"I'm GGG and I approve this message."

[Cletus Miller]

Originally posted by sebastian_dangerfield
And I don't mind paying extra. It's not huge money at the end of the day.

Good for you. They accept checks and money orders.

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by sebastian_dangerfield


And I don't mind paying extra. It's not huge money at the end of the day.

So the bottom line is that you have more respect for a system that allocates tax burden in part on willingness to cut corners, cheat, and/or defend outrageous legal positions in court than on one that is equitably applied to all.

[Hank Chinaski]

Originally posted by ltl/fb
You didn't even have time to read that.

At what point does acting like a crackpot for such a long time, and so consistently, actually make you a crackpot?

You can't tell me there is no way you would throw a cite to Bivens into an email responding to a fifth request for backup documentation relating to putting the wife and kid on your health insurance. I mean, this guy probably thinks he's funny and/or advancing the greater good of overthrowing the tyrrany of the government, um, I mean, his private employer, just like you do.

point of clarification. only I need to get nicer and more respectful. SAM's point was that I was the one not showing respect, so others are behaving with acceptable standards, although, at times, and depending on one's perspective, sometimes I question whether fringey isn't being a bit disrespectful.

so, I don't think the rest of you need make efforts to be nicer. No. I would ask instead that you put the time into improving the quality of your thoughts and arguments. That will make it much easier for me to maintain my promise to be nicer.

[sebastian_dangerfield]

Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
So the bottom line is that you have more respect for a system that allocates tax burden in part on willingness to cut corners, cheat, and/or defend outrageous legal positions in court than on one that is equitably applied to all.

That's a false choice. Option B doesn't exist.

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by sebastian_dangerfield
That's a false choice. Option B doesn't exist.

In which direction would you prefer to see the tax system move?

[sebastian_dangerfield]

Originally posted by Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)
In which direction would you prefer to see the tax system move?

A. A wild west system would gut revenues like nothing else.

Yes, I realize this sounds wildly anti-social. My dislike of govt is considerable, probably pathological. I have good reason I won't get into right now.

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by sebastian_dangerfield
A. A wild west system would gut revenues like nothing else.

I agree with you there. It would also gut the entire economy of the country.

[Secret_Agent_Man]

Originally posted by Hank Chinaski
point of clarification. only I need to get nicer and more respectful. SAM's point was that I was the one not showing respect, so others are behaving with acceptable standards, although, at times, and depending on one's perspective, sometimes I question whether fringey isn't being a bit disrespectful.

Gosh, Hank. I hope you did not misunderstand me. I have also sent memos to others. I just try to remember that every one of us is starting from a different place, with differing faculties and abilties to comprehend.

From those to whom much has been given (such as yourself), much is expected. I would never want you to feel singled out, however. We love you.

With that in mind, I just hope we are able to continue to provide a safe and nuturing environment where all feel empowered to express their views.

We thank you for your support.

S_A_M

[taxwonk]

Originally posted by sebastian_dangerfield
It is quite amusing, however, that Democrats agree the best way to stimulate the economy in the short term is to give people back taxes they've paid.

Might the better way be to decrease spending on domestic entitlements and pork and end that silly war and let the people you're giving that money back to have it all along?

I know, I know... But like I said, every cynic is a hopeless, naive idealist at heart.

I like it much more when we agree.

[Tyrone Slothrop]

Originally posted by sebastian_dangerfield
It is quite amusing, however, that Democrats agree the best way to stimulate the economy in the short term is to give people back taxes they've paid.

Might the better way be to decrease spending on domestic entitlements and pork and end that silly war and let the people you're giving that money back to have it all along?

I know, I know... But like I said, every cynic is a hopeless, naive idealist at heart.

Economists generally agree that the best stimulus is to put money in the hands of people who will go spend it. The poorer the recipients, the more likely they are to spend it.

Cutting government spending in the way you describe may make sense for other reasons, but not for short-term economic stimulus.

[Atticus Grinch]

In a genius day-of-election gambit, Willie Brown (who has not publicly endorsed anyone in the Dem primary) issued a statement that Obama had requested when in SF four years ago that his photo not be taken with Gavin Newsom out of fear that his association with Newsom while America was still a little raw about the whole gay marriage license thing might compromise his Illinois senate campaign.

What is particularly priceless is that Brown, ever the gentleman, went on to recommend that Obama cop to doing so because he had to campaign in downstate Illinois, and to say publicly that he would "do it again."

I believe this could well be proof that Obama may lead us into a postracial age.

[sebastian_dangerfield]

Originally posted by Tyrone Slothrop
Economists generally agree that the best stimulus is to put money in the hands of people who will go spend it. The poorer the recipients, the more likely they are to spend it.

Cutting government spending in the way you describe may make sense for other reasons, but not for short-term economic stimulus.

I should not have used the word "agree." "Think" was the better term.

[Diane_Keaton]

Originally posted by Atticus Grinch
I believe this could well be proof that Obama may lead us into a postracial age.

What exactly is a postracial age?

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by Diane_Keaton
What exactly is a postracial age?

One in which there's not a black america and a white america, but a united states of america?

[Mmmm, Burger (C.J.)]

Originally posted by Tyrone Slothrop
Economists generally agree that the best stimulus is to put money in the hands of people who will go spend it. The poorer the recipients, the more likely they are to spend it.

Also economists generally agree that fiscal stimulus for modest, short-term downturns isn't likely to have much benefit both because it's too little and too late. Monetary policy is much more likely to have an effect.