Paying taxes makes us happier

[Gothampc]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 5:45pm

Last night on Hannity & Colmes, they had an author who says that paying more income tax will make us happier. He feebly attempted to say that Europeans pay more taxes and they have the ability to stop and smell the roses. What he was covertly saying was that by paying more taxes, government had more control over their citizens.

I am interested to know why you think that we Americans keep getting compared to Europeans.

[robbiej]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 5:50pm

Ya know, I must be the only person in this country who would gladly pay more taxes if certain things were to come to pass. Top of the list would be affordable health care made available to every man, woman and child.

Then I'd quit my job, take a temp job and spend my time auditioning a hell of a lot more.

Would that make me happier? Yes...as a matter of fact it would.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 5:53pm

You wouldn't mind 70% of your gross going to the government?

[ChicagoBwayFan]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 5:55pm

I'll be happy when ZERO percent of my money goes for taxes lol

[feinstein9]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 6:01pm

i wouldn't mind giving money to the govt if i didn't hate the govt. and we keep getting compared to the euros cuz we're so much more effed up than they are. Updated On: 2/8/05 at 06:01 PM

[robbiej]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 6:02pm

Where did I ever say that, Goth? I never did. Nope. And I never actually stated we should have socialized healthcare. I believe those that can afford more should pay and get more. But I find it unbelieveable that not every single citizen has access to decent health care and would gladly pay more in taxes were that the case.

And as for paying NO TAXES? What the f*ck kind of stupid-ass comment is that? I mean...what? You're gonna homeschool your kids so as not to have to pay for public education? Just don't take them to the park to play, cause there won't be one. Oh...and build yourself a GREAT BIG WALL with electric fences to keep thieves out...cause there won't be any kind of police force to help you out.

Think before you type.

[papalovesmambo]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 6:02pm

11.4 percent = the unemployment rate in germany.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000085&refer=europe&sid=as0vGJBvnMGM

9.9 percent = the unemployment rate in france.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000085&sid=aabGjFcFxi_4&refer=europe

8.9 percent = the combined, eurozone unemployment rate.

http://www.eubusiness.com/afp/050201150220.x6fvyyeq

i don't think we want to be using their model anytime soon.

[Gothampc]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 6:08pm

The 70% is just what I heard that one of those countries (Sweden or Norway or somewhere) pays. That was just a number from the top of my head, I didn't mean to imply that you would agree with that.


95% unemployment rate in NYC if that moron Bloomberg remains in office.

Updated On: 2/8/05 at 06:08 PM

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 6:13pm

I HEART robbiej and agree with him.

[ChicagoBwayFan]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 6:53pm

Robbie, get a life - it was a JOKE. lol

THINK before you type your crap!

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 6:55pm

UH OH! They's bout to be a throw down!

Chicago, I don't think you realize that robbie would win in a throw down--with most anyone. That is one fierce b!tch! He prob got vaseline on his face and razor blades in his hair by now...

[ChicagoBwayFan]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 6:57pm

lol JRB, I know you will protect me

[Rose_MacShane]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 6:59pm

I think that Europeans' ability to "stop and smell the roses," as that author said, has more to do with their lifestyle, not their taxes. Europe in general is much more laid-back. I mean, some countries have designated naptime every day. It don't get more chill than that.

[Mr Roxy]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 7:33pm

Living in NYC ( & New York State ) is the closest to Europe so far. The city & state are financial basket cases & they keep taxing & spending. As a result, many businesses have moved out (taking jobs with them ) & businesses think twice before coming here. If I could, I would relocate. Unfortunately, due to my age, I am probably stuck in my job until I retire.

One reason I have no respect for politicians is they will sell themselves & spend your money just to get reeelected.

New York State may overtake California as far as the massive debt our politicans have heaped upon taxpayers backs. Call me old fashioned but I like to keep the money I earn.

Updated On: 2/8/05 at 07:33 PM

[Plum]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 8:11pm

Funny how the state with the lowest standard of living- Mississippi- also has the lowest amount of government spending on public welfare programs. But we don't need no eddication, right?

As for public health care- how much more obviously beneficial does anything get? Give people low-level health care- I'm talking regular checkups, things like that- and you'll be saving so much in expenses on ERs and diseases and injuries that go untreated for too long it's obscene.

People used to think that public trash collection was an unneeded luxury, too. But lo and behold- you give everyone a minimum of sanitation, and the whole system gets a whole lot healthier. For all you money-oriented types- the country will be saving money in the long run. Updated On: 2/8/05 at 08:11 PM

[robbiej]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 8:19pm

Oh, Chi.

Chi-boy.

Chi-town.

If that was a joke, we need to have a talk.

If that's the best you can come up with, I'd keep it to myself. You may just give credence to the thought that Repubs don't have senses of humor.

Posted: 2/8/05 at 8:25pm

Plum - how DARE you inject a note of rationality into this discussion!

[Plum]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 8:42pm

Fine, DG. Be that way.

*generalized insult of those who disagree with me*

*dirty joke*

*more insults*

Better?

[ChicagoBwayFan]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 8:50pm

Robbie, I wasn't the one pissy about a joke in this thread - you were because you didn't THINK before you posted lol

Better get yourself some more pms pills!

[bwaysinger]

Posted: 2/8/05 at 11:27pm

OH, hold on guys. Let me get some popcorn.
Truth to tell, I don't think it's going to take RobbieJ long to score a ko.

Posted: 2/9/05 at 8:32am

"While talking with audience participants, the president met Mary Mornin, a woman in her late fifties who told the president she was a divorced mother of three, including a 'mentally challenged' son.

The President comforted Mornin on the security of social security stating that 'the promises made will be kept by the government.'

But without prompting Mornin began to elaborate on her life circumstances.

Begin transcript:

MS. MORNIN: That's good, because I work three jobs and I feel like I contribute.

THE PRESIDENT: You work three jobs?

MS. MORNIN: Three jobs, yes.

THE PRESIDENT: Uniquely American, isn't it? I mean, that is fantastic that you're doing that. (Applause.) Get any sleep? (Laughter.)"

[Jacques_Clouseau]

Posted: 2/9/05 at 9:31am

Two cows are standing on a hill looking out at the valley...
One cow says to the other, "I'm so afraid of mad cow disease. Are you scared of it?"

"No. I'm an airplane. Neeeeewwwwwwwwwwaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!"

[robbiej]

Posted: 2/9/05 at 10:19am

Why, Chi...I'm completely aghast at the insinuation that I am...how to put this delicately...on the rag. As several on here know, it's just my time to ovulate. That marvelous time when I feel the possibility of human life floating through my lower regions. I won't be shedding my uterus and blood for another week and a half or so.

But my monthly cycle has nothing to do with the fact that that 'joke', nor any other you've attempted to make on this site, are just plain not funny. Not even close. I mean, if laughter is the best medicine, then you'd best keep away from cancer patients.

[Plum]

Posted: 2/9/05 at 10:19am

Bush probably thought it was great that America is such a land of opportunity one person could have 3 jobs. And I'm not even saying this in a "Bush is stupid" kind of way- I'm saying it in a "Bush doesn't get it" kind of way.

It's almost inevitable that our high-level politicians are going to be very rich people. The question is whether they have the empathy to understand people of other socioeconomic circumstances- the vast majority of this country's population, in other words. As far as I've seen, Bush has all the empathy of a ball of yarn. He doesn't seem to get why it stinks that a mother holding down three jobs is "uniqely American," just as he doesn't seem to get that people actually die when he gives orders to attack foreign countries. What a great guy to have leading us.

Posted: 2/9/05 at 10:29am

Amen, Plum. It's hard to be surprised, though, by a man born with a silver foot in his mouth.