ThinkProgress has the video of Rep. John Fleming (R-LA) attacking President Obama’s deficit plan by explaining that he already finds it hard to make ends meet. After expenses and feeding his family, he’s teetering on the brink of bankruptcy with a measly $400K a year.
Youtube Video1 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 2:52:57pm |
I've got to get a job making Dem 2012 commercials.
| 2 |
Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Sep 19, 2011 2:53:12pm |
Wait. Business expenses and feeding his family. What about housing for his family? School expenses?
I'm very confused. Is this guy claiming that after his business and family expenses, that's all savings? That would be terrific.
Or did he misspeak, and $400,000 is what his family has to live on?
Could he clarify?
| 3 |
darthstar Mon, Sep 19, 2011 2:56:16pm |
And given his "500" employees he supports, he also admits that the average annual salary is 11,400 dollars a year...well below the poverty level.
| 4 |
Romantic Heretic Mon, Sep 19, 2011 2:56:48pm |
Since I live on just a little under $10,000 a year I find it really hard to sympathize with this douchebag.
| 6 |
darthstar Mon, Sep 19, 2011 2:57:24pm |
He also isn't counting the $175,000 in congressional salary he gets for being a lying cocksucker from taxpayers.
| 7 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 2:57:37pm |
re: #3 darthstar
And given his "500" employees he supports, he also admits that the average annual salary is 11,400 dollars a year...well below the poverty level.
Dollar goes farther in Baton Rouge--and Guadalajara.
| 8 |
Varek Raith Mon, Sep 19, 2011 2:57:49pm |
re: #4 Romantic Heretic
Since I live on just a little under $10,000 a year I find it really hard to sympathize with this douchebag.
Same here.
| 9 |
windsagio Mon, Sep 19, 2011 2:58:10pm |
if it costs $400000 a year to feed his family he must also have 500 kids.
(and before anybody says it, business expenses really shouldn't count)
| 10 |
Varek Raith Mon, Sep 19, 2011 2:59:00pm |
re: #9 windsagio
if it costs $400000 a year to feed his family he must also have 500 kids.
(and before anybody says it, business expenses really shouldn't count)
Yep, since the magic hand of the free market is telling him he's doing it wrong!
;)
| 11 |
Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Sep 19, 2011 2:59:14pm |
re: #9 windsagio
if it costs $400000 a year to feed his family he must also have 500 kids.
(and before anybody says it, business expenses really shouldn't count)
Depends on the kids. Do they demand ipods and restaurant meals?
| 13 |
darthstar Mon, Sep 19, 2011 2:59:46pm |
re: #9 windsagio
if it costs $400000 a year to feed his family he must also have 500 kids.
(and before anybody says it, business expenses really shouldn't count)
In trying to make himself sound like he's "suffering" he picked a number he thought would be low enough to still be believable, and yet not so low that he'd lose face with the donors and colleagues whose impressions of him he cherishes most.
| 14 |
Political Atheist Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:00:31pm |
re: #1 Decatur Deb
I've got to get a job making Dem 2012 commercials.
Come see me at my Studio11, just to have some indy voter/indy filmaker fun.
Just kidding but it's kinda appealing.
| 15 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:01:44pm |
re: #14 Rightwingconspirator
Come see me at my Studio11, just to have some indy voter/indy filmaker fun.
Just kidding but it's kinda appealing.
It's like they don't believe in global warming, or videorecorders.
| 16 |
Kronocide Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:01:53pm |
He implied it took $200k a year to 'feed his family' but left out the obvious:
if his taxes were raised, would he fire people or would there be less jobs?
Pressing him on this issue is class warfare. Riight. Merely discussing raising taxes on wealthy people is class warfare. That's childish rhetoric.
| 17 |
freetoken Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:03:07pm |
What's silly here is that capital investments in his business, say spending some of that $400,000 on his shops for future business, are expenses and thus will be deductible in his business income.
He says he has $400k to "invest in new locations" etc., meaning he is keeping roughly $200k for personal income.
While $200k is not a really large amount (depending up the size of his family), he can set up trusts for the children, have his own SEP for retirement, etc. etc.
| 18 |
windsagio Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:03:18pm |
As an aside, they should raise taxes on the rich and abolish the cap on payroll taxes.
Just in case anybody wanted to know...
| 19 |
jaunte Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:04:13pm |
re: #16 BigPapa
Now I'm curious about how many of his employees are allowed to work enough hours to qualify as full time.
| 20 |
windsagio Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:04:45pm |
re: #19 jaunte
at $11k it can't be many, whats the min wage there?
| 21 |
Mad Prophet Ludwig Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:06:40pm |
Let me translate this:
He is the ubermensch. It is obvious from his wealth that he is more loved by Jesus. Obviously taxes and benefits need to be increased on the poor and working Americans whom Jesus obviously loves less - else they would be rich too.
Obama is clearly a Godless communist because he is trying to interfere with God's punishments on the poor and blessings to the rich whom they naturally serve in this great Christian nation. To think that an elitist like Obama should wage class warfare by daring to question the rightful subservient place of working Americans is just un-American and against God's natural order of things!
| 22 |
jaunte Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:07:29pm |
re: #20 windsagio
$7.25, except under age 20 ($4.25).
[Link: www.minimum-wage.org...]
| 23 |
Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:07:38pm |
I dislike the dishonesty of playing poor over $400,000 a year. If he wants to be honest and say, "I made it, I want to keep it," fine, but be honest. That's not poverty.
I'm sitting here searching on home prices on his home district. He can afford 5,000 square foot homes on acreage. New luxury cars every three years, I'm sure. Luxury vacations.
Again, if you want to just say, "I don't want the government to take what I made," okay, but don't play poor. I could even accept, "I give this much of my income to the poor, and I'd rather be the one giving my money away than the government."
You know what really sucks? Now the internet is going to try to sell me real estate in Shreveport, Lousiana.
| 24 |
jaunte Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:09:08pm |
re: #20 windsagio
More from that minimum wage site:
How much will I earn working a minimum wage job in Louisiana?
A full time minimum wage worker in Louisiana working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year, will earn $58.00 per day, $290.00 per week, and $15,080.00 per year1. The national poverty line for a family unit consisting of two people is $14,570 per year.
[Link: www.minimum-wage.org...]
| 25 |
windsagio Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:10:17pm |
re: #24 jaunte
Thanks for looking it up for me, I'm lazy :D
But yeah, so either he's employing mostly HS students, or his workers are getting an average of ~30hrs a week and minimum wage.
He has it so tough :'(
| 26 |
jamesfirecat Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:10:20pm |
Maybe he can use some of that 400K to buy the worlds smallest violin and hire me to play it for him!
| 27 |
Kragar Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:10:34pm |
I did the math earlier. He says his company makes 6.3 million and has 500 employees.
6.3 millions divided by 500 workers means each employee makes appx $12,600 a year, not counting equipment, facilities, etc.
Yet, he only brings home $400k a year after paying for housing and food.
I'm going to have to question his math.
| 28 |
freetoken Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:11:10pm |
re: #23 EmmmieG
Well, he made it sound like his business net income is around $600k, of which he mentioned $400k for doing more business and roughly $200k for personal income ("feeding his family".)
But my point still stands - his assertion about investing in new business is false, as tax increases are on net income.
| 29 |
Killgore Trout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:11:29pm |
re: #17 freetoken
What's silly here is that capital investments in his business, say spending some of that $400,000 on his shops for future business, are expenses and thus will be deductible in his business income.
He says he has $400k to "invest in new locations" etc., meaning he is keeping roughly $200k for personal income.
While $200k is not a really large amount (depending up the size of his family), he can set up trusts for the children, have his own SEP for retirement, etc. etc.
I'm not sure if you have that right. He say's it takes $200K to feed his family. $400k is what he has left over.
Basically he's saying he takes in about $600K, spends $200k for food and is left with $400K.
I'd be damn happy to make 1/10th of that income no matter how you slice it.
| 30 |
elisabeth Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:11:31pm |
re: #17 freetoken
Fwiw, according to wiki his four children are grown and he has 2 grandchildren.
| 31 |
freetoken Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:12:11pm |
re: #27 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)
I assume 490 of those 500 are minimum wage part time, likely students working a few hours a week, and that he has a handful of managers he pays the usual pittance.
| 32 |
windsagio Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:12:33pm |
re: #30 elisabeth
Fwiw, according to wiki his four children are grown and he has 2 grandchildren.
ok, he and his wife have freakin' expensive taste in food. Like Foie Gras snowmen with Truffle eyeballs expensive.
| 33 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:12:40pm |
Is he counting his income as a congressman, MD (Navy trained), and author?
| 35 |
Atlas Fails Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:13:04pm |
I expect the wingnuts to sadly shake their heads and lament the fact that these men have no idea how our economic system works. Self-awareness has never been one of their strong points.
| 36 |
Kragar Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:13:07pm |
Question:
If he gets tax breaks, will he give himself a bonus to make up for the paltry $400k a year?
If he has to pay higher taxes, how many workers will he lay off to make sure he keeps his $400k?
| 37 |
Kronocide Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:13:18pm |
re: #19 jaunte
Now I'm curious about how many of his employees are allowed to work enough hours to qualify as full time.
Yep, he really opened his mouth way too wide.
He said he had $600k left over. That's cool, 10% net net. Doing good, nothing wrong with that, that's what it should be.
He is left with $400k. He 'needs' that to reinvest, with new stores. Let's say he puts $100k away for a rainy day fund, then puts another $300k into 'reinvesting' or training, whatever.
So if his tax rates goes up, where is the shock to his system? Where are the layoffs, or, how much will the $300k reinvestment decrease?
And the $6m/500 employees didn't wash at first hearing, I think he's making a WAG up for his employee base.
| 38 |
windsagio Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:13:24pm |
re: #33 Decatur Deb
Or his navy pension. They pay out pretty damn well.
| 39 |
elisabeth Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:13:42pm |
re: #34 freetoken
More likely he's feeding everyone a bunch of bull.
| 40 |
freetoken Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:13:44pm |
re: #29 Killgore Trout
I presumed that "feeding his family" was a catch-all for more than just food, but for all family expenses.
| 41 |
Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:13:56pm |
He is correct that the first amount she quoted is not a profit, but gross income. Also, a Subway location is going to pay minimum wage to a lot of part-time employees. That's the nature of fast food restaurants.
However, the tax increases are on net income, as has been pointed out, so the 6.3 million is still not part of the debate.
The question is how would his behavior change with the new taxes.
| 42 |
jaunte Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:14:08pm |
re: #33 Decatur Deb
I think he was just talking about gross and net in his franchise businesses.
| 43 |
windsagio Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:14:44pm |
now I'm all pissed off about 'feed his family' though.
Bitch.
| 44 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:15:07pm |
re: #42 jaunte
I think he was just talking about gross and net in his franchise businesses.
Good, so he has something to fall back on in hard times.
| 45 |
Prononymous, rogue demon hunter Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:15:49pm |
Someone should fact check him. We should see just how many new locations he is opening, how many job positions he is advertising for, etc. I'll bet his claim that that $400K is going towards investment is bull and he is just pocketing it.
Not to mention that he acts like if the government takes a slice of that $400K it is just disappearing down a black hole. When really the government is probably more likely to spend that money on goods/services/employees than he is. IE: [Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]
| 46 |
Charleston Chew Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:15:59pm |
re: #30 elisabeth
Fwiw, according to wiki his four children are grown and he has 2 grandchildren.
He must go through a hell of a lot of dog food, then.
| 47 |
Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:16:26pm |
re: #46 Charleston Chew
He must go through a hell of a lot of dog food, then.
I'm thinking "feed my family" is shorthand for "keep the wife happy."
| 48 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:17:40pm |
re: #47 EmmmieG
I'm thinking "feed my family" is shorthand for "keep the wife happy."
maybe he has 150 bastard kids scattered about
| 50 |
makeitstop Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:18:15pm |
re: #16 BigPapa
He implied it took $200k a year to 'feed his family' but left out the obvious:
if his taxes were raised, would he fire people or would there be less jobs?
Pressing him on this issue is class warfare. Riight. Merely discussing raising taxes on wealthy people is class warfare. That's childish rhetoric.
Let's not even mention that at his level of income, the Buffett Rule would not even apply to him.
If this douche doesn't become the poster boy for out-of-touch Republican lawmakers, every single person who makes campaign ads for Democrats should be fired with extreme prejudice.
| 51 |
Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:18:23pm |
re: #48 albusteve
maybe he has 150 bastard kids scattered about
Well, then, keeping the wife happy would be really expensive.
| 52 |
freetoken Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:18:29pm |
Besides the obvious idiocy here - someone in the 98th percentile of income brackets complaining about not having enough money - there is a deeper problem about America lurking in his situation and answers.
That is, the concept that America can prosper on part time minimum wage service jobs of the kind from which he wants to reap millions.
| 53 |
Kronocide Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:18:30pm |
the other thing was really douchey is 'success is a virtue, it's not a crime.'
That is petty antagonism. Success is not a virtue, it is a result, usually of virtues like hard work. Not only that, nobody is 'penalizing' him for his success. That's a mindless canard that has turned to gospel: raising taxes on wealthy is due to class envy, not pragmatic assessments.
People pushing that line are the ones fomenting class warfare.
| 55 |
Shiplord Kirel Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:18:47pm |
| 56 |
Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:19:45pm |
| 58 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:20:14pm |
| 59 |
Kronocide Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:20:53pm |
re: #52 freetoken
That is, the concept that America can prosper on part time minimum wage service jobs of the kind from which he wants to reap millions.
At least Ford got it. This D-Bag doesn't.
| 60 |
Targetpractice Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:21:04pm |
It only ever seems to be "class warfare" when the poor fight back.
| 61 |
jaunte Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:21:10pm |
re: #52 freetoken
Besides the obvious idiocy here - someone in the 98th percentile of income brackets complaining about not having enough money - there is a deeper problem about America lurking in his situation and answers.
That is, the concept that America can prosper on part time minimum wage service jobs of the kind from which he wants to reap millions.
True. He's in a position to help improve the education system in his state, but if his business needs low-wage part-time employees to succeed, he has a negative incentive to do his public job.
| 62 |
Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:23:58pm |
re: #61 jaunte
True. He's in a position to help improve the education system in his state, but if his business needs low-wage part-time employees to succeed, he has a negative incentive to do his public job.
If he hired students, and included some minimal level of scholarships with employment, that could go a long way. (Or wanna-be students. Anyone working fast food SHOULD be looking for a way up.)
| 63 |
Targetpractice Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:24:23pm |
re: #59 BigPapa
At least Ford got it. This D-Bag doesn't.
Henry Ford got a lot of laughs and jokes made at his expense for paying his workers above the "market value" of their work, but in the end he got the last laugh. He realized that, if you pay your workers enough to afford the products they're making, you can maintain a healthy customer base.
Problem is that those who heckled his decision have since won the day, making it accepted "wisdom" that the only way to compete in the global market is to ship all your jobs to whichever country offers the largest population of cheap labor, then sell the "cheaper" products back home. Problem is that, by shipping all the jobs away, they've killed off their consumer base and so are now suffering for it.
| 64 |
windsagio Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:24:37pm |
re: #62 EmmmieG
that's one of the things McDonalds is bizarrely good about actually.
| 65 |
Kronocide Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:25:09pm |
re: #60 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds
It only ever seems to be "class warfare" when the poor fight back.
It's class warfare at the mere suggestion that maybe, just, kinda sorta, maybe some people with a MEGAFUCKWAD OF FAT STACKS might need to, ya know, just kick a little more into the pokey.
I feel like Mao for even thinking of it.
| 66 |
Charleston Chew Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:25:15pm |
Fast food franchisees are some of the most ruthless mofos I've ever met. Especially the ones that own multiple locations. Don't know why.
Maybe it's a tough business, having to please customers and corporate.
Maybe people who go into business for reasons other than greed don't buy franchises. If you really care more about food and customers than simply having a "revenue stream", you probably start your own business instead.
| 67 |
Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:25:36pm |
re: #64 windsagio
that's one of the things McDonalds is bizarrely good about actually.
I think Chick-fil-a does it. Chick-fil-a was founded by an orphan.
| 68 |
freetoken Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:25:50pm |
re: #61 jaunte
He's in a position to help improve the education system in his state, but if his business needs low-wage part-time employees to succeed, he has a negative incentive to do his public job.
He's the guy who said "I've never met anyone with a green job".
His claim of:
"Wind's not making any progress, ..."
means he's not been playing honest with the state of the industry worldwide.
| 69 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:26:48pm |
re: #66 Charleston Chew
Fast food franchisees are some of the most ruthless mofos I've ever met. Especially the ones that own multiple locations. Don't know why.
Maybe it's a tough business, having to please customers and corporate.
Maybe people who go into business for reasons other than greed don't buy franchises. If you really care more about food and customers than simply having a "revenue stream", you probably start your own business instead.
that's what Five Guys did
| 70 |
wrenchwench Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:26:57pm |
And if I don't have sympathy for his position, I'm engaging in class warfare.
I didn't know it was so easy.
| 71 |
Charleston Chew Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:27:14pm |
re: #53 BigPapa
the other thing was really douchey is 'success is a virtue, it's not a crime.'
That is petty antagonism. Success is not a virtue, it is a result, usually of virtues like hard work. Not only that, nobody is 'penalizing' him for his success. That's a mindless canard that has turned to gospel: raising taxes on wealthy is due to class envy, not pragmatic assessments.
People pushing that line are the ones fomenting class warfare.
Anything that depends partly on luck is not a virtue.
| 72 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:28:43pm |
3 pounds of fresh roasted green chilis....mmmm
| 73 |
Targetpractice Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:29:46pm |
re: #65 BigPapa
It's class warfare at the mere suggestion that maybe, just, kinda sorta, maybe some people with a MEGAFUCKWAD OF FAT STACKS might need to, ya know, just kick a little more into the pokey.
I feel like Mao for even thinking of it.
Come on now, that's socialist talk. You should be jumping on the bandwagon that says we need to "broaden the tax base," because there's 50% of people who aren't paying a dime in taxes! Seriously, why are you looking to punish success rather than getting all those fraking parasites to put some "skin" in the game? When we've fixed the tax system so that everybody's paying taxes, then we'll consider raising taxes on the upper brackets.
| 74 |
Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:31:40pm |
re: #72 albusteve
3 pounds of fresh roasted green chilis...mmm
Were they going to do anything other than sit there and smell? Are they on the way to greatness, or just amusing you for the moment?
| 75 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:32:16pm |
we hosed
we hosed
it's off the cliff we goezd
| 76 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:32:33pm |
How many executives pay their business expenses out of their own personal income?
| 77 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:33:15pm |
re: #74 EmmmieG
Were they going to do anything other than sit there and smell? Are they on the way to greatness, or just amusing you for the moment?
a world class delicacy down the toilet
| 78 |
windsagio Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:33:52pm |
re: #76 Alouette
Soul Proprietors I guess, who don't know enough to start a company to protect their assets >>
| 79 |
freetoken Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:34:53pm |
Hmmm... I wonder if he fulfills the type, as a theocrat...
Let Us Google...
From 2010:
Will November Elections Divide Us Into Either a Christian or Atheist Nation?
While many politicans view the November elections as a battle between small government and gross overspending, one Louisiana senator believes it will decide our religious identity.
Appearing before the Republican Women of Bossier, Sen. John Fleming (R-La.) portrayed the upcoming November race as a decison between Christianity and godlessness.
"We are either going to go down the socialist road and become like western Europe and create, I guess really a godless society, an atheist society. Or we're going to continue down the other pathway...a Christian nation," said Fleming.
But what about sitting down and working out our differences? Can't we just break out the acoustic guitar and sing some songs around the campfire?
Don't count on it, says Fleming, who believes that this whole Christian vs. Atheist argument needs to be solved "before we can once again reach across and work together on things."
While Fleming's statements may seem foreboding, he also believes there is hope at the end of the tunnel. Fleming plans to bring the economy back by extending the Bush tax cuts and trimming down the capital gains tax.
TAX CUTS FOR JEZUZ!!
| 80 |
Obdicut Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:34:59pm |
re: #76 Alouette
How many executives pay their business expenses out of their own personal income?
I do, because I'm an S corporation.
Any pure business expense lowers my income purely, and so I don't get taxed at all on whatever I spend on business expenses.
| 81 |
jaunte Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:35:05pm |
He's risen above the working layer:
One lawmaker, Rep. John Fleming (R., La.), reported that he received more than $6.3 million last year from dozens of Subway restaurants, UPS Store franchises and real-estate partnerships. In lieu of a salary, he takes profits from his companies at the end of the year. One Subway franchise company produced more than $5 million in income last year, according to his financial-disclosure form.
Mr. Fleming said in an interview he spends very little time on day-to-day management, though he weighs in on broad strategy decisions. "I monitor the reports. I'm certainly in communication with the managers," he said.
[Link: online.wsj.com...]
| 82 |
Kronocide Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:35:18pm |
re: #71 Charleston Chew
Anything that depends partly on luck is not a virtue.
It does depend partly on luck. But he got his reward in profits. He's not any more virtuous than a committed school teacher making shit wages year after year, or a tenured scientist going over spreadsheets compiling temp data from satellites.
If he wants to get his Virtue Star on top of that then he needs to pay his employees better.
| 83 |
Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:36:16pm |
re: #79 freetoken
Hmmm... I wonder if he fulfills the type, as a theocrat...
Let Us Google...
From 2010:
Will November Elections Divide Us Into Either a Christian or Atheist Nation?
TAX CUTS FOR JEZUZ!!
Jesus would provide bonuses and school tuition for his workers.
| 84 |
OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:37:59pm |
re: #16 BigPapa
He implied it took $200k a year to 'feed his family' but left out the obvious:
if his taxes were raised, would he fire people or would there be less jobs?
Pressing him on this issue is class warfare. Riight. Merely discussing raising taxes on wealthy people is class warfare. That's childish rhetoric.
You taxpaying dhimmis are not permitted to question me about ANYTHING! It disrepects my conservative authority! You should be grateful I allow you to be in my presence at all!!!
]
| 85 |
jaunte Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:38:09pm |
re: #79 freetoken
Don't count on it, says Fleming, who believes that this whole Christian vs. Atheist argument needs to be solved "before we can once again reach across and work together on things."
Maybe he knows Breitbart.
| 86 |
Kragar Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:39:05pm |
Chopper crash at Pendleton, 2 dead
A helicopter that went down during a training exercise at Southern California's Camp Pendleton killed two Marines and set off a two-acre brush fire on the base on Monday.
Base firefighters were battling the blaze two hours after the 1 p.m. accident involving the twin-engine, two-seat attack helicopter belonging to the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, a Marine statement said.
The crash occurred in the southeast corner of the base near the community of Fallbrook. The Marines were pronounced dead at the scene. Their names won't be released until their families have been notified, officials said.
| 87 |
sagehen Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:41:20pm |
Is this one of the guys who thinks that $50/yr for teachers and cops and firefighters is some cushy sinecure and they should accept cuts?
| 88 |
freetoken Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:41:42pm |
Starting at 9:30 in this audio (from the Shreveport Times), is where Fleming starts in on his theocratic vision:
| 90 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:42:57pm |
re: #87 sagehen
Is this one of the guys who thinks that $50/yr for teachers and cops and firefighters is some cushy sinecure and they should accept cuts?
who knows...the guy is a flaming lunatic...I just take his words at face value
| 91 |
Olsonist Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:44:18pm |
re: #16 BigPapa
....
if his taxes were raised, would he fire people or would there be less jobs?
...
Obama is not proposing to raise taxes on his $400,000/yr income. Obama set the bar at $1,000,000/yr.
| 92 |
Meitantei Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:45:47pm |
The NYT had some article today about how Coburn and others were considering slashing veteran benefits.
As someone who will probably end into the Navy when he graduates, it's just ridiculous. Hell, as I like to observe to my friends, your stupid Laffer curve has a point if you slash taxes too much, revenues fall.
| 94 |
Atlas Fails Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:46:29pm |
re: #35 Atlas Fails
I expect the wingnuts to sadly shake their heads and lament the fact that these men have no idea how our economic system works. Self-awareness has never been one of their strong points.
Shit, I thought this was about the millionaires for Obama that someone brought up in the last thread. Please forgive my laziness.
| 95 |
windsagio Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:46:51pm |
re: #91 Olsonist
Its the concept!
Or more likely, its the fantasy that drives GOP 'fiscal conservative' (excuse me while I snicker). Everybody considers the situation as if they were making Warren Buffet money and were only in it for themselves.
Its just funny that the guy making half a million fantasizes the same way as the guy making twenty grand.
Edit: Obdicut beat me damn.
| 96 |
jaunte Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:46:57pm |
re: #87 sagehen
Is this one of the guys who thinks that $50/yr for teachers and cops and firefighters is some cushy sinecure and they should accept cuts?
He's big on vouchers:
Education reform should also empower parents to choose the best available school for their children, and taxpayers who choose to send their children to private schools should see some of their tax dollars travel with them.[Link: fleming.house.gov...]
| 97 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:47:47pm |
re: #93 Obdicut
Oh. He's just John the Plumber then.
He got his medical training on the taxpayers' dime. Screw him.
| 98 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:49:14pm |
re: #92 Meitantei
The NYT had some article today about how Coburn and others were considering slashing veteran benefits.
As someone who will probably end into the Navy when he graduates, it's just ridiculous. Hell, as I like to observe to my friends, your stupid Laffer curve has a point if you slash taxes too much, revenues fall.
that's gonna piss even me off....the feds love to blackmail by holding public servants hostage, except themselves....slash the number of police then get chauffeured home in a Mercedes
| 99 |
Tigger2 Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:52:48pm |
re: #4 Romantic Heretic
Since I live on just a little under $10,000 a year I find it really hard to sympathize with this douchebag.
I make it on $11,500 a year disability so I agree with your comment 100%.
| 100 |
The Ghost of a Flea Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:53:38pm |
With a 400K domestic budget I kind of hope he's including two mistresses, a half-dozen love children, and an extortionist with a healthy appetite in his definition of "family."
Or he subsists largely upon a diet of panda meat and single malt scotch.
Or he's just, you know, a bastard.
| 101 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:54:40pm |
re: #100 The Ghost of a Flea
With a 400K domestic budget I kind of hope he's including two mistresses, a half-dozen love children, and an extortionist with a healthy appetite in his definition of "family."
Or he subsists largely upon a diet of panda meat and single malt scotch.
Or he's just, you know, a bastard.
your shoes cost HOW MUCH!!!???
| 102 |
Kronocide Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:55:18pm |
It's sorta weird that people who form businesses are to be ascribed some kind of special status in our society.
I'm all for giving due respect to people who put their $ into a business, take risks, take on more mouths to feed (employees), then returning profit in a recurring business. You've earned my respect and I aspire to achieve that goal. However, this does not mean you are to be treated as a saint merely because you ended up in the black.
If all of your employees are in the black too, and the clients are better served because of your contribution, then you'll get a higher level of respect. But you're not freekin Oprah.
So shut the hell up you little whiney snivelers. Considering raising taxes on you does not mean it is based in envy, jealousy, or you are being punished. Childish rationale.
| 103 |
jaunte Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:56:12pm |
| 105 |
makeitstop Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:58:04pm |
Somebody oughta tell Ralph to STFD and STFU.
Liberals vow to challenge Obama in Democratic primaries
Nader = professional asshole.
| 106 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:58:23pm |
He's also a Fair Tax (sales tax) freak, to make sure his employees don't keep an 'unfair' chunk of their takehome.
[Link: en.wikipedia.org...]
| 107 |
Kragar Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:58:54pm |
re: #104 BigPapa
$400k can buy a lot of Blackberrys and iPads.
Imagine the 40k stuff I could buy with $400k...
| 108 |
lawhawk Mon, Sep 19, 2011 3:59:28pm |
This guy, a member of the GOP that styles itself as the party for the people, is so divorced from the people it claims to represent that it's downright bizarre.
$400,000 is a tremendous salary, even in the NYC metro area. That's 4 times the median family income in NYC, so you can imagine how much that goes in his own district.
For a change, Obama's proposal of a millionaire's tax is actually scheduled to hit at millionaires - it would create a new bracket at $1 million, rather than other so-called millionaires' taxes such as in NJ that hit as low as $250k of income.
Part of the reason to try and increase the tax on this group is that the AMT has failed to do its job, and not only does it hit at people whose income isn't part of the rich, but it's not getting sufficient revenue from those who are truly rich and whose wealth is generated from income other than wages.
But here's something else to keep in mind:
1) The Bush/Obama tax cuts expire in 2013; and
2) The deficit supercommittee, if it fails to act, imposes automatic cuts. They committee would have to impose even higher cuts and could potentially include tax hikes too.
That combination would serve to seriously shrink the deficit far beyond what any of the rhetoric being claimed, but has to be tempered by the fact that the parties still need to bring home the bacon and cutting programs for the sake of fiscal responsibility goes by the boards when constituents rely on those same programs for health care, jobs, infrastructure, etc.
In other words, if nothing is done by Congress and the hyperpartisan Congress/WH split may result in more accomplished out of inaction than it could by taking action (but it still does nothing for job creation; this only affects deficit control and revenues).
| 109 |
Targetpractice Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:01:03pm |
Remember when we heard all the whines about how "hard" it is to live on only $250K a year? At the rate these nitwits are going, I expect before the elections next year to hear how "hard" it is to survive on $1 million a year.
Meanwhile, the rest of us who are sitting below Ye Olde Poverty Line are doing so because we're "lazy," rather than because our employers are paying us the lowest possible wages they can until they figure out how to send our jobs offshore or replace us with machines.
| 110 |
WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:01:53pm |
re: #9 windsagio
if it costs $400000 a year to feed his family he must also have 500 kids.
(and before anybody says it, business expenses really shouldn't count)
As Mc Hammer would note, no matter how much you make, you can always spend more than that :D
| 111 |
freetoken Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:01:59pm |
BTW, Fleming is one of the 20 Republicans to decry the SPLC as a hate group, following the lead of the FRC and CWA.
| 112 |
WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:02:23pm |
re: #109 Targetpractice, Worst of Both Worlds
Remember when we heard all the whines about how "hard" it is to live on only $250K a year? At the rate these nitwits are going, I expect before the elections next year to hear how "hard" it is to survive on $1 million a year.
Meanwhile, the rest of us who are sitting below Ye Olde Poverty Line are doing so because we're "lazy," rather than because our employers are paying us the lowest possible wages they can until they figure out how to send our jobs offshore or replace us with machines.
Hard to be rich, easy to be poor!
Brought to you by the GOP!
| 113 |
Kronocide Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:02:36pm |
That guy makes way fucking more $ than Ben Santer.
And he never had an entire lobby trying to get him fired or drag him through the mud.
| 114 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:03:28pm |
re: #111 freetoken
BTW, Fleming is one of the 20 Republicans to decry the SPLC as a hate group, following the lead of the FRC and CWA.
If this guy is Reine's rep, I want answers--now. (Only fair, I had to explain away Bobby Bright.)
| 115 |
WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:03:34pm |
re: #111 freetoken
BTW, Fleming is one of the 20 Republicans to decry the SPLC as a hate group, following the lead of the FRC and CWA.
Ahh, a sheetwearer too, nice
well done whitey, bravo, somehow that $400K a year will get you by
brother, can you spare a dime?
| 116 |
wrenchwench Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:04:48pm |
re: #105 makeitstop
Somebody oughta tell Ralph to STFD and STFU.
Liberals vow to challenge Obama in Democratic primaries
Nader = professional asshole.
An article that calls Nader a liberal "leader" makes me laugh.
As for Cornel West (one of the other "liberal leaders" mentioned in that article), I found this today through the miracles of Twitter and a short attention span:
Demagogues within the Democratic Party has learned this technique well. Tavis Smiley and Cornel West have used that very same technique to undermine President Obama and to promote their own political agenda. When Cornel West decided to mount his attack on Obama, instead of addressing specific policies, which would have been the responsible thing to do, he started attacking Obama’s overall character by indicating that Obama was somehow uncomfortable with "free Black men," and then went on to associate him with the White power structure - "plutocrats and oligarchs."
.
Just like the Republicans, West was attempting to circumvent the peoples’ minds, and appeal directly to their emotions and the negative attitudes that many Black people and White liberals harbor toward the White power elite. That way, instead of having to substantiate his claims, all he’d have to do thereafter was use buzz words like "oligarchs" and "plutocrats" to stir the people’s emotions, much like the Republicans use the word "liberal."
Read the whole thing.
| 117 |
darthstar Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:05:35pm |
Image: jesus_rollerblading_christ.jpg
Had to share...go Jesus!
| 118 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:07:37pm |
the very people we elect to protect the economy and lead the country have millions of us in chains, dependent on their handouts and pawns to their re-election whims...told ya so
| 119 |
WINDUPBIRD DISEASE [S.K.U.M.M.] Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:09:03pm |
re: #6 darthstar
He also isn't counting the $175,000 in congressional salary he gets for being a lying cocksucker from taxpayers.
don't forget that his health care is paid for!
Ahh, the comedy of the unbelievably entitled
| 120 |
jaunte Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:09:35pm |
re: #106 Decatur Deb
The congressman from the 4th District is Republican John Fleming. He grew up in Meridian, Miss., the son of a utility substation operator who worked two or three jobs to make ends meet. His father died of a heart attack just before Fleming finished high school. His mother was disabled and so relied on Social Security to support Fleming and two younger siblings.
[Link: www.nationaljournal.com...]
Scarlett: "As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again."
| 121 |
darthstar Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:10:41pm |
re: #118 albusteve
the very people we elect to protect the economy and lead the country have millions of us in chains, dependent on their handouts and pawns to their re-election whims...told ya so
She's a bass!
| 122 |
wrenchwench Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:11:14pm |
re: #120 jaunte
Scarlett: "As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again."
And his Subway employees won't starve, because they work with food, but I'm starting to worry about the poor saps at the UPS Stores.
| 123 |
darthstar Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:13:03pm |
| 124 |
Iwouldprefernotto Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:13:35pm |
Proves my point. Anyone that makes more than 5 times the average income should just keep their mouth shut. No matter what they say, they sound like idiots when they complain about money.
| 125 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:13:57pm |
re: #119 WindUpBird
don't forget that his health care is paid for!
Ahh, the comedy of the unbelievably entitled
Fine tune that meme--he's in my health care plan. He pays part, and his (Fed) employer pays part, of a wide choice of commercial plans. It's basically Blue Cross.
| 126 |
Dancing along the light of day Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:14:53pm |
re: #122 wrenchwench
And the USPS, if they go to 5 day a week delivery.
| 127 |
wrenchwench Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:16:16pm |
re: #126 Floral Giraffe
And the USPS, if they go to 5 day a week delivery.
This guy in the video owns UPS franchises, I meant his employees.
| 128 |
theheat Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:17:16pm |
There was a time when saying $400k after food expenses wasn't enough money would qualify as extremely poor taste, even by a raging capitalist.
Today, it's extremely poor taste.
| 129 |
SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:18:29pm |
re: #53 BigPapa
the other thing was really douchey is 'success is a virtue, it's not a crime.'
That is petty antagonism. Success is not a virtue, it is a result, usually of virtues like hard work. Not only that, nobody is 'penalizing' him for his success. That's a mindless canard that has turned to gospel: raising taxes on wealthy is due to class envy, not pragmatic assessments.
People pushing that line are the ones fomenting class warfare.
Sucess is a nice thing. I am happy for this man. I am not impressed with his problems, however.
| 130 |
allegro Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:18:40pm |
re: #120 jaunte
Scarlett: "As God is my witness, I'll never be hungry again."
So... his family survived thanks to SS, he went to a state U when tuition was cheap(er), did his med residency on the taxpayer's Navy dime, got wealthy off the backs of state educated employees who he paid minimum wage and zero benefits, got elected as county coroner and now is on the taxpayer dole again for a considerable sum.
And whining about taxes. Calling this guy an asshole would be a compliment.
| 131 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:19:09pm |
re: #129 SanFranciscoZionist
Sucess is a nice thing. I am happy for this man. I am not impressed with his problems, however.
Don't want to be him.
| 132 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:20:09pm |
re: #130 allegro
So... his family survived thanks to SS, he went to a state U when tuition was cheap(er), did his med residency on the taxpayer's Navy dime, got wealthy off the backs of state educated employees who he paid minimum wage and zero benefits, got elected as county coroner and now is on the taxpayer dole again for a considerable sum.
And whining about taxes. Calling this guy an asshole would be a compliment.
Nicely summarized. Time to W A L K the dog.
| 133 |
freetoken Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:21:58pm |
John Flemming fights the evil Planned Parenthood:
| 135 |
reine.de.tout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:26:26pm |
re: #2 EmmmieG
Wait. Business expenses and feeding his family. What about housing for his family? School expenses?
I'm very confused. Is this guy claiming that after his business and family expenses, that's all savings? That would be terrific.
Or did he misspeak, and $400,000 is what his family has to live on?
Could he clarify?
He said the $400,000 is what he has left over to invest in his business.
| 136 |
SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:26:41pm |
re: #132 Decatur Deb
Nicely summarized. Time to W A L K the dog.
My dog could spell that.
Well, he could understand it when it was spelled out in his presence. Luckily he never learned 'perambulation', so you were safe with that, as long as it was never coupled with 'take the dog'.
| 137 |
SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:27:43pm |
re: #135 reine.de.tout
He said the $400,000 is what he has left over to invest in his business.
If I had 400,000 to invest in a business, I'd...I dunno. I've always wanted to have a publishing house, but the business is changing so rapidly.
| 138 |
darthstar Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:28:01pm |
Oh, good...Boehner's getting a teabagger primary challenge...good luck getting him to do anything positive now...
[Link: tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com...]
| 139 |
reine.de.tout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:28:36pm |
re: #129 SanFranciscoZionist
Sucess is a nice thing. I am happy for this man. I am not impressed with his problems, however.
Yeah, that about sums up how I feel about him.
re: #130 allegro
So... his family survived thanks to SS, he went to a state U when tuition was cheap(er), did his med residency on the taxpayer's Navy dime, got wealthy off the backs of state educated employees who he paid minimum wage and zero benefits, got elected as county coroner and now is on the taxpayer dole again for a considerable sum.
And whining about taxes. Calling this guy an asshole would be a compliment.
Where did you find the info. that he paid minimum wage and zero benefits to his employees? I'd like to check that out.
| 140 |
Achilles Tang Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:28:57pm |
I have this funny feeling that he inherited these businesses, and found he wasn't qualified to run them, so he ran for congress since he had little else to do except take a cut of the revenue, aka all of the profits.
| 141 |
reine.de.tout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:30:01pm |
re: #137 SanFranciscoZionist
If I had 400,000 to invest in a business, I'd...I dunno. I've always wanted to have a publishing house, but the business is changing so rapidly.
I'm just saying - EmmmieG had a question, and that's what his answer was about the $400,000.
He said has about $600,000 a year from the business; and after he "feeds his family", he's got about $400,000 to invest in the business. So he's living on $200,000 a year. That's not $400,000, but it's not bad either.
| 142 |
reine.de.tout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:31:06pm |
re: #141 reine.de.tout
I'm just saying - EmmmieG had a question, and that's what his answer was about the $400,000.
He said has about $600,000 a year from the business; and after he "feeds his family", he's got about $400,000 to invest in the business. So he's living on $200,000 a year. That's not $400,000, but it's not bad either.
And this, of course, is assuming that he does indeed invest that entire $400,000 in the business. We don't know that he necessarily does.
| 143 |
Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:31:40pm |
re: #137 SanFranciscoZionist
If I had 400,000 to invest in a business, I'd...I dunno. I've always wanted to have a publishing house, but the business is changing so rapidly.
Hmmm. If you could open any business you wanted to....
I think I would either run a haunted bed and breakfast, a science toys, I mean equipment, store, or a puzzle house for kids.
A puzzle house would be a house built with hidden passages and secret rooms that they would have to figure out by means of codes and messages and trick boxes. You would start in room one and work your way to room four, where you could find the treasure. It could host birthday parties.
Look, it's my daydream. I can even throw in a room of eternal doughnuts if I feel like it.
| 144 |
3eff Jeff Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:32:02pm |
There is only one thing to be done. I just submitted the video to [Link: whitewhine.com...]
| 145 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:32:26pm |
re: #142 reine.de.tout
And this, of course, is assuming that he does indeed invest that entire $400,000 in the business. We don't know that he necessarily does.
I'd drink it away with Kieth Richards...why waste it?
| 146 |
reine.de.tout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:32:35pm |
re: #143 EmmmieG
Hmmm. If you could open any business you wanted to...
I think I would either run a haunted bed and breakfast, a science toys, I mean equipment, store, or a puzzle house for kids.
A puzzle house would be a house built with hidden passages and secret rooms that they would have to figure out by means of codes and messages and trick boxes. You would start in room one and work your way to room four, where you could find the treasure. It could host birthday parties.
Look, it's my daydream. I can even throw in a room of eternal doughnuts if I feel like it.
You want to run a B&B? I know where we can find a nice place, in a town that gets a LOT of B&B business, for a reasonable price (seriously, been a dream of mine forever).
| 147 |
freetoken Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:33:02pm |
Fleming's long time preachin' on this subject. From April 2010:
| 148 |
Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:33:36pm |
re: #146 reine.de.tout
You want to run a B&B? I know where we can find a nice place, in a town that gets a LOT of B&B business, for a reasonable price (seriously, been a dream of mine forever).
Actually, I would probably hate it. I just want someone to open a haunted bed and breakfast. It should exist.
I think I would like the science toy store most of all.
| 149 |
wrenchwench Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:33:58pm |
re: #134 Virginia Plain
Congratulations. You found a sentiment in even poorer taste.
| 150 |
reine.de.tout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:34:34pm |
re: #148 EmmmieG
Actually, I would probably hate it. I just want someone to open a haunted bed and breakfast. It should exist.
I think I would like the science toy store most of all.
Ah.
Well, crap, then.
*sigh*
I guess my dream is on hold for - um - probably I'll never get around to it.
| 151 |
Mostly sane, most of the time. Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:36:26pm |
re: #150 reine.de.tout
Ah.
Well, crap, then.
*sigh*
I guess my dream is on hold for - um - probably I'll never get around to it.
If I had the $400,000, I'd open the B&B and let you run it. Louisiana seems like a terrific place for a haunted anything. How's that?
| 152 |
Killgore Trout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:36:33pm |
re: #141 reine.de.tout
He said has about $600,000 a year from the business; and after he "feeds his family", he's got about $400,000 to invest in the business. So he's living on $200,000 a year. That's not $400,000, but it's not bad either.
I doubt his claim that his personal $400K goes back into his businesses. The reinvestment money probably doesn't come from his personal income but from the business income. He might reinvest some of his personal money for expansion, buying new outlets etc. but from an accounting standpoint I find it very unlikely that he's claiming personal income from his businesses of $400K which he then turns around and puts back into his businesses. It would make much more sense to leave the money in the business and claim deductions for improvements, upgrades, investment, etc.
| 153 |
reine.de.tout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:37:11pm |
re: #7 Decatur Deb
Dollar goes farther in Baton Rouge--and Guadalajara.
Um, he's not from BR, or close it.
As to BR's connection to Guadalajara - not sure what that's about.
| 154 |
SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:37:41pm |
re: #141 reine.de.tout
I'm just saying - EmmmieG had a question, and that's what his answer was about the $400,000.
He said has about $600,000 a year from the business; and after he "feeds his family", he's got about $400,000 to invest in the business. So he's living on $200,000 a year. That's not $400,000, but it's not bad either.
If there's the two of them at home, and they have retirement planned for, not bad at all.
| 155 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:37:55pm |
re: #152 Killgore Trout
I doubt his claim that his personal $400K goes back into his businesses. The reinvestment money probably doesn't come from his personal income but from the business income. He might reinvest some of his personal money for expansion, buying new outlets etc. but from an accounting standpoint I find it very unlikely that he's claiming personal income from his businesses of $400K which he then turns around and puts back into his businesses. It would make much more sense to leave the money in the business and claim deductions for improvements, upgrades, investment, etc.
maybe he does...it was not clear
| 156 |
sattv4u2 Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:38:36pm |
re: #152 Killgore Trout
The reinvestment money probably doesn't come from his personal income but from the business income.
If he's a DBA or an LLC or a sub charper S or C corp, those are most likely one in the same
| 157 |
reine.de.tout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:38:47pm |
re: #152 Killgore Trout
I doubt his claim that his personal $400K goes back into his businesses. The reinvestment money probably doesn't come from his personal income but from the business income. He might reinvest some of his personal money for expansion, buying new outlets etc. but from an accounting standpoint I find it very unlikely that he's claiming personal income from his businesses of $400K which he then turns around and puts back into his businesses. It would make much more sense to leave the money in the business and claim deductions for improvements, upgrades, investment, etc.
Yeah, well it's unclear from what I heard what the $400,000 was - his take-home, or his PROFIT from the business, which would be separate from his salary, and would be handled as you say.
| 158 |
jaunte Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:39:30pm |
| 159 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:40:39pm |
I don't dislike the guy for his money policies...I dislike him because he's an intolerant bigot..another bible punching fanatic
| 160 |
Achilles Tang Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:40:51pm |
re: #141 reine.de.tout
I'm just saying - EmmmieG had a question, and that's what his answer was about the $400,000.
He said has about $600,000 a year from the business; and after he "feeds his family", he's got about $400,000 to invest in the business. So he's living on $200,000 a year. That's not $400,000, but it's not bad either.
He has a business that generates 6.3 million in revenue. Any business would normally invest in itself BEFORE paying out 10% to the owner, and that would be tax deductible. He seems to be suggesting that his taxable income is used for business investment, after taxes, which is ridiculous.
Has anyone found what his business is? I can only find a small paving contractor with that name.
| 161 |
wrenchwench Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:41:41pm |
At least he believes that illegal aliens should not be invaded.
I am dedicated to stopping the invasion of illegal aliens.
Oh, wait...
| 162 |
The Ghost of a Flea Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:42:33pm |
re: #159 albusteve
..another bible punching fanatic
The Bible disagreed with him. He had to punch it.
| 163 |
OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:42:53pm |
re: #130 allegro
So... his family survived thanks to SS, he went to a state U when tuition was cheap(er), did his med residency on the taxpayer's Navy dime, got wealthy off the backs of state educated employees who he paid minimum wage and zero benefits, got elected as county coroner and now is on the taxpayer dole again for a considerable sum.
And whining about taxes. Calling this guy an asshole would be a compliment.
Another conservative grifter, ho hum.
| 164 |
Interesting Times Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:43:05pm |
re: #149 wrenchwench
Congratulations. You found a sentiment in even poorer taste.
And even to take the utterly cynical view, wishing violence upon someone like that only turns them into a less unsympathetic character. I prefer to root for poetic justice-style humiliation...like, say, forcing him to work this job for a week.
| 165 |
sattv4u2 Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:43:07pm |
re: #162 The Ghost of a Flea
The Bible disagreed with him. He had to punch it.
Hope it wasn't a paperback edition!
| 166 |
reine.de.tout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:43:27pm |
re: #114 Decatur Deb
If this guy is Reine's rep, I want answers--now. (Only fair, I had to explain away Bobby Bright.)
WTF?
I don't answer for or to anybody here. Ever.
He's a rep from North Louisiana, anyhow, nowhere near BR.
| 167 |
sattv4u2 Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:45:44pm |
re: #114 Decatur Deb
If this guy is Reine's rep, I want answers--now. (Only fair, I had to explain away Bobby Bright.)
That would be fair IF Reine had been the one who demanded an answer from you re: Bright
| 168 |
reine.de.tout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:46:07pm |
re: #160 Naso Tang
He has a business that generates 6.3 million in revenue. Any business would normally invest in itself BEFORE paying out 10% to the owner, and that would be tax deductible. He seems to be suggesting that his taxable income is used for business investment, after taxes, which is ridiculous.
Has anyone found what his business is? I can only find a small paving contractor with that name.
Fleming is also a businessman; he owns 33 Subway sandwich shops in northern Louisiana[8][9] and owns Fleming Expansions, LLC, a regional developer for The UPS Store, which supports stores in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.[8]
[edit]
| 169 |
SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:46:49pm |
re: #166 reine.de.tout
WTF?
I don't answer for or to anybody here. Ever.He's a rep from North Louisiana, anyhow, nowhere near BR.
He might be my grandparents-in-law's rep.
| 170 |
reine.de.tout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:47:18pm |
re: #159 albusteve
I don't dislike the guy for his money policies...I dislike him because he's an intolerant bigot..another bible punching fanatic
Well, he's from North Louisiana; family home of Jimmy Lee Swaggart.
| 171 |
reine.de.tout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:47:53pm |
re: #169 SanFranciscoZionist
He might be my grandparents-in-law's rep.
I suspect he is.
So Decatur Deb can question you?
/heavy sarc
| 172 |
jaunte Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:48:18pm |
Eric Boehlert just mentioned that Fox News has mentioned "class warfare" 23 times so far today.
| 173 |
SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:49:06pm |
re: #166 reine.de.tout
WTF?
I don't answer for or to anybody here. Ever.He's a rep from North Louisiana, anyhow, nowhere near BR.
No, they're in the fifth. Represented by one Rodney Alexander.
| 174 |
sattv4u2 Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:49:08pm |
re: #170 reine.de.tout
Well, he's from North Louisiana; family home of Jimmy Lee Swaggart.
Damn Yankee!!!
| 175 |
SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:49:46pm |
re: #171 reine.de.tout
I suspect he is.
So Decatur Deb can question you?
/heavy sarc
Sure--I'll just be making shit up, but I'm open to questions.
| 176 |
freetoken Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:49:51pm |
Recommended Economics reading of the day:
Lost Decades: The Making of America's Debt Crisis and the Long Recovery
| 177 |
sattv4u2 Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:51:19pm |
re: #175 SanFranciscoZionist
Sure--I'll just be making shit up, but I'm open to questions.
Whats the best time to plant corn?
AND
Can you tell me what this lump on my hand is?
AND
Whats the order of the Trifecta at Suffolk Downs tomorrow???
| 178 |
Interesting Times Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:51:44pm |
re: #172 jaunte
Eric Boehlert just mentioned that Fox News has mentioned "class warfare" 23 times so far today.
The Daily Show most righteously tore them a new one for that, last month.
| 179 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:51:57pm |
re: #166 reine.de.tout
WTF?
I don't answer for or to anybody here. Ever.He's a rep from North Louisiana, anyhow, nowhere near BR.
Joking, Reine. Read the second sentence.
| 180 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:52:48pm |
re: #178 publicityStunted
The Daily Show most righteously tore them a new one for that, last month.
the battle of the tv heads...who won?
| 181 |
OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:53:21pm |
re: #159 albusteve
I don't dislike the guy for his money policies...I dislike him because he's an intolerant bigot..another bible punching fanatic
There are a lot of those to dislike, that's for sure.
| 182 |
allegro Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:53:26pm |
re: #139 reine.de.tout
Where did you find the info. that he paid minimum wage and zero benefits to his employees? I'd like to check that out.
Based it on...
re: #3 darthstar
And given his "500" employees he supports, he also admits that the average annual salary is 11,400 dollars a year...well below the poverty level.
Plus knowledge of what workers at fast food restaurants are paid.
| 183 |
reine.de.tout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:54:47pm |
| 184 |
wrenchwench Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:55:14pm |
He has a medical practice, which he repeatedly refers to as a "small business" for that folksy touch, and he's a member of the GOP Doctors Caucus.
The first step to enacting meaningful reform is to repeal Obamacare, a law which ensures the government takeover of our healthcare system.
Regarding that, one could revisit The Wattree Chronicle I linked above.
The primary reason that the GOP dubbed healthcare reform "Obamacare" was to play on the prejudices of their base. By calling it Obamacare it distracts their base from the recognition that healthcare reform is a policy that would not only benefit, but protect their families.
| 185 |
Lidane Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:55:42pm |
More Republican math at work.
To wit:
$6.3 million in earnings - $400k profits = $5.9 million to pay the bills.
Now, if I'm generous and assume that 20% of that money goes to pay his business expenses (equipment, rent, utilities, etc.), that comes out to $1.18 million to pay the bills.
$5.9 million - $1.18 million = $4.72 million for wages
$4.72 million / 500 employees = $9,440 a year per employee
$9,440 / 40 hours a week / 52 weeks in a year = $4.54 an hour, which is less than the minimum wage.
Either he's lying about having 500 employees, lying about how much he earned, or something because these numbers don't add up. Unless he has an entire workforce made up of illegal immigrants working in a meat packing plant or whatever, there's no way his numbers make any goddamn sense.
| 186 |
SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:55:59pm |
re: #177 sattv4u2
Whats the best time to plant corn?
AND
Can you tell me what this lump on my hand is?
AND
Whats the order of the Trifecta at Suffolk Downs tomorrow???
April or May, when the risk of frost has passed.
That's your knuckle. Stop poking at it.
Er...the spirits tell me only that a horse will win.
| 187 |
reine.de.tout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:56:38pm |
re: #173 SanFranciscoZionist
No, they're in the fifth. Represented by one Rodney Alexander.
Ah.
Still "ick", I think.
| 188 |
Vicious Michigan Union Thug Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:57:50pm |
re: #185 Lidane
More Republican math at work.
To wit:
$6.3 million in earnings - $400k profits = $5.9 million to pay the bills.
Now, if I'm generous and assume that 20% of that money goes to pay his business expenses (equipment, rent, utilities, etc.), that comes out to $1.18 million to pay the bills.
$5.9 million - $1.18 million = $4.72 million for wages
$4.72 million / 500 employees = $9,440 a year per employee
$9,440 / 40 hours a week / 52 weeks in a year = $4.54 an hour, which is less than the minimum wage.
Either he's lying about having 500 employees, lying about how much he earned, or something because these numbers don't add up. Unless he has an entire workforce made up of illegal immigrants working in a meat packing plant or whatever, there's no way his numbers make any goddamn sense.
Unless he has part-time (meaning no benefits!) workers making minimum wage at fast-food outlets.
Part-time means: twice the jobs created, for the same (minimum) wages!
| 189 |
SanFranciscoZionist Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:58:27pm |
re: #187 reine.de.tout
Ah.
Still "ick", I think.
All I know about him is that he used to be a Democrat, and then became a Republican.
I only know this because I just looked up what district has the misfortune to have my husband's grandparents live in it.
| 190 |
sattv4u2 Mon, Sep 19, 2011 4:59:02pm |
re: #189 SanFranciscoZionist
All I know about him is that he used to be a Democrat, and then became a Republican.
I only know this because I just looked up what district has the misfortune to have my husband's grandparents live in it.
ouch!
| 191 |
jaunte Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:01:00pm |
re: #185 Lidane
It's possible he has a lot of turnover through the restaurants in a year, if he's paying minimum wage.
| 192 |
engineer cat Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:01:22pm |
where can a person have been spending their entire life to not recognize that nobody feels sorry for somebody who "only" has 400k/yr to live on?
| 193 |
goddamnedfrank Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:02:06pm |
To be fair his family is a pod of highly advanced orca whales and are extremely expensive to feed and equip.
| 194 |
engineer cat Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:02:11pm |
re: #191 jaunte
It's possible he has a lot of turnover through the restaurants in a year, if he's paying minimum wage.
as in henry ford and the "$5 day"
| 195 |
reine.de.tout Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:05:03pm |
re: #188 Alouette
Unless he has part-time (meaning no benefits!) workers making minimum wage at fast-food outlets.
Part-time means: twice the jobs created, for the same (minimum) wages!
I dunno.
Most of the Subway sandwich shops here hire a lot of students, part-time. Being the mom of a student who needs to work, I'm not so upset with that sort of policy.
| 196 |
wrenchwench Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:06:03pm |
re: #188 Alouette
Unless he has part-time (meaning no benefits!) workers making minimum wage at fast-food outlets.
Part-time means: twice the jobs created, for the same (minimum) wages!
Right. 500 humans, working 235 "full time equivalent" jobs, which are never equivalent because there are no benefits.
| 197 |
compound idaho Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:10:02pm |
re: #185 Lidane
More Republican math at work.
To wit:
$6.3 million in earnings - $400k profits = $5.9 million to pay the bills.
Now, if I'm generous and assume that 20% of that money goes to pay his business expenses (equipment, rent, utilities, etc.), that comes out to $1.18 million to pay the bills.
$5.9 million - $1.18 million = $4.72 million for wages
$4.72 million / 500 employees = $9,440 a year per employee
$9,440 / 40 hours a week / 52 weeks in a year = $4.54 an hour, which is less than the minimum wage.
Either he's lying about having 500 employees, lying about how much he earned, or something because these numbers don't add up. Unless he has an entire workforce made up of illegal immigrants working in a meat packing plant or whatever, there's no way his numbers make any goddamn sense.
It is his money after all. You seem to feel some sort of entitlement to some of it.
I am a self employed businessman. We have had a good year this year. I'll probably clear and extra $20K this year. The Government will take half. Given my income level, I still pay self employment tax (15%), fed tax bracket (28%), state tax bracket (8%). If I want to buy something nice for Mrs. Compound (another 5%). 15+28+8+5=56% I know, that's the marginal rate, but when is enough enough
| 198 |
jaunte Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:10:20pm |
re: #196 wrenchwench
Subway website shows benefits offered, but they sprinkle the copy with qualifiers:
Eligible employees receive further employment perks...
Benefits offered may vary from franchise to franchise.
Qualified Subway workers enjoy a host of health and wellness job benefits.
Subway workers meeting company guidelines for benefit eligibility also receive perks designed to help associates obtain their desired quality of life...
Most companies reserve comprehensive benefits packages for full-time employees. Part-time workers often receive more limited job benefits.
[Link: www.job-applications.com...]
| 199 |
kirkspencer Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:11:01pm |
Fleming owns over 30 Subways under Fleming Franchise. The Franchise also owns some salons. He also owns Fleming Expansions LLC. Fleming Expansions's big deal is several UPS sites, but it's also involved in real estate. Some of the properties (of which a partial list is Fleming Properties, Fleming Leasing, Brandon Properties, Bishop Properties, Meridian Properties, Wise Management, and Fleming Dating Development) are under this head. Fleming is also the head of the Fleming Group which is involved in investments - mostly real estate, but some bonds and funds as well. Fleming Group is the corporate owner of almost everything listed above.
| 200 |
makeitstop Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:12:37pm |
re: #197 compound idaho
It is his money after all. You seem to feel some sort of entitlement to some of it.
Where did Lidane mention anything about being 'entitled' to some of his money?
She merely pointed out that his math sucks.
Class warfare!!!ty
//
| 201 |
Achilles Tang Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:12:55pm |
I thought I would share my message to my representative in Congress.
Dear Sir,
I am sorry to see the GOP reducing national economics to class warfare now.A poor term to use when claiming to govern responsibly, particularly when the "class" in question is the primary funder of GOP politics.
I feel I must point out that Class Warfare is a term that has two sides, but the Democrats are not the ones to originate its usage, although if they wanted to be crass they could legitimates do so.
Sincerely,
| 202 |
compound idaho Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:13:16pm |
re: #200 makeitstop
Where did Lidane mention anything about being 'entitled' to some of his money.
She merely pointed out that his math sucks.
Class warfare!!!ty
//
Just the impression she gave.
| 203 |
OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:14:09pm |
re: #185 Lidane
More Republican math at work.
These nasty confederate bumpkins won't be happy until Sharecropping 2.0 is the law.
In other words, they will remain miserable in perpetuity. /Schadenfreude
| 204 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:14:10pm |
re: #199 kirkspencer
Fleming owns over 30 Subways under Fleming Franchise. The Franchise also owns some salons. He also owns Fleming Expansions LLC. Fleming Expansions's big deal is several UPS sites, but it's also involved in real estate. Some of the properties (of which a partial list is Fleming Properties, Fleming Leasing, Brandon Properties, Bishop Properties, Meridian Properties, Wise Management, and Fleming Dating Development) are under this head. Fleming is also the head of the Fleming Group which is involved in investments - mostly real estate, but some bonds and funds as well. Fleming Group is the corporate owner of almost everything listed above.
And yet he has time to push his book, maintain his MD, and screw up congress. Good work ethic.
| 205 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:14:19pm |
re: #200 makeitstop
Where did Lidane mention anything about being 'entitled' to some of his money?
She merely pointed out that his math sucks.
Class warfare!!!ty
//
his humanity sucks even more...who gives a crap about his income and what he does with it....that's AmIdol shit
| 206 |
makeitstop Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:15:21pm |
| 207 |
wrenchwench Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:15:54pm |
re: #198 jaunte
Part-time workers often receive more limited job benefits.
More limited job benefits=you get to see the week's schedule a day early.
More limited job benefits=your name appears on the schedule covering at least 20 hours.
More limited job benefits=You don't have to pay for your uniform up front.
Did I ever mention I worked in fast food for a time?
| 208 |
OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:16:39pm |
re: #200 makeitstop
Where did Lidane mention anything about being 'entitled' to some of his money?
She merely pointed out that his math sucks.
Class warfare!!!ty
//
I love how the biggest warmongers on the planet suddenly start whining about "class warfare". /rotfl
| 210 |
Coracle Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:19:33pm |
re: #197 compound idaho
Wait now, you're lumping in buying something nice for your wife with your taxes? And you have zero deductions?
| 211 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:21:37pm |
re: #208 OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin
I love how the biggest warmongers on the planet suddenly start whining about "class warfare". /rotfl
the greatest war mongers in my lifetime were Truman, Kennedy and Johnson...Bush and the other pale in comparison
| 212 |
Lidane Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:22:18pm |
re: #202 compound idaho
Just the impression she gave.
You're an idiot if you got that impression from my post. It was a simple statement about his math sucking. That's all.
| 213 |
drool Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:22:32pm |
6.3% AFTER taking his cut. Must be rough. There are many companies that would be pleased as punch with that in these times. What a maroon.
| 214 |
Obdicut Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:23:21pm |
re: #197 compound idaho
I don't know. When is enough enough?
I'm also a small businessman. I might make a hundred thousand this year. If I did, the government would take more than half of my top $20,000 as well. And I'll pay up, happily, because this country obviously needs a shitload done. We need infrastructure, we need renewable energy, we need to help the poor and the needy during this recession.
It's idiotic to act as though you're earning that money in a vacuum. You can earn that money because you live in a society of laws with a strong government.
| 215 |
compound idaho Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:23:37pm |
re: #210 Coracle
Sales tax 5% duh! I didn't think I had to explain it. Loses it effect when you have to explain the punch line.
Got to go catch a plane, actually 3 planes home. I have just spent 10 more days on the road away from my wife and children. 5 of those will go to the government. It is too much. 50% marginal tax rate and firmly middle class.
| 216 |
Lidane Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:24:26pm |
re: #197 compound idaho
It is his money after all. You seem to feel some sort of entitlement to some of it.
I don't have any entitlement to it. I don't work for him. I wouldn't work for him, considering he clearly doesn't pay his employees shit.
| 217 |
Obdicut Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:25:34pm |
re: #215 compound idaho
Yes. Solidly middle class. You're doing alright, as am I. A hell of a lot better than the one in six Americans who are in poverty. A hell of a lot better than a bunch of other income brackets, too.
| 218 |
OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:25:49pm |
re: #211 albusteve
the greatest war mongers in my lifetime were Truman, Kennedy and Johnson
Did they ever whine about "class warfare"? The ones I'm talking about, that's all they do, and it ain't stupid Shrubya, either.
| 219 |
allegro Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:26:05pm |
re: #215 compound idaho
Sales tax 5% duh! I didn't think I had to explain it. Loses it effect when you have to explain the punch line.
Got to go catch a plane, actually 3 planes home. I have just spent 10 more days on the road away from my wife and children. 5 of those will go to the government. It is too much. 50% marginal tax rate and firmly middle class.
You could live at the poverty level like millions of other Americans and pay no income taxes at all. But then, what would you have to complain about?
| 220 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:27:00pm |
re: #218 OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin
Did they ever whine about "class warfare"? The ones I'm talking about, that's all they do, and it ain't stupid Shrubya, either.
who knows...I don't make a habit of presuming what total strangers are thinking
| 221 |
OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:27:17pm |
re: #216 Lidane
I don't have any entitlement to it. I don't work for him. I wouldn't work for him, considering he clearly doesn't pay his employees shit.
Talk about entitlements - these people believe they are entitled to other people who do their work for them, preferably with no pay. Company Towns and Sharecropping have nothing on that form of entitlement.
| 222 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:27:52pm |
re: #219 allegro
You could live at the poverty level like millions of other Americans and pay no income taxes at all. But then, what would you have to complain about?
that's me....howdy!
| 223 |
Coracle Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:27:56pm |
re: #215 compound idaho
So you're going to spend your entire "extra" $20k (over what base, by the way?) in order to have it taxed 5%? No. Your math is unimpressive.
| 224 |
Lidane Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:28:16pm |
re: #215 compound idaho
Sales tax 5% duh!
Oh, perish the thought of a 5% sales tax! How will anyone ever survive?
Come to Texas. Our sales tax here in Austin is 8.25%.
| 225 |
OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:28:37pm |
re: #220 albusteve
who knows...I don't make a habit of presuming what total strangers are thinking
The question had nothing to do with what they're thinking. Did Truman, Kennedy, etc whine about class warfare, or not. It's just a rhetorical question - you're under no obligation to answer.
| 226 |
compound idaho Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:29:38pm |
re: #214 Obdicut
You and I disagree on what needs to be done. Reasonable people can disagree on what government can or should do.
Now I really have to catch those planes.
Last comment. I pay my one employee well. He has worked for me for 10 years. I want him to want to work for me.
| 227 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:30:30pm |
re: #224 Lidane
Oh, perish the thought of a 5% sales tax! How will anyone ever survive?
Come to Texas. Our sales tax here in Austin is 8.25%.
State and town makes it 9% in Deepest Alabama, and it's on food and medicine. We have some of the worst income numbers.
| 228 |
OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:30:39pm |
re: #224 Lidane
Oh, perish the thought of a 5% sales tax! How will anyone ever survive?
Come to Texas. Our sales tax here in Austin is 8.25%.
8.5 for us.
| 229 |
compound idaho Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:30:45pm |
re: #223 Coracle
So you're going to spend your entire "extra" $20k (over what base, by the way?) in order to have it taxed 5%? No. Your math is unimpressive.
re: #224 Lidane
Oh, perish the thought of a 5% sales tax! How will anyone ever survive?
Come to Texas. Our sales tax here in Austin is 8.25%.
Lidane followed it.
Now I'm late!
| 230 |
albusteve Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:31:01pm |
re: #225 OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin
The question had nothing to do with what they're thinking. Did Truman, Kennedy, etc whine about class warfare, or not. It's just a rhetorical question - you're under no obligation to answer.
so who are these biggest war mongers on the planet you refer to? and how would you know who they are?....short answer, you don't....you just collect people in bunches then give them a label
| 232 |
OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:32:50pm |
re: #230 albusteve
so who are these biggest war mongers on the planet you refer to? and how would you know who they are?...short answer, you don't...you just collect people in bunches then give them a label
Didn't answer the question. Did you find Kennedy, et al whimpering about class warfare or not.
"Warfare" rotfl e_e
| 233 |
Obdicut Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:33:50pm |
re: #226 compound idaho
You and I disagree on what needs to be done. Reasonable people can disagree on what government can or should do.
Sure. However, that's not how you're framing it, at all. The only perspective you are giving is that your taxes are too high. We're finishing up a goddamn decade of war. My grandparents made sacrifices and suffered during WWII. I haven't had to suffer at all during these wars. We should have paid for those wars as they went, by tax raises. We didn't have the guts to do it. In particular, the GOP did not have the guts to do it, with Bush keeping it off budget and the GOP enacting tax breaks.
We should pay for those wars. And we need to do an enormous push for green energy, because AGW is going to hit us economically very, very hard. We're already losing to China.
Every previous great leap forward in technology for the US was engendered in government labs, through grants, and at the great state university systems. We need to invest heavily and science and technology.
If we don't, and if we don't address the growing divide between the very rich and the rest of society, if we don't increase the ability of consumers to spend, we will become a second rate economic power.
| 234 |
Mark Winter Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:34:41pm |
Completely bogus argument.
If he reinvests 200000 of his 400000 this is assuming that he only pays taxes on the 200000. I suppose those 200000 is after tax already. So let's assume for the sake of the argument that after a tax raise he only gets to keep 180000, why would he fire workers? He employs just enough workers who ensure him a profit. If he could make more money by firing workers he would have done so already.
Is he going to fire 2 workers to make up for the 20000 dollars he loses? Every worker makes him earn more than the salary he pays them.
You only fire workers who do not make at least the salary you pay them. Everything else is rubbish. Only when tax raises make your business not profitable you have a problem. Hardly the case here.
Would be interesting to know how much taxes he ACTUALLY pays now.
| 235 |
Lidane Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:34:45pm |
re: #227 Decatur Deb
State and town makes it 9% in Deepest Alabama, and it's on food and medicine. We have some of the worst income numbers.
Our sales taxes are on:
| 236 |
Obdicut Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:36:01pm |
re: #234 Mark Winter
It's the basic lie that many in the GOP tell. If a worker is profitable to employ, they are profitable to employ no matter what the tax rate on profits generated by that employee is.
Simple. But they routinely lie about this.
It's pretty insulting.
| 237 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:38:21pm |
re: #235 Lidane
Our sales taxes are on:
That's fairly enlightened by AL standards. We even tax books and periodicals.
| 238 |
Lidane Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:51:22pm |
re: #237 Decatur Deb
That's fairly enlightened by AL standards. We even tax books and periodicals.
So do we. They're considered tangible personal property.
| 239 |
Mark Winter Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:54:57pm |
re: #236 Obdicut
It's the basic lie that many in the GOP tell. If a worker is profitable to employ, they are profitable to employ no matter what the tax rate on profits generated by that employee is.
Simple. But they routinely lie about this.
It's pretty insulting.
Absolutely. Only when a prohibitive tax rate kicks in and your profits would no longer be worth the trouble things change.
Totally bogus argument here. Just skip the Dom Perignon and you'll be fine
| 240 |
Mark Winter Mon, Sep 19, 2011 5:57:02pm |
Oh and btw... what's the minimum wage again? Just trying to do the math for 500 workers here....
| 242 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 6:03:13pm |
re: #238 Lidane
So do we. They're considered tangible personal property.
Kentucky exempted them--always appreciated the First Amendment support.
| 243 |
Mark Winter Mon, Sep 19, 2011 6:04:48pm |
re: #241 jaunte
I put in a link up at post 22...
Thank you I missed that.
Interesting to say the least
| 244 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 6:05:01pm |
re: #240 Mark Winter
Oh and btw... what's the minimum wage again? Just trying to do the math for 500 workers here...
Ask Reine--softly.
| 245 |
Achilles Tang Mon, Sep 19, 2011 6:12:29pm |
re: #208 OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin
I love how the biggest warmongers on the planet suddenly start whining about "class warfare". /rotfl
Calling Democrats Class Warmongers is just as trite as calling the USA Warmongers (biggest on the planet).
| 246 |
Mark Winter Mon, Sep 19, 2011 6:13:58pm |
Should read all comments before posting... should should...
Bottom line: This guy is talking BS
| 247 |
Achilles Tang Mon, Sep 19, 2011 6:17:34pm |
re: #239 Mark Winter
Absolutely. Only when a prohibitive tax rate kicks in and your profits would no longer be worth the trouble things change.
Quite right. As in progressive tax rates that used to be in Europe, or parts of it. The additional profit/income over a certain amount would be taxed at a higher rate, stepwise up to almost 100%. That meant that after a certain point one could be spending more in bus tickets to get to work than one earned after tax. So people stopped working that much more.
| 248 |
Achilles Tang Mon, Sep 19, 2011 6:22:04pm |
re: #234 Mark Winter
Would be interesting to know how much taxes he ACTUALLY pays now.
He probably knows the amount, but not how it was calculated or on what basis.
After all he has people do that stuff for him, while he is busy governing./
Come to think of it, that information should be on public record, either for the business or for him personally as an elected official.
| 249 |
OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Sep 19, 2011 6:24:56pm |
re: #245 Naso Tang
Calling Democrats Class Warmongers is just as trite as calling the USA Warmongers (biggest on the planet).
"Biggest on the planet" was my term, but it was not applied to the USA.
| 250 |
Decatur Deb Mon, Sep 19, 2011 6:28:36pm |
If anyone still cares about this clown, here's his congressional disclosure forms. His math needs work.
Oh yes, he got an honorarium from Heritage.
[Link: pfds.opensecrets.org...]
| 251 |
Mark Winter Mon, Sep 19, 2011 6:34:31pm |
re: #247 Naso Tang
Quite right. As in progressive tax rates that used to be in Europe, or parts of it. The additional profit/income over a certain amount would be taxed at a higher rate, stepwise up to almost 100%. That meant that after a certain point one could be spending more in bus tickets to get to work than one earned after tax. So people stopped working that much more.
Well yes that one happened in Sweden when there was no limit on progressive taxes and for very high incomes taxes became prohibitive.
Definitely not the case in the US and not in Europe either these days. It can happen that you get a small raise which kicks you into the next tax category and that can eat up a frustrating amount of the raise.
BUT
This is never the case for high incomes as there is a capping point. AND businesses have thousand ways to evade taxes. I don't know how much taxes this fine gentleman pays but I'm very sure he doesn't pay the amount he actually should.
| 252 |
jaunte Mon, Sep 19, 2011 6:38:59pm |
re: #250 Decatur Deb
Heh.
Pg. 15: "Fleming Payday Loans, LLC (Dormant Corp)."
Nice business-in-waiting.
| 253 |
Achilles Tang Mon, Sep 19, 2011 6:39:36pm |
re: #249 OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin
"Biggest on the planet" was my term, but it was not applied to the USA.
It sure implied it. The GOP are not the biggest warmongers on the planet either, nor when they have been in power to wage war have they done so against the will of all others, given our democracy, so you still sound just like all our worst enemies when you say that.
| 254 |
Achilles Tang Mon, Sep 19, 2011 6:45:44pm |
re: #251 Mark Winter
BUT
This is never the case for high incomes as there is a capping point. AND businesses have thousand ways to evade taxes. I don't know how much taxes this fine gentleman pays but I'm very sure he doesn't pay the amount he actually should.
And therein lies the politics. What I heard of his accounting summary sounded ignorant, if nothing else (or simply stupid lack of self control).
I've heard people talk of their business accounting and done some of my own. He was a fail. Any such business would invest in "new locations" and the like well before taxes and well before he receives (skims) his hundreds of thousands off the top, which he has paid other people to not only earn, but manage and create for him.
| 255 |
OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Sep 19, 2011 6:49:29pm |
re: #253 Naso Tang
It sure implied it.
...you still sound just like all our worst enemies when you say that.
Well, I probably sound like that to certain types, regardless of what I say, not that I give a frack.
BTW, I don't need to "imply" anything. Had I intended to say "the USA is the biggest warmongers on the planet", I would simply have done so, straight out. But that wasn't the point made, nor was anything even close to that said.
The broader, and perhaps more subtle point is that taxes on aholes like Fleming is not "warfare". Want to see real warfare? Check the records of some of these other aholes crying "class warfare", when in fact they vote for real wars, then lump anyone who disagrees in with our worst enemies.
| 256 |
Mark Winter Mon, Sep 19, 2011 6:50:11pm |
re: #254 Naso Tang
And therein lies the politics. What I heard of his accounting summary sounded ignorant, if nothing else (or simply stupid lack of self control).
I've heard people talk of their business accounting and done some of my own. He was a fail. Any such business would invest in "new locations" and the like well before taxes and well before he receives (skims) his hundreds of thousands off the top, which he has paid other people to not only earn, but manage and create for him.
Of course, investing in new locations would be a business expense. That really is Business 101.
Actually he's paid a hefty salary by the American people. I'd think he should devote all of his time to those who pay him.
| 257 |
OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Sep 19, 2011 6:54:48pm |
re: #256 Mark Winter
Of course, investing in new locations would be a business expense. That really is Business 101.
Actually he's paid a hefty salary by the American people. I'd think he should devote all of his time to those who pay him.
Makes one wonder why these rich cons run for an office that in their world pays so little, in the first place.
I'm really amused at these Meg Whitman types who pour 140 million into gubernatorial campaigns. For what? To be public servants? Lol since when.
| 258 |
Achilles Tang Mon, Sep 19, 2011 7:06:52pm |
re: #255 OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin
Well, I probably sound like that to certain types, regardless of what I say, not that I give a frack.
Why don't you say what you mean? Frack is not the word you meant. It isn't even a word in this context.
BTW, I don't need to "imply" anything. Had I intended to say "the USA is the biggest warmongers on the planet", I would simply have done so, straight out. But that wasn't the point made, nor was anything even close to that said.
Actually even you can't claim the GOP are the biggest warmongers on the planet. What are your criteria? Iraq I presume; but that still makes the comment trite.
The broader, and perhaps more subtle point is that taxes on aholes like Fleming is not "warfare". Want to see real warfare? Check the records of some of these other aholes crying "class warfare", when in fact they vote for real wars, then lump anyone who disagrees in with our worst enemies.
Quite a confluence of thoughts there, and nothing subtle in sight. Funny thing is we agree in the disdain, it is just your form of expression that reminds me of Limbaugh.
| 259 |
OhCrapIHaveACrushOnSarahPalin Mon, Sep 19, 2011 7:15:45pm |
re: #258 Naso Tang
Why don't you say what you mean? Frack is not the word you meant. It isn't even a word in this context.
It is, if you watch Battlestar Galactica.
Why don't you tell me what I meant, though, since you evidently know me so well. e_e
Actually even you can't claim the GOP are the biggest warmongers on the planet.
That wasn't the even claim. Your defensiveness about "the GOP", which I did not mention, is mildly hilarious, though.
Quite a confluence of thoughts there, and nothing subtle in sight. Funny thing is we agree in the disdain, it is just your form of expression that reminds me of Limbaugh.
Well, it's perfectly fine with me if you don't like or approve of my "form of expression"; no epithets you apply to said form will do anything to alter it. But you don't need to be reminded of that.
| 260 |
Flavia Mon, Sep 19, 2011 10:26:03pm |
All right, if that's the way he wants to play it, I say the new Left slogan should be: "Eat the Rich." Just get right down to basics. I give up!
| 261 |
Eventual Carrion Tue, Sep 20, 2011 6:15:56am |
re: #202 compound idaho
Just the impression she gave.
The impression you give with the name "compound Idaho" is a militia mental midget. Am I getting the correct impression?
| 263 |
Syrius Tue, Sep 20, 2011 7:39:09am |
Wow...what's lost in the conversation is the fact this douchebag is speaking about his income as if it is his bank account or life savings. It's yearly income! He's not buying new equipment each year. If he can pocket more cash he will do so. His success is on the back of his employees. His own health insurance is taxpayer funded. His Navy pension- taxpayer funded. FFS
| 264 |
kirkspencer Tue, Sep 20, 2011 9:38:30am |
re: #247 Naso Tang
Quite right. As in progressive tax rates that used to be in Europe, or parts of it. The additional profit/income over a certain amount would be taxed at a higher rate, stepwise up to almost 100%. That meant that after a certain point one could be spending more in bus tickets to get to work than one earned after tax. So people stopped working that much more.
I just wandered back to this thread, and saw this infamous canard. First, the highest of which I'm aware was 87% in Sweden, and that was for incomes that approached half a million dollars.
If you're earning a million dollars (adjusting for inflation over time) then you're no longer working for hourly wages, and you're not negotiating over single dollars -- and you're most likely unconcerned about the price of a bus ticket.
I'll be blunt. After the first million (well, using Buffet's rule the first $890,000 after taxes) any extra is just bragging points. You're not paying for any necessities. Further, the vast majority of people earning that level of income aren't doing so due to the sweat of their own brows. According to the last Forbes article I checked, over 2/3 of people with incomes over $1 million are doing so from wealth built by their parents. They're CEOs and Chairmen because of their parents.
Rather than ranting, I'll quote. "The law, in its majestic equality, forbids the rich and the poor alike to sleep under bridges, to beg in the streets, and to steal bread." (Anatole France, Le Lys Rouge, 1894)
Once Praised, the Settlement to Help Sickened BP Oil Spill Workers Leaves Most With Nearly Nothing When a deadly explosion destroyed BP’s Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico, 134 million gallons of crude erupted into the sea over the next three months — and tens of thousands of ordinary people were hired ...
Cheechako
Alone in a Bathroom: The Fear and Uncertainty of a Post-Roe Medication Abortion Angel tucked two white pills into each side of her mouth, bracing herself as they began to dissolve. Her deepest fears and anxieties took over. Angel had wanted to talk to a doctor before she took the pills to ... Cheechako
They Were Desperate to Get Pregnant. Then IVF Gave Them Extra Embryos. One morning last spring, Ashley Harrolle put her 1-year-old daughter down for a nap and went to the kitchen. She pulled up her fertility clinic’s contact information. It was time to make the call. In a freezer several hundred ... CheechakoJoe Bacon ✅
March FavoritesYou've seen these all already but looking back, just because. These are my favorite shots of this last month. That 1937 Zeiss Sonnar is such a gloriously wonderful bit of glass. Thanks for looking.
William Lewis
Russia’s New Combat Robots Blown Up by Drones Near Avdiivka When we landed on the moon, I thought about how science fiction had become real. Now, the robot wars have begun. It's more poignant somehow on the ground than in the missile wars we have in the air as ...
Rightwingconspirator
Why Did More Than 1,000 People Die After Police Subdued Them With Force That Isn’t Meant to Kill? An investigation led by The Associated Press has found that, over a decade, more than 1,000 people died after police subdued them through physical holds, stun guns, body blows and other force not intended to be lethal. More: Why ... CheechakoKGxvi
Abortions Outside Medical System Increased Sharply After Roe Fell, Study Finds The number of women using abortion pills to end their pregnancies on their own without the direct involvement of a U.S.-based medical provider rose sharply in the months after the Supreme Court eliminated a constitutional right to abortion, according ... Cheechako
The Pandemic Cost 7 Million Lives, but Talks to Prevent a Repeat Stall In late 2021, as the world reeled from the arrival of the highly contagious omicron variant of the coronavirus, representatives of almost 200 countries met - some online, some in-person in Geneva - hoping to forestall a future worldwide ... Cheechako
Texas County at Center of Border Fight Is Overwhelmed by Migrant Deaths EAGLE PASS, Tex. - The undertaker lighted a cigarette and held it between his latex-gloved fingers as he stood over the bloated body bag lying in the bed of his battered pickup truck. The woman had been fished out ... Cheechako
