Bad news http://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog/2011/05/senate-51-of-households.html That means a majority of households now can vote to tax other people to receive their benefits. For those of us who believe in a bare bones social safety net, we have to change the debate from the traditional "bring home the bacon" mode of getting elected to something different. I think the new argument has to be about freedom from government intrusion in our daily lives, an increased chance for individual prosperity rather than simple wealth redistribution and more opportunity for future generations. Regardless of what the argument becomes, we have to change the way we think about the role of government if we wish to prevail.
I agree with this. That is why I'm for fair taxes, limited social safety nets, legalizing some drugs, pro-choice, and pro-gay marriage. Keep the government out of our personal lives. Agree, Maxiep? Thing is, you may agree, which makes you more Libertarian. I know many tea partiers who keep saying keep the gov't out of our lives, yet want government intrusion in things such as marriage, women's rights and personal choices. Seems that people are anti-government unless it agrees with their views. As many Libertarians say, Liberals like government out of their social lives, but prominent in their economics. Conservatives want government in their social lives, but to stay out of the economy.
Interesting conclusion. I don't think voting rights are related to how much you pay or don't pay into taxes. I thought you would be happy that less people are paying taxes, that means more money for the market, right?
I want a smaller, more efficient government that does less and doesn't carry debt accomplish its goals. I am willing to pay more tax to ensure that outcome in the short term. I have no problem with paying taxes. I want everyone to pay at least a little, however. After all, I'm told we're all in this together. When you end up with more people not playing taxes than people who do, you end up with a majority that can force a minority to pay for the majority's consumption.
Only in a situation where the vote is the sole source of power and that the minority (which happens to be the wealthiest) can't wield even greater influence on government by the use of their money. I don't think that's the situation that the US is in. Voters can elect representatives, but wealthy donors can influence what policy those elected representatives pass.
The Dems try to tie conservative right-wing social moralists to the Tea Party, yet the limited exposure I've had with people who identify with the "Tea Party", at least in Oregon, are more Constitutionalist/Libertarian in their leanings.
I'd invite anyone who believes the government has just gotten too big to attend a Tea Party event. They're a bunch of squares, but the vast majority are good, honest, decent people who just think we could use a little less government in our lives. There are some socially conservative folks there too, but that's not the emphasis. There are just as many pro-choice people in the Tea Party in my experience, they just don't believe in the federal funding of Planned Parenthood.
Yes, and also, people on the lower end of the payscale don't vote solely for their own pocketbook. Why exactly that is is debatable, but it is a fact that they don't. barfo
Does it matter to this discussion? Seems pretty irrelevant, that's why I didn't mention it. But since you asked: no. barfo
First off, let me put in a little LOL for the fact that all three of BlazerBoy, PapaG, and Maxiep called me out when insulting the right. 2nd off, you have got to be kidding me. Are you saying that the tea party is libertarian? They are HARDLY socially liberal. They are far more traditional, aka conservative.
You weren't insulting the right. You were just spouting off about something you clearly don't know anything about. If you want to spout off, at least be intelligent about it, and you won't get called out.
For example... http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1903/tea-party-movement-religion-social-issues-conservative-christian There is plenty of evidence out there. G-O-O-G-L-E
[video=youtube;3cLxQ4B23_g]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cLxQ4B23_g[/video] Did someone say tea party?
