Comity of Errors
 

I can't be an apologist for the AMT. It's a ridiculous construct which should be done away with immediately. If the G isn't happy with the fact that tax breaks allow certain people to pay less than their "fair share" of taxes, which is what the AMT purports to correct, then the tax breaks should be eliminated or ceilings should be put in place.

Historically, tax policy has distinguished between taxes on net income and other types of tax. I don't think the rule always makes sense, particularly in the case of allowing a deduction for state income and property taxes but not sales tax.

As for taxation at the state level, the states haven't chosen to offer a deduction for federal income tax and the Eleventh Amendment prohibits the federal government from interviening in that decision, as well as the Anti-Injunction Act.

just say no
 

For efficiency's sake, many years back, I had elective surgery to install a state of the art colostomy bag waste disposal system, so I am having a tough time understanding what you are getting at but I am betting it is missing the mark. sts.

Comity of Errors
 

We've discussed dividend taxation on the board a number of times. A tax on dividends is not double taxation at the individual level because it both corporations and individuals are separate taxpayers. Furthermore, tax breaks for divindends have a regressive impact because they favor income of those who rely more on wealth than labor for their income.

If the federal government were to decide to try to better integrate corporate and shareholder taxation, a more appropriate response would be to allow the corporation a dividends-paid deduction. That would put dividends, a payment for the use of capital on more of a par with wages, which are payment for the use of labor, and interest, which is payment for the use of money.

It would also provide for a more equitable distribution of the overall tax burden, without favoring one source of value over another.

If you want to discuss the estate tax with me, then stop using offensive and misleading rhetorical devices and we'll talk.

Comity of Errors
 

2!

Isn't state sales tax deductible as of last year (for WA state sales tax it was and is) or is limited to some/certain states' sales taxes?

The Bush Administration appointed an advisory group on tax policy. They issued two different proposals a couple of days ago. The elimination of mortgage and state tax deductions was a common feature of both proposals, although there were some small differences between the two.

Comity of Errors
 

I disagree and stand by the double taxation. Of course, you are self interested in the perpetuation of more taxes so I will take your comments with a grain of salt. Additionally, the demo party is interested in tearing down corporate america and undermining investment to allow for the eventual state appropriation of private industry when the Clintons' RedChinese handlers call in their chits. Sad.

As for rhetorical devices, I support life and its sanctity as directed by the babyjesi and will not be bowed by the culturalists of death wimpy protestations of tender feelings. When the left stops supporting a culture of death via death taxes and forced killings of disabled people then I willl stop rhetorically calling them to task for their evils.

Comity of Errors
 

But wasn't that distinction obviated by the "Hey My Buddies in Texas Pay Sales Not Income Tax Act of 2004"?

A Question of Balance
 

You're worrying about the rising cost of private schools, you wear $140 shirts, you're a DINK household, and you say you're not rich? Try running that past the cleaning crew in your office or the manger at your grocery store and see what they think.

The truth is that there is such a wide (and growing) gap between the haves and the have-nots in this country that there is hardly anything left of the middle class any more. The middle class used to be the cops and the office managers, and the average lawyers, who could afford a modest house and maybe two cars, one used, and possibly a two-week vacation every year. These people are almost all gone now. They haven't disappeared completely, but they are shrinking rapidly as a demographic.

Comity of Errors
 

Washington State got a benefit too. Perhaps that was a nod to my continued effourts here to educate the ignorant nattering nabobs here, but given the blue tint of this state I doubt it. Way to unfairly criticise the President no matter what he does though. The consistent bias of the left is at least heartening in its consistency.

Comity of Errors
 

Generally, taxing something is considered a disincentive to it happening. Those who wish to stop taxing death would appear to want to promote it the most.

What is it that Republicans have against the living?

Comity of Errors
 

Rubs to religious inconography in response to tax post: 1 (arguably 2, with the use of the plural)

Clinton references: 1

References to Democratic party: 3

References to death/evil: 4

Substantive response to double taxation: 0

Not bad. Sounds like you've hit the mark pretty accurately, Wonk.

http://www.reality-syndicate.com/gue...ges/target.gif

A Question of Balance
 

I did and I am not sure the quality of life is not better for those people.



No, that is not the truth. Try getting out of your insular upper middle class suburban gated enclave and mingle with the real people, the middle class that does exist and maybe you would learn something. I live and socialise amongst the middle class, the working class, and you could not be further from the truth. On a daily basis I go into the worst neighbourhoods in my city and offer educational hope and social justive and there is a thriving culture of opportunity and ownership in our midst, but its not in the demos interest to promote it lest voters stray from the plantation. It is nice to see you perpetuating the lies of the Sharpton/Jackson/Pelosi wing of the looney left though.

Comity of Errors
 

A sales tax deduction was enacted as part of the Jobs Creation Act.

Comity of Errors
 

The demos are celebrating death by a confiscatory act of oppression on the survivors. That is the evil. The Rs support the living, i.e. the survivors.

Comity of Errors
 

Right. I always get that name mixed up.