Cutting taxes a con game for the
rich
Home Columns Books
Talks About me Contact me
Responses on line, By email Larry included long list of taxes
Brian Molitor’s response: Forum: Violating the ‘principles’
August 26, 2009
We are
being duped by the powers that be in a way that I have never seen in my
lifetime. No, it is not the socialist agenda that people claim Obama is
following. Nor is it the abortion debate as the only moral issue facing our
country and no, it is not the view of our President that the
Rather we are being conned into a cause that does not belong to 95% of the people by the 5% who will benefit the most. This is the hue and cry over taxes. The Republicans have been caught up in this con game so deeply that the only proposal they can make to benefit our country is to “cut taxes”. That is their solution to the banking failures, that is their solution to government spending, that is their solution to unemployment, that is their solution to corporate greed, and that is their solution to corporate bankruptcies.
If that isn’t bad enough, too many people who will gain nothing from this single-minded mission by the wealthy loudmouths of talk radio and TV are jumping on the band wagon of lower taxes. It almost sounds like a revolution. They have staged TEA parties in April and July. I am sure none of those protesters were in the top 5% of earners, the only group who has consistently benefited from the Reagan revolution of the 1980’s.
The local protesters call themselves “we the People” but are unwittingly playing into the hands of the wealthiest 5% of taxpayers. The tax decreases in 2001 and 2003 for those wealthiest taxpayers were greater than the entire annual income of more than half the population.
Let’s be clear about several points in this campaign however. The ones talking the loudest on the national stage are raking in millions of dollars for their strident rhetoric. They already received the biggest tax cut in history under the Bush administration and now they want more even though these tax cuts are part of the economic problem we face today.
For sure we pay many taxes at the local, state, and national level. The biggest are property taxes, income taxes, sales taxes. It is easy to stand on the corner and protest any or all of these taxes, but I invite the tax protesters to look at the services our taxes provide. Tell me which of these you want to lower or eliminate and then we can have some fruitful discussion.
· Public education from kindergarten through college. Yes, students pay college tuition but it doesn’t cover all the expenses.
· City, county and state Police
· Fire protection
· Local and state libraries
· City, county, state and national parks and recreation sites
· Local, state and national highways, including rest areas, service centers on toll roads Maryland is considering closing its rest areas. Also included is road maintenance like resurfacing, fixing pot holes, and snow removal.
· Garbage collection
· Water service
· Sewage service
· Various regulations, like those on utilities, food and drugs
· Jails, prisons and penitentiaries
· Social Security
· Medicare
· Aid to those in need, such as food stamps, unemployment benefits, health insurance for low income people
· Military
· Research in science and diseases
· Air traffic controllers
· Security
· Space program
· Local, state, and federal courts
· Local, state, and federal government operations
One writer complained some months ago that he couldn’t buy a more expensive home because of the property taxes on that home. Did it ever occur to that person and anyone else who thinks like this that perhaps other reasons prevent buying a more expensive home? Like not enough income or family spending is too high? Both of these are valid considerations in buying a home, not just property taxes.
I don’t want to give up any of these benefits or services. I readily admit that there is waste at all levels of government but we have just witnessed the excesses of private business that have ruined our economy and the futures of many citizens.
It is time someone stood up and said “enough is enough”. I am proud of the taxes I have paid and continue to pay because as Oliver Wendell Holmes declared, “taxes are the price we pay for freedom.”
From the online comments at Midland Daily News. Reprinted with permission.
Kathy wrote on Aug 26, 2009 12:00 PM:
" My God. This is the most intelligent thing I have read in the MDN is a long time. Thank you. "
cliff wrote on Aug 26, 2009 12:16 PM:
" Great post! I've always thought it strange that the
tax protesters all look like they pay very little taxes to begin with. The men
in the pin-stripe suits must all be laughing from their corporate offices to
see all these poor folks protesting against their interests and supporting
corporate
Stan wrote on Aug 26, 2009 12:50 PM:
" It appears readers are the ones being duped by Mr.
Bufka. Several things on his list are not funded by any of the tax cuts being
discussed in
As for what needs to be lowered or eliminated - that covers the rest of his list. As for who benefits from tax cuts, anyone with a rudimentary understanding of percentages will realize that those who pay more will benefit more from cuts (especially those who are double and triple taxes on the same money, i.e. capital gains), so the whole class warfare thing about the "wealthy" is a moot point.
I agree with Mr. Bufka, however, that it's time we all stood up and said "enough is enough." Government at all levels is wasteful and irresponsible in their overspending. It's time they stopped balancing their financial malpractice on the backs of honest, hard-working American families and business owners.
Cut spending, cut taxes. It's not rocket science. "
Kathryn wrote on Aug 26, 2009 1:02 PM:
" www.mises.org presents the other side of the controversy. "
Ron London wrote on Aug 26, 2009 1:07 PM:
" As usual, Mr Bufka begs the question. One of the major components of the cost of many of these services is the level of benefits paid to public employees. One can save money on many of these services simply by requiring employees to pay more of the cost of benefits. One can save money by means testing programs. One can save money by requiring true competitive bidding. One can save money by eliminating earmarks.
One can do all those things without threatening public health or safety and provide savings necessary to reduce the tax burden on businesses and people.
But Bufka, as usual, would rather short-circuit intelligent discussion by name-calling. Typical. "
Stategirl wrote on Aug 26, 2009 1:35 PM:
" Where does the deficit fall on that list? The military of course. But how about Corporate welfare/Economic stability as a category? Should we agree that government is responsible for the health of capitalism? Hmmmm. Taxes are the price we pay for living in a civilized, organized society. But the balance is tipping....and I think this is why you see protesters. They understand the roles of federal vs state vs local government, and want to stop the Fed's power grab. "
Chris R wrote on Aug 26, 2009 1:47 PM:
" I think you could make an argument against many of these "services" but high on the list would be military (greater spending than the next 20 countries combined, I believe)...Space exploration (how many billions for this?)...National security is a misnomer, I fail to see how our aggressive foreign policy that has lead to an unsustainable, money-chewing empire is a good thing.
Public education is also a funny thing...we create the public school system and then we make laws that make attendance compulsory. Pretty much eliminates any competition, and if you even suggest cutting funding you are labeled as being "against kids".
Regardless, I do not know anyone that thinks paying approx 40% of income (+/- 10%) is reasonable. Maybe Mr Bufka can let us know what the optimal rate that he envisions would be? And most people resent property taxes, are we serfs?
The funniest thing I have heard recently is a guy (state rep from somewhere) advocating increasing unemployment duration which would result in higher taxes on businesses...he said that businesses should not worry about higher taxes b/c all that money will come back when the people that get it, spend it at that business. If this is the case, why not tax businesses at 100%? "
Oz the real one wrote on Aug 26, 2009 2:41 PM:
" I wonder how many of the elite Teabaggers will be on the list of 4,000 tax cheats to be released by UBS...... "
Stan wrote on Aug 26, 2009 2:56 PM:
" I wonder how many cabinet nominees will be on it. "
Andy wrote on Aug 26, 2009 5:20 PM:
" What kind of liberal math leads
PROPOSAL wrote on Aug 26, 2009 8:41 PM:
" First, thanks Mr. Bufka for the excellent summary on taxes. It was a good reminder for me.
Second, a proposal.
Since we have such a knowledgeable local in STAN who has all the answers for
everything, including
Missing options wrote on Aug 26, 2009 9:34 PM:
" Sure, many "services" are listed above, but there is MUCH more spending by the government that is NOT listed above. Even then, I doubt any credible individual would agree that dollars are wasted in even these services listed above.
He can continue to focus on thetop 5%, but taxing all of their income will not take care of all the gov spending.
Many do not want to government to give handouts and kickback. Eliminate that. And yes, Norbert, those companies and "rich" folk continue to create jobs for many a citizen. THAT IS THE key.
So please, don't preach to me that the government needs all those funds. Look at things today and compare that to the 60's. My, haven't things grown- in the wrong direction. War on Poverty- yup that worked too. "
mo II wrote on Aug 26, 2009 9:36 PM:
" oops, left out AREN'T wasted in the second sentence above. "
Stan wrote on Aug 26, 2009 9:41 PM:
" Andy,
Excellent points. The burden of too much taxes is felt by
everyone, even those who may not directly be paying them. Having one of, if not
the, highest corporate tax rates in the world means that products and services
cost everyone more. The triple tax on capital gains means entrepreneurs have
less money to invest and create wealth. Closer to home, the 22% surcharge on
the business tax that is funneled to Hollywood movie moguls means Michigan
businesses can't hire as many workers. (It should come as no surprise that
It's easy for Mr. Bufka to demonize the "top 5 percent" of earners, because he obviously lacks the humility and presumption of good will to realize those 5 percent are pulling the wagon while everyone else is just along for the ride. "
attysrevil wrote on Aug 27, 2009 7:28 AM:
" mr. bufka will soon post his address and checking / saving account numbers so the taxes will get paid for everyone. "all is well in sparkle city " "
Raol Duke wrote on Aug 27, 2009 10:21 AM:
" You are SPOT ON Cliff. A quick glance at the tea bagging types and the uneducated masses at the recent town halls make it painfully obvious that nearly all of these vocal folks are earning probably mid 5 figures and they are doing nothing but carrying water for people they will NEVER share a fenceline with. "
Stan wrote on Aug 27, 2009 12:53 PM:
" Raol,
Maybe you should read Bufka's list again. I don't think just 5 percent pays taxes that fund those things. "
Jeff Nielsen wrote on Aug 27, 2009 2:04 PM:
" I love how Mr Bufka takes a line from our current president...... "Lets be clear....." "
By email August 26, 2009
I agree 110% with the views you expressed in today's (Wed) MDN. It's a shame that a significant majority of the population of this country is unwilling to accept such a common sense and fair-minded point of view for our future. There are days when its difficult to maintain optimism.
Dave in
P&L
Thank you for expressing your thoughts so clearly. My husband
and I totally agree with your comments in the MDN August 26. Living in
August 27, 2009
Re your"Opinion" in last night's MDN....where you're happy to pay your taxes because you so much enjoy the services they provide....it's a good thing, because in 2011 when the Bush tax cut program expires and income taxes increase, dividends are taxed higher, capital gains tax will increase, estate/death tax exemptions decrease, and Obama raises all the other taxes in some way and form to pay for all the trillions of national debt he's running up, plus the big hit from health care reform, you, my friend, are going to get a dose of tax increase and like you've never seen before.
I assume you'll enjoy being taxed at 50% like Canadians and Europeans to support a socialized health care sytem where you have to wait days to get a doctor's appointment and thenmonths before you can have a critical operation? Also, I hope you're rich, because you'll see the value of your retirement income be significantly less.
Good luck! And.....enjoy the below.
Larry
At first I thought this was funny...then I realized the awful truth of it.
Be sure to read all the way to the end!
Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table
At which he's fed.
Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.
Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for peanuts anyway!
Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.
Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.
Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.
Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries,
then his tears.
Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass.
Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.
When he screams and hollers,
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.
Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid.
Put these words
upon his tomb,
'Taxes drove me to my doom...'
When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (42 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties
(tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service
Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local
Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge
Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-
recurring charges
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What in the hell happened? Can you spell 'politicians!'
And I still have to 'press 1' for English!?!?!?!?
I hope this goes around THE USA at least 100 times!!!!! YOU can help it get there!!!!
GO AHEAD - - - BE AN AMERICAN!!!!!!
Thank you,
Ceccanti, Inc.
Ed Armijo
253.537.2990 ext 23
My reply:
Thank you, Larry, for taking the time to write and
especially for this list. I do appreciate it. I know we pay a lot of taxes and
id dint’ do justice to the problem. Andy pointed that out in a reply on line
too. You are right about the tax burden but the middle class has a high burden
because the rich have been paying less and less for the last 30 years and
billions of dollars of our taxes have been given to corporations in the form of
abatements and other subsidies. For example, did you know that Cabela’s in
This is the kind of discussion we need – not protestors in front of the Court House!
Norbert
(Note: Larry was surprised by this info about Cabela’s.)
MD: one of the best m'dear! you do great work and we all appreciate you so much. thank you.
GK:
Dear
I remember the time when the Bush's tax cuts kicked in. I can assure you that
my family DID feel the difference. I can also assure you that we were NOT in
the top 5%. I was a postdoc in
in school. All we had was one very modest salary. In fact, these tax cuts were
instituted for the whole income scale, even the lowest tax rate was decreased
from 15% to 10%. Therefore, EVEY person who paid taxes benefited from the cuts.
By Brian Molitor
Published: Sunday, August 30, 2009 3:12 AM EDT Reprinted with permission.
I wish Norbert Bufka writer of a monthly column in the Midland Daily News, would practice what he preaches. His web site lovingly coos that he wants to "overcome polarization and division" and that he wants to "spark dialogue, rather than confrontation". Sadly, his columns don't line up with his statements.
In the past two months, he indicates that our nation's woes were caused by white males, specifically non-Catholic Christians of Anglo-Saxon heritage ... especially if they were wealthy. In Norm's world, the intentional misdeeds of these louts date back to the signing of the Constitution, but they don't stop there. Mr. Bufka explains that in modern society, Republicans team up with wealthy loud-mouthed radio and TV hosts to con fellow citizens into unrighteous, civil disobedience. How? They convince people, evidently too dumb to think for themselves, to "stage" protests about high taxes and to speak up against government interference in their lives. Perhaps some of them might actually be tired of paying high taxes. Perhaps.
In his most recent column, Bufka adds another enemy, private business, to the list of villains when he explains that it was "excesses of private business that ruined our economy and the futures of many citizens." The excesses of corporate giants such as Enron is well documented, however, with one inflammatory, oversimplified statement, he condemns the efforts of thousands of private businesses nationwide as well as those in our own area. It is the hard work and integrity of private business, many of them family owned, that has helped to create much of our nation's success. Private business owners aren't all prone to excess, and those that are did not single-handily doom our nation. As for the wealthy, I wonder if some of their wealth came from hard work, rather than from excesses? Just wondering.
Next, he slams all Republicans for playing a "con game" with taxes. You know, if I was sincere at all about trying to rid our society of "polarization and division" that's not the sort of statement I would make ...
I would be interested to know if Bufka credits any white,
non-Catholic Christians of Anglo-Saxon heritage, Republican males, especially
the wealthy ones with doing anything right in the past couple hundred years.
Did those folks contribute anything to
I was initially fooled by Mr. Bufka's kindly face above his column, but no more. His writings violate the "principles" that he pretends to hold dear by making reckless, prejudicial statements about entire groups of people based on their race, gender, political affiliation, religious preference, economic status, and vocation. If Mr. Bufka really wants to end polarization and division, he has an strange way of showing it.
Brian D. Molitor is a
http://ourmidland.com/articles/2009/08/30/opinion/editorials/doc4a99de405eff7651360803.txt
My comments September 23, 2009:
When I first read this I was quite shocked. I kept asking myself, “did I say that?” Then a friend of mine told me when she read it, she kept saying, “Norb didn’t say that.”. Molitor set up my position and then shot it down. Unfortunately he misrepresented my position in every instance. This is called a “straw man” argument.
For example, I very clearly in the August column which he quoted referred to excesses of American business. I do not know how this makes all businesses look bad.
He also said I criticized all white Anglo-Saxon non-Catholics. I have no idea where he comes to such a conclusion. I ask you to read the July column yourself.
He does have a good point about my criticism of the Republicans. Yes, the Democrats do have a majority but it would be good politics if the two parties could work together on such a monumental issue. Also it would be good if the Republicans could offer a serious proposal.