Still on the fence and November is 3 mos away.

[cantdrv55]

I think I'm like most Americans in that I never discuss politics in public, fearing that I may offend someone and cause a ruckus. I'm also like a lot of Americans who wait until the last minute to make up our minds about which candidate to support. It's not that I'm procrastinating, it's that I feel no one has made a strong enough attempt to win my vote. Bush and Kerry are more alike than they are different. I feel they both lie, they're both rich and I don't completely agree with either of their platforms.

What's a voter to do? I'm for a flat tax. I want a stronger military but I want us out of Iraq YESTERDAY. However, we should go after terrorists with a vengeance. I don't want to tax the rich more but since I upped my own charitable donations, I feel they should do the same in proportion. I think global warming is more fiction that fact though I am very concerned about pollution. Let's do something, anything about jobs being shipped overseas. Yes, we are the last remaining superpower but do we have to foot the bill every time? Lastly, we have to strenghten our nation's family values. I spoke to a middle school teacher recently who told me that in some sectors of our urban population, teenage girls who are pregnant actually rise in social status. I'm not that old but when I was in middle school and in high school in San Francisco, teenage pregnancy was shameful.

Now, am I asking too much from a president?

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by cantdrv55

Now, am I asking too much from a president?

In this day and age, yes.

[techweenie]

A flat tax -- or better yet, a VAT -- is a great solution.

Unfortunately, our government has a long history of bein manipulated by special interests. And the result is a tax code that's almost beyond comprehension and never gets 'simpler' no matter who makes the promise.

Politicians won't even discuss the AMT because it's a stealth revenue-booster that allows them to point at slightly lower tax rates while the AMT whacks certain taxpayers with a much higher effective rate.

The major parties are letting us down on many issues.

[island911]

Originally posted by techweenie
A flat tax -- or better yet, a VAT -- is a great solution.
. . .
The major parties are letting us down on many issues.

I always worry, when I find myself in agreement with you.

You do mean, VAT (or flat) as replacement of our current income-tax scheme. . rather than, in addition to . . .right?

[Rot 911]

Houston, we have a problem. Both sides are in agreement about a VAT/flat tax.

[juanbenae]

leave it to chris to get this bunch in a group hug. you're just to dam nice chris.... "as to not cause a rukus" how else can politics be discussed?

[cantdrv55]

Originally posted by k911sc
leave it to chris to get this bunch in a group hug. you're just to dam nice chris.... "as to not cause a rukus" how else can politics be discussed?

Who the f*@k you calling nice? That's it toby. Meet me by the flagpole near the bike racks after school and no kicking or gouging!

[CamB]

VAT tax alone won't work - we have 12.5% on ALL goods and services (ok, excl financial transaction), including staples/necessities, effectively levied on consumer. By this, I mean that any individual good or service is only taxed once, in the hands of the final consumer.

This only raises about 25% of the tax base, with 65% of the tax take coming from individuals (at marginal tax rates running from 15% to 39%, and company tax at 33% - not sdouble taxed). The rest is excise tax.

Logically, the VAT would need to be HUGE to raise sufficient funds. Not 4x 12.5%, but at least 30% plus I would guess.

[Moses]

Originally posted by cantdrv55
What's a voter to do? I'm for a flat tax. I want a stronger military but I want us out of Iraq YESTERDAY. However, we should go after terrorists with a vengeance. I don't want to tax the rich more but since I upped my own charitable donations, I feel they should do the same in proportion. I think global warming is more fiction that fact though I am very concerned about pollution. Let's do something, anything about jobs being shipped overseas. Yes, we are the last remaining superpower but do we have to foot the bill every time?

Hell, I'm voting for you!

[cantdrv55]

Thanks Moses. That's two votes, yours and mine.

[84porsche]

I got the same problem. This will probably be my second time voting for a president and I have no idea who to vote for. My people I know are hard-nosed Republican (Orange County, CA) but I don't always agree with them. I haven't picked a side and I don't think I want to. I agree we should be out of Iraq but as far as the other issues, I would rather vote as they come along. Ok, make it 3 votes for cantdrv55.

[mikester]

Look at both candidates throughtly - past and present.

Then, decide which ones current advertised values and history meet YOUR values.

Vote for that one or Vote for Nader. You're not going to get all you want out of one single candidate - ever. If you do you either live in Santa Monica or Venice (The people's republic of either) or you're crazy as a loon - or both.

Clear as mud there buddy.

[cantdrv55]

Originally posted by 84porsche
Ok, make it 3 votes for cantdrv55.

Great! Now how do I get my name on the ballot?