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http://www.krqe.com/expanded.asp?ID=15327
In contrast and in spite of the 500 billion dollar war in Iraq, the Republicans just renewed tax breaks that heavily favor the rich.
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The war is finally over - the Spanish/American war, that is
- Thread starter Ivan Seeking
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Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the recent announcement by the Treasury Department regarding the cessation of certain telephone taxes related to long-distance calls, along with a significant refund to consumers. Participants reflect on the implications of this tax change in the context of broader fiscal policies, particularly in relation to wealth distribution and historical taxation practices.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant notes the end of the long-distance telephone tax and the refund to consumers, linking it to broader fiscal policies and tax breaks favoring the wealthy.
- Another participant expresses skepticism about the fairness of tax policies under the Bush administration, suggesting a reliance on borrowing rather than equitable taxation.
- A participant questions the implication that only wealthy individuals make long-distance phone calls, prompting a discussion about the historical context of the tax.
- Further clarification is provided regarding the original tax, with a participant suggesting that historically, only the wealthy could afford long-distance calls and the necessary technology.
- Another participant reinforces this historical perspective, indicating that the tax dates back to 1898 and was likely only applicable to those who could afford such technology.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the implications of the tax changes and the fairness of current tax policies. There is no consensus on the broader implications of these changes or the historical context of the tax.
Contextual Notes
The discussion includes assumptions about historical wealth distribution and technology access, which may not be universally applicable. The relationship between current tax policies and historical practices remains unresolved.
In contrast and in spite of the 500 billion dollar war in Iraq, the Republicans just renewed tax breaks that heavily favor the rich.
- #2
Astronuc
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I guess the Bush administration considers taxes unfair. They'll just borrow the money. 
Kind of reminds me of a comment attributed to Leona Helmsley - "Only the little people pay taxes," which seems to be hearsay, but was admitted as evidence during her trial on tax evasion.
Kind of reminds me of a comment attributed to Leona Helmsley - "Only the little people pay taxes," which seems to be hearsay, but was admitted as evidence during her trial on tax evasion.
- #3
russ_watters
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Only the rich make long distance phone calls??
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russ_watters said:
? Are you referring to the orignal tax? When it was first proposed, yes, as a rule, only the rich made long distance phone calls; or had phones for that matter.
- #5
Astronuc
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Tax dates back to 1898. And likely, only the wealthy could afford such technology, and perhaps electricity for that matter.