Wealthy Don't Pay Enough Taxes

Well, the title of this post is a little tongue and cheek. First of all, I am not a wealthy person. I live in a modest home, drive modest/used cars, have a "dining out" budget and go on one vacation per year within driving distance. So, I don't have any bias here against the poor or rich for that matter.

I was prompted from a recent lecture to look at why democrats continue to waive the flag that the wealthy don't pay enough tax or get too many tax breaks. The general sentiment from the dems made me feel really sorry for the poor. One poorer person might make a few bucks then Uncle Sam swoops in to just take it away. No food or shelter tonight folks, pockets empty...

That scenario is simply not true. After searching the internet for such discussion, I discovered that Rush Limbough(spelling), made this argument years ago when the flat tax was a hot issue. However, since then, he has moved on to other topics. So what is the truth you ask? Well, I never thought the IRS was my friend, but in this case, they are very open with the stats of their business - collecting income for the running of our country. Thank you federal government! My discovery was astounding:

In 2004 (the most recent published data), the total tax share - that's who paid what portion of all federal reserve collections for the year 2004, is as follows:

The top 1% AGI Earners -- paid 36.89% of the fed reserves total collections

The top 5% AGI Earners -- paid 57.13% of the fed reserves total collections

The top 10% AGI Earners -- paid 68.19% of the fed reserves total collections

The top 25% AGI Earners -- paid 84.86% of the fed reserves total collections

The top 50% AGI Earners -- paid 96.70% of the fed reserves total collections

That means that 50% of the bottom AGI wage earners pay 3.30% into the pot to service our country. I won't address the idea that the bottom 50% of wage earner likely contributes to our country's expenses with special programs et.al. more than the top 50%, but I just don't see how this tax structure encourages success.

Heck, for the matter, for argument, let's look at it from another angle... From the statistics above, the top 5% of wage earners pay over 50% into the pot for government service that serves 100% of us. Hmm...

Taxing the successful just doesn't make since nor is it the American way. I am not for or against the poor or rich. Heck I am a middle class kind of guy here, but I am in favor for success incentives. Capitalism. The opportunity to succeed is what our country's success was built on, not mediocrity.

After reviewing the stats, I am amazed by the facts. Even in the midst, we still are the land of opportunity that I mention above. I just think about how much opportunity is lost due to myopic ideas on taxation instead of progressive. Woah, did I say "progressive". Isn't that the new buzzword for democrats? Aren't they now labeled "progressive" instead of "liberal"? Maybe we need to define the term progressive -- again tongue and cheek.

So, what am I going to do? For starters, I will pay my taxes next year. I mean, we do live in a free and safe country where I have the privilege to make a profit (though it's taxed out the butt), worship my God, and write about my concerns about our society, among many others. I will also pay more attention to what our future leaders stand for concerning the issue of tax.

Any thoughts out there?

Source: http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-soi/04in05tr.xls (all the way to the bottom)

Culture Clash.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but I'm left with only one... Really???





In case you can't read it San Santrio is Japanese and French Cuisine. Just in case you are familiar with the area, it's just down the way from Mr. Wang's.

Theming Class - Please Vote --->

I am taking a class at Samford that is photographic theming. This weeks theme is "simplicity". So, as you can figure, I am supposed to take a picture that portrays simplicity. I appreciate your vote, I am having a hard time deciding between the dog and flower. Vote on the side bar --->

Caught Red Handed

I caught the culprit eating my tomatoes. He better be careful where he steps -- my neighbor discovered that BB guns are legal in Birmingham and popped a couple this morning.

New Pics of Baby Girl

Welcome to Alabama Cindy Sheehan

So, I don't what to get too political here. That is not the purpose of this blog. However, I heard about a news story about Cindy Sheehan's visit to Montgomery. This is classic reporting here. It's kind of like, I'm watching a news report and a Jerry Springer show breaks out.

CLICK HERE FOR NEWS STORY

Now that you've seen the clip, a comment is necessary. Right? Well, Cindy's a nut. Don't get me wrong, the other guy is coming in a little hot, but maybe it's about time. I don't know. I can't stand that men and women are getting hurt and dying in Iraq. But, wake up. That has been happening forever -- it's the costs of freedom. Thank you troops for serving our country! It is your sacrifice that gives me the ability to write this blog and even Ms. Sheehan the right to speak her mind.

As I am left thinking about the news report, I just have one thought. Why do some answer a question with another question? Are they trying to hide something? Do they not have an answer? Get a policy and stand on it. That's what our President did. He may have made mistakes but at least the leader of our country has backbone. I respect that, and so does the rest of the world.

Again, welcome to Alabama Cindy. It might be a little easier in some other places. Good luck!

Squirrel!!!

Alright, really?

The squirrels are taking my harvest. Well the tomatos are going great (see April 9th post) with one exception -- the squirrels eating. Bear with me here, the details are important.

The squirrels pick ripe tomatos. Yep, the wait until the fruit is ripe. Then they take the tomato, to a nice sitting area on the side of our deck as if they were one of the family. They leave an uneaten half of the tomato in my eyesight to remind me of their little discovery!

Since, I have been scouring the web for ideas to humanely make them go away. Or at least quit eating my tomatos. I have tried:

(1) Used coffee grounds. They just like a nice brew early in the morning.

(2) Hot sauce sprayed on the plant leaves. It just makes for a nice salsa instead.

Any ideas are welcomed... Leave a comment.

Next try is a plastic snake or a chicken wire that completely covers our back yard. Yep! All four courners and even the top. Wife might veto. Hmm.

July Pictures

Rainy Day News

Yeah! Rain has been coming down for two days. The good kind of rain that falls slowly and soaks deep.

Not the "little stinging rain" [Forest Gump]
Not the "big ol' fat rain" [Forest Gump]
Not the "rain that comes in sideways" [Forest Gump]

Just good old summer slow rain. Thank the Lord!

Roll Over Beethoven

So lately many new things have been going on in the Duffey house. For example, Baby Girl and I went to the zoo a few weeks back when mom worked a weekend. We saw a cow, guinea fowl, and a goat. Sound like we went to the west Jefferson County 4-H fair? Nope. Just the Birmingham Zoo. Apparently there are many other "zoo-like" animals elsewhere, but we only made it to the Tribute to Alabama Animals area.

The zoo is a great place to take a child. It's a great place to learn about far away places and the animals that reside there. But, a newborn just thinks it's just another walk in the stroller.

Also, we have been very focused on the baby's development. We reference the baby's desk reference everytime she smiles, blinks, kicks, breathes, droules, sleeps... You get the idea.

Well again according to someone, it is time for the baby to roll over. Like a dog?

Baby Girl rolled over the other night... Well, since we can't touch her to help. That would negate any true roll over. We pushed down on the sofa in assistance creating a nice little trough - Grand Canyon - for her to roll into. Hmm. Does that count?