Spread the wealth

[catchacab]

Check out this article

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081021/ap_o...the_wealth

[AMoore]

I admit I am a bit confused.  How is Obama's plan any more socialist than other plans that have been implemented in the past, yet in the past, the USA wasn't considered to be a socialist nation? Weren't the wealthy (that were not able to avoid taxes) taxed at 50% previously?   Is it possible that republicans are exagerating with their use of the word "socialism"? 

Are public schools, free libraies, recreations centers, police and fire departments, military, etc. socialist agendas?  They all require sharing the wealth.   If not, where does socialism begin - daycare, healthcare, cheaper prescription medicine?  Welfare rolls are way down, and there is no plan to fund additional welfare.  Isn't Welfare a state controlled program? 

On a scale of 1 - 10, communist = 1 and anarchy =10 (both impossible to achieve), democrat =5 republican =6, socialist=7, libertarian=4.  There really is not that much of a difference between democrats and republicans, which is why this country has been able to transition so often, so easily.   I'd be willing to bet that if Obama wins, our economic system will not be similar to the former USSR, China, Sweeden, or even France.  Those who work hard and work smart, will have substantially higher incomes, and live more prosperously, than those who do not. 

[ccm911]

I ask once again.  Why is giving large coporations cash and tax breaks called Capitalism, while giving the money to the people called Socialism?

Face it, republicans, you have lost.  Just give it up.  You had eight years and what did you do, other than cripple America.

Hope Nancy Reagan is thinking about the expensive china she bought on the day her husband cut school lunch subsidies.  Actually, I hope she is suffering greatly.

[emayer]

ccm911 wrote:

I ask once again. Why is giving large coporations cash and tax breaks called Capitalism, while giving the money to the people called Socialism?

Face it, republicans, you have lost. Just give it up. You had eight years and what did you do, other than cripple America.

Hope Nancy Reagan is thinking about the expensive china she bought on the day her husband cut school lunch subsidies. Actually, I hope she is suffering greatly.

You mean unlike Hillary Clinton who stole the China altogether?

Who are you going to blame in four years after the Dems control both houses and the Oval office?

Time we get off the cool-aid and look closely at the present state of things. Both parties are at fault for where we are today, until someone rises above the blame game and shows some true leadership, we're screwed.

Personally, I have nothing against paying higher taxes under Obama if I could trust that our government could actually use the funds wisely. I do not. I'm sorely disappointed that while we as Americans are forced to endure financial sacrifices, government spending is running rampant with none of the candidates (especially Obama) even considering meaningful reform. How about leading by example for a change?

[AMoore]

Which one of these definitions from Websters fits what Obama will implement if elected?  I think . . . none!



Main Entry:
so·cial·ism [url=javascript:popWin('/cgi-bin/audio.pl?social02.wav=socialism')][/url]
Pronunciation:
\ˈs�?-shə-ˌli-zəm\
Function:
noun
Date:
1837
1: any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods
2 a: a system of society or group living in which there is no private property b: a system or condition of society in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the state
3: a stage of society in Marxist theory transitional between capitalism and communism and distinguished by unequal distribution of goods and pay according to work done

[bobt993]

After reading Obama's "Audacity of Hope",  I perceive him as a pragmatic centrist who had to select a party to participate in politics (along with a form of faith as a moral compass).   While centrist views have managed to get nowhere because of party lines, maybe it is time someone tries to find common ground to govern our country in a better direction.   BTW "Joe the plumber"  owes back taxes and if he is complaining that he would be taxed more on making 250,000 a year (based on the earning potential of the business he wants to buy), then he is being a whiner.

[catchacab]

emayer wrote:

You mean unlike Hillary Clinton who stole the China altogether?

And she had the BALLS to try to get a second set!

[nplenzick]

AMoore wrote:

Is it possible that republicans are exagerating with their use of the word "socialism"?

They sure are! The Republicans are just playing to the ignorant people in this country. Mrs. Palin could very well be the most socialist Governor in the country. Taking money from the oil companies and giving everyone in Alaska $1500 each every year.

[catchacab]

The top 5 percent of earners in this country is a diverse group.  It is not only limited the the publicly traded corporation executive (as the democrats would like everyone to believe)  but also small business owners, entrepreneurs, doctors, etc.  Many earners in this "elite group" started from modest means and worked hard and long to achieve admittance to this "elite group".  How are they congratulated, by being able to pay higher taxes. 

Currently the average family that earns $100+K donates about 3% of their gross income to charity $500+k about 3.5% and those over $1M about 4%.   So those who are better off do voluntarily help those in need. 

[nplenzick]

bobt993 wrote:

After reading Obama's "Audacity of Hope", I perceive him as a pragmatic centrist who had to select a party to participate in politics (along with a form of faith as a moral compass). While centrist views have managed to get nowhere because of party lines, maybe it is time someone tries to find common ground to govern our country in a better direction. BTW "Joe the plumber" owes back taxes and if he is complaining that he would be taxed more on making 250,000 a year (based on the earning potential of the business he wants to buy), then he is being a whiner.

Finally someone that has read the book! I couldn't agree more with your analogy.