I would say that we have room to raise taxes. Some of the comments point out that if you figure in private sector health care spending, versus public sector health care in the other developed countries, we have similar amounts of spending versus GDP. Of course we also spend almost twice as much on health care as a percentage of GDP as these other countries. We really need single payer health care, along with higher taxes.
Of course we have to raise taxes. Nearly 50% of the US population doesn't even pay taxes. Unless you raise taxes on the dwindling folks who actually pay how else can you redistribute their wealth. . . legally. Folks have a tendency to get pretty upset when you "seize" their assets so its the simplest solution I guess.
ReplyDeleteSingle payer will eventually come to the US. Not sure when but I think its soon. My guess is that when this nearly 50% beomes 50.1%. What's the downside for them? No skin in the game. A little scary in my mind. At that point unless your super wealthy the average person might as well sell everything they have and essentially check out and join the new majority. While it sounds a little extreme and I don't think it creates a sustainable future; I'm not sure it can be avoided.
Actually, nearly 50% of the population didn't pay net federal income taxes. All of those people who have a job, plus their employers paid federal payroll tax, the worker paid (if applicable) state income tax, city income tax, sales tax, etc.
ReplyDeleteThe trope that nearly 50% of people don't pay taxes just isn't true.
I used to feel the need to correct people too but I have to agree with the first post in principle. I say that for two reasons. 1) The person gets all of that payroll tax back (and likely more) in the form of Medicare and Social Security. 2) If they are not paying federal income tax they are probably taking more advantage of government programs funded by said taxes. When you add it up you essentially get back to that zero tax statement.
ReplyDeleteIn the end everybody is going to make the numbers add up to whatever agenda they are pushing. I try to keep an open mind but I'll admit I often tire of what appears to be an out of control downward spiral of dependency and handouts. Seems like I recall the percentage of people not paying federal income tax is up like 10% in just the past 5 years? I’m ok with paying taxes but I’m beginning to think I’m soon going to be the last person left doing so!
I see what you are saying, but I wouldn't trade places with the folks who aren't paying federal taxes. Unless Jim Jordan. Paul Ryan and their buddies get their way, I'll be paying taxes along with you.
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