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Reading the OP, I see a demand for equal outcomes no matter what the effort one puts into their life. Equal opportunity means nothing, it's equal outcomes that define "fair".
I grew up in a two-bedroom shotgun house, close to a mill, and felt the vibrations every time the trains came by. It made me work that much harder to rise above it and get to where I am now.
My wife arrived in this country in 1996 with an overnight bag and $50 in her pocket. She now holds graduate degrees in Engineering and makes well over six figures on her own.
Different people require different motivations. Some are never motivated to better themselves and are quite content to allow others to provide for them.
I believe in the outcome which one makes for oneself. This country offers more opportunity than anywhere else on Earth. I believe in pulling my own weight and ask the same of others. I do not feel obligated to provide in any way for those who do not try. To me, a flat tax is quite fair. If you want more in your pocket, then work harder, or work smarter.
Rule #1: Life's Not Fair.
Get Over It and Move On.
Or Stay Stuck.
I Don't Care Either Way.
Who paid for her degrees? If you can't afford a degree, how do you get more in your pocket?
I looked up the average percent of Federal taxes paid for those 2 incomes. 0 and 20 were the result. And I looked up the yearly average cost of day care for 2 children. It's $10,400. Add in a car payment of $1800 a year plus $500 for insurance and another $2500 for gas (1 tank a week) and maintenance and you're already up to $15,200.
And while nobody may specifically say they're quitting due to high taxes, many do say they're quitting because the amount they take home after taxes and working expenses make the difference not worth It. And believe it or not, some people have the good sense to live below their means making 2 incomes nice, but not necessary. Those smart folks can ditch a job at any time.
I make less than $15K and I pay federal income and payroll taxes. What am I doing wrong?
Reading the OP, I see a demand for equal outcomes no matter what the effort one puts into their life. Equal opportunity means nothing, it's equal outcomes that define "fair".
I grew up in a two-bedroom shotgun house, close to a mill, and felt the vibrations every time the trains came by. It made me work that much harder to rise above it and get to where I am now.
My wife arrived in this country in 1996 with an overnight bag and $50 in her pocket. She now holds graduate degrees in Engineering and makes well over six figures on her own.
Different people require different motivations. Some are never motivated to better themselves and are quite content to allow others to provide for them.
I believe in the outcome which one makes for oneself. This country offers more opportunity than anywhere else on Earth. I believe in pulling my own weight and ask the same of others. I do not feel obligated to provide in any way for those who do not try. To me, a flat tax is quite fair. If you want more in your pocket, then work harder, or work smarter.
Rule #1: Life's Not Fair.
Get Over It and Move On.
Or Stay Stuck.
I Don't Care Either Way.
Well stated!
Many in this country see no longer see the United States as the "Land of Opportunity". They would like it to become "The Land of Guarantees" regardless of effort put forth.
Based on your idea of taxing people in exact proportion to their earnings, why would anyone in their right mind want a high paying job? Jobs with higher pay come with additional soft costs: more working hours, loss of personal and/ or family time, increased stress, larger student loans. Why would anyone want to be, say a surgeon, if their disposable income (after basic living expenses) would be the same as a Walmart greeter?
So you can pay the government to help the ones without cause we know how good federal government has ben
Well stated!
Many in this country see no longer see the United States as the "Land of Opportunity". They would like it to become "The Land of Guarantees" regardless of effort put forth.
It's liberal United States where no one needs to work
I also prefer a version of a Flat Tax for the Federal government. It would be based on all income from all sources, including criminal, and be applicable to all income over the 90th percentile. The rate would be set at a level needed to operate the Federal government without deficite and allow the Federal Debt to be retired in 20 years.
Who paid for her degrees? If you can't afford a degree, how do you get more in your pocket?
Find a way. They're out there but sometimes you have to work to find them. Sitting in Mommy's basement and whining is not a plan. Neither is sleeping late or partying. And no kids until you can take care of them ON YOUR OWN!
Her employer paid, as did mine for my grad work. Many offer educational benefits and are willing to invest in hard working employees who in turn have to invest the time and effort to earn the degrees. She started at the bottom, as an admin, showed interest, aptitude and dedication, and was provided opportunities. She had a B.S. from her native country. We had an evaluation done which resulted in her receiving credit for that part of her education. She took a lot of prepatory classes and was accepted into a graduate Engineering program. She's now in a senior technical position.
If one's employer doesn't offer such benefits, then find another who does. It takes work, people!! Find a career that means something - not Art History, Women's Studies, English, BasketWeaving, Music, etc. - and work towards more than a minimal existence. We have enough poets and dreamers (and losers). Don't expect that those working for a living are going to finance your wishes and happiness while you discover your special place in the Universe.
I also prefer a version of a Flat Tax for the Federal government. It would be based on all income from all sources, including criminal, and be applicable to all income over the 90th percentile. The rate would be set at a level needed to operate the Federal government without deficite and allow the Federal Debt to be retired in 20 years.
what presumtions on spending do you take in account, Spending will rise over 20 years unless you go a zero based budget for 20 years
I expect spending to increase at the inflation rate for most government activities (note: the cap on taxable Social Security income would also be eliminated and benefits restricted to people that really need them) with, hopefully a major decrease in Military spending as we realize our presumptive empire is costing us far more than it is worth.
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