If we're free of one war, ending another and cutting spending, why do we need a tax increase? (Congress, Iraq)

[alphamale]

Maybe to fund obamacare?

[Toyman at Jewel Lake]

That's actually a very good question. According to Democrats (or at least liberals on this board), the entire cause of our budget deficit is the "two unfunded, illegal wars" Bush got us into. One is over...the other could be if only Obama would bring our troops home and leave Afghanistan to the Afghanistans. If that's true, our deficits are over next year, once we wind down there. So...why do we need more revenue again???

[Californian34]

For starters, ending the wars doesn't mean they're paid off.

[bobtn]

Originally Posted by Californian34

For starters, ending the wars doesn't mean they're paid off.

Bingo. The Greatest Generation paid for their own wars. We handed our kids our credit card bill. How patriotic?

I'd love a Constitutional Amendment requiring an IRS surtax the year after any war or warlike engagement occurs..automatic, No Congressional vote. All pay based on last years tax liability the same % as a surtax (calculation would be cost/prior years tax collections). So if war costs 5% of prior year IRS collections, and your total annual tax liability was $20,000, surtax is $1,000 added on.

Now lets watch them wave the flag as they pay for wars in their own era.

[emcee squared]

Originally Posted by alphamale

Maybe to fund obamacare?

Those wars were unfunded, no?

Just because we stopped spending hundreds of billions/year overseas doesn't mean we shouldn't recover the initial outlay.

[Toyman at Jewel Lake]

Originally Posted by bobtn

Bingo. The Greatest Generation paid for their own wars. We handed our kids our credit card bill. How patriotic?

I'd love a Constitutional Amendment requiring an IRS surtax the year after any war or warlike engagement occurs..automatic, No Congressional vote. All pay based on last years tax liability the same % as a surtax (calculation would be cost/prior years tax collections). So if war costs 5% of prior year IRS collections, and your total annual tax liability was $20,000, surtax is $1,000 added on.

Now lets watch them wave the flag as they pay for wars in their own era.

Nice rant, too bad it isn't quite true. The deficit was higher from '41-45 (in inflation adjusted dollars) then any time when major fighting was going on in Iraq. As a matter of fact, it was higher than at any time until Obama came along and drove huge increases in spending. The things we are passing on for future generations to pay for really are the Obama stimulus, Obamacare and of course interest on the debt. But I agree...we desperately need to quit spending money we don't have and quit passing on debt to future generations. I don't have an issue with a "war surcharge" as you propose. When our elected leaders involve us in a war, everyone should pay.

[bobtn]

Not a rant, nor specific to any war. Just a belief that the present generation should pay for its war every single time.

In that scenario, war costs should be considered independent of the current domestic budget.

[Philip T]

Originally Posted by Toyman at Jewel Lake

Nice rant, too bad it isn't quite true. The deficit was higher from '41-45 (in inflation adjusted dollars) then any time when major fighting was going on in Iraq. As a matter of fact, it was higher than at any time until Obama came along and drove huge increases in spending.

Neither is that quite true. Bushco was running the Endless War(s) off the books. Less deficit because it was being rolled straight into the debt. O and the (D)s started putting it on the books as legit accounting. You fell for the lie(s). (again?)

The things we are passing on for future generations to pay for really are the Obama stimulus, Obamacare and of course interest on the debt. But I agree...we desperately need to quit spending money we don't have and quit passing on debt to future generations.

Much of the Stimulus was at least spent IN the US and it did seem to help arrest the collapse. Good Trick on that pony. You know we can stop paying interest on the debt any time we want? Just the Bankers and Wealthy would be less than pleased.

I don't have an issue with a "war surcharge" as you propose. When our elected leaders involve us in a war, everyone should pay.

Perot had that claim, as well. Not been popular with the MIC.

[A Common Anomaly]

Obamacare is not the main driver of our deficits. In fact, it has not even kicked in.

Plus, Obama is one of the most Conservative spenders in modern day history.

Please stop your bullocks.

[Toyman at Jewel Lake]

Still want to try to argue that the issue is defense spending???