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Past Rant: (3/30/01)

Tax Cuts and "Eating the Rich"
by
Derek

I, as some of you may know, work in a political office on the state level. So, as you can imagine, I read a lot and am "up" on many of the current issues affecting the government, both local and federal, of this nation. There is one topic I would like to discuss that really everyone should be aware of: The tax cut proposed by President Bush. This is probably the biggest and hottest topic of the year so far. It has received a lot of criticism, certainly a good amount of praise, but most of all it has speculation all over it. Now, how do I feel about this plan? Well I might have to get a little partisan here for a moment, but when I am done ranting on that, I will get to the reason for the title of this message and the purpose of the series.

The Bush tax cut, or restructure as I like to call it, is a very good plan. It is that simple. It will straiten up the tax code, allow families a bit of financial ease, and let all taxpaying Americans keep more of the money they earn. So why the counter argument, why oppose something that could do so much for so many? Well, it is a power struggle thing, really. I mean, the arguments the D's (Democrats) put up sound very convincing. And rightfully so, why should those that pay 39% of their income have their tax rate lowered to 33%. We should be asking these questions.

So really, come on, think about it, why should those that pay more get more back? That is not fair!

Well, really, it is. It is fair. It is fair because a lot people struggle today. Oh sure, they may seem to have it better than us, those six figure income people, but do they? I mean are we to punish a family that brings in $200,000 a year because they have a nicer house? Is achieving being discouraged? Is this what we want? And if any one of you think I am wrong here, think about what you are doing with your career now, and why you went to college and so on.

What the Dems are doing is trying to create a sort of "class war." Pitting the poorer, and usually minority, voters in this country, along with labor and the rest of the hippie tree hugger folks against the middle and upper classes. And you know what, this is OK. Yup, it is politics at its best, even somewhat Machiavellian. The only problem is that what the D's want is bad for America. Here's why: The title of this essay (in three parts....yeah!) is Culture Shifts, because that is what the focus will be, but more importantly it is an observation I have not been able to ignore of late. The reason the tax cut was brought up was because I saw it as the best example that I have so far to demonstrate my theory. Now, I will try to present this theory as best I can, and will try to get it all in today:

The culture shift I refer to is that of this hating of the rich. Yes, if you notice I said hate. Why? Well I am not sure I want to get into that yet, so let's stay with "what." The pop culture representation of America's reaction to the proposed presidential cuts has been that of pure animosity, especially towards those that will supposedly benefit from it. I have heard countless arguments that we should not let the top one percent have that much back, so much of: why do the lower classes have to take the brunt of footing the bill? When in reality that is not what is going to happen. It is true that those that pay more taxes will get a bigger cut and more money back. But isn't that always the way it works? The more you pay the more you get back? Those at the lower end will get breaks too, just not as large, but still in proportion to what they have paid. I even have a friend that would immediately benefit from the marriage restructuring. But all I see and hear is the liberal media bullies and TV people beating on the common sense factor of the tax cuts. But this is not because of the politics of it all.

There is a deepening fear and hatred of the rich, which translates into hatred of those that are successful. Sure the media might talk about it, but the system proves the fact that success is discouraged.

Take notice on how much the plan is discussed, then look for the Dem responses. I dare you to avoid the innate and glaring hatred for success in those statements. I will go on and hopefully further support my theory in rants to come. Til then, keep on thinking and not just reacting.