Zipp0 1 #26 June 16, 2006 Yeah, N. Korea would feel just like home. They also have an oppressive regime. The warrantless domestic spying will feel like a familiar warm blanket. When a member of the media is jailed, you will get all warm and fuzzy. Oh, and when you are jailed without representation and beaten, you will KNOW you are home. Zipp0 -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Royd 0 #27 June 16, 2006 QuoteWhat we need is a nice hefty tax increase on the wealthy who have benefited and prospered in this country. Getting a few thousand more from a millionaire won't hurt them too badly..... If you reword that to say," take from the industrious and give to the lazy," maybe you'll begin to look at it a little differently, unless, of course.... Well, I've already gotten one warning. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #28 June 16, 2006 QuoteN. Korea ... oppressive regime. The warrantless domestic spying will feel like a familiar warm blanket. When a member of the media is jailed, you will get all warm and fuzzy. Oh, and when you are jailed without representation and beaten, you will KNOW you are home. why, North Korea doesn't sound that nice at all I don't recommend moving there. no sir ree bob ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
narcimund 0 #29 June 16, 2006 Quotewhy, North Korea doesn't sound that nice at all I don't recommend moving there. no sir ree bob You are absolutely right. And if North Korea is a bad choice, that pretty much ends the search. New Jersey is now conclusively the Best Place In The World! First Class Citizen Twice Over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shaiziel 0 #30 June 16, 2006 The problem with having the opinion that "Oh we do so much and give so much to other countries" is that for the past few decades, we've been borrowing and borrowing and borrowing and never paying down the money we owe to other countries. It's like asking China for $10 and giving Ethiopia $3. Or, more accurately, it's like borrowing $10 from China, to buy some clothes FROM China. We get the goods, but we haven't paid for them. It's theft frankly. But the other countries say "Ok, we'll add that to your IOU". When the countries stop giving credit, THAT is the point when our economy, which at this point DEPENDS on the borrowing to sustain our lifestyle, will truly tank. Bush and Co. can tell ya all about how many jobs we made last month and how interest rates are rising and life is all fuckin peachy. But the reality is that those things are not the BIG picture. And the big picture is grim. People in America tend to think only about how things are going in America in THEIR lives. I joked about it in a previous thread "There are Americans, and everyone else!". But that attitude does exist, and it, combined with your liberal/conservative propaganda is hiding the larger truth. There is a river in Egypt. It's called, De-nial.---------------------------------------- 6.8% - Almost there! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zipp0 1 #31 June 16, 2006 QuoteQuoteWhat we need is a nice hefty tax increase on the wealthy who have benefited and prospered in this country. Getting a few thousand more from a millionaire won't hurt them too badly..... If you reword that to say," take from the industrious and give to the lazy," maybe you'll begin to look at it a little differently, unless, of course.... Well, I've already gotten one warning. Yes, because, as we all know, the rich all started their own business in their garage and busted their asses for 50 years. None of them inherit their wealth and then sit on their asses collecting interest and stock dividends. And all poor people are lazy, of course. Zipp0 -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shaiziel 0 #32 June 16, 2006 I will add that, essentially, our "War on Terra" has been paid for, not by us, but my Europe and China. The only thing worse than the fact that we've borrowed so much, is that we haven't used anything we've borrowed to truly better ourselves and protect our long term interests. If you think this war has made us safer, you're living in a dream world. We have gained nothing, and lost everything.---------------------------------------- 6.8% - Almost there! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Royd 0 #33 June 16, 2006 QuoteYes, because, as we all know, the rich all started their own business in their garage and busted their asses for 50 years. None of them inherit their wealth and then sit on their asses collecting interest and stock dividends. And, your problem with that is?..... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shaiziel 0 #34 June 16, 2006 Oh but thank god for Bush's tax cuts. Because a healthy economy is an economy where the disparity between rich and poor is as wide as possible. That way the rich can create jobs for the poor and help the poor become rich too! Make the tax cuts permanent! ---------------------------------------- 6.8% - Almost there! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #35 June 16, 2006 Mmmmm - that's good kool aid. Travel a bit - maybe you'll get lucky and find a good match. Hope so. It seems you are confusing culture with politics only, so I'd suggest a softer socialist culture, it works for many countries quite well, especially when brought up in it. I'd be pretty happy regardless of which political party is in charge, they don't have much of a difference in effect on my life - it would have to change pretty radically to do that as they are so similar. So pointless to expect government to be in charge of happiness. I like what America has always strived to stand for. I also think that people all over the world have those values too and other countries try the same. And like anywhere else, we achieve in some areas and don't achieve it in others. So I'll stay and work on my little part of it. I also think it's harder since there isn't a consensus culture due to the size of the place, makes it harder to engender a nationalism like you see from the smaller more self righteous countries. It's also easier for these countries to base their opinions of the huge place on just the rich east and west coast types that afford to vacation a bit more - they tend to be rich and royal pains in the ass, but they do spend a lot of time talking about how well traveled they are and how much MORE sophisticated they are then just about any other demographic. the grass is never greener, only cut differently. But maybe you'd like the other cut and the 'which countries contribute' thing is a really pointless digression, anyone can search the various posts and get a ton of info - some of it's even good rather than cheap and snide - frankly, belittling all americans because of the net (and strange accounting methods) contributions is really a slap to those 'individuals' that voluntarily to so much. It's easy to pick on an anonymous group, but do it to an individual's face and I hope it's not such a knee jerk reaction. ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zipp0 1 #36 June 16, 2006 QuoteQuoteYes, because, as we all know, the rich all started their own business in their garage and busted their asses for 50 years. None of them inherit their wealth and then sit on their asses collecting interest and stock dividends. And, your problem with that is?..... Who said I have a problem with it? The thing I have a problem with is reducing taxes on the wealthy at a time when we are at war. I have a problem with reducing taxes on them when we are spending like their is no tomorrow. Our country is like a 14 year old with a VISA card, who has no idea how he will pay the bill, but spends beyond the limit. Those who have benefited the most from our system owe it the most in return, myself included. Zipp0 -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
masterblaster72 0 #37 June 16, 2006 QuoteHasta la vista, baby. Take Alec Baldwin with you. QuoteIf I could be of some assistance In directing you to your new home, I would think you and North Korea could find a common interest. They got alot going for it, and their leader is a funny looking guy. I love the binary thinking -- if you question the direction or state of the country and don't blindly believe that all is well, you're: 1. a bleeding-heart liberal ala Alec Baldwin or 2. A communist worthy of living in North Korea ... all we need now is for someone like warpedskydiver to suggest that Mr. Shaiziel move to Iran to paint him as a terrorist-loving member of the bin Laden fan club, and the debate will be complete. F.cking pathetic, really. Be humble, ask questions, listen, learn, follow the golden rule, talk when necessary, and know when to shut the fuck up. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #38 June 16, 2006 QuoteYes, because, as we all know, the rich all started their own business in their garage and busted their asses for 50 years. None of them inherit their wealth and then sit on their asses collecting interest and stock dividends. you can stereotype all you want, but the typical profile of a millionaire is exactly that guy in your first sentence maybe you can set up a tax structure that only punishes those in the second sentence - but only those that you don't know personally and to think I use my garage to just store stuff....what a waste ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zipp0 1 #39 June 16, 2006 QuoteQuoteYes, because, as we all know, the rich all started their own business in their garage and busted their asses for 50 years. None of them inherit their wealth and then sit on their asses collecting interest and stock dividends. you can stereotype all you want, but the typical profile of a millionaire is exactly that guy in your first sentence Show me proof. And really, how the money was gotten makes no difference. Those who have benefitted the most from our system owe it the most in return. Is that a hard concept to understand? Zipp0 -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shaiziel 0 #40 June 16, 2006 So true. "You're with us or against us." I'm just the type of person who thinks "Man, shit is getting bad around here." And a lot of it is attitudinal and socio-political. But those things, compounded with an economy that is hurting, and hurts more due to those attitudes and actions, are bringing a nasty stew to a boil. And I'd rather not be in it.---------------------------------------- 6.8% - Almost there! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SpeedRacer 1 #41 June 16, 2006 Hey this conversation is turning into exactly what the Bonfire is talking about. wish I wasn't at work right now so I could make a gratuitous boobie post. Speed Racer -------------------------------------------------- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tink1717 2 #42 June 16, 2006 The short reply is yes. The less short reply is, although I think that if the religious right keeps getting its way, I will be forced to leave. As an atheist, life under a theocracy, any theocracy, would be untenable. The problem is I just don't see a place to go.Skydivers don't knock on Death's door. They ring the bell and runaway... It really pisses him off. -The World Famous Tink. (I never heard of you either!!) AA #2069 ASA#33 POPS#8808 Swooo 1717 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #43 June 16, 2006 QuoteIs that a hard concept to understand? it's a very snide comment - you're better than that (I'm not, but that's a different subject). Hoping to generate rational dialogue? very easy - if we all paid a percentage of our income, those that make the most pay the most you aren't talking about parity, you are talking about something completely different do you think that even living here gives some measure of benefit? If yes, then why is it right that there a single citizen that pays 0% taxes or less? if you bankrupt every rich guy you don't like with your taxes, how much of the problem are you fixing? How much worse might you make it? ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zipp0 1 #44 June 16, 2006 QuoteQuoteIs that a hard concept to understand? it's a very snide comment - you're better than that (I'm not, but that's a different subject). Hoping to generate rational dialogue? very easy - if we all paid a percentage of our income, those that make the most pay the most you aren't talking about parity, you are talking about something completely different do you think that even living here gives some measure of benefit? If yes, then why is it right that there a single citizen that pays 0% taxes or less? if you bankrupt every rich guy you don't like with your taxes, how much of the problem are you fixing? How much worse might you make it? OK, it was a snide comment. Apologies. I don't want to bankrupt the wealthy, or even close to it. I do think that a fair share of tax burden is higher for a millioaire than for someone making $20,000 a year. And I like rich people, and have many well off friends, so that's not it. It's just crazy to think we can reduce taxes when we are spending like crazy and never have to suffer for it. Zipp0 -------------------------- Chuck Norris doesn't do push-ups, he pushes the Earth down. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shaiziel 0 #45 June 16, 2006 Here's the big misconception. Making a billionaire pay taxes isn't punishment. It's fair. You shouldn't give a billionaire tax breaks because he worked harder. Last time I checked, the billionaire rides to the bank on the backs of the people who work for him.---------------------------------------- 6.8% - Almost there! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
warpedskydiver 0 #46 June 16, 2006 QuoteQuoteAnyone else feel like they want to get out? The Good Americans insulting you for talking about your concerns remind me why I made the decision to leave a year ago. Quote Damn I appreciate that Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites rehmwa 2 #47 June 16, 2006 QuoteHere's the big misconception. Making a billionaire pay taxes isn't punishment. It's fair. You shouldn't give a billionaire tax breaks because he worked harder. Last time I checked, the billionaire rides to the bank on the backs of the people who work for him. he should very much pay taxes - and 40% of a billion is certainly a lot more than 40% of $20,000 and if the tax break is a reduction of 5% for everyone, then why isn't that fair? what about my question concerning those with a free ride or are you talking about taxing wealth, not income. that's a much trickier discussion and needs to done with the entire citizenry considered rather than just the subgroup of the wealthy zippo - definitely we should ALL be paying our way, via taxes and economic effects, etc, but currently receipts are up for whatever reason (tax breaks or not) ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites shaiziel 0 #48 June 16, 2006 This rationale is summed up with the "Oh look you saved a penny! Oh look I saved a dollar!" way of thinking. And it's true. The pennies we save are nothing compared to the dollars the top 1% are saving.---------------------------------------- 6.8% - Almost there! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Royd 0 #49 June 16, 2006 QuoteThose who have benefited the most from our system owe it the most in return, myself included. Does saying that you can't get a leg up, so you spend all of your life collecting free money from a welfare system paid for by the "rich", count as benifiting from the system. I would say , that's 100%benifit. Therefore, they owe the country the most. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites freethefly 6 #50 June 16, 2006 Why not stay and fight for what you DO believe in? You know, the grass is no greener anywhere else. All countries have their share of tyranny and oppression. I have travelled and worked in a few countries and have seen just how brown the ground can be. As much as I love Canada, Mexico and South America, the US is my home. They have the same problems as the US (even though some of their problems stem from US policy, i.e; the war on drugs have created billion dollar drug cartels that have all but destroyed countries south of our southern border). I do understand your rant but not your motivation. Why wish to run when you are perfectly capable of fighting? You should take an example from people such as Jacqueline Patterson. She has endured so much in such a short time yet she is fighting a good fight and refuses to back down!!!! America has created so many wars and the majority of these wars are against its own people. Don't run like a whipped puppy but, hold your ground and fight like a pitbull. If a woman with cerebral palsy can do it so can everyone else."...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Prev 1 2 3 4 5 6 Next Page 2 of 6 Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0 Go To Topic Listing
rehmwa 2 #47 June 16, 2006 QuoteHere's the big misconception. Making a billionaire pay taxes isn't punishment. It's fair. You shouldn't give a billionaire tax breaks because he worked harder. Last time I checked, the billionaire rides to the bank on the backs of the people who work for him. he should very much pay taxes - and 40% of a billion is certainly a lot more than 40% of $20,000 and if the tax break is a reduction of 5% for everyone, then why isn't that fair? what about my question concerning those with a free ride or are you talking about taxing wealth, not income. that's a much trickier discussion and needs to done with the entire citizenry considered rather than just the subgroup of the wealthy zippo - definitely we should ALL be paying our way, via taxes and economic effects, etc, but currently receipts are up for whatever reason (tax breaks or not) ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shaiziel 0 #48 June 16, 2006 This rationale is summed up with the "Oh look you saved a penny! Oh look I saved a dollar!" way of thinking. And it's true. The pennies we save are nothing compared to the dollars the top 1% are saving.---------------------------------------- 6.8% - Almost there! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Royd 0 #49 June 16, 2006 QuoteThose who have benefited the most from our system owe it the most in return, myself included. Does saying that you can't get a leg up, so you spend all of your life collecting free money from a welfare system paid for by the "rich", count as benifiting from the system. I would say , that's 100%benifit. Therefore, they owe the country the most. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freethefly 6 #50 June 16, 2006 Why not stay and fight for what you DO believe in? You know, the grass is no greener anywhere else. All countries have their share of tyranny and oppression. I have travelled and worked in a few countries and have seen just how brown the ground can be. As much as I love Canada, Mexico and South America, the US is my home. They have the same problems as the US (even though some of their problems stem from US policy, i.e; the war on drugs have created billion dollar drug cartels that have all but destroyed countries south of our southern border). I do understand your rant but not your motivation. Why wish to run when you are perfectly capable of fighting? You should take an example from people such as Jacqueline Patterson. She has endured so much in such a short time yet she is fighting a good fight and refuses to back down!!!! America has created so many wars and the majority of these wars are against its own people. Don't run like a whipped puppy but, hold your ground and fight like a pitbull. If a woman with cerebral palsy can do it so can everyone else."...And once you're gone, you can't come back When you're out of the blue and into the black." Neil Young Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
