How to Fix America

What do you think about the world?
Post Reply
User avatar
Leonaerd
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 3023
Joined: January 10, 2005, 10:38 am
Location: Michigan

How to Fix America

Post by Leonaerd »

1) Stop lifetime benefits for part time politicians.
2) 25% penalty tax on any item not made in the USA
3) Limited time available to draw welfare
4) Reimplementation of the CCC for any able bodied person on Government assistance.
5) Temporarily suspend the right to vote for any able bodied person drawing government assistance.
6) Regulated pricing on Gas, Utilities, Food and Health Care.
7) Limit foreign aid.
8) Flat 15% Federal income tax on everyone, NO deductions, NO exemptions.
9) Balanced Federal Budget or all politicians forfeit their pay.

Stolen from the top comment on a random financial article.
8) Flat 15% Federal income tax on everyone, NO deductions, NO exemptions.
Nahh. How about a flat tax at a minimum threshold of earnings, depending on cost of living. 15% at or above $100k in Michigan, $150k in NYC, with a fitting regression as income approaches poverty.
User avatar
Aslanna
Super Poster!
Super Poster!
Posts: 12372
Joined: July 3, 2002, 12:57 pm

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Aslanna »

Fix? I didn't know it was broken.

2) Not everything can be made in America so... No.
3) So what happens if they're actually making an effort and they still need assistance?
4) I don't know what a CCC is.
5) No. Although it's obvious a Republican came up with this one.
Have You Hugged An Iksar Today?

--
User avatar
Aabidano
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 4861
Joined: July 19, 2002, 2:23 pm
Gender: Male
Location: Florida

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Aabidano »

2) Imports are OK, imports from countries that screw us financially with no repercussions aren't. China is by far the worst offender at present.

3) The vast majority of Welfare recipients are short term. "Career" and mufti-generational are an exception.

Congressional/Senatorial perks/benefits are an ongoing crime. The automated cost of living raises they voted themselves 20 years ago as well. Pegging congressional benefits to military & military retiree benefits might add a sanity check to it.

6) We'd get shafted worse than we do now.
"Life is what happens while you're making plans for later."
User avatar
Asheran Mojomaster
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 1457
Joined: November 22, 2002, 8:56 pm
Location: In The Cloud

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Asheran Mojomaster »

5)
No. Just no...I was going to say that would skew all elections in favor of the Republican Party, but that isn't really true. 90% of the people I know on government assistance (Medicaid, food stamps, etc) are Republicans, but they should not be stripped of their right to vote.

I was on food stamps myself, for a short period of time, and my son was on Medicaid for quite a while. At this point I have more than paid for it in taxes, and I would have been PISSED if that had kept me from voting even once.
Image
User avatar
Boogahz
Super Poster!
Super Poster!
Posts: 9438
Joined: July 6, 2002, 2:00 pm
Gender: Male
XBL Gamertag: corin12
PSN ID: boog144
Location: Austin, TX
Contact:

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Boogahz »

Not such a smart list
User avatar
Leonaerd
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 3023
Joined: January 10, 2005, 10:38 am
Location: Michigan

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Leonaerd »

Yeahp, it's not a great list. Some of it points in the right direction, though.
Fix? I didn't know it was broken.
Fiscal cliff.
User avatar
Tyek
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 2288
Joined: December 9, 2002, 5:52 pm
Gender: Male
XBL Gamertag: Tyekk
PSN ID: Tyek
Location: UCLA and Notre Dame

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Tyek »

Leonaerd wrote:Yeahp, it's not a great list. Some of it points in the right direction, though.
Fix? I didn't know it was broken.
Fiscal cliff.
Just did my taxes..it sucks My tax guy says lots of people are going to be pissed this year. I am about to get my 4th qtr bonus and they will tax me 46% like they did every quarterly bonus, but really going to hurt with this one. I donate lots of money and time. Wife and I have 1 for exemptions and still going to owe 6000 dollars. I would love a 15% flat tax.
When I was younger, I used to think that the world was doing it to me and that the world owes me some thing…When you're a teeny bopper, that's what you think. I'm 40 now, I don't think that anymore, because I found out it doesn't f--king work. One has to go through that. For the people who even bother to go through that, most assholes just accept what it is anyway and get on with it." - John Lennon
User avatar
Spang
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 4811
Joined: September 23, 2003, 10:34 am
Gender: Male
Location: Tennessee

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Spang »

How to Fix America
Abolish capitalism, imperialism and the patriarchy.

Shorter list, better results.
Make love, fuck war, peace will save us.
User avatar
Aabidano
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 4861
Joined: July 19, 2002, 2:23 pm
Gender: Male
Location: Florida

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Aabidano »

Spang wrote:Abolish capitalism, imperialism and the patriarchy.

Shorter list, better results.
The problem is, what do you replace it with? People still being people after all. Our present situation is far from perfect but the system is fixable and a decent compromise overall - looking at the long term results of the alternatives.

If people would look at what the politicians actually do, as opposed to what they say things might change.
"Life is what happens while you're making plans for later."
User avatar
Spang
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 4811
Joined: September 23, 2003, 10:34 am
Gender: Male
Location: Tennessee

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Spang »

Aabidano wrote:If people would look at what the politicians actually do, as opposed to what they say things might change.
The politicians in Congress say a lot and do very little. These current batch of winners have done less than the 80th Congress Harry Truman dubbed the "Do Nothing Congress".
Make love, fuck war, peace will save us.
User avatar
Tyek
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 2288
Joined: December 9, 2002, 5:52 pm
Gender: Male
XBL Gamertag: Tyekk
PSN ID: Tyek
Location: UCLA and Notre Dame

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Tyek »

Agree completely that the current batch of government is useless, but still do not know what you replace it with??

I am not in favor of any socialist system where I work hard, some guy does not and we get the same things. You see it in Unions today. They did great things once. Now they seem to reward and protect the weakest members of their union. Guys who should be fired, potentially create dangerous conditions and they are obligated to protect them. (A-ROD included)

And the Communist countries are as bad or worse. A Few connected Governmental people and friends live like Rock stars, everyone else lives like shit.

I have worked hard, have a very successful track record. Should I not be rewarded for that over the guy who does not? I would not mind paying as much as I do if I thought it was actually helping the system, but I feel like 6-7 dollars of every 10 I pay goes to the goverment officials or their buddies.
When I was younger, I used to think that the world was doing it to me and that the world owes me some thing…When you're a teeny bopper, that's what you think. I'm 40 now, I don't think that anymore, because I found out it doesn't f--king work. One has to go through that. For the people who even bother to go through that, most assholes just accept what it is anyway and get on with it." - John Lennon
Fairweather Pure
Super Poster!
Super Poster!
Posts: 8509
Joined: July 3, 2002, 1:06 pm
XBL Gamertag: SillyEskimo

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Fairweather Pure »

Tyek wrote:I am not in favor of any socialist system where I work hard, some guy does not and we get the same things. You see it in Unions today. They did great things once. Now they seem to reward and protect the weakest members of their union. Guys who should be fired, potentially create dangerous conditions and they are obligated to protect them. (A-ROD included)
I think that's an easy out when it comes to Unions. It's like pointing out that someone died while waiting in the ER and no one noticed, so all of the Health Care industry is shit. Perhaps more appropriately would be a comparison to our justice system which struggles to defend an obvious criminal. It's low hanging fruit, and disingenuous.

Just a few things Unions gave us that people take for granted:

-The end of child labor
- The right of workers to negotiate with their employers over wages, benefits and working conditions
- The 8 hour work day and paid overtime
- Compensation for workers injured on the job.
- Unemployment insurance.
- A minimum wage
- Pensions
- Healthcare insurance
- Paid sick leave, vacations and holidays
- Elimination of job discrimination by ethnicity, color, religion, sex or national origin
- Family medical leave

You can look at line graphs and see the devaluation of employees, the middle class, income, and a plethora more that will trend right along side declining Union memberships.

When there were Unions protecting the employees and working in their favor, the US did not have the unbelievably lopsided pay difference between CEO and employee. There were more Unions around when America was at it's peak than there are now when it is trending downward. Taking a step back and seeing exactly who started and continues the war on Unions make me think we should see a resurgence. For example, I wish every employee at Wal-Mart was in a Union.

Full disclosure - I really kind of hate Unions. I have had minimal interaction with a few smaller ones and they've all been quite useless. But the big ones have real power, and if used correctly that is something the American worker could really use right now.
User avatar
Spang
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 4811
Joined: September 23, 2003, 10:34 am
Gender: Male
Location: Tennessee

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Spang »

Tyek wrote:Agree completely that the current batch of government is useless, but still do not know what you replace it with??
Tyek wrote:I would not mind paying as much as I do if I thought it was actually helping the system, but I feel like 6-7 dollars of every 10 I pay goes to the goverment officials or their buddies.
If you don't like a system where the politicians, corporations and wealthy have the power, then you may want to consider a system where the people have the power.
Make love, fuck war, peace will save us.
User avatar
Tyek
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 2288
Joined: December 9, 2002, 5:52 pm
Gender: Male
XBL Gamertag: Tyekk
PSN ID: Tyek
Location: UCLA and Notre Dame

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Tyek »

Spang wrote:
Tyek wrote:Agree completely that the current batch of government is useless, but still do not know what you replace it with??
Tyek wrote:I would not mind paying as much as I do if I thought it was actually helping the system, but I feel like 6-7 dollars of every 10 I pay goes to the goverment officials or their buddies.
If you don't like a system where the politicians, corporations and wealthy have the power, then you may want to consider a system where the people have the power.
What system is that?
When I was younger, I used to think that the world was doing it to me and that the world owes me some thing…When you're a teeny bopper, that's what you think. I'm 40 now, I don't think that anymore, because I found out it doesn't f--king work. One has to go through that. For the people who even bother to go through that, most assholes just accept what it is anyway and get on with it." - John Lennon
User avatar
Spang
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 4811
Joined: September 23, 2003, 10:34 am
Gender: Male
Location: Tennessee

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Spang »

Tyek wrote:
Spang wrote:If you don't like a system where the politicians, corporations and wealthy have the power, then you may want to consider a system where the people have the power.
What system is that?
You wouldn't like it.
Make love, fuck war, peace will save us.
User avatar
Aabidano
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 4861
Joined: July 19, 2002, 2:23 pm
Gender: Male
Location: Florida

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Aabidano »

Change!!!

There, all better. Let's move on in our wonderful republic.
"Life is what happens while you're making plans for later."
User avatar
Winnow
Super Poster!
Super Poster!
Posts: 27525
Joined: July 5, 2002, 1:56 pm
Location: A Special Place in Hell

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Winnow »

Spang has a case of "grass is greener on the other side" syndrome except he also eats grass.
User avatar
Tyek
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 2288
Joined: December 9, 2002, 5:52 pm
Gender: Male
XBL Gamertag: Tyekk
PSN ID: Tyek
Location: UCLA and Notre Dame

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Tyek »

Spang wrote:
Tyek wrote:
Spang wrote:If you don't like a system where the politicians, corporations and wealthy have the power, then you may want to consider a system where the people have the power.
What system is that?
You wouldn't like it.
trust me, neither would you.
When I was younger, I used to think that the world was doing it to me and that the world owes me some thing…When you're a teeny bopper, that's what you think. I'm 40 now, I don't think that anymore, because I found out it doesn't f--king work. One has to go through that. For the people who even bother to go through that, most assholes just accept what it is anyway and get on with it." - John Lennon
User avatar
Canelek
Super Poster!
Super Poster!
Posts: 9380
Joined: July 3, 2002, 1:23 pm
Gender: Male
XBL Gamertag: Canelek
Location: Portland, OR

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Canelek »

It sounds a lot like the old, "I want what you have without working for it" argument. All whining with no real solutions. Hooray Utopian society!! weeeeeueueuwuuwuwuu
en kærlighed småkager
User avatar
Tyek
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 2288
Joined: December 9, 2002, 5:52 pm
Gender: Male
XBL Gamertag: Tyekk
PSN ID: Tyek
Location: UCLA and Notre Dame

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Tyek »

Canelek wrote:It sounds a lot like the old, "I want what you have without working for it" argument. All whining with no real solutions. Hooray Utopian society!! weeeeeueueuwuuwuwuu
I was thinking the same thing.

Utopia, where you get the stuff I need for me without me doing anything. Sounds like my 18 year old and my 16 year old.
When I was younger, I used to think that the world was doing it to me and that the world owes me some thing…When you're a teeny bopper, that's what you think. I'm 40 now, I don't think that anymore, because I found out it doesn't f--king work. One has to go through that. For the people who even bother to go through that, most assholes just accept what it is anyway and get on with it." - John Lennon
User avatar
Tyek
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 2288
Joined: December 9, 2002, 5:52 pm
Gender: Male
XBL Gamertag: Tyekk
PSN ID: Tyek
Location: UCLA and Notre Dame

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Tyek »

Tyek wrote:
Leonaerd wrote:Yeahp, it's not a great list. Some of it points in the right direction, though.
Fix? I didn't know it was broken.
Fiscal cliff.
Just did my taxes..it sucks My tax guy says lots of people are going to be pissed this year. I am about to get my 4th qtr bonus and they will tax me 46% like they did every quarterly bonus, but really going to hurt with this one. I donate lots of money and time. Wife and I have 1 for exemptions and still going to owe 6000 dollars. I would love a 15% flat tax.
Got the check, yep 46% of it is GONE.
When I was younger, I used to think that the world was doing it to me and that the world owes me some thing…When you're a teeny bopper, that's what you think. I'm 40 now, I don't think that anymore, because I found out it doesn't f--king work. One has to go through that. For the people who even bother to go through that, most assholes just accept what it is anyway and get on with it." - John Lennon
Dakanaf
Gets Around
Gets Around
Posts: 175
Joined: November 13, 2002, 9:49 pm

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Dakanaf »

So I guess you could say they cut you a check.
User avatar
Chidoro
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 3428
Joined: July 3, 2002, 6:45 pm

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Chidoro »

Tyek wrote:
Canelek wrote:It sounds a lot like the old, "I want what you have without working for it" argument. All whining with no real solutions. Hooray Utopian society!! weeeeeueueuwuuwuwuu
I was thinking the same thing.

Utopia, where you get the stuff I need for me without me doing anything. Sounds like my 18 year old and my 16 year old.
not exactly sure why you would think spang would grow intellectually
he doesn't seem to understand that you can't mix lumping the very wealthy who can loophole and bury money all over the world with people who work hard to do better but are technically scraping by.
People aren’t equal. They don’t think the same things, they don’t offer the same benefits to society, they do not possess the intellectual capacity as each other. Not surprising that one of the dumber individuals I have come across would want to try and make everyone equal.
User avatar
Funkmasterr
Super Poster!
Super Poster!
Posts: 9005
Joined: July 7, 2002, 9:12 pm
Gender: Male
XBL Gamertag: Dandelo19
PSN ID: ToPsHoTTa471

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Funkmasterr »

Tyek wrote:
Leonaerd wrote:Yeahp, it's not a great list. Some of it points in the right direction, though.
Fix? I didn't know it was broken.
Fiscal cliff.
Just did my taxes..it sucks My tax guy says lots of people are going to be pissed this year. I am about to get my 4th qtr bonus and they will tax me 46% like they did every quarterly bonus, but really going to hurt with this one. I donate lots of money and time. Wife and I have 1 for exemptions and still going to owe 6000 dollars. I would love a 15% flat tax.
I guess my cousin and I got lucky. We both did our taxes earlier this week and got more than double what we've ever got in the past. I'm happy.
User avatar
Aslanna
Super Poster!
Super Poster!
Posts: 12372
Joined: July 3, 2002, 12:57 pm

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Aslanna »

Mine stayed about the same. But I don't make 6 figures and as a contractor I don't get bonuses where I am at. 54% is better than 0%.

Having said that I think the tax system could use an overhaul.
Have You Hugged An Iksar Today?

--
User avatar
Tyek
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 2288
Joined: December 9, 2002, 5:52 pm
Gender: Male
XBL Gamertag: Tyekk
PSN ID: Tyek
Location: UCLA and Notre Dame

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Tyek »

Aslanna wrote:Mine stayed about the same. But I don't make 6 figures and as a contractor I don't get bonuses where I am at. 54% is better than 0%.

Having said that I think the tax system could use an overhaul.
Between my paycheck and bonus I lost out of over 20K in taxes last check. Obviously the bonus is what hurt me, but it was PAINFUL. If I thought it would do people some good I would be ok with it. I just have no faith it will do anything for anyone.

I agree 54% is better than 0 and I appreciate my job. I make great money to hang out with smart, great people. Still sucks to see that much out the window. Then they want 6K more on top of it, with both of us filing 1 on exemptions. Had to pay some ATM tax, medical expenses not allowed, school expenses for son not allowed, also down to last 15 years on house so that number was Way down this year suddenly.

I would definitely enjoy a 15% tax like someone mentioned.
When I was younger, I used to think that the world was doing it to me and that the world owes me some thing…When you're a teeny bopper, that's what you think. I'm 40 now, I don't think that anymore, because I found out it doesn't f--king work. One has to go through that. For the people who even bother to go through that, most assholes just accept what it is anyway and get on with it." - John Lennon
User avatar
Tyek
Way too much time!
Way too much time!
Posts: 2288
Joined: December 9, 2002, 5:52 pm
Gender: Male
XBL Gamertag: Tyekk
PSN ID: Tyek
Location: UCLA and Notre Dame

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Tyek »

Funkmasterr wrote:
Tyek wrote:
Leonaerd wrote:Yeahp, it's not a great list. Some of it points in the right direction, though.
Fix? I didn't know it was broken.
Fiscal cliff.
Just did my taxes..it sucks My tax guy says lots of people are going to be pissed this year. I am about to get my 4th qtr bonus and they will tax me 46% like they did every quarterly bonus, but really going to hurt with this one. I donate lots of money and time. Wife and I have 1 for exemptions and still going to owe 6000 dollars. I would love a 15% flat tax.
I guess my cousin and I got lucky. We both did our taxes earlier this week and got more than double what we've ever got in the past. I'm happy.
Glad to hear not everyone got hosed.
When I was younger, I used to think that the world was doing it to me and that the world owes me some thing…When you're a teeny bopper, that's what you think. I'm 40 now, I don't think that anymore, because I found out it doesn't f--king work. One has to go through that. For the people who even bother to go through that, most assholes just accept what it is anyway and get on with it." - John Lennon
Fairweather Pure
Super Poster!
Super Poster!
Posts: 8509
Joined: July 3, 2002, 1:06 pm
XBL Gamertag: SillyEskimo

Re: How to Fix America

Post by Fairweather Pure »

Our taxes were a little under 20% less. However, we're in a new house this year and our household income increased about 15% year over year. We made a lot more than they took!

My wife's bonus was fantastic, but the tax hit is cringe worthy when you see it on a single check!
Post Reply