SpeedoGuy said:
So, they refuse to raise the federal minimum wage from $5.15 per hour while simultaneously doling out tax cuts to the upper 5% of incomes (and blaming immigrant labor for lower wages). Sounds like the compassionate conservatives in the administration and Congress are back doing what they do best.
Right-o, SG. Believe it or not, the reasoning that they put forth for these tax cuts for the upper echelon is "with a small tax break, they will spend more, putting more money back into the dynamic economy, which will create jobs and provide more opportunities for those in the lower echelons." Except the big problem with that theory is: Duh, how do you think they
stay in the upper echelons, by getting rid of the money they have? I seriously doubt that paying less in taxes is going to affect the actual spending habits of your average millionaire. Those tax breaks, in what seems logical to me, actually do the opposite of the intent - less money into the economy. Does anyone honestly believe that if Derek Jeter or Bill Gates paid $80,000 less in taxes this year that either one would automatically spend $80,000 more? No, his accountant simply puts that additional $80,000 into his portfolio.
And for those who don't know, $170,000 is BASE PAY. Before perks. You really should look it up to know what's going on with congressional pay. Especially what taxes they (or don't) pay, their health care coverage, and their housing allowances... plus office operating expenses, entertainment allowances, travel benefits... there's a pretty long list. And that doesn't even take into consideration the ones who are in tight with deep-pocketed lobbyists.
Cadet, I don't know your age or location, but your post tells me volumes about you. Not so long ago, I was a public school teacher, making a whopping 18K first year, 20k second year (and that only because there was some legislation during my first year). It was TOUGH. The hours were long... including in-class time, plus out-of-class preparation, it was about 12 to 14 hours a day. On that little pay, I could barely pay rent and utilities, let alone sock away a sizeable savings account. When I wanted to go back to school, I discovered that (???) due to my staggeringly huge income, I did not qualify for financial aid. I didn't have time to work a second job. I couldn't just quit work and go to school full time. None of the colleges nearby offered the post-grad classes I needed at night... all the night classes were for undergraduate programs. So, Cadet, how would you suggest someone in that situation move up in the world?