Entitlements We Can No Longer Afford
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Now that our government appears to be better balanced than it has been for the past two years, perhaps we can take a good long look at entitlements we cannot afford.
In a way, our promise-them-anything government has been like the father who promises his child a shiny new red bicycle but can't pay the rent or put food on the table. Sooner or later the Piper will demand payment.
Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid are fine ideas - or at least they were when they were conceived. However, each of them has been abused to a point where bankruptcy lies just around the bend.
Social Security was originally devised to help the elderly in retirement. There was never a thought that, in itself, it would provide a comfortable income. And, contrary to an election ad which had people saying, "That's my money. ... Keep your hands off it," most of us will take far more from Social Security than we ever put in. The disability part of it has lawyers falling all over themselves to advertise on TV that they can get you a monthly check even if Social Security has turned you down.
Where Medicare is concerned, everybody wants a piece of the pie. I cringe every time I see one of those commercials offering multi-thousand-dollar scooters for "little or no cost to you." They are but a small part of the luxury goodie bags offered under Medicare. That's not what it was designed for; those freebies have little to do with health care.
Then there are the drug companies that advertise lavishly as they try to trick us into asking our doctor about medications that by their own words can kill us. Note that none of the above even hints of the outright fraud that is rampant in Medicare.
Managed responsibly, Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid can survive, but checks and balances need to be exercised yesterday.
Social Security is only one leg of the three-legged stool we all need in retirement. The other two legs are pensions or 401K plans and savings. Of course, not everyone gets a pension, and some have difficulty putting away enough to shore up the difference. But that still does not mean Social Security can take up the slack.
Promising that it can is just another way to buy votes as our leaders kick the can of reckoning down the road. The day will come (sooner than we think) when China just won't lend us any more money and printing more simply leads to a wheelbarrow of worthless paper needed to buy a loaf of bread - as was the case in Germany in the 1930s.
The following statement is often attributed to a Scottish-born lawyer named Alexander Fraser Tytler:
"A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can only exist until the voters discover that they can vote themselves largesse (defined as a liberal gift) from the public treasury. From that moment on, the majority always votes for the candidates promising the most benefits from the public treasury with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy, followed always by a dictatorship. The average age of the world's greatest civilizations has been 200 years."
Whether Tytler originated that statement or not, it does not take an oracle to see the wisdom of it and the evidence that there are those who are striving to bring our democracy down.
Fortunately, the recent elections brought out enough Americans who saw the danger and stood up to block it. Now it is up to the new Congress to be realistic and do away with the extreme elements of both Social Security and our health plans in order to preserve them for future generations.
If those of us who are currently benefiting from these entitlements have to forgo some unwarranted largesse, it will be done in the true spirit of a charitable nation that plans for our grandchildren.
Allan Jefferys, a former New York theater critic and newsman, lives in Pinehurst. Contact him at oldjeff@nc.rr.com.
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Comments
dustyrhoades 2 years, 6 months ago
All you folks about to chime in with "good column" and slams about "liberal spending", but who are receiving Social Security or Medicare, should send your checks back and go buy your own health insurance first.
moonchild7 2 years, 6 months ago
Excellent comment Dusty. I am getting just sicker and sicker having to constantly keep on hearing how the RICH&WEALTHY are such suffering souls. They are having such a bad day. HOGWASH!!!!!!! Lies of the RICH&WEALTHY continue without end. All of the Entitlement Programs have needed to be reformed for years, yet haven't. "Mediscare" was expanded tremendously by GEORGE BUSH. Biggest recipients of that Prescription Coverage Part D were the RICH&WEALTHY who could afford to totally buy there own health Insurance but don't. They sign on in droves to the Medicare Program. But the Poor will suffer again at the hands of those who have plenty since they contiue to be demeaned by those who have so much. At this point Social Security needs to be a program for the poor&needy. While everyone still will contribute, the larger amounts will go to those who most need it. Those with well funded IRA'S and 401K's can receive less(unless they fall into difficult times and need it too). The idea of what is FAIR and RIGHT has been displaced by what is WRONG and SELFISH. My comments in no way mean that I think that those less fortunate should curl up in a proverbial ball, get fat, and wait for their check and food stamps(now SNAP)to hit the mailbox. America is failing because of the way it treats those who are in need. At one time our Nation was greatly admired but now is looked upon with worldwide disgust.
fugitiveguy 2 years, 6 months ago
Good column. Its about time we too a serious look at all this liberal spending. This is the kind of CHANGE I had HOPEd for. BTW, I love The Pilot.
Matt_Woodruff 2 years, 6 months ago
"At one time our Nation was greatly admired but now is looked upon with worldwide disgust"
Seriously?? What planet are you from??
Darwin was right.
fugitiveguy 2 years, 6 months ago
"At one time our Nation was greatly admired but now is looked upon with worldwide disgust."
Does the world know you are speaking on its behalf? Besides, I thought Obama was going to make us the toast of the world.
fugitiveguy 2 years, 6 months ago
I continue to be amazed how liberals view those who want to keep more of what they earn as "greedy" while those that will not work and benefit from the fruit of another persons labor are always "less fortunate". Go ahead, ask a liberal what is the maximum amount of what you earn that should be able to be confiscated for taxes and they can never give you a number because no amount will ever be enough.
Jibbs 2 years, 6 months ago
Moonchild,
So to sum up your point: From each according to his abilities to each according to his needs. Before you champion the Karl Marx mantra, take a look through history to see how it ends––typically with millions dead and rampant poverty.
The demand for entitlements will ALWAYS exceed the supply. Then what do we do?
In a perfect world, only those who are truly in need would use taxpayer money for sustenance, but no such world exists. People will naturally take the path of least resistance, so the more and more we make poverty comfy and cozy, the more and more we incentivize poverty. It's the very core of behavioral economics. The so-called poverty-stricken today all seem to be overweight with spendy tobacco/drug/alcohol habits.
Today we attach the "victim" monicker to someone who is out of work. They are paid wages and in many cases sent to college with money that has been involuntarily taken from someone who is working. So who's the real victim? The man who lost his job, or the man still at work having to pay for all this?
sgmartin 2 years, 6 months ago
Well let's not forget military spending while you're at it - you know those two wars that have now cost us $1 trillion...to make us safe? Funny I don't feel safer. Are there abuses in Social Security and Medicare - you betcha. Because every system is vulnerable to corruption - including the free market. So let's double down on corruption and start with the financial world.
deidretg 2 years, 6 months ago
sgmartin, surprising as it may seem, I agree with your comments here. By the end of my second tour in Iraq, I could clearly see that there were irreconcilable fundamental, philosophical and cultural differences between our western cultural beliefs and those of the middle east. They will never become us and hopefully, we will never become them (especially for the sake of the six women of my life - wife and 5 daughters). When I left in 2006 my feeling was that we gave it our best in order to help them but that it was time to wish them well and turn our full attention toward home.
pinewoodnc 2 years, 6 months ago
I cannot understand why when the government spends millions with wars, sending money to other countries and for "pork barrel spending," to their own states, the first discussions to "fix" the problems is to take actions that harm Americans. We give millions to other countries to aid them yet we do it to our own detrement. If taxes get raised, it seems to always be the middle and lower income folks that get hit the hardest. They don't have the ability to take multiple "write-offs."
Also, to speak of reductions or changes in Social Security and Medicare is the most distressing. Who in our society needs the most assistance if not the elderly or disabled. What about folks that have spent many decades working and paying their taxes and Social Security and are now elderly or people who are disabled, but do not have thousands of dollars stashed away. How are they to live? It is easy for people who are wealthy to sit back and talk about lessening SS/Medicare since they have the funds to live well and take care of themselves. No so for many people. I do not see them as "entitlements" as people that have worked for several decades have paid lots of money from their paychecks that the government has used for years. Also, the government has "dipped" into Social Security many times for other purposes. Social Security should never have been touched except for the purpose it was established.
marathonman 2 years, 6 months ago
SGMartin, there you go again. Without military preparedness, we are toast. You Libs believe that we all can just get along. Liberals are never ready for an overt or covert attack on America. And when it does happen you start throwing stones about how badly, usually when the Reps are in control, we are prepared to defend ourselves. Yet, without fail, you always go to the "we spend to much on defense" when the Libs are in control and down goes the ability to defend and then when they hit us you scream again. Those of us who did give of our time and talent to defend your right to say those egregiously offensive things accept it as the better option: totalitarianism vs constitutional republic.
moonchild7 2 years, 6 months ago
The GOVERNMENT dipped into the Social Security fund when Lyndon Johnson took what he wanted to pay for the Vietnam War. It has never been "put back in". Al Gore lost the 2000 Election because he was made fun of by ignorant jerks questioning his LOCK-BOX plan for social security.....Oh, the Supreme Court also had a little hand in the next 8 yrs of HORROR. So, we'll start there Matt as far as when America began it's still sip sliding decent into very questionable behavior and untrustworthiness. MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX....emphasis on COMPLEX needs reining in. Don't start about how the Defense Dept. needs tons of money to keep us safe. We need to stop POLICING the world! I worked in the goverment delivering some of the benefits we've been discussing and that I've been commenting on now for months. Let me tell you right now that some of the biggest rip-off artists were the Doctors, Hospitals, pharmacies and equipment providers. Also many people applied for assistance who thought that they could cheat and hide lots of unclaimed bank accounts, Stocks&Bonds, Gold&Silver bars, IRA's, etc!!!!!!!!! They looked much more like the people you might see in Pinehurst and NOT those in Jackson Hamlet. But of course we should know by now how the RICH want theirs and everyone elses after the WALL STREET GREED Debacle. Why won't people stop it? Why are they constantly crying about the poor and needy? There are legitimate cases of people living in poverty, neglect, unemployment, and just unavoidable accidents who need help. Matt Woodruff........you're the Neanderthal NOT me. I know the difference between right and wrong, justice and injustice, poor and rich. What is it that you say you know?
Ross 2 years, 6 months ago
marathonman - you truly are clueless if you think only right wing nuts like yourself are the only ones wanting a strong defense. But I am sure you realize our national budget for defense is well over 50% .........
fugitiveguy 2 years, 6 months ago
How bout those crazy Republicans in California, they wouldn't even let the Marines recruit at high schools. Thats not very supportive of our military. What? Oh, those weren't Republicans?
blake 2 years, 6 months ago
Ross, the national budget for defense was 25-29% in 2010.
fugitiveguy 2 years, 6 months ago
"Ross, the national budget for defense was 25-29% in 2010."
And unlike the so called stimulus we are actually getting something tangible for this spending.
buddysmith 2 years, 6 months ago
i see those advertisements on tv like mr. jeffery's noted in the letter. I have always wondered how lawyers get paid when they obtain disability compensation for people that have been turned down?? does the social security system pay them or the client?? can anyone answer this please? i do know, on a personal note, that many people are drawing disability that have never worked enough to even pay in their quarters. people like this, the social security cheese eaters, are helping to bankrupt the system, more so, than it already is. it is rampant, perfectly able to work folks, that dont want to and never will work. but dont worry if you are turned down the law offices of heister, scheister, and bendover will help you get the benefits!!!
marathonman 2 years, 6 months ago
Well Ross, I am far from clueless. I am civil, however, and will refrain from calling you names. Whatever our defense budget is percentage wise, it is not enough. What we do need to do across the board in our Fed Gov is to become more efficient. There is waste. Attack that in a civil manner and we will all benefit. Over the years we have made others strong and they are now in a position to attempt insurrections aimed at power. We have always been the big dog and benevolent. Others in the world do not see us as benevolent but as imperialists. They would love to see us tumble. And if we do, then all those 'little' countries who look to us for help and protection, will turn away and look to those who become the big dog. And so much for your right and ability to throw stones with impunity.
fugitiveguy 2 years, 6 months ago
I wonder how much of the federal budget goes to buy scooters for lard arses? They are free you know! No out of pocket costs!
nothingspecial 2 years, 6 months ago
Great article as usual, Mr. Jeffreys. Its a subject a great many Americans can agree upon lately.
byrne90 2 years, 6 months ago
Before the government decides to pare down my SS payment, let me have a check for my 50 years of putting money into the system. Oh, and throw in all the interest accumulated over the same period. It's our money. Wouldn't you all like to get a look at where the government really spent our money? It's no secret that we've been made fools of. When you discuss the underhanded actions of credit card companies, big banks, etc., you have to include the government. They take our money from us each month and we have no idea what really happens to it. When we hold company and bank CEOs accountable for bad decisions, illegal or immoral, shouldn't we hold government officials accountable for our wasted dollars as well?
moonchild7 2 years, 6 months ago
Disability Attorneys only get paid when they "Win" the case. At one time they could charge whatever they wanted to their clients until the Social Security System stopped that practice. There were times when after everything was done a client received next to NOTHING!!!!!!! They are limited now to 25% of any back payments that are due(cases can take two or more yrs to be decided), but never over the max of $5300. Finally, several yrs ago they put a limit on their fees. For the most part the attorneys and doctors are the "winners" and NOT the client. There are not only physical illnesses but also mental illnesses that keep people from being able to hold a job. They have somewhat "invisible problems" that the everday public cannot see with their naked eyes. The Generalized critisism of such persons on these blogs are awful. FRAUD is a problem with EVERYTHING it seems today. Sooner or later most of those committing it are caught and they have to pay back what ever they illegally received(Wall Street theives not included). With our new health care provisions perhaps Americans will finally be able to get the physical and/or mental health care they need while still somewhat healthy; instead of having to wait 'till they are too ill to work anymore and have to apply for disability.
OBXNC 2 years, 6 months ago
There is plenty of money going into our government everyday to take care of all needs of this country. You could double the amount they receive in tax dollars, and that would still not be enough in a week's time. Get real folks. Somebody better quit spending more money, and figure out how to use all the money we have already in a more effective way. Cut out the free ride to the free loaders, keep our money within our borders, and reward the earners and not the takers. It's not wrong to have money, but it does matter how you use it. It's also ok to be poor if you don't let it stop you from trying to improve your situation. Rich, poor, or in between we all need to demand better use of our money and those that are in charge of using it. Don't forget it is your money. When you have more of what you earn or accumulate then you can use it as you see fit for the good of yourself and others.
moonchild7 2 years, 6 months ago
Well, looks like then that the letters need to be sent to Congress in DROVES telling that bunch of jerks to put the Social Security Funds back in their "safe box" and only to be used for that Entitlement. Then there will be plenty because we will stop funding the WAR MACHINE. We MUST start to arrest those on WALL STREET who have stollen more than a few dollars from the American Taxpayer and confiscate their "ILL-GOTTEN RICHES". That's another good start. Mr. Jefferies articles' title is a lie: "ENTITLEMENTS WE CAN NO LONGER AFFORD." When the rich&wealthy pay their "Fair Share" of taxes and the middle class have enough good paying jobs again so that they are able to pay their taxes a lot of this will be a non subject. Making the "less of us" the enemy is a twisted reverse of psychology that has been working much too well after reading so many statements blaming them for our "problems". Sorry, they are much too weak and powerless to have that much control over our governments well-being. Blaming the victim is not and NEVER will be a healthy mentality to have.
marathonman 2 years, 6 months ago
MC7, - "When the rich&wealthy pay their "Fair Share" of taxes and the middle class have enough good paying jobs again so that they are able to pay their taxes a lot of this will be a non subject." You are so sadly uninformed, or so full of anger, that you have missed the info - provided again here by MAUIMAN. Secondly, those rich and wealthy provide - in addition to paying the lions share of taxes that are squandered by our elected fleecers in Washington - the wherewithall for many of those so called good paying jobs you believe are entitled. No, unless or until we get back our self reliance and ability to stand on our own feet and make the best of ourselves instead of always seeing those who have achieved and resenting them, we will continue to spiral towards socialism. No employer ever fired, laid off, suspended, etc.. any employee who was productive, on time and respectful. To reiterate what Mr. Jefferys laid out in his very profound piece; "Entitlements we can no longer afford"! And if it is SS that you believe you are entitled to since it is your retirement, please think again. If we had as many people working and contributing to SS as are now receiving SS benefits, the pot would still run dry in a few years. Time to do something else and it should not be the go'mint to do it; time to become self reliant.....or simply hope that the conservatives all die out and the lefties take over. That will surely appease all those filled with anger over the rich and entitled. Huh!?
moonchild7 2 years, 6 months ago
Why do you continue to ask about what is "FAIR"? What has been happening to the poor, working poor and middle-class for over 30 yrs now has been extremely UNFAIR. The Rich have gotten VERY RICH and do nothing but complain about it. They NEVER pay more than 15-20% in taxes because they have accountants. They don't want to have to pay taxes...to help keep our country running, and keep it's people working and providing. Exxon-Mobile paid $0 in taxes last year. 'Nuff said. What a crock. I'm not angry but I am very, very frustrated with the continued lies, deceptions, and Wall Street thievery that has been happening for quite awhile now. Why are they so miserable with all of that money? So miserable that they never have enough and still want more?
deidretg 2 years, 6 months ago
Mr. Jeffery's, you do a great job of explaining our current economic reality in this country. This is exactly what causes some of us here locally to become so outspoken about our capital spending plans here in Moore County. $300,000,000 in planned bond expenditures in Moore County as stated back in 2007 when things were rolling and the only financial direction was up may have been possible without jeopardizing future generations. However, to plow ahead with someone's stated personal vision for Moore County of that magnitude in face of the current reality as clearly seen in your well described american financial downward spiral is fiscally irresponsible. Have you ever considered running for public office?
marathonman 2 years, 6 months ago
MC7 - "What has been happening to the poor, working poor and middle-class for over 30 yrs now has been extremely UNFAIR." Thanks for the civil response. However, you still do not understand about self reliance. Do you really want others to pay you for not achieving? Do you want others to pay for your health care, your home, your car? We have more giveaway programs in the US than all those combined even in Socialist countries, and our youth continue to spiral downward. We also have those who have found ways to achieve at an incredible level and thus provide for others who will apply themselves. Please stop and read about the Bolseviks, Mao's Revolution, Castro's revolution, Chavez's revolution. Then visit some of those countries and perhaps you will change your mind about the direction this country is headed under Obama and his ilk.
hotdiggity 2 years, 6 months ago
Those on Social Security Disability might need to get a little worried about the 'Death Panels' Paul Krugman of the very liberal New York Times is suggesting. Please remember he is a Nobel prize winner and must be absoultely correct in his thinking.
nothingspecial 2 years, 6 months ago
The suffering, unfairly treated poor and middle class - what nauseating, liberal dribble.
Any manager, and any person who truly works for a living knows that entitlements, security, and throwing money at the disadvantaged is a sure way to get nothing but dependent people and organizations that eventually don't make money or good products. What makes people grow and creates a momentum of achievement and industriousness is providing people with opportunities, challenges and ways they can achieve by trying harder and assuming more responsibility. And that by the way is the American Dream.
Cut out the "victim" crap, please.
fugitiveguy 2 years, 6 months ago
"Cut out the "victim" crap, please."
We have become a nation of victims and whiners.
moonchild7 2 years, 6 months ago
"There's no federal income tax bracket of 0 percent. If you're making an income, you're paying taxes on it.....There's an argument worth having about the right marginal tax rates, but that's not what people are talking about when they're saying the poor don't pay any taxes. Rather, they're talking about the social support programs that wipe out their income tax liability. That might lead you to say that we should distribute that money differently so people are still paying taxes and their federal help is unrelated to their tax burden or it might lead you to say that those programs should be smaller so people are getting less help and more of them owe taxes."
The rich have accountants and lawyers to lower their tax burden. That seems to be okay for a lot of people making comments here. But when the working poor get help from the government, (because they don't have accountants)to lower their tax liability they are then considered deadbeats. There are too many adjectives I want to use to call so many of you but I will try to refrain.
Arestorer 2 years, 6 months ago
@MC7 We live in a "Resort-Retirement" community. The majority of the posters that are complaining about entitlement programs have never been in the situation where they needed them. They move here with money in the bank,payed for homes and big retirement checks. They dont care about their"fellow man". They just want their $$ to keep rolling in without having to pay any out. Some are frugal, most just greedy. We need a "Fair tax" rate established, I mean across the board percentage, with no deductions. People in need or struggling will never convince them they are wrong for being stingy. They literally consider us lower class. I'd love to know I was going to be paying taxes on a $250,000 income this year. I sure as he!! wouldnt be complaining. We will never change their minds unless they loose everything they have and need their fellow man to help.
marathonman 2 years, 6 months ago
What a great country! Not so in Socialist countries; no blogs such we are enjoying here. No, I just hope most will come to their senses about the go'mint taking over and providing all that you need. However, it is my lament that several on this list will not care about that happening as long as those who have achieved are punished and their wealth and property is taken from them.
nothingspecial 2 years, 6 months ago
In the liberal mind (and in High School) it is ok to be prejudiced if it's against the unpopular crowd.
For instance prejudice against the poor (i.e., that they are all lazy) is not ok, but to say the rich are all greedy or that Republicans are stupid, nobody in the "in crowd" has any problem with that do they?
Arestorer 2 years, 6 months ago
Ive got nothing against people succeeding or becoming wealthy,the problem I have is,why do those people think they should pay a lower percentage of taxes on their income?? I dont want to take anything from anyone! Ive never taken handouts from anyone or our G-ment. I do think that people that succeed and then think they dont owe their fair share are GREEDY and inhumane.
Jibbs 2 years, 6 months ago
nothingspecial,
You are correct. It's child-like behavior that they won't grow out of: "I want what he's got so I'll take it." Not to sound condescending, but the liberals' favorite classes in college are Sociology and Political Science that simply look at groups of people who lack (Sociology) and figure out ways to manipulate the masses' thinking (Poli-Sci), not taking into account the aggregate effects on everything else.
They all want to be the "voice for the voiceless", but never take––or take seriously––Accounting and Economics classes because they are much harder and deal with budgets, facts, and raw data (the real world); whereas Sociology and Poli-Sci are largely opinions based on personal feelings (the high school world).
How come when I provide food for a family I am called a saint, but when I ask why they have nothing to eat I am considered heartless?
moonchild7 2 years, 6 months ago
Thanks Arestorer for your support. It's a bit lonely around here. There are some readers/commenters here with very problematic belief systems who like to spout out about narrow-minded, selfish, and thoughtless ideas. "And when the tax fight is over one way or another, you can be sure that the people currently defending the incomes of the elite will go back to demanding cuts in social security and aid to the unemployed. America must make hard choices, they'll say; we all have to be willing to make sacrifices. But when they say "we" they mean "you". Sacrifice is for the little people". ------------------------Paul Krugman, NYT As a former Social Worker I helped people to solve problems, find solutions and then set new goals. There was nothing that I learned and then taught to anyone that involved them becoming negative thinking, non-productive persons. While the activities that I taught might not be perceived by many here as "productive enough", even small improvements were rewarded. That's how the world is changed for the better. Too bad a lot of you here can't or won't see that. Before the minimum wage was legislated into our government in 1938 there was nothing to protect workers from being exploited and harmed by unscrupulous owners/managers. The Reagan Administration never raised the minimum wage once during their 8 yrs in office. It is now only $7.25. It's very sad that so many cannot or will not understand that all of us need to do everything possible to make the world a better place for everyone and not just some.
nothingspecial 2 years, 6 months ago
I guess I'm guilty of effortlessly creating more victims in my quest to simply point out the shameless useage of class warfare inciting prejudice, and faulty, oft repeated solutions to save the suffering that show plenty of guilt and anxiety, but little wisdom or common sense. It's not personal, just very frustrating to hear, frankly. I'll take a chill pill or something.
KarenH 2 years, 6 months ago
Benjamin Franklin said,"God helps those that help themselves". There is a big difference in a hand out and a hand up. A hand up is never ment to be a way of life. A feeling of entitlement is not good for our children or our nation.
hotdiggity 2 years, 6 months ago
Paul Krugman NYT ''I believe in a relatively equal society, supported by institutions that limit extremes of wealth and poverty. I believe in democracy, civil liberties, and the rule of law. That makes me a liberal, and I'm proud of it.'' No, that makes you a communist.
Arestorer 2 years, 6 months ago
Mauiman, You never said why you deserve to pay less taxes (percentage) than I do. Why do you think if higher income earners pay less,we will have the money to help the county,state and federal budget?
Jibbs, I think Psyc. and Soci. are the two classes that waist the most time in College. Theres more kids with those degrees that have other,out of field jobs. Waisted time!......Not sure what your last paragraph ment.
KarenH, I agree Wholeheartedly.
marathonman 2 years, 6 months ago
MC7, now knowing that you were a social worker explains a lot of your thoughts put forward herein. No, creating more entitlements and those who are entitled, only adds to the growing problem of dependency. We must teach self reliance and independent thought and solutions. Otherwise the slippery slope to socialism becomes an avalanche; unstoppable. Most conservatives share concern that there are those who need a 'hand up' but never a hand out on the public dollar. Charity should begin and end with volunteerism and never mandated from the government. Make them dependent and they remain loyal works everytime. Make them independent and they will begin to fend for themselves and begin to help others who need that hand up. Govenment giveaways does nothing but cause them to continue to look for their sustenance from others.
On paying taxes; tax rates are adjusted based on earnings. Those who earn more pay a larger share of the taxes. It is a simple system to begin with and then comes the deductions. People who make more, donate more and thus get deductions for the charity. People who make more own more and thus gain deductions. People who make more spend more and others become the beneficiaries of that largess. I agree that the current system has become an enigma for most. But it also is now unfair since some earn and pay no taxes beyond what they buy and, hopefully, SS. The Fair Tax makes sense and should be adopted so that all are paying their fair share. It will take years to implement due to the tearing down of a bureaucracy bloated over many years; IRS.
Arestorer 2 years, 6 months ago
Mauiman, I understand the larger tax bills of the upper class of earners, is a larger amount. I did pay attention that day in class! I want to see a fair and equall percentage tax rate w/ no deductions. I run my home and buisiness budget the same, I know what I have before I spend. I look at what my expected income before I make budget decisions. And this is unlike the way Washington is doing things. I'm not blaming the "rich" for taking advantage of the system,which I think is wrong. I hate "them" complaining about paying 10 to15% of their total income when I pay near 30. The government doesnt seem to understand that you cant keep spending more than you make(taxes).But they cant have an income without them. Ive posted many complaints of TAKERS(intitlements). Dont like the (mostly) Bum's.
OBXNC 2 years, 6 months ago
It amazes me that many people work very hard to earn their money, and have no problem with the government taking their "share" before you even get to cash the check, and not seem care. The same one's would consider it robbery if their fellow worker, etc. took one dollar of their money without them asking before they got their pay. People money is not the problem, spending what is "not yours" by a out of control government is. If you think someone else can spend your money better than you, keep building bigger government. If you want to help others on your own terms vote and support anyone that can help you keep your money. MC - I know many wealthy people that earn alot of money, and I'm sure get alot of tax breaks, but they also give alot to help others, and support organizations they choose to help. You are blaming the "bad rich people" that are only playing by the rules your " wonderful, giving" government put into law. Something just don't add up. Maybe you are others are being taken, and don't even know or care.
fugitiveguy 2 years, 6 months ago
Far too many people pay "no" income taxes, none. If you get back all you paid in or even more as in the case of IEC payments then you pay "NO" income taxes. "Benevolent" libs want to extract all they can from the so called rich to redistribute to the so called less fortunate because they know they can count on getting paid back at election time.
moonchild7 2 years, 6 months ago
There seems to be a difference of opinion when it comes to the definition of FAIRNESS. Many say that the best thing to do is to have a FLAT TAX RATE. Sounds sorta good. No more deductions for anyone. A person who makes $15,000 a year will pay $1500 to the Government and have $13,500 left to live on. A person who makes $250,000 will pay to the government $25,000 and have $225,000 left to live on and a "Millionaire" will pay $100,000 with $900,000 left to live on. There are to be no judgements made as to why someone only makes $15,000 a year. They work hard, save if they can, try to make it the best they can. The average income in the U.S. is about $53,000. Under the flat tax they would pay $5300 and have $40,000 left. The majority of American income earners make less than $250,000...that's a lot of people. So, over time, who do you think, this much more "FAIR" tax system, will take the biggest "TOLL" on when it comes to helping support themselves and our government? How many will give up, start suffering from mental illnesses? Physical breakdowns? It only takes ONE millionaire to pay $100,000 to the government but maybe 50-100 average income earners to pay that same $100,000. Who do you think will continue to "like" this system? How will "FAIRNESS" begin to be perceived? In this great country there is still the possibility for a poor person to become rich and successful-NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT! But no one wants the "ODDS" to be stacked against them. Joe Nocera and Bethany Mclean have just written a book called, "All the Devils are Here", which is about the Financial meltdown. Simply put their research shows that "OVERZEALOUS" Credit Card Companies/Loan Providers pushed the EASY money on anyone they could. Then Wall Street bet against success. That's having the "ODDS STACKED AGAINST YOU". Yes, a lot of those people who shouldn't have been borrowing all that money did, but people like that(the bankers)know that a majority of people can be manipulated. It's just a FACT.
marathonman 2 years, 6 months ago
Well MC7, PT Barnum said; "there is a sucker born every minute". Unless or until we can educate folks to understand that there is no free lunch and that consequences are swift and sure, we will have those who are preyed upon by those who are not Christian. This the nature of a free society. Those of us who have experience with socialism know that our system is infinitely better. What you advocate in all you say is SOCIALISM. I pray you continue to be a minority view.
fugitiveguy 2 years, 6 months ago
Those who think there IS a free lunch cannot be educated to think otherwise. Their failures will always be the fault of someone else. No system of taxation will ever seem fair to hard core leftists. Heck 1/3 to 1/2 of Americans pay no income taxes now and yet the left still whines about the rest not paying their fair share.
pinewoodnc 2 years, 6 months ago
Buddysmith, as you stated, " it is rampant, perfectly able to work folks, that dont want to and never will work. but dont worry if you are turned down the law offices of heister, scheister, and bendover will help you get the benefits."
There are many people that ARE disabled that would give anything to be able to work. Many have worked for decades and contributed to Social Security. I do know that the process for getting disability is extremely difficult. You must literally have one foot in the grave and one on a banana peel. To make light of it with your last sentence is rude. I once knew a middle aged man that was run over by a tractor and totally crushed. He could hardly walk, had breathing difficulties and on oxygen and was bedridden for days at a time. He was DENIED disability. To make it sound as if many people are unwilling to work and want to abuse the disability system is an uneducated attitude. People should not make judgments on a subject they are speculating about.