This thread is for civil discussion please...please!

Taxes: Are they out of control?

Madison’s Jefferson and Hamilton’s take on taxes::

Madison, James Essay on Property
March 29, 1792
Topic: Taxation

A just security to property is not afforded by that government, under which unequal taxes oppress one species of property and reward another species.


Jefferson, Thomas letter to James Madison
1784
Topic: Taxation

Taxes should be proportioned to what may be annually spared by the individual.


Jefferson, Thomas letter to James Madison
1784
Topic: Taxation

Would it not be better to simplify the system of taxation rather than to spread it over such a variety of subjects and pass through so many new hands.


Hamilton, Alexander Federalist No. 21
1787
Topic: Taxation

If duties are too high, they lessen the consumption; the collection is eluded; and the product to the treasury is not so great as when they are confined within proper and moderate bounds. This forms a complete barrier against any material oppression of the citizens by taxes of this class, and is itself a natural limitation of the power of imposing them.


Jefferson, Thomas letter to Joseph Milligan
April 6, 1816
Topic: Taxation

For example. If the system be established on basis of Income, and his just proportion on that scale has been already drawn from every one, to step into the field of Consumption, and tax special articles in that, as broadcloth or homespun, wine or whiskey, a coach or a wagon, is doubly taxing the same article. For that portion of Income with which these articles are purchased, having already paid its tax as Income, to pay another tax on the thing it purchased, is paying twice for the same thing; it is an aggrievance on the citizens who use these articles in exoneration of those who do not, contrary to the most sacred of the duties of a government, to do equal and impartial justice to all its citizens.

Are economy is in serious trouble. Local, State and the Federal Government has grown large. In some States the government is the largest employer. I wonder why is that?

Many people are hurting financially and now many who made a decent living are hurting? With that in mind, is it prudent for the Feds to raise taxes, then re-distribute the wealth as Obama promised?

Part of the problem of this bad economy were home loans to people who could not pay them back. IMO this helped set-off the downward spiral of the economy. Those instruments (homes) were packaged and sold to stock holding companies as AAA. Greed played a role in this too. The Stock Market plunged; people lost their hard earned retirement funds. When we began this collapse those who had money stopped spending which further eroded the economy. Of course, this is no where near all the variables; that would take an economist. The point of the story is how far and by how much do you risk money (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac) to high risk individuals with little hope of return on investment (ROI). But I digress; but do I? If personal responsibility is not taken by the individual that has little money; then who will. If we are going to pay taxes; I surely don’t want it wasted.

With the former in mind…

Do you think part of the taxes we collect should be given to those who make less than the next higher paid person?

Do you think the country should give money to people who just do not want to work?

Do you think Taxes should buy someone a house?

Should the American Tax payer pay for a college education?

Should we help the poor with a hand up to better themselves via Taxes?

Should the American Taxpayer pay for healthcare for anyone?

Do you think the percentage of tax you pay every year is too high?

Would a Flat Tax be a better way to go which causes everyone to pay the same?

I for one do not want to see anyone who is disabled go without anything, no matter what it is. I do not want anyone to go hungry. I do not want to see anyone go without a roof over their head. But, know this; I will not finance the lazy, or healthy whom just wants a free ride. I would like to see some sort of plan to allow health insurance companies to compete nationwide; thereby lowering prices. Drug companies expand even more lower priced drugs. For the very few who just fall through the cracks on health care; they get it. With this in mind, there is only so far taxes can go and it is as always has been charity organizations picking up the slack through personal donations.