income difference

[RA]

And like I already said, the poor dont pay taxes

[Johny-too-small]

What do you find difficult to understand? You throw out pie charts to defend the wealthy by showing the percentage of who pays what in taxes. That's how you define fair? Put up pie charts to show how much of what they pay in taxes is a percentage of their wealth and disposable income -- that reflects fairness. In comparison they pay squat in taxes. It isn't the poor that gets the greatest burden, it is the middle class when it comes to shouldering a greater burden.

Im one of those guys in the 5% pie chart. I pay over $10,000 in taxes quarterly, and that's deducting all my write-offs and credits. If you think thats "squat in taxes," then Id like you to write that check and tell me how easy and fair it is.

Its not all about the money, my narrow-minded freind.
I have spent $150,000 in higher education, saved and sacrificed for years to establish and develop my company, and overpaid my emplyees to keep them happy. In addition, I pay my social security twice because I own my own business. That's fair?

The greatest burden is on the middle-class? BS. How about the burden placed on the rich to generate money and business to keep the middle-class employed? Making sure the paychecks get handed out every friday and paying extra taxes for the saps that file for unemployment after the leave the company.

I have no issue with the poor, the middle-class, or the rich. They all play an important role in the economy and are equally important. However, dont tell me whats fair when you've never put on my shoes or have had the balls to do what I do.

[Johny-too-small]

And like I already said, the poor dont pay taxes

No they dont.

[clomid222]

The president of my company is from Sweden and he says that it's very easy for the average to live a decent middle class life in Sweden compared to the United States. Making a decent salary and a decent standard of living is easier to achieve in Sweden, however if you are an upper professional like a doctor, lawyer, businessman, or a person with a graduate level education you can make several times as much in the United States as you can in Sweden. There is more opportunity to get ahead in the United States, but less opportunity for the average menial working class person.

So if you just have a high school education - stay in Sweden.

But if you have a college degree and a professional white-collar trade then come to the United States where you could potentially make several times what you could in Sweden.

There is more risk involved with working in the United States, but if you can pull it off the rewards will be far better.

[Kärnfysikern]

The president of my company is from Sweden and he says that it's very easy for the average to live a decent middle class life in Sweden compared to the United States. Making a decent salary and a decent standard of living is easier to achieve in Sweden, however if you are an upper professional like a doctor, lawyer, businessman, or a person with a graduate level education you can make several times as much in the United States as you can in Sweden. There is more opportunity to get ahead in the United States, but less opportunity for the average menial working class person.

So if you just have a high school education - stay in Sweden.

But if you have a college degree and a professional white-collar trade then come to the United States where you could potentially make several times what you could in Sweden.

There is more risk involved with working in the United States, but if you can pull it off the rewards will be far better.

Yupp. Its easy to live well, but its hard to get rich.

[biglouie250]

Im one of those guys in the 5% pie chart. I pay over $10,000 in taxes quarterly, and that's deducting all my write-offs and credits. If you think thats "squat in taxes," then Id like you to write that check and tell me how easy and fair it is.

Its not all about the money, my narrow-minded freind.
I have spent $150,000 in higher education, saved and sacrificed for years to establish and develop my company, and overpaid my emplyees to keep them happy. In addition, I pay my social security twice because I own my own business. That's fair?

The greatest burden is on the middle-class? BS. How about the burden placed on the rich to generate money and business to keep the middle-class employed? Making sure the paychecks get handed out every friday and paying extra taxes for the saps that file for unemployment after the leave the company.

I have no issue with the poor, the middle-class, or the rich. They all play an important role in the economy and are equally important. However, dont tell me whats fair when you've never put on my shoes or have had the balls to do what I do.

johnny- in all seriousness its people with your attitude that make this country great and i applaud you. ill be in the 5% before im 30 as well.

[PaRiS2005]

I just invest all of what I can into 401k, you don't ever see it come out of your check, and you get less taxes taken out...

[biglouie250]

I just invest all of what I can into 401k, you don't ever see it come out of your check, and you get less taxes taken out...

+1, there are limitations to what is not subject to tax. $15,000 for 2006 i believe for elective deferrals to your 401K