billvon 3,116 #26 February 10, 2011 >how much blood do the Big Government Parasites want to suck? Oddly enough, less than the Red Parasite States, the Horrible Parasite Welfare Recipients, the Big Business Corporate Parasites and the Special Interest Parasites want to suck from the government. Which makes it a pretty good deal if money is your objective - at least for a little while. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #27 February 10, 2011 Quote>how much blood do the Big Government Parasites want to suck? Oddly enough, less than the Red Parasite States, the Horrible Parasite Welfare Recipients, the Big Business Corporate Parasites and the Special Interest Parasites want to suck from the government. Which makes it a pretty good deal if money is your objective - at least for a little while. Sad isn't it? My local Community College is offering classes to learn to speak Chinese. I guess I better get enrolled in a course before they fill. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennedy 0 #28 February 10, 2011 QuoteMost of us already pay way more than 50% how much blood do the Big Government Parasites want to suck?? That's easy. The answer is always "more."witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,116 #29 February 10, 2011 >That's easy. The answer is always "more." Which, oddly enough, is the same answer everyone gives when they are asked how much more they want from their government. Everyone is (unfortunately) getting what they ask for. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennedy 0 #30 February 10, 2011 Not everyone Bill. Personally the only thing I want more of from the government is more protections of liberty and personal freedom. There are a lot of things I want less of: intrusion into personal matters, debt spending, federalization of jobs the private sector can accomplish as well or better, etc etc. I wouldn't mind a flat tax. I wouldn't mind staying with a system like what we've got now (I do despise the estate tax though). I wouldn't mind significant cuts to programs across the board. Look at cities and businesses. Their biggest expenses in mist cases are pensions and benefits. Who thinks the government is somehow going to come up with a better solution than the entire private sector?witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,116 #31 February 10, 2011 >Who thinks the government is somehow going to come up with a better solution >than the entire private sector? They often do. The US interstate system, the Saturn program, the shuttle program, the Manhattan project - all done much better than any private organization could have managed. But, of course, there are a lot of solutions that are better managed by private industry. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennedy 0 #32 February 10, 2011 I was referring to the specific issues of budgeting and managing resources. Government has never been able to match private industry in that area. But obviously there are areas that are the domain of government. Providing for the common defense, regulating commerce between the states, providing courts to protect citizens rights. You know, the whole constitutional thing.witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,116 #33 February 10, 2011 >I was referring to the specific issues of budgeting and managing resources. Right. And as I was saying, they are very good at that in some areas, not good in many others. It would be a bad idea to just turn over veteran's health care to the lowest bidder and walk away, for example. >Providing for the common defense, regulating commerce between the states, >providing courts to protect citizens rights. You know, the whole constitutional thing. Right. Providing for the general welfare is in there too. Pretty sure the space program or veteran's hospitals aren't mentioned, though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,148 #34 February 10, 2011 QuoteQuoteWhatever a fair share may be (and I think the concept of "fair" makes no sense in the context of taxes), Great job not answering the question. How much do you want to tax people is a simple question. YOu want to take 40%? 50%? How much do you think is fair? Apparently you didn't bother to read what I wrote. Here, try again: I think the concept of "fair" makes no sense in the context of taxes.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 226 #35 February 10, 2011 QuoteQuoteQuoteWhatever a fair share may be (and I think the concept of "fair" makes no sense in the context of taxes), Great job not answering the question. How much do you want to tax people is a simple question. YOu want to take 40%? 50%? How much do you think is fair? Apparently you didn't bother to read what I wrote. Here, try again: I think the concept of "fair" makes no sense in the context of taxes. OK - What would consider just and appropriate then?I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kelpdiver 2 #36 February 10, 2011 Quote]Imagine a parallel universe where the Great Crash of 2008 was followed by a Tea Party of a very different kind. Enraged citizens gather in every city, week after week—to demand the government finally regulate the behavior of corporations and the superrich, and force them to start paying taxes. The protesters shut down the shops and offices of the companies that have most aggressively ripped off the country. The swelling movement is made up of everyone from teenagers to pensioners. They surround branches of the banks that caused this crash and force them to close, with banners saying, You Caused This Crisis. Now YOU Pay. seems like this would hurt the people who rely on that bank branch much more then the executives in the home office. I guess it works in alter.net though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dreamdancer 0 #37 February 10, 2011 QuoteThe Swiss bank Credit Suisse is edging towards closing the accounts of thousands of American customers as tax authorities in Washington step up a campaign against offshore banking secrecy. According to reports in the Swiss media, Credit Suisse has between 2,500 and 5,000 US clients with Sfr3bn (£1.78bn) in accounts undeclared to the Internal Revenue Service. A Sunday paper, Sonntagszeitung, reported that customers are being given a choice of moving their money to a subsidiary, CS Private Advisers, which would declare financial details to the US authorities. Alternatively, they will be sent a cheque for the balance of their funds. The move marks an escalation in a confrontation between the US authorities and Switzerland's age-old tradition of banking privacy. In February, Credit Suisse's larger rival, UBS, paid a $780m (£526m) fine to settle a prosecution by the US justice department for allegedly aiding tax evasion. As part of the settlement, UBS took the highly unusual step of revealing the names of some 250 of its customers to the department. http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2009/apr/13/credit-suisse-us-tax-avoidancestay away from moving propellers - they bite blue skies from thai sky adventures good solid response-provoking keyboarding Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dreamdancer 0 #38 February 10, 2011 QuoteThree years after the financial crisis, the backlash against the banks has not abated: in fact, it seems to be spreading to big business. This wasn’t supposed to happen. Unlike the bankers, most business leaders steered their companies through adverse conditions rather skilfully. But now that people are starting to feel the pain of spending cuts and tax rises, British business is in danger of losing the battle for hearts and minds. The weekend before last, protesters blockaded Vodafone and Topshop stores to protest against – entirely legal – corporate tax-dodging, on the grounds that if big businesses dutifully paid all their taxes, there would be no need for the Government to impose painful spending cuts. Barclays, Boots and HSBC are also on the hit list of UK Uncut, the protest group that has been co-ordinating action around the country. It’s a dubious argument, not least because the amount of unpaid tax is often entirely notional, but it has struck a chord. And the situation wasn’t helped when Kraft, with its usual impeccable timing, announced that it was moving parts of Cadbury, which it acquired earlier this year, to Switzerland, land of artisanal chocolate-making traditions and low tax rates. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/tracycorrigan/8203024/Tax-protests-Nice-companies-or-job-creators.htmlstay away from moving propellers - they bite blue skies from thai sky adventures good solid response-provoking keyboarding Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dreamdancer 0 #39 February 10, 2011 QuoteThe use of social media such as Twitter in mobilising collectives such as UK Uncut is described as posing new dilemmas. UK Uncut protests have involved targeting high-street company outlets accused of tax avoidance. Campaigners have shut down scores of shops and bank branches across the UK in recent months. They have proved largely peaceful, but police have at times appeared confused over how to respond. A Met officer was criticised for spraying CS gas at UK Uncut campaigners after they protested angrily at the arrest of one of their number who had tried to post leaflets through the door of a Boots shop. The report states the recent student protests highlighted the difficulty in gathering intelligence. Most of those arrested had no police record, the report said. "Foreseeing the character of events will prove more difficult and, in some cases, their nature and mood will only become apparent on the day," the report states. "What seems evident is a willingness to disrupt the public and test police." http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/feb/09/police-uk-protest-movement?INTCMP=SRCHstay away from moving propellers - they bite blue skies from thai sky adventures good solid response-provoking keyboarding Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 226 #40 February 10, 2011 We have all noticed a few things: 1) You still cannot seem to answer the questions that I have posted to you in the past. 2) You cannot seem to post without pasting a link, showing us that there is no substance that you have personally, and must use the the writings and thoughts of others 3) You cannot seem to answer anyone elses questions directly or completely. Why is that, do you think?I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #41 February 10, 2011 I'm wondering why the current owners of DZ.Com haven't sent a bill to Alternet for all the free advertising. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
futuredivot 0 #42 February 10, 2011 No click-through traffic. Even we're not silly enough to waste time reading that crap-Well, most of us aren't.You are only as strong as the prey you devour Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,148 #43 February 10, 2011 Hey Turtle, Do you think all those Americans with secret accounts in Swiss banks like Credit Suisse, you know, the ones that the IRS is going after, are poor, middle class, or wealthy?... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 226 #44 February 10, 2011 QuoteHey Turtle, Do you think all those Americans with secret accounts in Swiss banks like Credit Suisse, you know, the ones that the IRS is going after, are poor, middle class, or wealthy? Middle and Wealthy, why?I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,148 #45 February 10, 2011 Quote Quote Hey Turtle, Do you think all those Americans with secret accounts in Swiss banks like Credit Suisse, you know, the ones that the IRS is going after, are poor, middle class, or wealthy? Middle and Wealthy, why? All those school teachers, middle managers, and other middle class folk like your local dry cleaner or gas station owner - yep, I can see them salting away millions in Swiss banks.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 226 #46 February 10, 2011 Quote Quote Quote Hey Turtle, Do you think all those Americans with secret accounts in Swiss banks like Credit Suisse, you know, the ones that the IRS is going after, are poor, middle class, or wealthy? Middle and Wealthy, why? All those school teachers, middle managers, and other middle class folk like your local dry cleaner or gas station owner - yep, I can see them salting away millions in Swiss banks. So you know Achmed, from down the street?I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #47 February 10, 2011 Quote Quote Quote Hey Turtle, Do you think all those Americans with secret accounts in Swiss banks like Credit Suisse, you know, the ones that the IRS is going after, are poor, middle class, or wealthy? Middle and Wealthy, why? All those school teachers, middle managers, and other middle class folk like your local dry cleaner or gas station owner - yep, I can see them salting away millions in Swiss banks. There was a Chinese guy who died a few years ago who owned a dry cleaners and was worth $millions. Do you have any idea of what the profit margins are in that business? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kallend 2,148 #48 February 11, 2011 Quote Quote Quote Quote Hey Turtle, Do you think all those Americans with secret accounts in Swiss banks like Credit Suisse, you know, the ones that the IRS is going after, are poor, middle class, or wealthy? Middle and Wealthy, why? All those school teachers, middle managers, and other middle class folk like your local dry cleaner or gas station owner - yep, I can see them salting away millions in Swiss banks. There was a Chinese guy who died a few years ago who owned a dry cleaners and was worth $millions. Do you have any idea of what the profit margins are in that business? I do indeed, I was in partnership in owning an airplane for 17 years with a guy who owned a chain of dry cleaning stores. I'll ask him about his Swiss bank account. Next.... The only sure way to survive a canopy collision is not to have one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #49 February 11, 2011 Quote Quote Quote Quote Quote Hey Turtle, Do you think all those Americans with secret accounts in Swiss banks like Credit Suisse, you know, the ones that the IRS is going after, are poor, middle class, or wealthy? Middle and Wealthy, why? All those school teachers, middle managers, and other middle class folk like your local dry cleaner or gas station owner - yep, I can see them salting away millions in Swiss banks. There was a Chinese guy who died a few years ago who owned a dry cleaners and was worth $millions. Do you have any idea of what the profit margins are in that business? I do indeed, I was in partnership in owning an airplane for 17 years with a guy who owned a chain of dry cleaning stores. I'll ask him about his Swiss bank account. Next. If he admits to having one then he probably doesn't. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
turtlespeed 226 #50 February 11, 2011 Quote Quote Quote Quote Quote Hey Turtle, Do you think all those Americans with secret accounts in Swiss banks like Credit Suisse, you know, the ones that the IRS is going after, are poor, middle class, or wealthy? Middle and Wealthy, why? All those school teachers, middle managers, and other middle class folk like your local dry cleaner or gas station owner - yep, I can see them salting away millions in Swiss banks. There was a Chinese guy who died a few years ago who owned a dry cleaners and was worth $millions. Do you have any idea of what the profit margins are in that business? I do indeed, I was in partnership in owning an airplane for 17 years with a guy who owned a chain of dry cleaning stores. I'll ask him about his Swiss bank account. Next. why would he tell you if its a secret?I'm not usually into the whole 3-way thing, but you got me a little excited with that. - Skymama BTR #1 / OTB^5 Official #2 / Hellfish #408 / VSCR #108/Tortuga/Orfun Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
