What do we mean when we talk about reversing the tax cuts

[question everything]

for the wealthy?

Was thinking about it when I heard Al Franken talking about what we stand for.

Most of us think about income in term of wages and salary.

But there are also payroll taxes (social security and medicare) that are regressive - same percentage for every income - and where many pay more in payroll taxes than in income tax. And these were not reduced at all and probably will rise.

But then there is also the tax on non-wage income: dividends and capital gain from investment, and estate tax. These taxes have been slashed with a final plan to eliminate them altogether.

Thus we are generating the "two Americas" that John Edwards was talking about.

One is the wage earners who have to pay high percentage of their income in payroll tax; the other - a wealthy class that will get to keep more and more of its wealth through the reduction and elimination of investment taxes and of estate tax.

I really think that, in addition to minimum wage, this widening gap and unjust system should be used, too.

[lumberjack_jeff]

1. Earned income should be taxed at the same level as unearned income.

And "unearned income" should find it's way back into the national lexicon.

[MotR]

2. How can Al Franken

talk about "what we stand for"?

Can't I stand for what I want to stand for?

Sometimes I agree with Al, sometimes not.

Hell, just last week I agreed with Hannity on some forgotten issue. It scared the shit out me, but what was I to do?

It happens.

Piece

[Erika]

4. What does Al Franken have to do with the topic?

Please explain. Thanks.

[question everything]

6. Oh, I took some short cuts

it was about a recent poll showing how a majority of voters would like Democrats in Congress and then the comment was something: as long as we can articulate what we stand for. And his list was quite well - universal health care, increase in minimum wage, out of Iraq and then repeal the tax cut for the wealthy.

[Erika]

3. A fair tax relief program would have cut payroll taxes.

This would have benefited workers. W chose the plan to benefit the rich.

He is what he is, a corporate world globalist, who thinks he is king and the working class are his subjects. He is the new King George. I am appalled that he finds so many supporters. They are traitors to the meaning and vision of America.

May W and his supporters enjoy their descent into hell.

[question everything]

7. Personally I think that we need to eliminate payroll taxes

as a separate item and incorporate them into regular income tax. Yes, this will increase our taxes but at least they will still be progressive.

And then, since as it is we use this money for general expenses, we need to eliminate them as a separate expense and accept the fact that retirees are entitles to a sort of "pension" from the government. And once we take out "65" from Medicare, this, too, would not be a separate, discreet expense.

[WCGreen]

5. A dollar should be a dollar whether it is earned via Wages,

Interest, dividend or capital gain.....