A Possible Compromise: Raise Taxes AND Tax Breaks?

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   Eric Newlandposted 12 years ago

   One of the biggest problems I have with OWS and the whole "wealth redistribution" thing is that it seems to vilify and thus call for the punishment of certain people based entirely on their income level. Doesn't matter how they got their wealth or what they do with it. They're automatically evil, so tax the bastards RRAAAARGH!
   
   Which would make sense if everyone in the 1% was a cigar-smoking money-hoarding oil baron. But they're not. Oh, some are, there can be no doubt, and I would agree even a problematic amount, but that seems a poor reason to categorically penalize success and reduce the efficacy of those who actually use their money in ways that help the lower classes and the economy at large.
   
   I'm wondering if an alternative solution might be to raise taxes and simultaneously introduce new deductions to give greater rewards for things like charity and investing in start-up companies--you know, the stuff that actually does "trickle down." The goal would be to leave the "good" wealthy people who are already doing these things largely unaffected while forcing the "bad" ones to either change their behavior or shell out for government programs that will attempt to do the job for them.
   
   Anyway, just a thought. No idea if it would work or not, but it might get a good discussion going.

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   lovemychrisposted 12 years ago

   This is Obmama's plan....
   
   Dems are willing. The ones who aren't are the Republicans, who want tax breaks, but no raising of revenues.
   
   THIS has been the whole fight. And they say Obama won't compromise when they don't get 100% their way!
   
   They got plenty.
   Another round of Bushco's tax cuts just to continue Unemployment...
   Stimulus watered down because they had to have tax cuts...
   No talks whatsoever about a public-option so they could pass ACA....
   
   It's time the R's start compromising...something they never did when they were in power 2000-2008.
   And Obama has bent over backwards to do for them, IMO.

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      Eric Newlandposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I actually haven't seen Obama as much of a compromiser, what with all the knee-jerk mandates and shoving questionable bills through Congress without letting anyone have a chance to read them and at the protest of the majority of the American people. I view him largely as a Dem version of Bush, charging on ahead with his own agenda, middle finger in the air for anyone who raises a complaint.
      
      Certainly haven't heard much about a tax compromise, even less so from OWS. Actually, I've yet to hear a coherent demand from OWS. Except maybe for that Robin Hood Tax thing, which sounds like its primary effect would be to make investment inherently more risky and thus further stagnate the economy.

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   lovemychrisposted 12 years ago

   So--what's to talk about?
   
   You're right/I'm wrong...same old song and dance!

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      Eric Newlandposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I'm just reporting my perceptions. If I'm wrong feel free to point me to where Obama proposed new deductions or credits to be implemented in tandem with tax increases and/or repealing tax breaks, such that not all those above an arbitrary income level are not punished for the sins of the few.

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         lovemychrisposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         He's proposing tax credits for companies hiring veterans, and for companies keeping jobs here in America.
         
         He's proposed lowering corporate tax rates, in return for ridding some of the agregious loop-holes.
         
         But what is the response?
         
         "NO. We want all tax cuts, no reform. No raising revenue. No No No No No."
         
         And if we don't even agree that Obama has compromised, there is nowhere to go!
         And you better tell all those liberals that they're mad at Obama for nothing.

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