Amazing Statement

[UPanIN]

In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the anti-American sentiment and negativity about our government and its policies, we should remember England's Prime Minister, Tony Blair's words to his own people. During a recent interview, Prime Minister Tony Blair of Great Britain was asked by one of his parliament members as to why he believes so much in America. And does he think America is on the right track?

Blair's reply --

"A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want IN - and how many want OUT!

[Rabbit'93]

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[wedo]

I think that America is the best and im proud to be an American but that doesn't mean i agree with the way the government is running this country!!!

[jasper_dawgs]

Originally posted by wedo
I think that America is the best and im proud to be an American but that doesn't mean i agree with the way the government is running this country!!!

I, too, am proud to be an American. I think our government gives to freely for the newcomers ( foreigners ) They come over here and get all kinds of handouts. We the working people have to pay for it. I think it is rediculous that the minimum wage bill has not passed yet, however look at the days that Congress will actully meet this year. 76 out of 365 I believe is what I read. Their work week consists of mostly Tuesday, Wednesday, and part of Thursday, ( probably free lunch somewhere before they go back home. This is pure BULL&^%%! IMO

[KingRob]

Good that Tony doesn't rate countries by how their teeth look, because the Brits have the worst teeth I have ever seen. Forgive me, I am not being a jerk here, but all that Great Britain money, and no braces for the masses? :rolleyes:

[KingRob]

Congress has given themselves cost of living raises every year. They usally do it under some disguise, in some bill, or what not. It's kinda scary how Americans are so complacent that we say nothing. America is a great, yes the greatest country in history, but we seem to have a problem about letting our poor stay poor, but always rebuilding country after country. We'll help them, but not our own.

[Sweetwater Red]

Originally posted by UPanIN
In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the anti-American sentiment and negativity about our government and its policies, we should remember England's Prime Minister, Tony Blair's words to his own people. During a recent interview, Prime Minister Tony Blair of Great Britain was asked by one of his parliament members as to why he believes so much in America. And does he think America is on the right track?

Blair's reply --

"A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want IN - and how many want OUT!

Once again...

GOD BLESS THE U.S.A !!!

[pantherpop]

Thank god we have allies like the British. Tony Blair is a great leader and someone that the U.S. can always count on. We need more allies such as them and the people of Israel. I like the way the country of Israel is showing the world that they have had enough. They realize that some innocent people will unfortunatly get killed but you have to deal with the muslim fanatics only one way. Kill them all or you put your country at risk.

[big daddy russ]

Originally posted by pantherpop
Thank god we have allies like the British. Tony Blair is a great leader and someone that the U.S. can always count on. We need more allies such as them and the people of Israel. I like the way the country of Israel is showing the world that they have had enough. They realize that some innocent people will unfortunatly get killed but you have to deal with the muslim fanatics only one way. Kill them all or you put your country at risk.
I agree. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Blair will be around much longer.

Israel's in a weird situation. They're damned if they do (attack Lebanon) and damned if they don't, so they took the logical course of action and stood up for themselves. Western nations become so jaded to the ways of the rest of the world because we have it so good that we tend to forget that there sometimes will be a loss of life when they go to war with another country. There were more casualties in a single battle during the American Revolution-- and the American Revolution was one of, if not the, most conservative (bloodless) revolution in world history.

Many times, these Western nations will let another country walk all over them because of this fact. Take the French and the British leading up to WWII, the entire UN leading up to the second Iraq war, and the entire UN right now with the whole Iranian situation. These countries are doing whatever they want because the rest of us are prefer security over liberty.

[Aesculus gilmus]

It'd be interesting to watch the change in sentiment on this board, particularly among the younger members, if Selective Service reinstates the draft next year.

Newt Gingrich and the other pundits are all calling this a "world war," so I don't know how they can go without one much longer.

[Adidas410s]

Originally posted by jasper_dawgs
We the working people have to pay for it.
This data is a few years old...but I can't find any definite numbers that are more recent.

In 2001...

-the top 1% of wage earners paid 37.89% of all taxes.
- the top 5% of wage earners paid 53.25% of all taxes.
- the top 10% of wage earners paid 64.89% of all taxes. (approx. $92k in gross wages)

While I'm not going to get into a debate over tax policy (this thread wouldn't last long if I did)...to say the "working people" (I'm assuming you are referring to a middle class family with two working parents making $70-80k) are the ones paying for government handouts is wrong. Those earning between about 40k and 92k are paying about 31% of all taxes. Yes that 31% is a significant portion...but it definitely isn't the majority of where the taxes are collected.

[Blastoderm55]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
This data is a few years old...but I can't find any definite numbers that are more recent.

In 2001...

-the top 1% of wage earners paid 37.89% of all taxes.
- the top 5% of wage earners paid 53.25% of all taxes.
- the top 10% of wage earners paid 64.89% of all taxes. (approx. $92k in gross wages)

While I'm not going to get into a debate over tax policy (this thread wouldn't last long if I did)...to say the "working people" (I'm assuming you are referring to a middle class family with two working parents making $70-80k) are the ones paying for government handouts is wrong. Those earning between about 40k and 92k are paying about 31% of all taxes. Yes that 31% is a significant portion...but it definitely isn't the majority of where the taxes are collected.

We've had this mathematical discussion before. A man or woman living on the poverty line paying 15% of income on taxes (sales, usury, service, what have you? since the poor pay no income tax, right?) has a much more adverse impact on their finances than a billionaire paying 15% of income on taxes, not to mention many CEOs are having their tax bills footed by their respective corporations. Not to mention they can pursue a plethora of ways to get tax breaks and writeoffs. Further, those same rich folk see their banks swell a bit each year, while John or Jane Q. Minimum Wage earner has been bringing home a check for $5.15 hourly for the past decade while the same goods and services he or she requires have only risen in price.

[Adidas410s]

Originally posted by Blastoderm55
We've had this mathematical discussion before. A man or woman living on the poverty line paying 15% of income on taxes (sales, usury, service, what have you? since the poor pay no income tax, right?) has a much more adverse impact on their finances than a billionaire paying 15% of income on taxes, not to mention many CEOs are having their tax bills footed by their respective corporations. Not to mention they can pursue a plethora of ways to get tax breaks and writeoffs. Further, those same rich folk see their banks swell a bit each year, while John or Jane Q. Minimum Wage earner has been bringing home a check for $5.15 hourly for the past decade while the same goods and services he or she requires have only risen in price.

:thumbsup:


Originally posted by Adidas410s
While I'm not going to get into a debate over tax policy (this thread wouldn't last long if I did)

Now if you want to discuss minimum wage increases...I defiintely that minimum wage should be raised. However, I don't have enough information available (I guess I could go buy the Economic Report of the President if I wanted to start somewhere) to determine just how much I think the minimum standard should be increased. Do I think that $9 or $10 would be ok??? Well of course it would be a nice number...but I don't think (and again this is based on theories and not having numbers in front of me) that a 100% increase in the minimum wage would be beneficial to the economy. It would only service to further move America towards a socialist style economy.

[Blastoderm55]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
:thumbsup:



Now if you want to discuss minimum wage increases...I defiintely that minimum wage should be raised. However, I don't have enough information available (I guess I could go buy the Economic Report of the President if I wanted to start somewhere) to determine just how much I think the minimum standard should be increased. Do I think that $9 or $10 would be ok??? Well of course it would be a nice number...but I don't think (and again this is based on theories and not having numbers in front of me) that a 100% increase in the minimum wage would be beneficial to the economy. It would only service to further move America towards a socialist style economy.

Well, as per recent news, last week, the House passed a bill that called for an increase to the minimum wage. HOWEVER, it was packaged with a bill that called for the end to the Estate Tax, further shifting the tax burden from the haves to the have nots. Dems in the Senate have sworn to kill the bill, and rightfully so. Unfortunately, the Reps will now use this to paint themselves as champions of the working class for the coming elections in that they strove for higher wages for people on the short side of the stick. Regardless, we can't expect for a high minimum wage in this global economy of scale. So long as manufacturing and service jobs are outsourced, there will be no way that American citizens without a degree, a trade, or valuable skill can compete with the slave wages offered overseas. We live in the Wal-Mart world. We want the mostest for the leastest. Unfortuately, it comes at the expense of the same people who primarily patronize and are employed by the beast.

[pero chato]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
:thumbsup:



Now if you want to discuss minimum wage increases...I defiintely that minimum wage should be raised. However, I don't have enough information available (I guess I could go buy the Economic Report of the President if I wanted to start somewhere) to determine just how much I think the minimum standard should be increased. Do I think that $9 or $10 would be ok??? Well of course it would be a nice number...but I don't think (and again this is based on theories and not having numbers in front of me) that a 100% increase in the minimum wage would be beneficial to the economy. It would only service to further move America towards a socialist style economy.

Minimum wage is not designed to be a living wage. It's a minimum required starting wage. Even my young sons who started off at minimum wage three years ago have realized that hard work, dependability, etc. has earned them raises. It also helped them realize that college is their best ticket to a higher paying job. If you're still making $5.15 an hour after several years, it's time to look for another job or go back to school. Having said that, I do think an increase is overdue, but not double the current amount.

[PPHSfan]

I am going to do some research before I just grab numbers from thin air, but my guess is, that the amount of money that these "new foreigners" "drain" from our economy is a small fraction of what they contribute to it.

[wedo]

Originally posted by KingRob
Congress has given themselves cost of living raises every year. They usally do it under some disguise, in some bill, or what not. It's kinda scary how Americans are so complacent that we say nothing. America is a great, yes the greatest country in history, but we seem to have a problem about letting our poor stay poor, but always rebuilding country after country. We'll help them, but not our own.

Couldn't have said that better!!!!:clap:

[PPHSfan]

The only reason our poor stay poor is because our poor are complacent being poor. Anyone who is truly tired of being poor needs only to get off their ass and work hard like the rest of the people who have anything in this great country.

Since when is it our government's responsibility to lift up our poor?

[Adidas410s]

Originally posted by PPHSfan
Since when is it our government's responsibility to lift up our poor?

When it stops being capitalists and starts being socialists.

[gato 76]

Originally posted by PPHSfan
I am going to do some research before I just grab numbers from thin air, but my guess is, that the amount of money that these "new foreigners" "drain" from our economy is a small fraction of what they contribute to it.

What new foreigners are you talking about?

[CalallenWildcat]

NO POLITICS :mad:

[Adidas410s]

Originally posted by CalallenWildcat
NO POLITICS :mad:

SHOW SOME POLITICAL CORRECTNESS!!! :mad:

[CalallenWildcat]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
SHOW SOME POLITICAL CORRECTNESS!!! :mad:

SHOW SOME COMPASSION!!! :mad:

[Blastoderm55]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
When it stops being capitalists and starts being socialists.

Gotta love these paved roads and public schools. :D

[Adidas410s]

Originally posted by Blastoderm55
Gotta love these paved roads and public schools. :D

Come live in Dallas. Failing public schools...and pot holes and poor road surfaces all over the place!

[Blastoderm55]

Originally posted by Adidas410s
Come live in Dallas. Failing public schools...and pot holes and poor road surfaces all over the place!

We've got a newfangled bridge opening up Friday and youngins are headed back to garldarn schools with the A/C technology. :D

[Txbroadcaster]

Originally posted by Blastoderm55
. HOWEVER, it was packaged with a bill that called for the end to the Estate Tax, further shifting the tax burden from the haves to the have nots. Dems in the Senate have sworn to kill the bill, and rightfully so.

The Estate Tax is not about the Have and the Have nots. It is about the fact someone should NOT be taxed twice on the same thing, and that is what the estate tax does.

My parents are not rich, they are average working couple, and they have an estate.

An estate is not just for the rich, it is just a term that has become equated to being rich. If you have a savings, a house that has some worth, and some good insurance policies, then you have an estate.

[Blastoderm55]

Originally posted by Txbroadcaster
The Estate Tax is not about the Have and the Have nots. It is about the fact someone should NOT be taxed twice on the same thing, and that is what the estate tax does.

My parents are not rich, they are average working couple, and they have an estate.

An estate is not just for the rich, it is just a term that has become equated to being rich. If you have a savings, a house that has some worth, and some good insurance policies, then you have an estate.

I realize that not only the rich have estates. I also do not agree with the tax rate which is essentially 50% in regards to these estates. However, when the figureheads of lobbying for the removal of the estate tax are the Walton heirs, the whole issue just looks like its derived from greed. There must be a middle ground somewhere.

[AggieJohn]

Originally posted by CalallenWildcat
SHOW SOME COMPASSION!!! :mad: SHOW ME YOUR HANDS!!!!!:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:























sorry i got carried away

[Txbroadcaster]

Originally posted by Blastoderm55
I realize that not only the rich have estates. I also do not agree with the tax rate which is essentially 50% in regards to these estates. However, when the figureheads of lobbying for the removal of the estate tax are the Walton heirs, the whole issue just looks like its derived from greed. There must be a middle ground somewhere.

So because a rich person lobbied for it then it makes it wrong?

This is what is wrong with politics. Perception is more important than what is right. Just because a "rich" person lobbies for something then democrats jump agaisnt it.

And that works both ways, the Repubs do the same thing. No one can say hey the other side had a good idea. Instead they follow party lines and always fight

[Blastoderm55]

Originally posted by Txbroadcaster
So because a rich person lobbied for it then it makes it wrong?

This is what is wrong with politics. Perception is more important than what is right. Just because a "rich" person lobbies for something then democrats jump agaisnt it.

And that works both ways, the Repubs do the same thing. No one can say hey the other side had a good idea. Instead they follow party lines and always fight

The Waltons are beyond rich, so I feel they should pay a generous share of taxes. They exploit people worldwide. I don't mind their profits. However, how much does one family really need? I mean seriously. The amount of money they have is vulgar, and for them to complain that they don't get to keep enough is absurd. I have no problem with a small business or farm passing from generation to generation, but these corporate crybabies clinging to every one of their 100 trillion pennies (probably still way off there) need to count their blessings and suck it up when it comes time to visit Mr. IRS. It's been said that this taxation discourages entrepreneurs from investing. My take? Damn, I'll just settle for $100 million in profit instead of $200 million. I'm sure Grandpa Sam would do the right thing too.

[Txbroadcaster]

Originally posted by Blastoderm55
The Waltons are beyond rich, so I feel they should pay a generous share of taxes. They exploit people worldwide. I don't mind their profits. However, how much does one family really need? I mean seriously. The amount of money they have is vulgar, and for them to complain that they don't get to keep enough is absurd. I have no problem with a small business or farm passing from generation to generation, but these corporate crybabies clinging to every one of their 100 trillion pennies (probably still way off there) need to count their blessings and suck it up when it comes time to visit Mr. IRS. It's been said that this taxation discourages entrepreneurs from investing. My take? Damn, I'll just settle for $100 million in profit instead of $200 million. I'm sure Grandpa Sam would do the right thing too.


Again in your turning the talk into the haves and the have nots. The Estate tax is simply double taxiation for EVERYONE.

and you say you have no prob with a farm or small buisness being passed down. So why should it be bad when a big buisness is passed down. Dont forget Walton started with one store. So at one time it was a SMALL buisness.

[sww-bull52]

Just a question to get an opinion or two, I agree that the minimum wage needs to be raised, but it seems to me that if we raise it too much, merchants and business owners will raise the prices of their products or services to compensate. Which would pretty much wipe out the raise and the only ones really benefiting would be the IRS.

[SintonFan]

Originally posted by UPanIN
In case we find ourselves starting to believe all the anti-American sentiment and negativity about our government and its policies, we should remember England's Prime Minister, Tony Blair's words to his own people. During a recent interview, Prime Minister Tony Blair of Great Britain was asked by one of his parliament members as to why he believes so much in America. And does he think America is on the right track?

Blair's reply --

"A simple way to take measure of a country is to look at how many want IN - and how many want OUT!
.
Again! God bless the USA!!!:clap: :clap: :clap:
.
Ya'll need to stop perverting what this thread was designed for.:tongue: :confused: :rolleyes: