So that's it for the election.

[Orruar]

Originally Posted by Alawen [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

ITT: A couple of subsidized red staters hate a black guy in the White House so much that they're willing to pay higher taxes so a guy wearing magic underwear can cut taxes even further on the obscenely rich. Who need highways, education, or a fire department anyway?

Why did you pick those three examples? The federal government doesn't pay for fire departments, and only pays a small fraction of the total spent on highways and education. In fact, federal spending on education is a relatively recent development (1979), strangely coinciding with the begin of the decline of education in America.

You should have said "Who needs hundreds of military bases abroad in places such as Germany, social security, and medicare anyway?"

These are the things that would need to be cut to have any chance of balancing the budget.

Also, the tax rate doesn't really matter much. It's the spending that matters. If they increase spending while keeping taxes the same, the extra deficit must be financed either by borrowing or money printing. Both of these have a much more damaging impact to the lower classes than direct taxation. That said, I don't think Romney has mentioned a single dollar of spending he'd cut outside of PBS. It's a toss up as to who would spend more money. This is our "choice" for president.

We do actually have a guy on the ballot in all 50 states who offers a 42% reduction in government spending immediately, but he's kept from the debates because he'd expose this system for what it is: Two suits with the same opinions squabbling over their minor differences, while agreeing upon 95% of what is important. The last time they let a 3rd person into the debates (Perot), he did exactly that and nearly destroyed the 2 party system. They learned their lesson.

[Alarti0001]

Originally Posted by Orruar [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Also, the tax rate doesn't really matter much. It's the spending that matters.

Huh? U sure?

[Orruar]

Originally Posted by Alarti0001 [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Huh? U sure?

Yes. Understand that every dollar the government spends, it must get from somewhere. Understand the side effects of government borrowing and money printing, and you will understand why the tax rate doesn't really matter that much. All three forms of obtaining funds are harmful, and direct taxation is probably the least damaging. The most popular form (money printing) is by far the most damaging to the lower classes. It is popular because it is a hidden tax, one that most people don't realize is being thrust upon them.

[Orruar]

I thought Obama solved the equal pay for women issue? Wasn't that the first bill he signed into law? Why is this an issue again this election cycle? Why are women still being paid 70 cents on the dollar compared to their male counterparts? Is it possible that even if this indicates unfair pay, the government is not the vehicle best suited to solve the problem? Or do they just need to pass "just one more law" to take care of the issue? Is it possible that this is just an issue they'll trot out every election cycle to try and gain votes? And if it is a useful issue to gain votes, wouldn't the dems have every incentive to ensure the gender disparity continues?

[hatelore bloodlust]

Originally Posted by Orruar [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

Yes. Understand that every dollar the government spends, it must get from somewhere. Understand the side effects of government borrowing and money printing, and you will understand why the tax rate doesn't really matter that much. All three forms of obtaining funds are harmful, and direct taxation is probably the least damaging. The most popular form (money printing) is by far the most damaging to the lower classes. It is popular because it is a hidden tax, one that most people don't realize is being thrust upon them.

This guy knows what he is talking about. At this point bernake should be tared and feathered.