I WANT TO BE FAIR AND OBJECTIVE
Any reasonable American has no other recourse than to admit that the United States is in a deep economic crisis. Spending indeed is too high and must be cut. But to arbitrarily rule out tax increases resulting in needed revenue appears on the surface to be nothing else than pure greed and selfishness. However, to be fair and reasonable admitting I am no expert on this matter I appeal to all reasonable people to argue their rational objectively so I can finally get over my seething anger at Norguist's minions.
I am aware of the standard arguments for taking such a hard nosed uncompromising position. These arguments include:
- Governments (national, state, and local) suck money out of the economy.
- Governments waste money and overspend.
- It is convenient to soak the rich.
- The rich will take the risk to create new jobs.
- Trickle down will ultimately be good for everyone.
- Taxes will affect the economy negatively.
- The rich deserve to hold onto to their wealth because they earned it.
So what's my beef? A few counter arguments follow:
- Revenue is necessary for investment. Dah!
- Checks and balances and appropriate oversight are needed to check excesses.
- If shared sacrifice is a value then the rich should suffer somewhat along with the rest of us. If not, why not? And if so, what specific ways do they suffer?
- The evidence suggests that the wealthy do not automatically create new jobs.
- Trickle down didn't work in the last decade why is there hope that this trend will reverse?
- New taxes did not adversely impact the Clinton administration - indeed ending up with a large surplus.
- The rich have responsibilities to contribute their fair share along with the rest of us.
Then of course there are a few additional details that interfere with being objective. Obviously greater wealth results in greater power. Power exerts itself in influencing policy making. The trend these days is in giving lawful power to those who make the most. Note the power of corporations: re tax breaks, campaign financing, treat corporations as if they are persons, disparity of wages re management and workers, anti union and anti collective bargaining laws, voter suppression initiatives; threats of punishment to any republicans who break the anti tax pledge;a notable failure to talk straight when confronted with this important issue.
There are no doubt other important considerations of which I am ignorant. So please - who ever can add to this picture wise me up. I dislike feeling so much upset to some of my fellow human beings. Please help to reestablish my sense of balance and proportion because at the present time I am mad as hell and don't want to put up with it anymore.
Thank you in advance for your time, effort, and thoughtfulness in helping me objectify this issue.
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