Fairweather

My hunch is that a progressive consumption tax would have the same or better public perception-of-fairness going for it, and would do a much better job of promoting savings, investment, production, and long-term productivity/economic growth. It would have to replace the income tax, and would require a constitutional amendment. By its very definition it would be progressive. Unfortunately, it wouldn't serve to sate the class warfare instincts of certain leftist malcontents--like the ones we find here in the form of j_b, Prole et al.

Nope. The anti-tax initiatives that are now strangling your Olympia beast.

Do the flat-tax math and it falls apart. If the poor and middle class paid their "fair share" under a flat tax, their taxes would rise dramatically. The wealthy, who pay the lion's share already, would fare better on the backs of the vast majority. Unless we take a notion to repeal the 16th Amendment, a progressive income tax remains the best way to maintain social harmony. Put into climbing terms, try thinking of it as a mountain that gets progressively steeper as you approach the top. The only reason guys like me are considered right-wing is that we don't see any value in punishing wealth and those who produce it. The lefties you find here don't think anyone should be allowed to reach the aforementioned summit. As for your gold standard nonsense, you may want to put this very-fringe notion aside for good. Take a look also the idiots who promoted free silver in the late 19th and early twentieth centuries, or, antithetically, at Nixon's unilateral unpegging of the US Dollar from international gold in the 70's. This economy is based on one thing: faith in the federal government's ability to make good on its monetary commitments. That faith is in jeopardy because of unchecked, politically-motivated spending on both sides of the aisle.

...but not until she was forced to do so. We'll see. The beauty to behold here is how voters were able bend even the most corrupt politician to their will. This, as opposed to the libtard sheep among us.

Wow. Nothing to see here with this one, folks. Move along...

I'm not following this discussion, but it is pretty interesting to see Obama blamed for the state of our economy, our troubles abroad, and the horror that is TARP. TSA molestations ordered by Obama.

Your indignation would be reaching new heights--if only GW were still around to blame. You libtards are a pathetic lot.

The future according to Obama.

So nice to see that old familiar 1970's anti-establishment dialect burst forth every now and again from its few remaining practitioners. One can almost smell the tie-dye and Afro-sheen.

Zzzactly skwat.

Feel free to line up for your government rump-pump, but I'll take my chances with the private sector. The change you and doofus want, well, you're just gonna have to fight us for it. Maybe Matt will issue you a commission in his army and let you shine his boots.

Or we could let them spend their money and generate the jobs that provide human dignity. But you're right; most rich folks probably just stuff ill-gotten wads of cash into the folds of their mattresses every night.

Fess up, T. We all know you was raised at the CAFO:

Plug in toaster. Depress plunger. Insert fork. (Preferably aluminum or high-content silver.) Work it. Work it.

Bite leather, Porky.

Gotta balance the Meme Bros. version of Anus and Handy.

Hard-care Wobblies like the Meme Brothers should be thrilled by this not-so-new revelation.

What ever happened to Noam? I liked him way better than this Krugman feller.

Nothin' but your own shriveled sack stopping you.

I thought it got stuck in his toaster.

Does he wear eye-liner?

Nah. Just the first day of ice climbing season.

You are, of course, talking about our masters in Olympia. Good to have you on board with us. Now let's set about cutting their salaries and pensions.

and Yes. Someone has to take out the trash and clean the toilets. I couldn't think of a more qualified shit swabber. Don't forget to deduct that ten bucks you sent to Haiti last year!