Evaluation of the policies of George W. Bush and his Republican conservatives on America.
Published on February 18, 2007 By COL Gene In Politics



Today Ben Stein, a regular on Fox news, was being interviewed. He was discussing the need to begin saving early for retirement. The discussion then turned to taxes when one of the Fox Commentators’ asked Stein if it was true that about 75% of Income taxes are paid by the top 20% of the taxpayers. Mr. Stein responded that was correct. He then said that is because most of the wealth is held by the top 10% in this country. He went onto say that 90% of the securities are owned by 10% of the American population and that the top 1% owns over 50% of all securities. He then said that it is only fair that those with most of the money pay most of the taxes. He also commented that they are the only group that can afford to pay the higher taxes, without suffering adverse economic consequences, to pay for the needed services provided by the government.

After Mr. Stein’s comments there was a moment of what is called “Dead Air” and the Fox commentators then switched to a completely different topic. The truth does bite the conservatives. I know there are those that deny there is a significant disparity between the haves and the others in America. However, when 90 % of the wealth is held by 10% of the people and the remaining 10% is owned by the other 90% to deny that a great disparity exists is to deny reality!

Comments (Page 10)
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on Mar 07, 2007
drmiler

All these are needed for our country to exist. Without security provided by the military, coast Guard, FBI Etc we would not be able to do anything. All these services create the system that is essential for our society to exist. They are NOT as you state nice to have. You are such a FOOL. GO LIVE ON AN ISLAND and provide everything for yourself!
on Mar 07, 2007
drmiler

All these are needed for our country to exist. Without security provided by the military, coast Guard, FBI Etc we would not be able to do anything. All these services create the system that is essential for our society to exist. They are NOT as you state nice to have. You are such a FOOL. GO LIVE ON AN ISLAND and provide everything for yourself


You're the fool, moron you were asked "what services the Feds supply that "allow" people to run a business?". The answer is none of the above! Although "some" of them might be required to run a country, none of them is required to "allow" someone to own/operate a business. Four of them do not/should not be on either list, such as the IRS? FCC? Social security (this one was NEVER meant to last in the first place)? Medicare? Why are these required to run a country? The rest of the world does fine without them.

Although you're so dense that the nuances of the difference in the meaning of the wording, might slip by you unnoticed. And you're such a moron that lives in la-la land.
on Mar 07, 2007
All these are needed for our country to exist. Without security provided by the military, coast Guard, FBI Etc we would not be able to do anything.


col political hack is correct here. Yes, I am agreeing with the political hack, because he is correct here and when he is right I will agree with the hack. The agencies the hack listed are required by the constitution because no naton can work with without them. They are and at the same time not required for commerce. They keep the system fair for all allowwing anyone to become a success.

They are NOT as you state nice to have.


Again the hack is correct. Look at other countries like France where they don't have a fair playing field. The rich get richer and the contry takes the money from the rich and give less than a third to the poor. The government keeps the rest meanign that the nation stagnates with High unemployment. So the Socialism that the Hack wants for our nation is what ruined the French and other nations that like taking money from those that earn it to give it those that don't.

Please understand that the government does nothing for business other than provide a fair playing field for all nothing more. The government is not in the business of business.
on Mar 07, 2007
drmiler

Without the society that the government makes possible from security to transportation business can not operate.
on Mar 07, 2007
Without the society that the government makes possible from security to transportation business can not operate.


You have that backwaards. We the people in order to form a more perfect union. Does this sound familure? We the people set up the government to see to our needs not the other way around. The purpose of our government is to provide for the nation things that individuals can not do on our own. Security, such as the military to protect the nation and the national interest. Police, such as the FBI, US Marshals, and so on to enforce the laws providing a level playing field for all to have a fair chance and equal protection. Our forefathers saw what we needed and created a constitution to protect us from all the problems that other countries had. We prospered faster than any other nation because we allowed our people to do what they felt was best instead of the government making those choices for us.
on Mar 08, 2007
All these are needed for our country to exist. Without security provided by the military, coast Guard, FBI Etc we would not be able to do anything.


col political hack is correct here. Yes, I am agreeing with the political hack, because he is correct here and when he is right I will agree with the hack. The agencies the hack listed are required by the constitution because no naton can work with without them. They are and at the same time not required for commerce. They keep the system fair for all allowwing anyone to become a success.


They are NOT as you state nice to have.



Sorry Paladin77, but you're as wrong as he is. and to prove my point answer this simple question. Just "how" many of those agencies were around when this country was founded?

Security- national defense and homeland security, Yep standing army and navy
Interstate Commerce, Nope
Coast Guard and Border security, Nope, left to local law enforcement
Treasury and banking, Yes
FBI, CIA, Nope
Interstate transportation, Nope
Airline security, Nope
Social Security, Nope
Medicare, Nope
FCC, BIG Nope
Immigration, Another BIG Nope!
IRS Nope!!

So you see not "all" of these services are "required" to "allow" someone to own or operate a business.

drmiler

Without the society that the government makes possible from security to transportation business can not operate.


Same to you col...most of these were not around when this country was founded. You think there were no businesses running back then? Guess again

col political hack is correct here. Yes, I am agreeing with the political hack, because he is correct here and when he is right I will agree with the hack. The agencies the hack listed are required by the constitution because no naton can work with without them. They are and at the same time not required for commerce. They keep the system fair for all allowwing anyone to become a success.


Big time wrong answer. Show me in the constitution where the IRS, FCC, FBI, CIA, social security, medicare, immigration, airline security, Interstate transportation/commerce that these are "required" to run the country. And again, an FYI....interstate transportation is NOT provided by the government. Most of these agencies came about due to a set of circumstances that showed a need for the agency. SS itself was a feel good, good for re-election done by FDR in 1935 (and it worked too, since he was re-elected) and was never meant to stay a government agency. And Medicare not until 1965, How in the world did a business survive "before" these agencies came about? The same can be said about "most" of these agencies!

FCC 1934
Immigration 1891
FBI 1908
CIA 1947
IRS 1862
I could go on and on with this, but I'm sure you get my drift.
on Mar 08, 2007
Big time wrong answer. Show me in the constitution where the IRS, FCC, FBI, CIA, social security, medicare, immigration, airline security, Interstate transportation/commerce that these are "required" to run the country. And again, an FYI....interstate transportation is NOT provided by the government. Most of these agencies came about due to a set of circumstances that showed a need for the agency. SS itself was a feel good, good for re-election done by FDR in 1935 (and it worked too, since he was re-elected) and was never meant to stay a government agency. And Medicare not until 1965, How in the world did a business survive "before" these agencies came about? The same can be said about "most" of these agencies!

FCC 1934
Immigration 1891
FBI 1908
CIA 1947
IRS 1862
I could go on and on with this, but I'm sure you get my drift.


We used to say that all regulations in the Marines were written in blood. Someone had to die or get seriously injured before someone made a rule saying don't do that.

I see your point but it is still wrong. Allow me to show you what I mean. 1862 the IRS was born to collect money from businesses that failed to live up to their civic obligations. Businesses were the only ones that were required to pay taxes. Some businesses became rich because they did not pay the taxes due. The government needed the money from taxes to pay for the government to do its business. To pay the military to keep us safe and so on. It leveled the playing field. Ensuring that all companies paid their fair share to support the building of the nation and pay for the war.

1891 Immigration to keep track of and regulate the number of people entering the nation to insure we don’t have too many immigrants causing us to loose our national identity. Again it levels the playing field and keeps the people that are on top on top.

1908 it was called the Bureau of Investigation. It was a useless organization for political pay outs, giving jobs to friends and supporters. In 1922 the Teapot Dome scandal made them look for a professional federal police that did nothing but find criminals. 1924 a 25 year old J. Edgar Hoover was appointed the director of the Bureau. He changed the name to the FBI and made a name for himself and the organization. Not until his death did they start having problems. Again the purpose was to keep the playing field fair and allow mister Hoover to wear dresses without being bothered by people.

1934 the FCC is to ensure people on the radio did not abuse their power.

1947, the national security act of 1947 showed we had a need for an international spy agency. The FBI was responsible for domestic security the CIA was responsible for all American interests outside the US. Before there was a CIA there was the Corps of Intelligence Police started in 1917 which was followed by the Office of Strategic Services or OSS that did the dirty work of the nation during a time of war. Before that it was the DSS or the Diplomatic Security Service that worked with the Corps of Intelligence Police until it was replaced by the Defense Intelligence Agency. We have had spy agencies in this nation since Jefferson, we just did not officially recognize them until 1947. I would agree that some agencies need to go the way of the democrat I mean the dinosaur. But most are created because there was a need of some kind to protect the public.

You ask where in the constitution? Let me answer,
Article One: Legislative power
Main article: Article One of the United States Constitution
Article One establishes the legislative branch of government, U.S. Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate. The legislative branch makes the laws. The Article establishes the manner of election and qualifications of members of each House. In addition, it provides for free debate in congress and limits self-serving behavior of congressmen, outlines legislative procedure and indicates the powers of the legislative branch.
on Mar 09, 2007
Article One: Legislative power
Main article: Article One of the United States Constitution
Article One establishes the legislative branch of government, U.S. Congress, which includes the House of Representatives and the Senate. The legislative branch makes the laws. The Article establishes the manner of election and qualifications of members of each House. In addition, it provides for free debate in congress and limits self-serving behavior of congressmen, outlines legislative procedure and indicates the powers of the legislative branch.


Sorry but this don't cut it! Nothing of what you explained, is "required" to "allow" Brad to own/operate Stardock.

I see your point but it is still wrong. Allow me to show you what I mean. 1862 the IRS was born to collect money from businesses that failed to live up to their civic obligations. Businesses were the only ones that were required to pay taxes. Some businesses became rich because they did not pay the taxes due. The government needed the money from taxes to pay for the government to do its business. To pay the military to keep us safe and so on. It leveled the playing field. Ensuring that all companies paid their fair share to support the building of the nation and pay for the war.

1891 Immigration to keep track of and regulate the number of people entering the nation to insure we don’t have too many immigrants causing us to loose our national identity. Again it levels the playing field and keeps the people that are on top on top.

1908 it was called the Bureau of Investigation. It was a useless organization for political pay outs, giving jobs to friends and supporters. In 1922 the Teapot Dome scandal made them look for a professional federal police that did nothing but find criminals. 1924 a 25 year old J. Edgar Hoover was appointed the director of the Bureau. He changed the name to the FBI and made a name for himself and the organization. Not until his death did they start having problems. Again the purpose was to keep the playing field fair and allow mister Hoover to wear dresses without being bothered by people.

1934 the FCC is to ensure people on the radio did not abuse their power.

1947, the national security act of 1947 showed we had a need for an international spy agency. The FBI was responsible for domestic security the CIA was responsible for all American interests outside the US. Before there was a CIA there was the Corps of Intelligence Police started in 1917 which was followed by the Office of Strategic Services or OSS that did the dirty work of the nation during a time of war. Before that it was the DSS or the Diplomatic Security Service that worked with the Corps of Intelligence Police until it was replaced by the Defense Intelligence Agency. We have had spy agencies in this nation since Jefferson, we just did not officially recognize them until 1947. I would agree that some agencies need to go the way of the democrat I mean the dinosaur. But most are created because there was a need of some kind to protect the public.


Where do "any" of these "allow" Stardock to run? I have already agreed that these agencies might be required to run the country. But "none" of them "allow" Stardock to run. Stardock could run in "any" other country that do not have these agencies!
on Mar 09, 2007
Here is the bottom line! The Voters of this country have elected Congress that over the years has established laws to provide the services of the federal government. The Supreme Court has not struck down those laws. Those agencies and programs cost money and it is our responsibility to pay for those services and programs so long as they remain in existence. Some of you may want things like SS, Medicare, and Medicaid etc. ended. The vast majority want them continued. Until the voters elect a congress that repeals those programs, we have a responsibility to fully pay the cost of the agencies and programs approved by those we have elected! That will require a lot more revenue to fund!!!!!
on Mar 09, 2007
Here is the bottom line! The Voters of this country have elected Congress that over the years has established laws to provide the services of the federal government. The Supreme Court has not struck down those laws. Those agencies and programs cost money and it is our responsibility to pay for those services and programs so long as they remain in existence. Some of you may want things like SS, Medicare, and Medicaid etc. ended. The vast majority want them continued. Until the voters elect a congress that repeals those programs, we have a responsibility to fully pay the cost of the agencies and programs approved by those we have elected! That will require a lot more revenue to fund!!!!!


YOU STILL DON'T COMPREHEND do you? None of these servives "allow" Brad to operate Stardock! PERIOD! He could run his company from "any" country in the world that did not have these agencies! Why don't you just admit you might have made a mistake and move on. Because you have YET to refute this statement:


He could run his company from "any" country in the world that did not have these agencies!
on Mar 09, 2007
Sorry but this don't cut it! Nothing of what you explained, is "required" to "allow" Brad to own/operate Stardock.


Sorry but that was not the question asked or answered.

The Supreme Court has not struck down those laws.


Not all of them have been challenged and taken to the supreme court.

on Mar 10, 2007
drmiler

Without the system that our government enables to take place, you would not be able to write on this Blog site and no one would be able to operate any business.

Paladin77

The Supreme Court has not struck down those laws.


"Not all of them have been challenged and taken to the supreme court."

Until the court does declare any of the laws you do not like unconstitutional, they are valid.





on Mar 10, 2007
Sorry but this don't cut it! Nothing of what you explained, is "required" to "allow" Brad to own/operate Stardock.


Sorry but that was not the question asked or answered.


Sorry but it most surely was. Go back and read it again. Please....allow me.


#133 by COL Gene
Tue, March 06, 2007 1:31 PM





Drmiler

"Perhaps the col would care to explain just "what" services the Feds supply that "allow" people to run a business?:

Here are a few:

Security- national defense and homeland security
Interstate Commerce
Coast Guard and Border security
Treasury and banking
FBI, CIA
Interstate transportation
Airline security
Social Security
Medicare
FCC
Immigration
IRS

These are just a sample of the services that make our free society possible and enable business to operate.


That was the "original" question. Was it not?


Draginol

Individuals do not provide things like national defense. They do not provide roads, internal security. They do not provide Social Security and Medicare. The services provided by the Federal Government allow people like you to be in business.


And this is what started it all.
on Mar 10, 2007
Until the court does declare any of the laws you do not like unconstitutional, they are valid.


To the less than bright person that calls himself a col. Here is a lesson in basic civics. Any law passed is a valid law until it is challenged and run through the court system. It can be struck down anywhere along the way to the Supreme Court. If no one challenges the law the court system can’t rule on it.

Sorry but it most surely was. Go back and read it again.


Sorry but you never mentioned a specific business. I have no understanding of any laws that regulate an internet operation. I know nothing of that type of business. I have a Property Managenemt business that is regulated by the civil rights acts of 1964 and 1968. I have to report earnings to the IRS. I don't pay social security or medicare and have not paid into them for the last 10 or 12 years. I don't even know if stardock charges a fee or makes any money, so I can't answwer your revised question.
on Mar 10, 2007
Sorry but you never mentioned a specific business. I have no understanding of any laws that regulate an internet operation. I know nothing of that type of business. I have a Property Management business that is regulated by the civil rights acts of 1964 and 1968. I have to report earnings to the IRS. I don't pay social security or Medicare and have not paid into them for the last 10 or 12 years. I don't even know if stardock charges a fee or makes any money, so I can't answer your revised question.


No I didn't. But by inference the col did.

Draginol

Individuals do not provide things like national defense. They do not provide roads, internal security. They do not provide Social Security and Medicare. The services provided by the Federal Government allow people like you to be in business.


He was replying to Brad.

And to the point, do you consider the IRS, "necessary" for you to be in business? I guess the answer would be no on the SS & Medicare.
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