Whats Fair When it Comes to Taxes?

[saden1]

Originally Posted by mlmpetert

In school I was always taught that the reason people come to America is for opportunity. That America guarantees the pursuit of happiness for everyone but not a guarantee that everyone will be happy.

We are all born into different circumstances but just like you said life isn’t fair. Just like its not fair that some people are harder workers then others, smarter, better looking, smooth talking, better athletically, more innovative or...... just good ole rich. That’s just the way it is, some people are dealt better cards then others. Im not rich and I don’t come from a rich family, but I don’t think rich people should be punished just like I don’t think a hard worker, athlete or model should be punished because of their lack of misfortune.

You seem to be missing historical context and profound misunderstanding of America. Land owners and the wealthy have always paid the most taxes since the inception of this country. In fact, today's rich pay much less than Thomas Jefferson or George Washington paid and with them being the founders you can hardly make the case that we are all of a sudden punishing anyone that's rich.

Those who are here or those who recently came here are free to leave at any time and take their belief and build their dream nation elsewhere.

Originally Posted by mlmpetert

I think people who earn more money should pay more taxes because like you said they are benefiting the most. That’s why I think a percentage is fair, as you earn more you pay more. I also think people at the bottom of the economic scale should be given more opportunity, kind of like they are now but through a more controlled process. So instead of giving someone a huge tax refund (relative to their income) at the end of the year to do what they like with, I think it would be more beneficial to provide them with tools through social programs that present individuals with opportunities to climb the economic latter if that what they choose to do. This would replace tax refunds and be in addition to the subsidies like housing vouchers and food stamps that many of us are already receiving. So more oppertunity for poorer people but its up to you to take advantage of it. Things will never be fair for everyone but i think treating everyone equally is start.

A percentage is not fair for the simple fact that consumable goods and housing are expensive. A percentage wouldn't only punish the poor but the middle class. They are the biggest consumers of good....they will have to make decisions about whether to buy that 30K car + 17% sales tax or send their kid to college for another year. If these people have to make choices like that American would have a revolution brewing in no time.

Flat Tax advocates always present the bright side and positive numbers, they never present the potential pitfalls and ramifications. Any proposal to change the tax code shouldn't be a one page or three pages, it should be like a Form 10-K.