Outdone by the Germans? I can think of 30 Americans right off the bat who could pony up if they were that patriotic and grateful.
US tax forms have a line item for contributing more than what you owe, just because you're a good guy. And you don't have to take all the deductions you're due. So, Maris, have you ever contributed even $10 more than what you owed? Not like you have to be rich to do something like that.
Denny,you know in Oregon they have many special donations you can do directly through your taxes? For example, you can elect to give money to child abuse prevention, wildlife preservation, etc. My money is on Maris to have given money that way..lessening his tax refund (if he got one).
I enjoyed this portion of the article (bolded part added by me) When money comes easily to you, you don't appreciate it. Most people I know with money worked hard for it. Shouldn't it be their decision whether or not they're willing to part with an excess amount? I know for a fact the IRS takes donations in cash, check, money order and credit card.
huh. The government needs all the money it can get. What's Maris doing getting a refund? I don't mean to pick on him. In general, why do people say "the rich need to pay more!" and don't lead by example? You want to get $10,000 out of some rich guy, then wouldn't paying an additional $10 be progressive?
There's a minimum amount you're required to pay. You can pay more if you wish. In fact, I recall you saying you were contemplating purchasing a Tesla, which, according to this link costs $109K: http://autos.yahoo.com/tesla/ Since you believe in all these wonderful programs and "sharing the wealth", why don't you share that $109K you planned to shell out for that car? I'll be interested if you write the IRS a $109K check. Scan a cashed check to the IRS for $109K on this site and you can begin to have some credibility. Until then, you're just another left-wing hypocrite.
Eh? I'm a hypocrite if I spend money on a car instead of on voluntary taxes? How does that work, exactly? I'm willing to pay more taxes, as long as those in a similar situation as me also pay more taxes. I'm not willing - and very very few people are - to pay taxes that others in equivalent circumstances do not. I don't see what's hypocritical about that. barfo
If you think the govt. needs more of our money, yet won't contribute $.01 more than what they take (take being a word chosen deliberately), then isn't it hypocritical?
Sweet. I want to buy the house on Jantzen Island, but I don't want to pay the full $18MM for it. How about if I get people who make as much or more than I do and force them to chip in to pay what I'm not willing to? Be the change you wish to see in the world, barfo. Be the change.
Remember in Germany these are people at the top end of the tax bracket who are voluntarily paying more. Lead by example from the top, right? If 100,000 of us at the lower ends banded together and paid more income tax: A) it wouldn't make much difference at all B) it still wouldn't get around the point of the posting/article that the rich in Germany have learned that they don't need all of that money and that the good of society (w/o defeating the ability to make more money) outweighs them being able to buy some 24K gold toilet paper.
Instead of asking those who have worked hard and achieved some financial success to pay your way, why don't you dedicate your life to making more money so you can give it all away?
No, that's ridiculous. I think my neighbors house needs a paint job. Am I a hypocrite for not painting it? I think we need to study distant planets. Am I a hypocrite for not going myself? barfo
If you owning the house will have sufficient benefits for society in general, and if the duly elected government agrees, then I think that would be fine. barfo
Makes me happier, makes my current neighbors happier, people don't have to see me go out and get the paper in my boxers. I think we can argue putting me on an island would increase the overall level of happiness of society. Make it happen, barfo!
Again, you're totally missing the point of my posting, since I haven't asked anything of anybody... But okay..
Are you a skilled painter? Are you qualified to study distant planets? I know you are skilled at giving money away. Do you do it with your own, or just vote for others to do so?
