Uncategorized

North Carolina Cuts Taxes

When we last checked in on North Carolina, its “Republican” leaders were mulling a massive tax reconfiguration which would have raised taxes on residents of the Tar Heel State by approximately $900 million. Fortunately, that proposal failed to pass – and state leaders instead adopted a plan which will lower the…

When we last checked in on North Carolina, its “Republican” leaders were mulling a massive tax reconfiguration which would have raised taxes on residents of the Tar Heel State by approximately $900 million. Fortunately, that proposal failed to pass – and state leaders instead adopted a plan which will lower the state’s tax burden by $2.4 billion over the coming five years.

This plan – which we support – was signed into law last month by Gov. Pat McCrory.

The North Carolina plan does several things – most notably lowering the individual income tax to a flat rate of 5.8 percent in 2014 and 5.75 percent in 2015. Currently, the state’s top marginal rate is 7.7 percent (on individuals making more than $60,000 and couples making more than $120,000). Individuals making more than $12,750 and couples making more than $21,250 pay a 7 percent rate – the same as South Carolina taxpayers.

This will put the Tar Heel state well below South Carolina’s top marginal rate.

North Carolina will also reduce its corporate tax rate from 6.9 to 6 percent in 2014 – and cut it to 5 percent in 2015. Eventually, the corporate tax rate could drop all the way to 3 percent in the event certain revenue triggers are reached. That would also put North Carolina well below South Carolina’s 5 percent corporate tax rate.

Finally, additional relief would come in the form of the elimination of the state’s “death tax.”

Obviously, not all of these cuts constitute pure tax relief. The state’s sales tax will increase and numerous existing exemptions will be closed. But instead of an overall tax hike (or shift) – Tar Heel State leaders had the political courage to cut taxes. Not only that, they targeted these cuts where they will have the maximum economic impact.

The result?

“In short, North Carolina moves from the middle of the pack to one of the nation’s leaders in economic competitiveness,” the website American Legislator notes.

Now … let’s contrast what North Carolina has done with what S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley has proposed for the Palmetto State. In her FY 2013-14 budget proposal, Haley offered up just $29 worth of income tax relief per filer – and she put this infinitesimally small cut on a “wish list” in the event surplus revenue was available.

Pathetic …

South Carolina has been the recipient of some terrible economic news lately. One recent report ranked the Palmetto State No. 45 out of 50 in terms of the best states to “make a living.” Another recent report ranked Haley 34th out of 45 governors in terms of private sector job creation (five governors were not ranked because they entered office in 2013). Other recent reports showed the Palmetto State as having a terrible business tax climate as well as zero upward mobility for its citizens.

This bold move by North Carolina will make it even more difficult for the Palmetto State to gain ground. And makes the failure of our “Republican” leaders to take such steps in recent years all the more inexcusable.

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172 comments

Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 2:52 pm

Of the 60 young gentlemen I taught at Porter-God before anchoring TV, whose parents were not SOBs or Lawyas or Jimeyelan Doktas or Joneyelan Sumbodies, 80% live in another state. Most live in the Research Triangle in North Carolina. I hate it, because I love my home state, but these young men must go where their professions take them. NC has just made it harder for them to come home. Alas.

Reply
Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 2:52 pm

Of the 60 young gentlemen I taught at Porter-God before anchoring TV, whose parents were not SOBs or Lawyas or Jimeyelan Doktas or Joneyelan Sumbodies, 80% live in another state. Most live in the Research Triangle in North Carolina. I hate it, because I love my home state, but these young men must go where their professions take them. NC has just made it harder for them to come home. Alas.

Reply
Smirks August 8, 2013 at 2:53 pm

What would have helped the poor is lowering the taxes placed on the first $12k of their income. Instead, they flattened the income tax, which helps the middle class just a little and rich a lot more than it does the poor, and increased the sales tax, which typically harms the poor and middle classes more than the rich. It should also be noted that North Carolina’s estate tax was set to match the federal standards, meaning it only benefits those whose estate is valued above $5 million. What else?

The bill would also lower corporate income taxes while adding new sales taxes on electricity and natural gas as well as movies and live performances, like concerts.

http://myfox8.com/2013/07/16/tax-reform-bill-passes-nc-house-and-senate/

Yes, sales tax on energy. Ridiculous. The party that fights cap and trade decides to tax energy. I wouldn’t argue much with movies and live performances, but I’m sure many would.

I guess we’ll wait to see what comes of North Carolina’s reform.

Reply
Smirks August 8, 2013 at 2:53 pm

What would have helped the poor is lowering the taxes placed on the first $12k of their income. Instead, they flattened the income tax, which helps the middle class just a little and rich a lot more than it does the poor, and increased the sales tax, which typically harms the poor and middle classes more than the rich. It should also be noted that North Carolina’s estate tax was set to match the federal standards, meaning it only benefits those whose estate is valued above $5 million to have it wiped out. What else?

The bill would also lower corporate income taxes while adding new sales taxes on electricity and natural gas as well as movies and live performances, like concerts.

http://myfox8.com/2013/07/16/tax-reform-bill-passes-nc-house-and-senate/

Yes, sales tax on energy. Ridiculous. The party that fights cap and trade decides to tax energy. I wouldn’t argue much with movies and live performances, but I’m sure many would.

I guess we’ll wait to see what comes of North Carolina’s reform, but it is absolutely clear who benefits from these “cuts.”

Reply
a face in the crowd August 8, 2013 at 2:58 pm

North Carolina has moved from a state recognized for its research triangle and forward thinking to a right-wing teabagger haven.

Reply
Scooter August 8, 2013 at 8:58 pm

A lot of states are doing this or are trying to. NC is a lot more progressive than SC

Reply
a face in the crowd August 8, 2013 at 9:03 pm

That’s what I think is scary. No one expects much from SC, but when places like NC and Wisconsin start veering hard right, things start to lose their balance.

Reply
a face in the crowd August 8, 2013 at 2:58 pm

North Carolina has moved from a state recognized for its research triangle and forward thinking to a right-wing teabagger haven.

Reply
Scooter August 8, 2013 at 8:58 pm

A lot of states are doing this or are trying to. NC is a lot more progressive than SC

Reply
a face in the crowd August 8, 2013 at 9:03 pm

That’s what I think is scary. No one expects much from SC, but when places like NC and Wisconsin start veering hard right, things start to lose their balance.

Reply
Jan August 8, 2013 at 3:01 pm

Why would any of this surprise anyone. Republicans take over the state and they immediately reduce taxes on wealthy people and increase taxes on everyone else. Its exactly what they are trying to do in Washington. The sales taxes will more than offset the income tax reduction for everyone who is middle income or lower. Only wealthy people will benefit and that was always the intent.

Reply
Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 3:54 pm

A Face in the Crowd charts the rise of a raucous hayseed named ‘Lonesome Rhodes’ from itinerant Ozark guitar picker to local media rabble-rouser to TV superstar and political king-maker… to complete failure, exposed as a liar and cheat.” – IMDb

Reply
Culturally literate August 8, 2013 at 4:25 pm

A right wing rabble rouser, groomed and cultivated by plutocrats.

Have you watched the movie? It’s a pretty good depiction of how right wing plutocrats try (successfully, it seems) to incite people to vote against their own interests.

Reply
Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 4:27 pm

I actually met the Director who was a friend of my brother’s girlfriend in Myrtle Beach, at the time. So, yes, seen the movie. It applies to all false persons in all generations and all political bents. Some of the richest people in America are third generation monied Liberal Democrats.

Reply
shifty henry August 8, 2013 at 6:16 pm

Excellent movie……………

Reply
Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 8:53 pm

Indeed – my dad looked almost exactly like Griffith – though, I liked On the Waterfront, better. I wish Kazan had made a movie of J.B., his brilliant Broadway play.

Reply
shifty henry August 8, 2013 at 10:01 pm

This is a test to see if the link to this film works…..
Ann Savage is the star in her famous role – she was from Columbia – died in 2008
http://archive.org/details/Detour

Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 10:14 pm

You are the King of Obscure Film References! You are also King of Film Noire References and President by Fiat of the B-Movie Renaissance and Knows More Than Polyphemos Society. I salute you! (Yes, it works.. now, do I have a virus on my laptop?)

shifty henry August 9, 2013 at 10:36 am

No virus. I should have linked to the film noir page, and I posted at the end of this list for you, but if you go to the search blocks you will find all sorts of good stuff, including radio programs. The movies are all in the public domain, and are about 60 – 90 minutes long. These were from the era when there was lots of dialogue and interesting plots. Several that I like are—

1) Detour [mentioned above]

2) Kansas City Confidential [ John Payne, Lee Van Cleef, Neville Brand, and Jack Elam]

3) He Walked By Night [Richard Basehart, Jack Webb]

4) DOA [Edmond O’Brian]

5) Walk The Dark Streets [Chuck Conners – like you’ve never seen him before]

Have fun surfing this site. For the radio programs two excellent ones are Dragnet and Amos & Andy, which have over 300 programs each. Most of them will automatically roll-over to the following episode automatically when there is a series of them on one listing page.

Start with this film noir page and surf backwards in the search blocks—

http://archive.org/search.php?query=mediatype%3Amovies%20AND%20collection%3Amoviesandfilms%20AND%20subject%3A%22Film-Noir%22&page=1
Somewhere in this site you’ll find something to like.

shifty henry August 10, 2013 at 10:42 am

No virus. I should have linked to the film noir page, and I posted at the end of this list for you, but if you go to the search blocks you will find all sorts of good stuff, including radio programs. The movies are all in the public domain, and are about 60 – 90 minutes long. These were from the era when there was lots of dialogue and interesting plots. Several that I like are—

1) Detour [mentioned above]

2) Kansas City Confidential [ John Payne, Lee Van Cleef, Neville Brand, and Jack Elam]

3) He Walked By Night [Richard Basehart, Jack Webb]

4) DOA [Edmond O’Brian]

5) Walk The Dark Streets [Chuck Conners – like you’ve never seen him before]

Have fun surfing this site. For the radio programs two excellent ones are Dragnet and Amos & Andy, which have over 300 programs each. Most of them will automatically roll-over to the following episode automatically when there is a series of them on one listing page.

Start with this film noir page and surf backwards in the search blocks—

http://archive.org/search.php?…
Somewhere in this site you’ll find something to like.

Polyphemos August 10, 2013 at 5:54 pm

Molto milli grazie..!

shifty henry August 10, 2013 at 8:29 pm

The post is above listing movies. The damn thing keeps disappearing and reappearing. But it is also posted for Frank Pytel under the Alec Baldwin article.
When you watch these movies note that everyone is always dressed up, wear snap-brim hats, and chain smoke.

Polyphemos August 10, 2013 at 9:30 pm

I hope you get this.. yes. Got everything. Thanks. There must be some kind of software screwup. I outsource all this kind of stuff to a group in Texas. I’ve been their client so long they throw in lots of freebs.

shifty henry August 10, 2013 at 8:32 pm

Got it, thanks to my secret translator.

shifty henry August 10, 2013 at 8:40 pm

I just posted two more replies to you here, and they both disappeared. Something must be wrong with this article or either Karl is messing around. If you don’t see the post listing some good movies, then look for it on the Alec Baldwin article (I pasted it for Pytel).

shifty henry August 10, 2013 at 5:01 pm

Hmmmm….. I reposted a reply to you here but I guess it’s been banned…..

Polyphemos August 10, 2013 at 6:04 pm

Not to worry. But, it must have been a humdinger to get booted off THIS site!

shifty henry August 10, 2013 at 8:24 pm

Look on the Alec Baldwin article – I copied and pasted it for Frank Pytel. It is info on the movie site, and lists some of the good ones. Also, to answer your question – no virus. Enjoy the site.

Jan August 8, 2013 at 3:01 pm

Why would any of this surprise anyone. Republicans take over the state and they immediately reduce taxes on wealthy people and increase taxes on everyone else. Its exactly what they are trying to do in Washington. The sales taxes will more than offset the income tax reduction for everyone who is middle income or lower. Only wealthy people will benefit and that was always the intent.

Reply
Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 3:54 pm

A Face in the Crowd charts the rise of a raucous hayseed named ‘Lonesome Rhodes’ from itinerant Ozark guitar picker to local media rabble-rouser to TV superstar and political king-maker… to complete failure, exposed as a liar and cheat.” – IMDb

Reply
Culturally literate August 8, 2013 at 4:25 pm

A right wing rabble rouser, groomed and cultivated by plutocrats.

Have you watched the movie? It’s a pretty good depiction of how right wing plutocrats try (successfully, it seems) to incite people to vote against their own interests.

Reply
Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 4:27 pm

I actually met the Director who was a friend of my brother’s girlfriend in Myrtle Beach, at the time. So, yes, seen the movie. It applies to all false persons in all generations and all political bents. Some of the richest people in America are third generation monied Liberal Democrats.

Reply
shifty henry August 8, 2013 at 6:16 pm

Excellent movie……………

Reply
Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 8:53 pm

Indeed – my dad looked almost exactly like Griffith – though, I liked On the Waterfront, better. I wish Kazan had made a movie of J.B., his brilliant Broadway play.

Reply
shifty henry August 8, 2013 at 10:01 pm

This is a test to see if the link to this film works…..
Ann Savage is the star in her famous role – she was from Columbia – died in 2008
http://archive.org/details/Detour

Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 10:14 pm

You are the King of Obscure Film References! You are also King of Film Noire References and President by Fiat of the B-Movie Renaissance and Knows More Than Polyphemos Society. I salute you! (Yes, it works.. now, do I have a virus on my laptop?)

shifty henry August 9, 2013 at 10:36 am

No virus. I should have linked to the film noir page, and I posted at the end of this list for you, but if you go to the search blocks you will find all sorts of good stuff, including radio programs. The movies are all in the public domain, and are about 60 – 90 minutes long. These were from the era when there was lots of dialogue and interesting plots. Several that I like are—

1) Detour [mentioned above]

2) Kansas City Confidential [ John Payne, Lee Van Cleef, Neville Brand, and Jack Elam]

3) He Walked By Night [Richard Basehart, Jack Webb]

4) DOA [Edmond O’Brian]

5) Walk The Dark Streets [Chuck Conners – like you’ve never seen him before]

Have fun surfing this site. For the radio programs two excellent ones are Dragnet and Amos & Andy, which have over 300 programs each. Most of them will automatically roll-over to the following episode automatically when there is a series of them on one listing page.

Start with this film noir page and surf backwards in the search blocks—

http://archive.org/search.php?query=mediatype%3Amovies%20AND%20collection%3Amoviesandfilms%20AND%20subject%3A%22Film-Noir%22&page=1
Somewhere in this site you’ll find something to like.

shifty henry August 10, 2013 at 10:42 am

No virus. I should have linked to the film noir page, and I posted at the end of this list for you, but if you go to the search blocks you will find all sorts of good stuff, including radio programs. The movies are all in the public domain, and are about 60 – 90 minutes long. These were from the era when there was lots of dialogue and interesting plots. Several that I like are—

1) Detour [mentioned above]

2) Kansas City Confidential [ John Payne, Lee Van Cleef, Neville Brand, and Jack Elam]

3) He Walked By Night [Richard Basehart, Jack Webb]

4) DOA [Edmond O’Brian]

5) Walk The Dark Streets [Chuck Conners – like you’ve never seen him before]

Have fun surfing this site. For the radio programs two excellent ones are Dragnet and Amos & Andy, which have over 300 programs each. Most of them will automatically roll-over to the following episode automatically when there is a series of them on one listing page.

Start with this film noir page and surf backwards in the search blocks—

http://archive.org/search.php?…
Somewhere in this site you’ll find something to like.

Slartibartfast August 10, 2013 at 5:54 pm

Molte milli grazie..! …… (I have no idea what this means.. I found it written in marzipan under a rock.)

shifty henry August 10, 2013 at 8:29 pm

The post is above listing movies. The damn thing keeps disappearing and reappearing. But it is also posted for Frank Pytel under the Alec Baldwin article.
When you watch these movies note that everyone is always dressed up, wear snap-brim hats, and chain smoke.

Slartibartfast August 10, 2013 at 9:30 pm

I hope you get this.. yes. Got everything. Thanks. There must be some kind of software screwup. I outsource all this kind of stuff to a group in Texas. I’ve been their client so long they throw in lots of freebs.

shifty henry August 10, 2013 at 8:32 pm

Got it, thanks to my secret translator.

shifty henry August 10, 2013 at 8:40 pm

I just posted two more replies to you here, and they both disappeared. Something must be wrong with this article or either Karl is messing around. If you don’t see the post listing some good movies, then look for it on the Alec Baldwin article (I pasted it for Pytel).

shifty henry August 10, 2013 at 5:01 pm

Hmmmm….. I reposted a reply to you here but I guess it’s been banned…..

Slartibartfast August 10, 2013 at 6:04 pm

Not to worry. But, it must have been a humdinger to get booted off THIS site!

shifty henry August 10, 2013 at 8:24 pm

Look on the Alec Baldwin article – I copied and pasted it for Frank Pytel. It is info on the movie site, and lists some of the good ones. Also, to answer your question – no virus. Enjoy the site.

lawzoo August 8, 2013 at 3:15 pm

Sales tax will increase……How Much ? Enough to make the poor poorer and the middle-class lower perhaps. No effect on the inheritance workers. Waiting until Dad and/or Mom dies diligently marking the days. Sucking on that silver spoon. Sucking hard !

Reducing the Corporate Tax from 6.9% to 5% in 2015? A way to go before it reaches
0% and < like the Boeing Tax .

Reply
Banana Republican August 8, 2013 at 3:17 pm

Folks, like his plutocrat masters, supports shifting the tax burden to those who can afford it least.

If these people have their way, America will be a banana republic in 20 years.

Reply
Smirks August 8, 2013 at 3:30 pm

Hey, these tax cuts will help the McJob creators, that’s all that matters.

Reply
Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 3:35 pm

Why do you think people are poor?

Reply
? August 8, 2013 at 4:19 pm

Maybe you should suggest they all get together and outlaw poverty.

:)

Dude, most of them are hopeless. Settle in to the reality. Take in the freak show and have a beer.

Reply
Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 4:25 pm

And so we have to pay for them? That’s absurd, and I think you know it.

Frank Pytel August 8, 2013 at 4:25 pm

I don’t think he is saying pay. I think he’s saying it’s a cheaper show than the movies

Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 4:30 pm

If that’s true then he’s a sick puppy, as well as a socialist.

? August 8, 2013 at 4:36 pm

I’m a socialist? lol…really?

I’ve been called a lot of things….I think that’s the first time I’ve ever been called a socialist.

? August 8, 2013 at 4:31 pm

lol….exactly

Really, all I’m saying is it’s pretty hopeless.

When you allow people on the dole to vote you are screwed…because when coupled with the economically ignorant Dems(who are generally kind people most of the time, the general pop that is) they are gonna vote to take your money/”spread the wealth” regardless.

Not that the Repugnicans are any better…they’ll take everyone’s money and spend on bombing the world, spying on everyone, and generally enriching MIC assholes.

? August 8, 2013 at 4:34 pm

The whole of politics is an absurd freak show. Don’t you get it?

It’s as Mencken said:

“Democracy is the art of running the circus from the monkey cage.”

So don’t be the monkey.

Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 6:39 pm

OK, you’re not a socialist. But you ARE a sick puppy. And you write like a girl. So there!

? August 8, 2013 at 8:27 pm

I think you are projecting.

Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 8:37 pm

The writing like a girl thing is not necessarily bad. Look what it did for the young lady who wrote The Hunger Games series.

? August 8, 2013 at 8:39 pm

lol….I’ll take it as a compliment then. I like you because you admitted the Fair tax is Fair theft, so you can rip on me if you want for a while and I’ll ignore it.

Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 8:41 pm

I’m NOT ripping on you, dammit! I’m just observing. I find your posts really interesting. A little sick.. but interesting. All kidding aside, the only thing I can’t get around is finding real poverty entertaining. Maybe I’m missing something.

? August 8, 2013 at 8:47 pm

Nah, you misunderstand.

I might joke about it sometimes, but only in the context of it being unsolvable 100%…more as a coping mechanism.

I don’t take enjoyment in the suffering of others.

? August 8, 2013 at 8:57 pm

Actually, I need to correct myself…I don’t enjoy the suffering of those not deserving. The mentally ill, those in poverty due to being infirmed, etc.

Rarely do I have any heart for pols, or anyone living off the gov’t dime that is capable of doing otherwise. In fact, I do enjoy their pain.

Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 9:04 pm

Got it. See above.

Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 9:04 pm

OK, so you are like Ovid, laughing in the face of inevitability. I got it. Then, as they say.. we are in agreement.

? August 8, 2013 at 9:07 pm

Yes, precisely. I think the thing I find most ironic about the current climate is how many “Christians” go ape shit over the US gov’t….I mean super patriotic.

Though I’m agnostic, I can clearly see the sacrilege.

My point being, they get all worked up over the failure of our gov’t but can’t see they aren’t supposed to have their faith in it anyway. They are supposed to have their faith in their god.

Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 9:24 pm

!!! Please ignore this rant if you are religiously challenged !!!

Being agnostic is OK. If you don’t question, you have no brain. I believe that’s the way the big guy set it up. This may sound corny, but if he had wanted slaves to drool all over him, he’d have made it simple to prove he existed, other than revealing himself, one at a time in complicated, hard to explain ways.

Real Free Will requires a non-provable god. Otherwise, you’re right back into slave-mode. “Kiss my ass, oh man, for you are nothing and I need to be worshiped.” On the other hand, because he wants friends, he says, “Psst, Dude, you want Lakers tickets for the soul? Well, I only have two – one for you and one for me. Your brother and I are going to the Redwings game, but that’s his thing.”

He also knows that religion is poison, so he gets people who really are his friends, when they get together, to help other people, instead of sitting around judging each other.

Now, it’s no big thing if they want to dress up and ring bells and burn shit in a pot and sing pretty 19th C. carols and stuff, but the focus still needs to be on OTHER PEOPLE or the singing and dressing up and stuff is BS. Otherwise, the friendship god knows that people get lazy, & hire somebody else to do it – government – and it NEVER gets done right.. and we all know where that goes.. I’m just sayin’.

? August 8, 2013 at 9:00 pm

Btw, you may have misunderstood this:

“Dude, most of them are hopeless.”

The “them” are those that think they can regulate wages, redistribute wealth, etc. and actually change poverty via taxing and policy. Every law they pass is just making things worse.

Did you read the “hopeless” comment as being directed towards those in poverty?(which is not what I meant)

rabidbadger August 8, 2013 at 10:26 pm

its cheaper than putting them in prison.

Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 10:33 pm

That would only be an alternative in 19th C. England, you cute li’l Dickens..

Christian Republican August 8, 2013 at 4:23 pm

Poor people deserve to be poor. They’re losers.

Reply
Frank Pytel August 8, 2013 at 4:25 pm

Mostly

Bill August 8, 2013 at 4:32 pm

Why do you think poor people are poor?

Reply
Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 8:36 pm

That’s right.. answer a question with a question. Next, call me a name. Next, change the subject. Then, redirect. Repeat.

Bill August 13, 2013 at 1:20 pm

I’m sorry this is my question. You asked that question of someone else, not me. I am asking it of you. Why do you think poor people are poor?

Sandy Burglar August 8, 2013 at 4:25 pm

America is one NOW, thanks to Barack Hussein Kardashian Barry Soetoro Oblamer – him and his 7.4% UE, $18 Trillion debt and economic “growth” less than 2%. It’s sad to watch you socialists whine about from whom you’re going to take money from next.

Reply
CNSYD August 8, 2013 at 3:15 pm

“This plan – which we support” What does this plan have to do with you? Are you a resident of NC? Did anyone in NC seek your “support”?

You even said it but still pretend otherwise.. it is a tax SHIFT.

Reply
Jesus H. Christ August 8, 2013 at 3:15 pm

The middle class and poor will ultimately pay for that. Shame on North Carolina.

On the bright side, maybe Folks will move there now.

Reply
lawzoo August 8, 2013 at 3:15 pm

Sales tax will increase……How Much ? Enough to make the poor poorer and the middle-class lower perhaps. No effect on the inheritance workers. Waiting until Dad and/or Mom dies diligently marking the days. Sucking on that silver spoon. Sucking hard !

Reducing the Corporate Tax from 6.9% to 5% in 2015? A way to go before it reaches
0% and < like the Boeing Tax .

Reply
Banana Republican August 8, 2013 at 3:17 pm

Folks, like his plutocrat masters, supports shifting the tax burden to those who can afford it least.

If these people have their way, America will be a banana republic in 20 years.

Reply
Smirks August 8, 2013 at 3:30 pm

Hey, these tax cuts will help the McJob creators, that’s all that matters.

Reply
Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 3:35 pm

Why do you think people are poor?

Reply
? August 8, 2013 at 4:19 pm

Maybe you should suggest they all get together and outlaw poverty.

:)

Dude, most of them are hopeless. Settle in to the reality. Take in the freak show and have a beer.

Reply
Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 4:25 pm

And so we have to pay for them? That’s absurd, and I think you know it.

Frank Pytel August 8, 2013 at 4:25 pm

I don’t think he is saying pay. I think he’s saying it’s a cheaper show than the movies

Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 4:30 pm

If that’s true then he’s a sick puppy, as well as a socialist.

? August 8, 2013 at 4:36 pm

I’m a socialist? lol…really?

I’ve been called a lot of things….I think that’s the first time I’ve ever been called a socialist.

? August 8, 2013 at 4:31 pm

lol….exactly

Really, all I’m saying is it’s pretty hopeless.

When you allow people on the dole to vote you are screwed…because when coupled with the economically ignorant Dems(who are generally kind people most of the time, the general pop that is) they are gonna vote to take your money/”spread the wealth” regardless.

Not that the Repugnicans are any better…they’ll take everyone’s money and spend on bombing the world, spying on everyone, and generally enriching MIC assholes.

? August 8, 2013 at 4:34 pm

The whole of politics is an absurd freak show. Don’t you get it?

It’s as Mencken said:

“Democracy is the art of running the circus from the monkey cage.”

So don’t be the monkey.

Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 6:39 pm

OK, you’re not a socialist. But you ARE a sick puppy. And you write like a girl. So there!

? August 8, 2013 at 8:27 pm

I think you are projecting.

Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 8:37 pm

The writing like a girl thing is not necessarily bad. Look what it did for the young lady who wrote The Hunger Games series.

? August 8, 2013 at 8:39 pm

lol….I’ll take it as a compliment then. I like you because you admitted the Fair tax is Fair theft, so you can rip on me if you want for a while and I’ll ignore it.

Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 8:41 pm

I’m NOT ripping on you, dammit! I’m just observing. I find your posts really interesting. A little sick.. but interesting. All kidding aside, the only thing I can’t get around is finding real poverty entertaining. Maybe I’m missing something.

? August 8, 2013 at 8:47 pm

Nah, you misunderstand.

I might joke about it sometimes, but only in the context of it being unsolvable 100%…more as a coping mechanism.

I don’t take enjoyment in the suffering of others.

? August 8, 2013 at 8:57 pm

Actually, I need to correct myself…I don’t enjoy the suffering of those not deserving. The mentally ill, those in poverty due to being infirmed, etc.

Rarely do I have any heart for pols, or anyone living off the gov’t dime that is capable of doing otherwise. In fact, I do enjoy their pain.

Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 9:04 pm

Got it. See above.

Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 9:04 pm

OK, so you are like Ovid, laughing in the face of inevitability. I got it. Then, as they say.. we are in agreement.

? August 8, 2013 at 9:07 pm

Yes, precisely. I think the thing I find most ironic about the current climate is how many “Christians” go ape shit over the US gov’t….I mean super patriotic.

Though I’m agnostic, I can clearly see the sacrilege.

My point being, they get all worked up over the failure of our gov’t but can’t see they aren’t supposed to have their faith in it anyway. They are supposed to have their faith in their god.

Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 9:24 pm

!!! Please ignore this rant if you are religiously challenged !!!

Being agnostic is OK. If you don’t question, you have no brain. I believe that’s the way the big guy set it up. This may sound corny, but if he had wanted slaves to drool all over him, he’d have made it simple to prove he existed, other than revealing himself, one at a time in complicated, hard to explain ways.

Real Free Will requires a non-provable god. Otherwise, you’re right back into slave-mode. “Kiss my ass, oh man, for you are nothing and I need to be worshiped.” On the other hand, because he wants friends, he says, “Psst, Dude, you want Lakers tickets for the soul? Well, I only have two – one for you and one for me. Your brother and I are going to the Redwings game, but that’s his thing.”

He also knows that religion is poison, so he gets people who really are his friends, when they get together, to help other people, instead of sitting around judging each other.

Now, it’s no big thing if they want to dress up and ring bells and burn shit in a pot and sing pretty 19th C. carols and stuff, but the focus still needs to be on OTHER PEOPLE or the singing and dressing up and stuff is BS. Otherwise, the friendship god knows that people get lazy, & hire somebody else to do it – government – and it NEVER gets done right.. and we all know where that goes.. I’m just sayin’.

? August 8, 2013 at 9:00 pm

Btw, you may have misunderstood this:

“Dude, most of them are hopeless.”

The “them” are those that think they can regulate wages, redistribute wealth, etc. and actually change poverty via taxing and policy. Every law they pass is just making things worse.

Did you read the “hopeless” comment as being directed towards those in poverty?(which is not what I meant)

rabidbadger August 8, 2013 at 10:26 pm

its cheaper than putting them in prison.

Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 10:33 pm

That would only be an alternative in 19th C. England, you cute li’l Dickens..

Christian Republican August 8, 2013 at 4:23 pm

Poor people deserve to be poor. They’re losers.

Reply
Frank Pytel August 8, 2013 at 4:25 pm

Mostly

Bill August 8, 2013 at 4:32 pm

Why do you think poor people are poor?

Reply
Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 8:36 pm

That’s right.. answer a question with a question. Next, call me a name. Next, change the subject. Then, redirect. Repeat.

Bill August 13, 2013 at 1:20 pm

I’m sorry this is my question. You asked that question of someone else, not me. I am asking it of you. Why do you think poor people are poor?

Sandy Burglar August 8, 2013 at 4:25 pm

America is one NOW, thanks to Barack Hussein Kardashian Barry Soetoro Oblamer – him and his 7.4% UE, $18 Trillion debt and economic “growth” less than 2%. It’s sad to watch you socialists whine about from whom you’re going to take money from next.

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CNSYD August 8, 2013 at 3:15 pm

“This plan – which we support” What does this plan have to do with you? Are you a resident of NC? Did anyone in NC seek your “support”?

You even said it but still pretend otherwise.. it is a tax SHIFT.

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Jesus H. Christ August 8, 2013 at 3:15 pm

The middle class and poor will ultimately pay for that. Shame on North Carolina.

On the bright side, maybe Folks will move there now.

Reply
Rick August 8, 2013 at 3:46 pm

Never before in the history of the 2 states has SC been able to say “thank God for NC.” The Old North State is going straight to hell with its new focus on education, voting, women’s rights and health care.

Reply
Rick August 8, 2013 at 3:46 pm

Never before in the history of the 2 states has SC been able to say “thank God for NC.” The Old North State is going straight to hell with its new focus on education, voting, women’s rights and health care.

Reply
Manray9 August 8, 2013 at 3:57 pm

Massive tax cuts! Well, I guess North Carolina just moved one step closer to Republican paradise! Oh, except for those at the lower end of the economic scale who will suffer from regressive sales tax increases, but what the heck, somebody has to pick up the slack for the “takers.”

Reply
Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 4:02 pm

So… the “takers” will have to pay for the “takers.” Again.. I put it to all of you socialists.. Why do you think people are poor? And I will add to that, this – What do you think makes a person poor?

Reply
Manray9 August 8, 2013 at 4:31 pm

Republican policy prescriptions: What about education? Tax cuts for the rich. And healthcare? More tax cuts for the rich. How about infrastructure improvements? Just more tax cuts will do it. Don’t we need jobs? Tax cuts will fix that problem. Haven’t we seen law enforcement and fire service reductions? That’s because there haven’t been enough tax cuts. And so on and so on….

Reply
Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 4:34 pm

That’s not an answer.

Reply
Manray9 August 8, 2013 at 4:52 pm

Yes it is. Read it: Education, infrastructure, healthcare, public safety and jobs.

Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 10:21 pm

You forgot the roads, brought peace, wine, and the aqueduct.

? August 8, 2013 at 5:02 pm

Dude, he’s got a batphone that goes directly to god. You can’t deny his authoritah.

Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 8:44 pm

And a damn good tricycle, and cop sunglasses.

Bill August 8, 2013 at 5:49 pm

You have yet to say what you think makes people poor.

Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 8:46 pm

refer to question above. You people seem to know what poverty is up until the time someone asks you what it is, then it’s all licorice and sophistry.

Bill August 13, 2013 at 1:22 pm

You did not answer the question above or below? You ducked the question, and who are “you people.”

vicupstate August 8, 2013 at 4:56 pm

Most people who are poor were born into it.

Reply
Bill August 8, 2013 at 5:48 pm

And most people who are rich were born into it.

Reply
Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 8:45 pm

Rubbish.

Reply
Bill August 13, 2013 at 1:02 pm

Rubbish

CNSYD August 8, 2013 at 8:16 pm

In my younger days I thought poor people were poor because they were lazy. In my middle age my church worked a day a month at a homeless shelter. Several of us would have to stay the night to fix and serve breakfast in the morning. Most of the “clients” are mentally ill. They won’t harm anyone but there is no way they could hold any type job. For example, there was one guy who never slept and stood “preaching” to a wall all night. These folk can’t take care of themselves. In my later years I have met people who are on SSI. One I met has epilepsy. They can not get a job as no employer will hire them. So they “live” on SSI and food stamps. Their SSI is about $670 a month. Try finding a place to live, paying for utilities, etc. on that. Somehow these people have to taken care of, whether by government, charities or whatever. They did not choose their plight.

Reply
? August 8, 2013 at 8:40 pm

I agree with you wholeheartedly.

I have a schizophrenic aunt. My family takes care of her, if not, she’d be walking the streets.

I’m quite sure over 50% of the homeless are mentally ill.

That being said, the “solution” is what the differing opinion is. Despite the characterization that “limited gov’t” people don’t care, I find that to be untrue.

It’s a matter of what you put your faith in, gov’t, or people/charity.

Left leaning people scoff at the notion that people with more money in their pocket via less taxes will be more charitable and most(not all) of the poor, infirmed, etc. will be taken care of.

Right leaning people scoff at the notion of a competent and compassionate gov’t that would do either well. And we know the gov’t isn’t taking care of them by simply going to Finley park.

The decision will be made for us all for a time as the gov’t money printing will accelerate us into oblivion.
(I had to insert some of my tin foil philosophy)

Reply
Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 9:00 pm

Yes. Isn’t it pathetic that the truly needy must depend on government, while the houses of worship have, all but a few, given up their God-ordained charge to take care of these people. But the crippled and mentally deficient are far fewer in number, compared to the wretchedly unethical ones, who suck without rest from the State teat.

Reply
? August 8, 2013 at 9:03 pm

This is a great comment. The other thing I’ll add is that charities, usually run by houses of worship(and privately) DO A MUCH BETTER JOB AT SORTING OUT THE LOAFERS.

They don’t just hand out checks and send people on their way.

Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 9:05 pm

Abso-FREAKIN-lutely.

Bill August 13, 2013 at 1:03 pm

Rubbish also

Scrappy August 8, 2013 at 11:24 pm

Good Point.

Reply
Manray9 August 8, 2013 at 3:57 pm

Massive tax cuts! Well, I guess North Carolina just moved one step closer to Republican paradise! Oh, except for those at the lower end of the economic scale who will suffer from regressive sales tax increases, but what the heck, somebody has to pick up the slack for the “takers.”

Reply
Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 4:02 pm

So… the “takers” will have to pay for the “takers.” Again.. I put it to all of you socialists.. Why do you think people are poor? And I will add to that, this – What do you think makes a person poor?

Reply
Manray9 August 8, 2013 at 4:31 pm

Republican policy prescriptions: What about education? Tax cuts for the rich. And healthcare? More tax cuts for the rich. How about infrastructure improvements? Just more tax cuts will do it. Don’t we need jobs? Tax cuts will fix that problem. Haven’t we seen law enforcement and fire service reductions? That’s because there haven’t been enough tax cuts. And so on and so on….

Reply
Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 4:34 pm

That’s not an answer.

Reply
Manray9 August 8, 2013 at 4:52 pm

Yes it is. Read it: Education, infrastructure, healthcare, public safety and jobs.

Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 10:21 pm

You forgot the roads, brought peace, wine, and the aqueduct.

? August 8, 2013 at 5:02 pm

Dude, he’s got a batphone that goes directly to god. You can’t deny his authoritah.

Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 8:44 pm

And a damn good tricycle, and cop sunglasses.

Bill August 8, 2013 at 5:49 pm

You have yet to say what you think makes people poor.

Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 8:46 pm

refer to question above. You people seem to know what poverty is up until the time someone asks you what it is, then it’s all licorice and sophistry.

Bill August 13, 2013 at 1:22 pm

You did not answer the question above or below? You ducked the question, and who are “you people.”

vicupstate August 8, 2013 at 4:56 pm

Most people who are poor were born into it.

Reply
Bill August 8, 2013 at 5:48 pm

And most people who are rich were born into it.

Reply
Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 8:45 pm

Rubbish.

Reply
Bill August 13, 2013 at 1:02 pm

Rubbish

CNSYD August 8, 2013 at 8:16 pm

In my younger days I thought poor people were poor because they were lazy. In my middle age my church worked a day a month at a homeless shelter. Several of us would have to stay the night to fix and serve breakfast in the morning. Most of the “clients” are mentally ill. They won’t harm anyone but there is no way they could hold any type job. For example, there was one guy who never slept and stood “preaching” to a wall all night. These folk can’t take care of themselves. In my later years I have met people who are on SSI. One I met has epilepsy. They can not get a job as no employer will hire them. So they “live” on SSI and food stamps. Their SSI is about $670 a month. Try finding a place to live, paying for utilities, etc. on that. Somehow these people have to taken care of, whether by government, charities or whatever. They did not choose their plight.

Reply
? August 8, 2013 at 8:40 pm

I agree with you wholeheartedly.

I have a schizophrenic aunt. My family takes care of her, if not, she’d be walking the streets.

I’m quite sure over 50% of the homeless are mentally ill.

That being said, the “solution” is what the differing opinion is. Despite the characterization that “limited gov’t” people don’t care, I find that to be untrue.

It’s a matter of what you put your faith in, gov’t, or people/charity.

Left leaning people scoff at the notion that people with more money in their pocket via less taxes will be more charitable and most(not all) of the poor, infirmed, etc. will be taken care of.

Right leaning people scoff at the notion of a competent and compassionate gov’t that would do either well. And we know the gov’t isn’t taking care of them by simply going to Finley park.

The decision will be made for us all for a time as the gov’t money printing will accelerate us into oblivion.
(I had to insert some of my tin foil philosophy)

Reply
Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 9:00 pm

Yes. Isn’t it pathetic that the truly needy must depend on government, while the houses of worship have, all but a few, given up their God-ordained charge to take care of these people. But the crippled and mentally deficient are far fewer in number, compared to the wretchedly unethical ones, who suck without rest from the State teat.

Reply
? August 8, 2013 at 9:03 pm

This is a great comment. The other thing I’ll add is that charities, usually run by houses of worship(and privately) DO A MUCH BETTER JOB AT SORTING OUT THE LOAFERS.

They don’t just hand out checks and send people on their way.

Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 9:05 pm

Abso-FREAKIN-lutely.

Bill August 13, 2013 at 1:03 pm

Rubbish also

Scrappy August 8, 2013 at 11:24 pm

Good Point.

Reply
Polyphemos August 8, 2013 at 4:15 pm

The last time I heard this much complaining about supply and demand was when I visited a friend who was in the hospital, drying out. People don’t want to pay for other people’s free stuff. They really don’t want to be robbed in order to pay for other people’s free stuff.

The number of really poor people in this state can be counted in the thousands, not the tens of thousands. Unfortunately, there are tens of thousands of Liberals, and the rest of us have to pay for them, because we weren’t smart enough to turn out and vote against their candidates.

Reply
Slartibartfast August 8, 2013 at 4:15 pm

The last time I heard this much complaining about supply and demand was when I visited a friend who was in the hospital, drying out. People don’t want to pay for other people’s free stuff. They really don’t want to be robbed in order to pay for other people’s free stuff.

The number of really poor people in this state can be counted in the thousands, not the tens of thousands. Unfortunately, there are tens of thousands of Liberals, and the rest of us have to pay for them, because we weren’t smart enough to turn out and vote against their candidates.

Reply
? August 8, 2013 at 4:20 pm

The best thing about NC’s move is the ease by which the “border companies” can shuffle back and forth between Charlotte and northern SC bedroom communities.

Reply
SeneseLikeChaps August 8, 2013 at 4:51 pm

Shhhhh, we aren’t supposed to talk about that.

Reply
? August 8, 2013 at 4:20 pm

The best thing about NC’s move is the ease by which the “border companies” can shuffle back and forth between Charlotte and northern SC bedroom communities.

Reply
SeneseLikeChaps August 8, 2013 at 4:51 pm

Shhhhh, we aren’t supposed to talk about that.

Reply
tired of carrying the load August 8, 2013 at 5:03 pm

A sales tax is the fairest tax there is. It is progressive. Rich folks buy more stuff, so they pay more tax. Everyone, including undocumented, illegal, non-authorized immigrant workers pay. I would even support eliminating all taxes except sales tax. Imagine actually owning the stuff you buy without the threat of the gubment coming and taking your car or house if you don’t pay your property taxes.

Reply
Jan August 8, 2013 at 5:59 pm

The sales tax is not progressive. Under every sales tax system proposed Poor and Middle Income people pay a significantly higher percentage of their income and assets on taxes than wealthy people do.
That is because wealthy people get things exempt that affect them. Like professional services, real estate, stocks, bonds, etc. Enforcement of a fair sales tax is almost impossible. Can you imagine the screams from the Koch Brothers if you told them they had to pay 10% of the value of every company they bought to the Government. All up front.
How about next time you buy a house. You already need 20% down, are you prepared to come up with another 20% for the Federal and State Government.
Enforcement of a truly fair sales tax is almost impossible.

Reply
Jesus H. Christ! August 8, 2013 at 6:53 pm

You aren’t carrying shit, my friend.

Reply
tired of carrying the load August 8, 2013 at 5:03 pm

A sales tax is the fairest tax there is. It is progressive. Rich folks buy more stuff, so they pay more tax. Everyone, including undocumented, illegal, non-authorized immigrant workers pay. I would even support eliminating all taxes except sales tax. Imagine actually owning the stuff you buy without the threat of the gubment coming and taking your car or house if you don’t pay your property taxes.

Reply
Jan August 8, 2013 at 5:59 pm

The sales tax is not progressive. Under every sales tax system proposed Poor and Middle Income people pay a significantly higher percentage of their income and assets on taxes than wealthy people do.
That is because wealthy people get things exempt that affect them. Like professional services, real estate, stocks, bonds, etc. Enforcement of a fair sales tax is almost impossible. Can you imagine the screams from the Koch Brothers if you told them they had to pay 10% of the value of every company they bought to the Government. All up front.
How about next time you buy a house. You already need 20% down, are you prepared to come up with another 20% for the Federal and State Government.
Enforcement of a truly fair sales tax is almost impossible.

Reply
Jesus H. Christ! August 8, 2013 at 6:53 pm

You aren’t carrying shit, my friend.

Reply
Scooter August 8, 2013 at 8:56 pm

A lot of states are doing this or are trying to. Lets face it: NC is more progressive than SC.

Reply
Scooter August 8, 2013 at 8:56 pm

A lot of states are doing this or are trying to. Lets face it: NC is more progressive than SC.

Reply

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