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Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

09/18/2012 11:18:24 PM · #501

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

I'm surprised someone hasn't propose a tax on fruit.

That's been around for decades -- you should read the history of why tomatoes are legally a vegetable, even though they are indisputably (botanically) a fruit ...

09/19/2012 09:35:07 AM · #502

Originally posted by DrAchoo:

Originally posted by GeneralE:
I am referring to the fact that Romney's income, primarily from capital gains and dividends (aka "unearned income") is taxed at a nominal 15% rate, while wages (aka "earned income") are taxed at a nominal 30% rate. Why should he be "entitled" to this special treatment by the government which means he keeps more money than I am?

Can we please stop with these apples and oranges percentage rates. They are completely unhelpful. Nobody in the US is paying friggin 30% of their income as income tax. Wait, Gingrich claimed 31% was his number. Anyway, nobody that isn't rich is paying that number.

Why don't we tax the rich at a 99% nominal rate, but they get to deduct 96% of their income? At least we can say, "hey! they are paying a 99% nominal rate!" and all feel better, right?

That was basically the point I was trying to make General. You're falling victim to talking points (whether they be conservative or liberal) without any substance to back it up.

I don't think Romney ever claimed that he was "entitled" to paying that percentage. But if the system legally allows the deductions that he has taken, then he would be stupid not to. The facts remain that there is no evidence whatsoever that he has done anything illegal with his money.

I, too, liken it to the birth certificate thing. It's an attempt to influence the votes of the gullible.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

09/19/2012 10:11:24 AM · #503

Originally posted by JamesDowning:

I don't think Romney ever claimed that he was "entitled" to paying that percentage. But if the system legally allows the deductions that he has taken, then he would be stupid not to.

And who do you think has the power and influence to set up the system? As I understand it, Romney wants to cut the capital gains tax rate to zero ...

Tamron SP 24-70mm f/2.8 Di VC USD Canon Mount

09/19/2012 11:02:45 AM · #504

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by JamesDowning:
I don't think Romney ever claimed that he was "entitled" to paying that percentage. But if the system legally allows the deductions that he has taken, then he would be stupid not to.

And who do you think has the power and influence to set up the system? As I understand it, Romney wants to cut the capital gains tax rate to zero ...

Not really. //www.mittromney.com/issues/tax

Only for people making under $200k. However, that is approximately 95% of America. Basically only the top 5% will remain paying capital gains taxes (which I'm positive is where the vast majority of the US cap gains receipts come from).

Mike

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

09/19/2012 02:15:16 PM · #505

i dont actually have a problem with redistribution per se, using it the right way can ensure a fair system for all to succeed.

So i dont take issue with Obama's comments recently brought to light, he is saying essentially that, however the redistribution has become dependency and the democratic party, i feel, keeps it that way so that their base will continue to rely on it and thus ensuring they have a sizable base that vote for them.

I also dont have a problem with Romney recent comments since he is saying essentially what i just wrote, he is just speaking the truth whether people want to believe it or not.

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

09/20/2012 01:15:16 PM · #506

Topless Romney photos surface ...

09/20/2012 02:01:06 PM · #507

equal time :P

Canon 12x IS USM (S3 IS built-in Lens) -- 36-432mm (35mm EQ)

09/20/2012 05:44:41 PM · #508

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

equal time :P

Yes, but he followed his "gaffe" with "but we still have to work with them" as opposed to Romney's "it's not my job to worry about them." ...

09/20/2012 05:45:36 PM · #509

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:
equal time :P

Yes, but he followed his "gaffe" with "but we still have to work with them" as opposed to Romney's "it's not my job to worry about them." ...

Fair point. :)

09/20/2012 10:44:29 PM · #510

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:
equal time :P

Yes, but he followed his "gaffe" with "but we still have to work with them" as opposed to Romney's "it's not my job to worry about them." ...

Context is everything...

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

09/20/2012 10:49:35 PM · #511

Originally posted by GeneralE:

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:
equal time :P

Yes, but he followed his "gaffe" with "but we still have to work with them" as opposed to Romney's "it's not my job to worry about them." ...

I'm fully willing to believe that phrase is in regard to trying to get their votes not once he would become president. Don't go all "you didn't build that." On us...

09/21/2012 03:13:29 AM · #512

And according to my government issued gaffe scorecard, Team Obama/Biden are WAY out ahead. And we know that it is no longer a contest between the lesser of two evils as much as it is the lesser of two gaffers. Advantage: Romney.

And on a serious note, I'm about entirely fed up with the entire system / process. I've been looking at various proposals and opinions related to the election process and specifically the electoral college. Anyone have any opinions on that? I read through this from what looks to be an Occupy-esque viewpoint website, but has some interesting, coherent and worthwhile commentary (yeah, backhand, I know). :)

Then my wife found some other site that she mentioned that proposed a plan that would basically count only the votes of people that VOTED. In other words, currently a candidate gets ALL electoral votes from most states, even if only one person in the entire state votes. I am leaning toward the idea that if you don't vote, you don't count. Also toward the idea of splitting up the electoral votes proportionally. I have read arguments for and against having a straight out popular vote and the arguments against it make sense - mob rule and we have too many concentrated areas of population who would always dictate the results. I'm open to hear any ideas to improve the system without completely destroying the principles of our constitution - yeah, not that they are holding up very well lately, but I would rather see some of the basic ones restored.

Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark II

09/21/2012 09:13:17 AM · #513

The only problem with the electoral college is Gerrymandering. That page actually has a few good potential solutions listed. There's something about the simplicity behind the 'Shortest splitline algorithm' that I like.

Edited to add splitline link...

Message edited by author 2012-09-21 09:25:36.

Venser

Olympus 40-150mm f/2.8 PRO M.Zuiko

09/21/2012 10:03:14 AM · #514

Originally posted by Art Roflmao:

And on a serious note, I'm about entirely fed up with the entire system / process. I've been looking at various proposals and opinions related to the election process and specifically the electoral college. Anyone have any opinions on that? I read through this from what looks to be an Occupy-esque viewpoint website, but has some interesting, coherent and worthwhile commentary (yeah, backhand, I know). :)

Then my wife found some other site that she mentioned that proposed a plan that would basically count only the votes of people that VOTED. In other words, currently a candidate gets ALL electoral votes from most states, even if only one person in the entire state votes. I am leaning toward the idea that if you don't vote, you don't count. Also toward the idea of splitting up the electoral votes proportionally. I have read arguments for and against having a straight out popular vote and the arguments against it make sense - mob rule and we have too many concentrated areas of population who would always dictate the results. I'm open to hear any ideas to improve the system without completely destroying the principles of our constitution - yeah, not that they are holding up very well lately, but I would rather see some of the basic ones restored.

You should read Gaming the Vote by Poundstone. It's a good read and shows why most voting systems suck, and how you can game them.

Strikeslip

Canon EOS-5D

Canon EF 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS

09/21/2012 12:37:09 PM · #515

The Canada Party - "Meet The Canada Party"

Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM

09/21/2012 05:54:33 PM · #516

Originally posted by Strikeslip:

The Canada Party - "Meet The Canada Party"

F**k you, you hockey worshipping, vowel slurring, beaver spawning, bunch of syrup guzzlers.

Cory

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV

09/21/2012 08:37:50 PM · #517