Americans have been slow at recognizing what is going on...and making the necessary changes...This country carries on business as usual regardless of the consequences...Sooner or later the piper has to be paid....In essence the USA ran a GUNS AND BUTTER economy for the duration of the Cold War...

This Guns and Butter approach put a $4 Trillion debt on the table has made SS insolvent after waht is it 2011...putting the SS tax proceeds into the General Fund instead of keeping them seperate...The Democratic Congress (they held control until from the 1930's through1994 with brief exceptions) held the purse strings and spent lavishly on Social issues most of which have turned into utter failures...

The American people want to be fat dumb and happy and will do anything to make sure they get to watch Monday Night Football instead of paying attention to the Nightly Business Report...as a consequence they notice they have to work more hours for less pay and wonder why it's all happening...

Not only that they have the expectation that their children get to keep their SUV and home in the suburbs without having to to sacrafice and make the effort to educate themselves to face the upcoming onslought of foreign competition who will do it better and cheaper than they are willing to....

Circles, you talk in complete circles.

I've mentioned the wage gap I'd say at least 5 times now.

Tabs, I kinda feel like it's out of my hands......

Could you show them to me? The post below obviously wouldn't count...because of course...you are posting about the "monetary difference between the rich and poor "...which, as I posted is not the same as a "wage gap."

RE: then tax away/redistribute the rest.

1. FACT the monetary difference between the rich and poor is WIDENING and has been WIDENING for a long time, which makes this statement COMPLETELY FALSE....a LIE if you will.

2. Fiscal responsibility seems to not be a priority among republicans. What a disgusting trait. I find those who are responsible with their money (as I am) very appealing. Glad I know how you feel about being responsible.

WTF?

How the hell else does a gap become larger?

Well all I can say is it's a good thing that these "liberal" politicians aren't really "redistributing the wealth" since the GAP has been consistently widening for 35 years. One would think if all this "wealth" were redistributed, there would be little GAP.

Few people become rich via wages. Most do by investment, starting their own business, etc.

A person could make millions each year from stock and earn no wage whatsoever. Another could have significant wages but no wealth due to lack of saving, investment, etc. A third could make a very low wage...save and invest well...and become wealthy. All of these are unrelated to wages.

A strong stock market is one way the gap in wealth would become larger.

Which gap?

What redistribution?

Taxes collected from earners and spent for social programs...I already mentioned a good example....Earned Income Credit. Now ewe>>>LOL.

And you are saying the liberals are solely responsible for the Earned Income Credit?

BTW, you can have it...doesn't benefit me whatsoever...does it benefit you?

No. I answered your question about "what redistribution." Sheesh! It is just such a simple example that I thought that even you could understand. It doesn't matter if it benefits you personally or not....it is an example.

This whole conversation started with you and your "liberal politicians" and redistribution. So I ask you a valid question: And you are saying the liberals are solely responsible for the Earned Income Credit?

And the other question was a side question...why are you afraid to answer? You DO benefit! :)

Sorry to break it to you...but I am one of those folks that you hate so much and that your side defines as "rich" (or would that be the "evil rich?"). Obviously I not only do not benefit from it...but I pay heavily for it.

Then read my answer....I said no both times you asked.

What the hell would make you think I'm not well off as well?????

I love the assumptions that are made by you guys. It's so funny!

Never said you were not...but...your reponse seems to indicate otherwise. You know what they say...the guilty dog barks first....Also, you seem to have very little understanding of economics or taxes...and have trouble using the terminology necessary to earn much money. I guess you could be a pro basketball player, an actress, or have inherited or married money...Considering your age and relative lack of knowledge.. I doubt that you have earned or invested extremely well....

My comments have been solely on your untrue remark: liberal politicians redistribute the wealth in this country.

That's IT.

And it appears you are the one who has little understanding of the tax system in this country and what it takes to keep the government afloat the way it is currently set up. Sucks, but if they lower the percentage of the very rich to the same rate as someone who makes, say $50,000, then the government WILL NOT generate much revenue.

Your efforts would be better served changing the whole structure of the taxes (i.e., flat tax) instead of blaming liberals for everything.

OMG how ignoramously presumuous and extremely rude and disrespectful of you. Who the hell do you think you are? You have NO IDEA about how damn hard I've worked to get where I am at today, through college as well as the ladder, and have no clue as to my income, investments or knowledge.

Who in the HELL do you think you are to talk to me like that?