right wingers.

Republican president Theodore Roosevelt thought so, too.

http://www.badlandsblue.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1713

What's more, it was progressive taxation that President Clinton used to fix the economy starting in 1993.

Originally posted by KazetNagorra
There are many, they just aren't heard in the US since most people there only tend to listen to Friedman and his supporters since he told them what they like to hear.

It's not what they like to hear, it's what works.

Originally posted by no1marauder
Covetousness has nothing to do with putting together a fair tax policy to raise the necessary revenue for government programs that the majority deem desirable. From 2002-06, 75% of income growth in the US went to the top 1% of earners. Insisting that those who benefit most from our system pay a proper share of the revenue needed to sustain it is "stealing" from them only in the warped minds of extreme right wingers.

If you want a "fair" tax policy, then why don't we ask the 45% of people who pay no federal income tax to pony up some dough? Or how about asking "The Most Selfish Generation" to cut back on Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare?

Originally posted by karnachz
...What's more, it was progressive taxation that President Clinton used to fix the economy starting in 1993.

Fix the economy? You're ignorant of recent history, aren't you? Clinton didn't fix anything -- he inherited the momentum of the Regan Revolution (btw, it was Regan who fixed the economy; you need to bone up on what life was like during the '70s under President Carter) and governed like a moderate Republican his first two years in office.

Originally posted by der schwarze Ritter
Fix the economy? You're ignorant of recent history, aren't you? Clinton didn't fix anything -- he inherited the momentum of the Regan Revolution (btw, it was Regan who fixed the economy; you need to bone up on what life was like during the '70s under President Carter) and governed like a moderate Republican his first two years in office.

Reagan didn't fix the economy, he stimulated the economy on the short term by building mountains of debt.

Originally posted by KazetNagorra
Reagan didn't fix the economy, he stimulated the economy on the short term by building mountains of debt.

You should stick to theoretical physics -- clearly, economics and history are subjects you will never understand.

Originally posted by der schwarze Ritter
You should stick to theoretical physics -- clearly, economics and history are subjects you will never understand.

LMAO - says the guy who parrots propaganda with not a trace of understanding.

Originally posted by der schwarze Ritter
You should stick to theoretical physics -- clearly, economics and history are subjects you will never understand.

http://eh.net/encyclopedia/article/noll.publicdebt

Look at where the Reagan era fits in that graph. Do you see any correlation?

Originally posted by der schwarze Ritter
If you want a "fair" tax policy, then why don't we ask the 45% of people who pay no federal income tax to pony up some dough? Or how about asking "The Most Selfish Generation" to cut back on Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare?

Yes, how "selfish" of people to want to be assured a base level of income when they are elderly. How "selfish" to expect that they will receive medical care.

A tribe of Cro-Magnons was empathic enough to take care of their elderly and sick, but to right wing extremists like yourself, the richest society on Earth should let these people die so that the wealthiest aren't "burdened" by paying a share of their discretionary income.

BTW, Social Security is funded by a regressive payroll tax that every worker pays.

Originally posted by der schwarze Ritter
You should stick to theoretical physics -- clearly, economics and history are subjects you will never understand.

DSR, if you think he is wrong, PROVE IT. Dont berate him and his assessment. Put forth a valid argument so people like me might actually learn something rather than watch you look like a knob who couldnt think of anything intelligent to say and thus resorts to belittling the person who questions you.