That only works for the obvious and the unprepared. Especially if someone catches them in the act and makes them pay for it.

This isn't 19th Century Colorado, Mr Pinkerton.

I'm an evil high earner (and high achiever accordingly). My ex-wife will confirm the evil part. My pay stub will confirm my earnings, which are well into the 6-figures.

So being evil, when my taxes go up I'll just take it out on the local economy. I'll eat out less often and pay more attention to my grocery shopping (coupon clipping here I come). I'll take my kids to the movies less, Chuck-E-Cheese less, and other costly entertainment venues. I won't play golf less, but I may play cheaper courses and not upgrade my clubs as often. I'll probably buy used balls off eBay as well.

I may also take my clothes to the dry cleaner less often. I was once an Army MP where knowing how to iron sharp creases was a critical skill. I may just get a tune-up and keep my car a few extra years. A newer one would be nice, but since my taxes are going up I'm sure I can live without it.

I was going to hire a contractor to do some minor remodeling in my house. Just a little rework of the master bath and master closet. It would be a nice improvement that I can certainly live without for now.

So, let's review who is actually going to pay for my higher taxes:

- Sangria's, Shorty's, and Marlow's restaurants in Tucker
- Regal Cinema in Chamblee
- Movie Tavern in Tucker
- Chuck-E-Cheese near Mall of GA
- The putt-putt golf place near Gwinnett Mall
- Stone Mtn park (Golf course)
- Northcrest golf driving range
- The dry cleaner at my office bldg
- local BWM dealership (love the X5's, but can live without it)
- local contractor & Lowes/Home Depot

I'm sure I can cut a few other things if pressed. However, those above are relatively easy to cut. In fact, if I get used to cutting I may find more money to put into my 401K or some other tax shelter investments. (Clark Howard would be so proud)

Now I'm ready to be economically punished for being successful and responsible. Tax me! Tax me to death! Then watch who will really suffer.

President Bush cut taxes for all Americans with a tax liability, he did not give a tax credit or welfare to individuals that did not have a tax liability and call it a tax cut. You really need to do some research and educate yourself to the facts, of course you don't have to believe me, look it up yourself. Finally, the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts produced 20% more revenue to the federal government,but of course the RINO's and Democrats spent our funds like drunken sailors, which is all Dems do, (Change)really and Bush did not use the line item veto to curb the spending.

To: Joyce
"I'm not even going to try to defend Bush, but just ask yourself, does the past mistakes mean it's ok to screw up again!"

Of course not. Which is why we're not trying targeted tax-cuts for the rich again. They didn't work before, and it would be foolish to think they'd work now.
By Copyleft @ 02/27/09 02:39:44

Once again, spend less as you are taxing less. One without the other does not work. Just as spending spending spending does not work.

I will make this simple so that you MIGHT beable to understand what is happening.

Here is a FIRE in the house, not a big fire but a FIRE! Now we call the fire department, Obama to come put out the fire. Does he show up with a water truck. NO HE SHOWS UP WITH A GAS truck, Stimulus bill & the $410 Billion bill just passed. He starts pumping GAS on the fire. The fire gets BIGGER & BIGGER. He has no experiance in firefighting so he PUMPS MORE GAS, the Tax plan on the FIRE. The Fire gets Totally out of control and the homeowner LOOSES EVERYTHING.

Now do you understand. Things were bad. I do not care WHO'S fault it is but now things are going to get worse.

I am in the Middle class just like you and I see no good coming from any of this.

You say, "Which is why we're not trying targeted tax-cuts for the rich again. They didn't work before, and it would be foolish to think they'd work now."

For the 200th time, LISTEN UP, MORON: First year Bush tax cuts went into effect, 2003 tax revenues were 1.7T. went up steady each year since. 2007 tax revenues were $2.6T. Which part of that don't you understand, you illiterate bedwetting dolt?

The exact same thing happened under JFK and Reagan tax cuts.

The problem is spending on all your lib garbage over the years. Now you want to increase that exponentially under President Hussein BOzo.

Good grief! I've crapped out stools that have higher IQs than you.

"I'm not even going to try to defend Bush, but just ask yourself, does the past mistakes mean it's ok to screw up again!"

Of course not. Which is why we're not trying targeted tax-cuts for the rich again. They didn't work before, and it would be foolish to think they'd work now.

Best Idea I've heard yet.

When enough Americans have lost their savings, their assets, their jobs, their morale, and their patience, I hope you remember that much of what is being forced upon us can be overturned in two years, if enough "CHANGE" in both houses of congress can occur. Maybe enough to even overturn a veto.

"Tax Cuts? Obviously the Bush tax cuts didnt do much to help the economy. Again I ask where were all these economically conscious people when Bush was flushing the USA down the toilet?"

If I hear that one more time bullets are gonna shoot out of my eyes!!! I'm not even going to try to defend Bush, but just ask yourself, does the past mistakes mean it's ok to screw up again! Can you stick to the current times JUST ONCE!

Hey, are you actually the other moron on this board who shall remain nameless?????

Tim, PrezBOzo is no doubt lying about only taxing those over 250K. As you said, the business owner will just pass on the extra cost to the consumer.

There's another point, which was written in the WSJ yesterday. The column was called "The 2% Illusion". Here's the link (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123561551065378405.html?mod=djemEditorialPage)

The column takes the IRS stats and points out that even if you taxed the "rich" at 100% rate (i.e. for you libs out there, that means if you took every single penny they earned) it wouldn't even come close to covering all that he has proposed. Remember during th campaign how he and Biden kept moving the scale on who is defined as rich.

Bottom line: if he wants to increase taxes to cover this circus, then he will have no choice but to dip lower on the income scale to include more "rich" people (in other words, anyone with a heartbeat and a commute to work will be considered rich for tax purposes).

Please quit responding to (encouraging) copyleft. If you ignore him, maybe he'll find someplace else to play.

You can't argue with lies and stupidity.

We have to pay the tab so why not pass it along to the guys at the table who have the biggest bank accounts? Cause after all, they screwed someone to get it and they don't deserve it. That's the thinking on the Left. ( no pun intended Copy...) So we'll punish achievers and reward mediocrity( that's the liberal God of the Average ). I heard a caller on a talk show whine about how he only made 38k a year and the rich guys caused all these problems and they need to pay more taxes. The guy left out the fact that he probably gets a tax refund every year but that's an minor deatail! I thought it was a put on but the guy stayed on for 12 minutes. I hope readers like Copyleft and Hugo are smarter than that. They're here so they'd have to be. I see countless examples of successful people who worked hard,( I know, everybody works hard...)learned some skills, made smart business decisions and were willing to scarifice to get where they wanted to go in life. But the poor 'hard workin' Americans who just clocked in and did their 40 can't understand why they are still making a wage and don't have healthcare for little or next to nothing. It has to be someone else's fault! Couldn't be theirs. So by golly, those folks makin' over 250k better ante up and just get over it...the DNC is here! I picture Obama in front of a mirror trying on a top hat ala Lincoln then a cigarette holder in the style of Roosevelt. Scary.

These fools at the wheel of government are done with the ditch and are going for a cliff. Add their sky’s the limit taxation, rampant nationalization, environazi policies and carbon 'industry,' and it takes no genius to see the disaster we are heading for. Those old enough and paying attention when carter was wrecking the economy have some idea of what is to come.
The 'smart people,' have forgotten someone has to create wealth before they can loot and spend it.

What is greed, if not taking another's property or voting for someone who would? A system based on plunder is not sustailable

Now we KNOW he's pro abortion!

Economy, Aborted.

Warning. Here comes a rant. What has happened to the quintessential real American? Our nation has devolved into a country of celebrity worshipping, weak, mindless, unhealthy whiners. Will anyone really care about CEOs' salaries when one of our American cities is in radioactive ruins? Who will defend us when all of the "men" are surrendering and running away? Oh, and remember when all of the liberals called Bush a dictator? Now it seems that they wanted one all along. They just wanted to pick him. Sad, sad, sad. Someone give me hope.

"There are also people who believe that wet streets cause rain."

It would be better stated as "There are also people who believe that dry streets cause rain."

This is ridculous.. how can a man who has never worked for a company let alone ran one.. make policies that dictate their success?

This is going to cause RAMPANT unemployment and very well could send us into a depression.

NEWS FLASH for obama.. businesses depend on other businesses and consumers to make money.. its like a stack of dominos.. if you knock enough of them over eventually NO ONE WILL BE LEFT... perhaps thats his strategy? Afterall.. in the face of adversity.. govt is the savior.. and what better way to make govt the savior than to use the messiah's tax system?

Ya know.. my company is doing well.. I WAS looking at buying an investment home or buying a better home.. maybe a new car in 2 years..

I guess I'll have to tell the home developers, lowes, all the small busineses I would pay to contract on my house, and automakers.. and the people who make parts for said automakers.. that they're just gonig to have to do without.. I'm paying down my debts.. and starting a garden..

Am I the only one who is surprised that america is falling with loud applause??

You are a moron. Do you not realize FDR's big govt ideas are a lot of the reason we are in this mess now? He came up with nonsustainable plans that Obama wants to expand on. Why do you not credit World War 2 with helping to spur growth and change?

Well this is the kind of thing us Ron Paul supporters(read traditional conservatives) have been talking about for quite some time. Obama is trying to run an empire and not talking of downsizing. He's about to run the productive class out of the country.Imagine what will happen ONCE HE BACKS AMNESTY!! He could easily avoid all this nonsense by switching to a foreign policy of not trying to police the world to the tune of 1 trillion per year. Read up on what happened once the Romans could not afford to pay their soldiers. There's probably 2 more elections to turn this thing around. The midterm in 2010 and the presidential in 2012. But the GOP MUST severe its leftist big govt neo-conservative Hannity,Patriot Act type or it WILL lose to Obama again. We have to embrace the constitution and small government...its the only way Obama will be defeated.No 2 ways about that.Lets start looking to Jefferson,Madison and Coolidge.

Obviously the Bush tax cuts didnt do much to help the economy. Again I ask where were all these economically conscious people when Bush was flushing the USA down the toilet?

Anyone that has studied Businesse or has half a brain knows that Businesse do not pay taxes. TAXES are a OPERATIONAL EXPENCE and will be pasted on to the CONSUMER. That means everything these companies make or provide will COST MORE. The people will be paying these taxes. Way to go O-GREAT ONE!

Well, it looks like I will do everything to achieve success for myself and family until I hit the $250,000 threshold. Then I'll let my wife quit work. I'm sure that number will be lowered to about $150,000 in due time.

I can't stomach our hard work paying for the all of the slugs out there.

BTW: If you think that these "slugs" are just hard up on luck, go to your local gas station and just observe for about 5 minutes what these people spend their last few dimes and pennies on and what they talk about, like their 16-year-old daughter having her third child for example.

As if I don't have enough taxes to pay. As the owner of 2 "S" Corps I have to deal with the State "Franchise Tax" ( privilege for having a business registered), State Business Income tax (Yes after all its a corporation) , County Personal (business asset, computers, trucks…) property tax, Inventory tax, Futa,Suta, Social Security & Medicare match for my employees before I make a dime.
After that I will be allowed my PATRIOTIC DUTY by surrendering my K-1’s value under the new budget to give 8%(rounded) of the remaining income to social security & Medicare (being self employed I pay both sides hence I doubled the taxable amount) on the next 200 + K of income (3% thereafter), 39.4% to the feds, 8% to the state (ah yes we also have a progressive state income tax too to make the evil rich pay their fare share). Then I will not be allowed to DEDUCT my State income tax, my state personal property tax (car, home, boat, plane… pick one that you may own) and have my charitable deductions disappear (if I were Joe Biden this would not be an issue as after all what is $500 per year), which will gross up my income and result in additional funds being transferred from my pocket to the black hole in Washington. Combine all of this together Government entities of all stripes are relieving me in excess of 56% of my income.
After a while one wonders why I am in business!!! I spend more hours on the job, have all of the risk (non payment for services, mistakes by employees, legal proceedings, EEOC, EPA, ect.), and the rewards are decreasing. I more than ever understand the reasoning of a plumbing sub contractor I used during the Carter years. He used to close his doors on approximately July 1st when he reached the threshold for the top tax bracket; it was going to be a cold day in hell before he would work a whole year for the same amount of money with more headaches he could make in 6 months just to keep someone else employed!
What would all these buffoons do if all small business did the same thing????

So, what happens to our economy when businesses and the "rich" have to pay more taxes? Can I make a prediction?
1) Businesses will raise prices, and cut their overhead and labor (more layoffs).
2) Rich people and businesses will hide money in overseas accounts/locations. Businesses may even choose to close locations. (more layoffs)

In the end, everybody loses! It's not a pretty picture. Let's all hope my predictions are wrong.

Why are you such an idiot? Do you think Neal is the only one here that makes enough money to feel the effect of all this crap??? Oh sorry didn't know you were a burger flipper....

On the upside, just think how clean the air quality is going to be as we walk to our government soup kitchen.

I guess people(the dumb ones) forgot what happened to the economy when Clinton pulled this stunt, and I guess they forgot what pulled us out of it.

"You cannot legislate the poor into freedom by legislating the wealthy out of freedom. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that my dear friend, is about the end of any nation. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it."

The late Dr. Adrian Rogers , 1931 to 2005, Former Pastor of Bellevue Baptist Church in Memphis , TN

What is going to happen when the rich decide to stay home and enjoy their money? Is the truck driver going to run the trucking company? I'm retired and I think I have lived through the best time of this country, I feel sorry for my grandchildren!

Just to remind your readers: Business's have never nor will they ever pay tax's. They pass increased tax's on to the consumers of their goods or services as part of their cost. So in the end (no pun intended) the guy on the street pays. Individuals pay tax's, entities don't.

If the government is in charge now, why is there a need for education?

Tax the bajeebers out of them evil corporations ... who will raise their prices to compensate for the difference, and we'll all pay through the nose.

Let's go after the oil companies' profits. Let's increase those energy costs - after all everybody needs energy: heat, light, fuel to make the car go - and the truck that brings the groceries to the grocery store (oops, there went food prices). We've no alternative but to fork it over.

He's hosing the very folks he's claiming to help. BOHICA!

We all know that rich Democrats don't have to pay taxes so are these figures based only on raising taxes on rich Republicans? I want to know what the tax loop holes are for Hollywood, media, and the millionaire politicians voting for this thing.

Neal, talk about the tea parties going on around the country to protest Chairman O's insane tax increases! This needs to be covered and only Michelle Malkin has talked about it.

Love you long time!

Well I guess with all the tax increases the business model in the US is going down the toilet. All these businesses can move over seas and avoid these bone crushing taxes or they can do as always and pass them on the the consumer.