Open Thread

“Who the hell is blaming those who still have jobs? I’m thrilled they still do. The words “jobless recovery” ring a bell? I don’t see private industry rushing to create jobs- big corporations are holding onto their money or looking for ways to increase their profit margins- there is no job creation program in private industry. Although they certainly have their hands in the government trough. Instead, the prevailing attitude is “let’s not care.”
I’m done- sick of the throw them to the wolves attitude I see on here.”

bxgrl,
By “blaming those who have jobs” I’m pointing to the idea that corporations and industry are automated juggernauts without people behind them.
Obviously the corporations are in the government trough since the government is charged with priming the pump of industry to create jobs and tax revenue.
I object to the idea of setting this entire situation up as an us and them proposition. Think about how many retired folks are counting on that pension check which is entirely dependent on the well being of the DOW 30 or the S&P 500. To expect corportations and industry to throw money after bad government policy is to expect everyone to jump over a cliff. And I’m not saying that we should let them have free reign either.
We are in a bad state, but we still have 90% employment. My problem is with the economic policies which are rooted in the previously mentioned “social justice” mentality and which are inherently at odds with the economic system which has grown organically in this country from about 1624.

Cindy MaCain was the perfect example of why there should be a 100% inheritance tax.

Thanks for the explanation Bxgrl (and Denton). I agree, it’s very self demeaning and I would have a very hard time opting for it as well. It’s actually great that some stand up folks would use Welfar/Gov’t programs as a last report (which it’s meant to be). All I was saying is that if it truly is the last resort, I would bite my elbows and go on it in order not to be homeless and sleep on a park bench. I personally rather go on welfare than say beg in the subways (I am guessing some folks do both).

Denton;

In my mind, the inheritance tax is the most immoral of all taxes, in that it punishes thrift. It is also a double taxation, which is also immoral in my mind.

Studies have shown that an ineritance does not necessarily mean success. Only a couple of the descendants of the Vanderbilts are now millionaires.

Finally, as my only child has MS, this issue is very near to me. Given that she has no siblings, I worry about her situation should her condition advance at a later age. I work to make sure that she can retain her independence and life should this happens, and I will do all that I can to make sure that the government doesn’t extend its hand into my pocket.

“Now that it all has come crashing down, so many people are under water in their old homes they can’t sell and go somewhere else where the economy is better.”

In comes the Bair plan discussed ^^^. Underwater people facing foreclosure get 20k to leave the home and move to an area with more jobs. (Not sure Texas is necessarily the answer as they have a high unemployment rate, too – 8.2%)