puffgeezer
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Apr-19-2002
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Message #173425 posted by puffgeezer (Info) March 18, 2008 10:25:33 ET
In Reply to: Re: Obama on religion and politics posted by Dabullz (Info) March 17, 2008 23:48:57 ET
DB/Shootist,
I'm quite conflicted about all this. If there were a level playing field, I'd be far less inclined to support increased taxes for the rich (or anyone), but it isn't a level playing field, in part because of the tax system already in place which favors the Golden Class.
For example, the outrageous salaries and bonuses being collected, especially by failed senior execs, is one of the most destructive elements of our culture. The obscene levels of compensation breed contempt, cynicism, and loss of confidence in the system by the large majority of citizens. The extraordinary levels of compensation are determined not by just the free market, but largely by mutual back scratching. Competent execs would be lined up for senior management positions at a fraction of the compensation being paid these days.
All else being equal, I'd say let the rich be richer, but all else isn't equal, and we have to start from where we are, not from where we would like it to be. If we're going to condone legal theft via the tax system, we at least need to have some honor among thieves. It is immoral, IMO, to let the current system remain intact.
With that said, we'll not solve our social and fiscal ills by simply throwing more money at them which tends to make our problems more severe and entrenched. The current system spawns a destructive dependence on government and loss of personal responsibility. The best path will likely be a compromise rather than rigid adherence to a given set of political principles. Transcending the increasing polarization is our only salvation, which is why Obama's mindset is resonating with me.
So educate me, show me the errors of my thinking, and help me resolve some of the conflict I feel about all this.
Puff
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