McCain Seemingly Backtracks on No New Taxes

[ajmccarrell]

He may lose my vote if this is actually true. I'll probably abstain.

[strandinthewind]

From what I see now -- it is true. So, I agree with you that this will be the nail in the coffin for him amongst the so called conservative base.

[strandinthewind]

Note - that the SS payroll tax stops at like $95,000 is assinine. If they would get rid of that limit, SS could be funded.

[ajmccarrell]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

Note - that the SS payroll tax stops at like $95,000 is assinine. If they would get rid of that limit, SS could be funded.

Agreed. I also think it should be means tested. I mean, if you make more than $50,000 at retirement age, do you really need it? I just think the timing would be REALLY bad for a payroll tax hike. Also, there should be some sort of consideration for businesses, as they would have to cough up half of the extra cash needed to fund the increase. It would mean lower wages for everyone. It should be phased in slowly, so it doesn't cripple our economy if it is to be done.

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by ajmccarrell

Agreed. I also think it should be means tested. I mean, if you make more than $50,000 at retirement age, do you really need it?

Well, it is not set up that way. Congress would have to re write the act, which I think they will never do.

But I agree with you, though I'd raise it to $100,000.

[ajmccarrell]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

Well, it is not set up that way. Congress would have to re write the act, which I think they will never do.

But I agree with you, though I'd raise it to $100,000.

Before raising it, you should always make sure that we're not in a downturn. Doing it right now would kill any hope of recovery we may have.

[strandinthewind]

Originally Posted by ajmccarrell

Before raising it, you should always make sure that we're not in a downturn. Doing it right now would kill any hope of recovery we may have.

I was talking about you cap of benefits not going to those making $50,000 or over. I'd raise that cap tp $100,000 for the retirees.

But, in the end, taxes will have to be raised to pay for the folly pf the Bush Administration and the trillions of other dollars it will cost us to get out of the current mortgage crisis, which just about every economist suggests in in its infancy.

I do think, however, that a switch to the fair tax right now would alleviate the issue (the rich would atually pay more and the poor less mind you) and greatly bolster the economy.

[ajmccarrell]

Originally Posted by strandinthewind

From what I see now -- it is true. So, I agree with you that this will be the nail in the coffin for him amongst the so called conservative base.

I'll wait and see what he says about it. Sometimes on campaigns, people just say stupid stuff out of exhaustion. I mean, Obama and the 57 states, hello! I know he knows there aren't 57 states. Both of these guys are very tired and McCain may have gotten confused, like he seems to lately. I'll wait a few days before I make a final judgement. I listened to the sound-bite and it sounds like he may have been saying something for effect without realizing the consequences of the statement. I mean, the guy has a very long track record of opposing taxes, so one comment may be meaningless, unless he ACTUALLY PLANS on raising the tax.