Jeff Stahler for September 25, 2012

They’ll move their money offshore. That will really help the economy.

Call me old fashioned, but I think wealthy people should EARN their money like the rest of us.

The American dream has been crushed by the difference in income. Over the last ten years, average executive pay has increased by over 400%. The average worker’s pay has increased by only 0 to 1 1/2%.

Many of the wealthiest don’t work, it was inherited, and many of them are part of the 47% that don’t pay taxes.I’m not envious but for executive pay to go up 400% is just morally wrong. They used to give the workers raises and promotions that made the American dream possible. And I agree with Chillbilly, they too should earn it. There is no way that a man in the corner office works as hard as a man in meat locker or slaughter house does, and in better work conditions. Or a road construction team, or a carpenter, And of those that don’t pay income tax, 50% are in-eligible to pay because of their total wages are less than their personal or household deductions. And nearly 1/4 are workers with children making a wage to small to be eligible to pay taxes.

Does it strike anyone else as hypocritical for the GOP to defend raising taxes on the uber-wealthy at the same time they are being uber-wealthy from the money contributed by that group to their campaigns?

No, make the dream more available to the masses.

The Republicans didn’t help their point by having a celebration of “Entrepreneurs” at the convention that honored the Koch Brothers, who are the epitome of inherited wealth. As for the 47%, they pay only the tax they’re required by law to pay, just like Romney. Why he demonizes them, instead of coming up with a proposal to change taxation, is pretty darn clear — they pay a higher percentage of income in total taxes than he does, and Romney would drop even FARTHER in the polls if he said out loud what he plans to do.

Can someone tell me why income from capital gains should be taxed at a much lower rate than income from actually working and producing something for the public good? What is fair or good for the economy about that?

Time for another bear to need a toothpick.