We're all in this together!

[piercehawkeye45]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

My point exactly. SO what is "Wealthy"? Because that seems to be the watch word in this day and age. Please define. That seems to be the term that defines those who think they give enough and those that don't.

I know that is your point. I agree that wealthy cannot be defined as 'someone who makes more than me'. Yet, there has to be some benchmark that determines whether someone is wealthy or not in the eyes of the state. A benchmark that both makes practical economic sense (yes that is subjective as well) and will not get people marching with pitchforks. This benchmark is going to end up being completely subjective anyways so trying to find a rational one is pointless.

Honestly, I feel that most of the anger is not against people who make more than them but the feeling that they are disproportionally bearing the load (many possible definitions) while these "other" people are not. The "poor" are just mooching off your tax dollars. The "rich" are just using the law and society to make them money for themselves without paying back. This is not fair but any 'debt solution' must take this feeling into account. The details are not important. What is important is that the "poor" feels like the "rich" are going to pay more in taxes and the "rich" need to feel that the "poor" are not mooching off their tax dollars. It is more symbolic than anything.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by piercehawkeye45

I know that is your point. I agree that wealthy cannot be defined as 'someone who makes more than me'.

Cool, define it. TO date no one can do it.

Yet, there has to be some benchmark that determines whether someone is wealthy or not in the eyes of the state.

In a Free Market Economy the "State" has no legal or Constitutional Right to define it.

A benchmark that both makes practical economic sense (yes that is subjective as well) and will not get people marching with pitchforks. This benchmark is going to end up being completely subjective anyways so trying to find a rational one is pointless.

Well, sort of depends doesn't it? Homeless dude with no income teamed up with the disgruntled Anarchist who went to Harvard and can't pay his educational degree in French Lit off.... who is more worthy?

Honestly, I feel that most of the anger is not against people who make more than them

Not how the press is making it out to be...

...but the feeling that they are disproportionally bearing the load (many possible definitions) while these "other" people are not.

Great, define it in quantifiable terms that can be measured and studied for validity.......

The "poor" are just mooching off your tax dollars. The "rich" are just using the law and society to make them money for themselves without paying back. This is not fair but any 'debt solution' must take this feeling into account. The details are not important. What is important is that the "poor" feels like the "rich" are going to pay more in taxes and the "rich" need to feel that the "poor" are not mooching off their tax dollars. It is more symbolic than anything.

What is really "symbolic" here is the idea that the "poor" exists.... Bull shit.... fucking DEFINE IT!. "This is not Fair"... fucking someone define "FAIR". "Feeling" My ass. Where in our Constitution is shit defined as "Fair"? This is totally manufactured BS for a collective re-election campaign. And guess what? In 4 years the poor will still be poor, and the disadvantaged will still be disadvantaged..... It is fucking Kabuki Theater....

[piercehawkeye45]

Originally Posted by TheMercenary

Cool, define it. TO date no one can do it.

???

Of course no one can define 'wealthy' because it is entirely subjective. It means something completely different to a middle class American, lower class American, and piss poor Somali. Yet, you can't just use that to justify throwing away tax brackets all together (or whatever point you are trying to make).

What is your overall point BTW?

Originally Posted by classicman

YW - PhD eh .... We'll have to call you Dr. soon enough.

I've already "allowed" my friends and family to call me Doctor. None have taken up on the offer yet. Not sure why....

Your timing sounds perfect too - the job market should start picking up in 4-6 years too.

Yeah. It largely depends on the field. I wasn't in a good position two years ago (Structural engineering was shit) but my goal is to make myself marketable enough that I will get a job no matter how bad the economy is doing.