Speeding ticket...............

[Matt Monson]

The other thing is differing definitions of 1%er. I prefer the personal wealth definition. If I was in real estate I could have made $750k in 2008 and barely got by in 2009 and 2010 after the crash. I wouldn't be a true 1%er unless I made the $750k for quite a few years running. There is a big difference between income and wealth. The wealthy in this country have net worths that potentially exceed how much money I will make in my whole working career.

[Matt Monson]

And yes, 10% shy of the earning number is far from it in my opinion.

[COLB]

I think you would have to tie yourself in knots to argue that any President of the United States is not part of the "1%" (assuming that percentile is even relevant.)

If the President had to account for "in kind" reimbursement on his taxes the way an average corporate CEO does, God knows what his annual adjusted income would be.

When POTUS flies Air Force One to Hawaii on vacation, he pays reimbursement for the cost of a commercial ticket. He lives rent free in the White House -- though he does get billed for meals and service costs at hotel-level prices.

When he leaves office, he will be in the pool of people who get paid $500,000+ per speech.

That isn't the current POTUS -- that is pretty much every modern POTUS.

Even if he were a pauper coming out of office (as Hillary Clinton claims to have been) -- that is a VERY temporary state.

[COLB]

And since you brought up the distinction between wealth and income -- you may as well add in the factor of power -- which is really what the whole "1%" is about.

Who is more powerful, and surrounded by the trappings of wealth than a President of the United States?

When they vacation at a hotel, they generally rent out the entire facility (for security purposes). Who does that other than a billionaire?

When they play golf, they close the course (ask some golfers in the DC about that).

It is a crappy life, IMO -- but it is a Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous.

[Matt Monson]

So let's put him in the 1%. And then his efforts to increase taxes on the 1% mean he isn't leaving himself out of a greater share of the tax burden. What a horrible man.

[Tremelune]

The President is an elected official, and that position of power is wisely temporary by law.

In passing, when people talk about wealth inequality and the 1%, they really mean the %0.01.

[grizzfan]

Tremelune posts:

But what do I know? I'm just a niave entrepreneur with degree in Economics from UC Berkekey, one of the top schools in the country in the field.

Ah ha! That explains a lot!! And "Berkekey" obviously is not a top school for spelling or perhaps typing, but I digress. A degree in Economics these days makes one eligible to be an expert on Global Climate Change, judging from the most common curriculum vita of "those in the know"!! (You've probably already guessed - I'm a "denier").

I'm just a broken down, old retired US Army Colonel with a degree in Physical Sciences from the University of Montana, (one of the top schools in the country for rape and sexual assault according to author Jon Krakaur), and a Master's Degree in Personnel Administration from Pacific Lutheran University and a graduate of the US Army War College.

Tom

[Tremelune]

That quote is misattributed.

[Matt Monson]

A bitter old retired flat foot on a government pension. That explains the need to bring insults to a polite conversation.

[Matt Monson]

BTW,
I'm walking away now. I poked the Griz because he was being rude and said the Obama stuff just to get a rise out of him. I really don't have any respect for anyone who feels the need to be so rude and condescending, former serviceman or not. I've got too much self respect to engage in a conversation that is just going to be a bunch of insults backed by opinions that one assumes are superior to the maggot he is talking down to. I've got better things to do with my time and more productive ways to spend my time on this board.

[grizzfan]

Tremelune, I believe you erased your post with the spelling error!! Not fair, not fair.

Matt Monson, I do not have flat feet. As an Artilleryman I had the privilege of riding around in a jeep wherever I had to go. I believe I earned my 'government pension' and sincerely thank you for providing it. As for my 'bitterness', I think you'd find none in person. I'm as happy as a clam.

On most issues my mind is made up after many years of sorting facts and listening to the pontificators. So you are correct, I have a 'closed mind'. Guilty as charged.

Again, cheers!

Tom

[Tremelune]

Originally Posted by grizzfan

Tremelune, I believe you erased your post with the spelling error!! Not fair, not fair.

It was Matt Monson you quoted, but under my handle.

[grizzfan]

My bad. Sorry. And it's still there.

I'm done.

tpr

[Tremelune]

I spend a lot of time on the Internet, and when it comes to classic car enthusiasts, there is a very varied point of view and a high amount of civility. I have yet to pinpoint why that is, but I wouldn't have come near this thread on 6SpeedOnline.