Debating Republicans is a lot like playing tennis against a wall. You hit any shot you want and it comes back “lower taxes.” What to do with the surplus? Lower taxes. What to do about the deficit? Lower taxes. It’s an ideology that takes no notice of circumstance. We have the lowest real tax rates in the last fifty years and an economy is desperate need of further stimulus, and the Republicans still say to “lower taxes.” Sometimes, the best way to deal with obstinance is to just refuse to keep debating. Point out the ludicrous nature of the GOP’s behavior and just do what you can without them.
About The Author
BooMan
Martin Longman a contributing editor at the Washington Monthly. He is also the founder of Booman Tribune and Progress Pond. He has a degree in philosophy from Western Michigan University.
When arguing with the tax-obsessed, I just point out that the two great periods of middle-class well-being were the 50’s/60’s and the latter 90’s – the former a period with top marginal rates in the 90% range, the latter a period after two tax rises.
And for the dimmer-witted who insist cutting taxes w/o regard to circumstance raises gov’t revenue, I just say, “Then zeroed rates should bring government the max.” Believe it or not, sometimes I get a “Yes” in response.
To be fair, have we ever tried funding the Federal government with donations and bake sales? So how can you say it won’t work?
(/sacrasm)
Even if I’ve disagreed with 75% of what you’ve said since March of 09, I can agree on this.
From Pruning Shears with a link to New Your Times article on the estate tax. The tax expired completely this year. Next year it returns at 55% max rate on everything over 1 million dollars which is tax free.
Its basic. Its about sharing in pain and good times both. When you profit from others you give back. If your a fortunate son you have an obligation to understand this is a country built on the elimination of classes. Everyone votes here. Best not to get too greedy.