Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Stealth Tax Increases

Just like 2008, the Republicans are getting everything they want, and asset values (stock market and housing) are dropping fast. The Democrats do not have clean hands either. Neither party focused on jobs and as a result, we have no job growth. Go figure.

But this blog post is not about jobs or spending; it is about taxes: should they go up, down, or stay the same. Republicans in Congress say raising taxes kills jobs. Ahhh, dummies... so does cutting spending. Less demand, no matter where it comes from, will not create jobs.

The GOP has worked very hard to raise your tax burden and you never knew they were in your pocket. When the policies of Congress destroy the value of your 401(k), IRA, and home value, this is a real and hidden tax. The brinkmanship with the debt ceiling was a colossal waste of time and created no jobs. Zero. Yet, the stock market dropped 15% in two weeks and housing prices look like they may start down again as economic activity stalls because there is no demand (government cutbacks) and hence, no jobs.

I don't know about you, but I would take a higher tax rate if I didn't have to watch my saving earn .1% in the bank, my retirement funds shrivel in the stock market (the Dow closed on December 31, 1999 at 11497.69), my home drop 40% in value, and felt secure in my job. Maybe I am nuts, but all this adds to a real tax increase. The only difference is who gets the money. If the government taxed a small amount more at least it would help lower the deficit. Instead, we just get to bleed more with no doctor in sight.

Can someone please lead? Real leadership. Please.

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