Can someone explain why this is called a "stimulus"

[Janett_Reno]

Originally Posted by dude1394

This is Obama's bill, period. He's out there promoting it, he's calling out republicans for not supporting this because they are "just too political". He was rated the most liberal congressman in this country...there is nothing in this bill that he's not for.

And just think, it wasn't that long ago you voted for the most "liberal" man in congress because you was so scarred of Hillary. Now you get both of them. Remember you saying, i voted for Obama?

Speaking of liberals and democrats, it seems it hasn't been a Dem senator since 1932 in Kansas and looks like now if one certain woman runs, you will have your first Dem senator in a state that no one thought would ever have a Dem win again.

Now let's see, where did all those catch words go Dude, Liberal, Obama's middle name, black man, muslim, faith and values, and speaking of stimilus, wasn't that what George W Bush was for? But i forgot, he was one of the biggest spenders and borrowers the country ever saw in the history.

Lilless than 4 years dude and the gop will lose even more in the congress and senate. Not even John Libberman McCain can save the gop. Oh Dude, when are you going to start in on Steele? He is a black man you know.

[dude1394]

Hmmm Janet...my favorite author on culture is Thomas Sowell, my favorite justice is Clarence Thomas....Shelby Steele is also one of my favorites. My goodness I must be a racist.

I did vote for hillary because I thought the voters of the US wouldn't be idiotic enough to vote for obama...I was obviously wrong...they were (and seem to continue to be) plenty idiotic enough.

I don't like obama because I can't stand his liberalism. I'm not crazy about the zealots who believe he can do not wrong either to be honest.

I'm not sure why you put "liberal" in quotes either, he's shown himself to be exactly what I said he would be.

[Flacolaco]

Picking up where Silk left off...accusing a huge NBA fan of not liking black people. Brilliant, and logical too. Well done.

[dude1394]

Now the CBO says we don't even need this elect-a-democrat stimulus package. Have to agree with 'em this time.

But for some reason I dont' think Obama will agree.

http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/99xx/doc9..._Testimony.pdf

CBO anticipates that the current recession, which started in December 2007, will last until the second half of 2009, making it the longest recession since World War II. (The longest such recessions otherwise, the 1973–1974 and 1981–1982 recessions, both lasted 16 months. If the current recession were to continue beyond midyear, it would last at least 19 months.) It could also be the deepest recession during the postwar period: By CBO’s estimates, economic output over the next two years will average 6.8 percent below its potential—that is, the level of output that would be produced if the economy’s resources were fully employed (see Figure 1). This ecession, however, may not result in the highest unemployment rate. That rate, in CBO’s forecast, rises to 9.2 percent by early 2010 (up from a low of 4.4 percent at the end of 2006) but is still below the 10.8 percent rate seen near the end of the 1981–1982 recession.

[92bDad]

This whole stimulus things is crazy.

Why can't our government follow some very simple individual principles in order to right the ship?

For me, I have cut cost to fit within my income level. It turns out, that by cutting the fat, I have had more money to spend on other things.

I don't need anyone to give me more money to keep spending like a drunken sailor or a retired grandma taking a weekend in at the local Indian Reservation Casino...

Rather than our government giving money away, that they do NOT currently have...why not cut back on spending, cut down the cost...trim the FAT!!!

Allow companies to suffer the natural consequences of bad financial decisions...

People are resiliant, people provided they are willing, will find new jobs, new careers. We will see new companies formed, new competition and new ideas flourish under the innovative and enterprising spirit of Americancs in general.

Those that are not willing, will continue to be dependant and rely on hand-outs.

That's fine, provide support for those in need, but let's not make it so comfortable that they don't see a better path by becoming self-sufficient.

Personally I would vote 100% NO to the bailouts!!!

Trust me, I'm feeling the pinch...I am in sales and my customers are in the Retail/Hospitality markets...of which they are not buying at the moment. But rather than get down, I see nothing but huge opportunities ahead. I am looking for that new company who will grow and replace the Circuit City's of the world.

The more our government gets involved the less I see enterprising being rewarded...the more I see the welfare state, victim attitude taking shape. The more government intervention we see, the more like France we become.

I worked for a French company from 2000 to 2007 and I saw first hand that they inspire the youth to do nothing...the youth have a better life living off the government than if they are working. Unemployment was higher than in the U.S. People who don't pay rent or mortgage are unable to be evicted...companies can't fire people for poor performance. It's crazy and extremely backwards.

If the government wants to stimulate the economy, then they need to cut costs and cut taxes. Again, NO bailout using money that they don't have...

[alexamenos]

by cutting the fat, I have had more money to spend on other things.

^^^in a nutshell, everything that is wrong about Keynesianism and right about market solutions.

The Keynesians that are running the gubmint, unfortunately, are doing everything they can to keep the fat in place, and thereby making it impossible to spend money on other things.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by alexamenos

^^^in a nutshell, everything that is wrong about Keynesianism and right about market solutions.

The Keynesians that are running the gubmint, unfortunately, are doing everything they can to keep the fat in place, and thereby making it impossible to spend money on other things.

But if you don't spend money THEIR way, you won't make THEM rich...

[alexamenos]

Originally Posted by Underdog

But if you don't spend money THEIR way, you won't make THEM rich...

Keynesianism is great for government and the powers that be...no doubt.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by alexamenos

Keynesianism is great for government and the powers that be...no doubt.

Pretty much ANY system of control is great for the powers that be - the game is always stacked in THEIR favor when THEY set the rules...


(oh, how I long to be one of THEM...)

[DelNegro]

Originally Posted by 92bDad

Rather than our government giving money away, that they do NOT currently have...why not cut back on spending, cut down the cost...trim the FAT!!!

Because trimming the fat doesn't get politicians elected. Politicians get elected by doing what's popular, irregardless of whether or not what's popular also happens to be what's best. And nothing is more popular to "we the people" than to have our politicians give us things while making someone else, i.e. future generations of Americans, pay for it.

[alexamenos]

Originally Posted by Underdog

(oh, how I long to be one of THEM...)

If I were one of the masters of the universe, I'd make your mom my personal scrotum washer -- anytime I felt a little unfresh down there I'd say, 'hey, UD's mom -- get over here with that steamed towel and do your job.'

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by alexamenos

If I were one of the masters of the universe, I'd make your mom my personal scrotum washer -- anytime I felt a little unfresh down there I'd say, 'hey, UD's mom -- get over here with that steamed towel and do your job.'

I have her pretty well-trained, so you should be pleased with the results...


(the only time she needs to be beaten is when she looks you in the eyes...)

[alexamenos]

i must spread some reputation around before giving it to underdog again

(and by giving it to underdog, I don't mean giving it like i've been giving it to underdog's mom)

[dude1394]

Tax cuts...tax cuts...why do republicans always talk about..oh 62% of the US citizens aren't republican...

With the Senate poised to vote Tuesday on an $827-billion version of the economic recovery plan, 62% of U.S. voters want the plan to include more tax cuts and less government spending.

Just 14% would like to move in the opposite direction with more government spending and fewer tax cuts, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Twenty percent (20%) would be happy to pass it pretty much as is, and five percent (5%) are not sure.

Republicans and unaffiliated voters overwhelmingly want to see more tax cuts and less government spending. Democrats are more evenly divided: 42% agree with the Republicans, 32% want to pass the plan as is, and 22% would like to see more government spending and fewer tax cuts.

Most conservative and moderate voters want to see more tax cuts. A plurality of liberals say the plan should be passed pretty much as it is.

[DirkFTW]

I'm telling you guys, it's cheaper to just give $50,000 to hire an unemployed American. Only $580 billion to hire every one of the 11.6 million unemployed Americans if we do that.

Actually, then give $247 billion to me for coming up with this plan. So same price tag, but immediately fixes unemployment for 2009, carrying us through this next year that economists predict will be so terrible.

Hope for Wagyu First.
DirkFTW '10

[dude1394]

Originally Posted by DirkFTW

I'm telling you guys, it's cheaper to just give $50,000 to hire an unemployed American. Only $580 billion to hire every one of the 11.6 million unemployed Americans if we do that.

Actually, then give $247 billion to me for coming up with this plan. So same price tag, but immediately fixes unemployment for 2009, carrying us through this next year that economists predict will be so terrible.

Hope for Wagyu First.
DirkFTW '10

It wouldn't help enough union workers, push more people into welfare and get us closer to socialized medicine.



Except the racist, bigots and hicks who wouldn't vote for obama.

[ty]

Originally Posted by dude1394

Except the racist, bigots and hicks who wouldn't vote for obama.

Careful saying things like that...you get in a pointless argument with...oh wait nevermind.

[dude1394]

Well this looks like a HECK of a stimulus. It will create a new bureaucracy, that should create some jobs.

But the bill goes further. One new bureaucracy, the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology, will monitor treatments to make sure your doctor is doing what the federal government deems appropriate and cost effective. The goal is to reduce costs and “guide” your doctor’s decisions (442, 446). These provisions in the stimulus bill are virtually identical to what Daschle prescribed in his 2008 book, “Critical: What We Can Do About the Health-Care Crisis.” According to Daschle, doctors have to give up autonomy and “learn to operate less like solo practitioners.”

[dude1394]

How much pork can democrats shove down the american peoples throats...it appears...quite a bit.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123396676711659061.html

To understand the problem with the stimulus bill, it helps to focus on specific parts. Take the $142 billion for schools, which is nearly double the total outlays of the Department of Education in 2007. Now consider that much of this cash would go to public-school systems that don't even need the money for its earmarked purposes.

................

The Milwaukee Public School system, for example, would receive $88.6 million over two years for new construction projects under the House version of the stimulus — even though the district currently has 15 vacant school buildings and declining enrollment. Between 1990 and 2008, inflation-adjusted MPS spending rose by 35%, per-pupil spending increased by 36% and state aid grew by 58%. Over the same period, enrollment fell by a percentage point and is projected to continue falling, leaving the system with enough excess capacity for some 22,000 students.

[alby]

Originally Posted by dude1394

Well this looks like a HECK of a stimulus. It will create a new bureaucracy, that should create some jobs.

Originally Posted by alby

So can we all agree the real name of this thing is called The Socialism Act of 2009?

Unfortunately, I was pretty close to the truth on this one.

[alexamenos]

First of all, this "stimulus" stuff is a bunch of stuff - if it's every liberal congressman's wet dream spending bill sold on the fear of the looming economic catastrophe. As Rahm Emmanual sez, you can't let a crisis go to waste--so, eff the dems, they're taking advantage of the situation to get their political willies wet.

And since I'm here...eff the Republicans too...eff 'em twice, once in the backside. These conmen just got through passing the bankers boondoggle, a bill every bit as bad as this one Obama's criminals are getting ready to pass. The Republicans are a bunch of conmen socialists who only oppose spending when they have no chance of getting their way.

[alexamenos]

We Are All Socialist Now

[TrippleT123]

Originally Posted by dalmations202

Stimulus Payment Information


"This year, taxpayers will receive an Economic Stimulus Payment. This is a
very exciting new program that I will explain using the Q and A format:

Q. What is an Economic Stimulus Payment?
A. It is money that the federal government will send to taxpayers.

Q. Where will the government get this money?
A. From taxpayers.

Q. So the government is giving me back my own money?
A. Only a smidgen.

Q. What is the purpose of this payment?
A. The plan is that you will use the money to purchase a high-definition TV
set, thus stimulating the economy.

Q. But isn't that stimulating the economy of China ?
A. Shut up.

Below is some helpful advice on how to best help the U.S. economy by
spending your stimulus check wisely:

If you spend that money at Wal-Mart, all the money will go to China.
If you spend it on gasoline it will go to the Arabs.
If you purchase a computer it will go to India .
If you purchase fruit and vegetables it will go to Mexico, Honduras, and
Guatemala (unless you buy organic).
If you buy a car it will go to Japan .
If you purchase useless crap it will go to Taiwan .

And none of it will help the American economy.



We need to keep that money here in America.

You can keep the money in America by spending it at yard sales, going to a
baseball game, or spend it on prostitutes, beer and wine (domestic ONLY),
funerals, weddings, or tattoos, since those are the only businesses still in
the US .

we only get around 15-20% of gas from middle eastern countries!

[dude1394]

Ouch...double ouch.. With a stroke of a pen...I just borrowed 60,000 from my kids. The baby boomers are REALLY putting their mark on the country. With the on-going ponzi scheme and this robbery...they should be proud.

I was sitting here with my two older grandsons and when word came that the bill had been approved by the Senate I said, “congrats boys, you just went about $30,000 into debt tonight”. Of course that spurred an instant response - “What!?”. And then we had a nice little talk.

http://www.qando.net/wp-content/uplo...rk_sb0317d.jpg

A bill full of wasteful, unfocused spending with money we don’t have and we’ll be lectured soon about “fiscal responsibility” and “sacrifice” by the profligate yahoos that put this mess together. Can’t wait.

~McQ

[dude1394]

Holy Mackeral..this guy will say anything. My party got theirs...now let's tighten our belt.

http://deanesmay.com/2009/02/18/obam...of-the-sudden/

WSJ: Obama to Shift Focus to Deficit

With a $787 billion stimulus package in hand, President Barack Obama will pivot quickly to address a budget deficit that could now approach $2 trillion this year.

He has scheduled a “fiscal-responsibility summit” on Feb. 23 and will unveil a budget blueprint three days later, crafted to put pressure on politicians to address the country’s surging long-term debt crisis.

The long-term deficit is indeed a major problem, one that needs to be addressed. I’m glad to see Obama raising the issue, and I hope he follows through with real entitlement reform rather than making a lot of noise and then failing to actually pass anything, or temporarilly patching the deficit with tax increases.

But if Obama’s serious about fiscal discipline, he should have started by not asking Congress for the spendulus.

[Mavdog]

Originally Posted by dude1394

Holy Mackeral..this guy will say anything. My party got theirs...now let's tighten our belt.

http://deanesmay.com/2009/02/18/obam...of-the-sudden/

how can you be critical of any effort to reduce spending? even if you were against the stimulus package, reducing other spending programs is positive.

or maybe you merely wish to be the guy who is against anything obama does regardless....

[dude1394]

Originally Posted by Mavdog

how can you be critical of any effort to reduce spending? even if you were against the stimulus package, reducing other spending programs is positive.

or maybe you merely wish to be the guy who is against anything obama does regardless....

Good grief mavie...can theOne say anything, anytime no matter how hypocritical and you not call him on it?

I guess I just don't understand what a hypocrite is anymore...maybe theOne by definition cannot be a hypocrite.

He's just tripled the debt and then wants to lecture us on fiscal responsibility. I sorta wish he had taken his own advice about 1trillion dollars ago.

[Mavdog]

Originally Posted by dude1394

Good grief mavie...can theOne say anything, anytime no matter how hypocritical and you not call him on it?

I guess I just don't understand what a hypocrite is anymore...maybe theOne by definition cannot be a hypocrite.

He's just tripled the debt and then wants to lecture us on fiscal responsibility. I sorta wish he had taken his own advice about 1trillion dollars ago.

it's not "hypocritical" to form a plan to try and lower federal spending.

you've made it a damned if you do, damened if you don't. if he acted nonchalant about the spending levels you'd yell about that.

criticize him if they don't come up with any cuts. criticizing obama for publically stating the need places you in the ridiculous category.

[dude1394]

Okay...I obviously do not understand hypocrisy.

If a preacher talks about not having sex before marriage but then does..he's a hyprocrite.

If theOne signs into law the largest federal government credit card charge ever conceived by man and then tells us that NOW we have to cut the federal budget...guess not.

I am obviously not nuanced enough to understand the difference.

[wmbwinn]

To All My Valued Employees,

There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country.

However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interests.

First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a back story. This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You've seen my big home at last years Christmas party. I'm sure; all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life.

However, what you don't see is the back story.

I started this company 28 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living apartment was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company which, by the way, would eventually employ you.

My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends, while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business -- hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.

Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting the Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the discount store extracting any clothing item that didn't look like it was
birthed in the 70's. My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business with a vision that eventually, some day, I too, will be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.

So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9am , mentally check in at about noon , and then leave at 5pm , I don't. There is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have the freedom. I eat, and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to my hip like a 1 year old special-needs child. You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden -- the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... you never realize the back story and the sacrifices I've made.

Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bail-out all the people who didn't. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade of my life for.

Yes, business ownership has is benefits but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds.

Unfortunately, the cost of running this business, and employing you, is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why:

I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't pay enough. I have state taxes. Federal taxes. Property taxes. Sales and use taxes. Payroll taxes. Workers compensation taxes. Unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay
taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my "stimulus" check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch.

The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or, the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child waiting for her next welfare check? Obviously, government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country.

The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree which is why your job is in jeopardy.

Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy. Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.

When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don't defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the poor of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep.

So where am I going with all this?

It's quite simple.

If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I fire you. I fire your co-workers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem any more.

Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire. You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.

So, if you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about....

Signed,
Your boss

[chumdawg]

What country is he going to move to?

[wmbwinn]

Originally Posted by chumdawg

What country is he going to move to?

Australia, New Zealand. Or, just might retire anywhere as he has accumulated enough to not have to worry much.

[chumdawg]

Of course if he is ready to retire, to live off his wealth and no longer earn income, I don't guess it matters a whole lot.

I took it from his diatribe that he wished to still earn money and make an income, the prospect of which he no longer found likely in these United States. If that were the case, I was wondering where he would find more hospitable environs.

If the dude is ready to call it a good life and while away his days awash in the fruits of his labor, who can blame him? He earned it, after all.

Didn't sound like that was the case, though.

[DirkFTW]

Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire.

I think he's saying it's not worth starting your own business, so he's giving up. It's not that he's got enough to retire comfortably. It's that being taxed to death is worse than just calling it quits. For him, the dream is dead.

Hope he's the only one.

[Mavdog]

apparently this business owner isn't aware of the tax cuts which were passed in the recent stimulus bill....

btw he sounds like a very self interested person who needs to find joy in something other than his work.

[Underdog]

Originally Posted by DirkFTW

I think he's saying it's not worth starting your own business, so he's giving up. It's not that he's got enough to retire comfortably. It's that being taxed to death is worse than just calling it quits. For him, the dream is dead.

Hope he's the only one.

He's an idiot if he's paying 50% taxes on his business' income... He needs to hire an accountant (or take a couple accounting classes at a community college) - I bet at least a third of what he's paying can be written-off... Businesses are afforded sooooo many more financial loopholes than individuals that no business owner should be bitching about what they pay in taxes (only MAJOR corporations get taxed unfairly because most of the taxable income in this country is wrapped up in them...)

At the end of the day, this guy is probably just another business owner who sucked at his job and he's trying to use politics as a cop-out for his own short-comings (probably because the guy he voted for lost, as if it would have made a difference...)

Most of the people I know either work for themselves or own a small business and they seem to be doing just fine (none of them pay 50% of their business' income into taxes either!) A lot of it depends on the industry you're in, but success is still measured by one's ability to change with the times... Well, times are changing fast these days - if you're not ahead of the game, then you've already lost! (survival of the fittest and whatnot...)

[Arne]

Originally Posted by Underdog

He's an idiot if he's paying 50% taxes on his business' income... He needs to hire an accountant (or take a couple accounting classes at a community college) - I bet at least a third of what he's paying can be written-off... Businesses are afforded sooooo many more financial loopholes than individuals that no business owner should be bitching about what they pay in taxes (only MAJOR corporations get taxed unfairly because most of the taxable income in this country is wrapped up in them...)

At the end of the day, this guy is probably just another business owner who sucked at his job and he's trying to use politics as a cop-out for his own short-comings (probably because the guy he voted for lost, as if it would have made a difference...)

Most of the people I know either work for themselves or own a small business and they seem to be doing just fine (none of them pay 50% of their business' income into taxes either!) A lot of it depends on the industry you're in, but success is still measured by one's ability to change with the times... Well, times are changing fast these days - if you're not ahead of the game, then you've already lost! (survival of the fittest and whatnot...)

The real problem here is that hundreds of thousand highly skilled bright minds are spending all day long on tax forms, tax optimization, etc. These potentially highly productive people could be in real jobs increasing our standart of living every day if it were not for these tax laws.

If you want to tax people tax them at consumption.

[mcsluggo]

Originally Posted by dude1394

Okay...I obviously do not understand .....

finally, we have come to the core of the issue !

[mcsluggo]

Originally Posted by wmbwinn

To All My Valued Employees,

There have been some rumblings around the office about the future of this company, and more specifically, your job. As you know, the economy has changed for the worse and presents many challenges. However, the good news is this: The economy doesn't pose a threat to your job. What does threaten your job however, is the changing political landscape in this country.

However, let me tell you some little tidbits of fact which might help you decide what is in your best interests.

First, while it is easy to spew rhetoric that casts employers against employees, you have to understand that for every business owner there is a back story. This back story is often neglected and overshadowed by what you see and hear. Sure, you see me park my Mercedes outside. You've seen my big home at last years Christmas party. I'm sure; all these flashy icons of luxury conjure up some idealized thoughts about my life.

However, what you don't see is the back story.

I started this company 28 years ago. At that time, I lived in a 300 square foot studio apartment for 3 years. My entire living apartment was converted into an office so I could put forth 100% effort into building a company which, by the way, would eventually employ you.

My diet consisted of Ramen Pride noodles because every dollar I spent went back into this company. I drove a rusty Toyota Corolla with a defective transmission. I didn't have time to date. Often times, I stayed home on weekends, while my friends went out drinking and partying. In fact, I was married to my business -- hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.

Meanwhile, my friends got jobs. They worked 40 hours a week and made a modest $50K a year and spent every dime they earned. They drove flashy cars and lived in expensive homes and wore fancy designer clothes. Instead of hitting the Nordstrom's for the latest hot fashion item, I was trolling through the discount store extracting any clothing item that didn't look like it was
birthed in the 70's. My friends refinanced their mortgages and lived a life of luxury. I, however, did not. I put my time, my money, and my life into a business with a vision that eventually, some day, I too, will be able to afford these luxuries my friends supposedly had.

So, while you physically arrive at the office at 9am , mentally check in at about noon , and then leave at 5pm , I don't. There is no "off" button for me. When you leave the office, you are done and you have a weekend all to yourself. I unfortunately do not have the freedom. I eat, and breathe this company every minute of the day. There is no rest. There is no weekend. There is no happy hour. Every day this business is attached to my hip like a 1 year old special-needs child. You, of course, only see the fruits of that garden -- the nice house, the Mercedes, the vacations... you never realize the back story and the sacrifices I've made.

Now, the economy is falling apart and I, the guy that made all the right decisions and saved his money, have to bail-out all the people who didn't. The people that overspent their paychecks suddenly feel entitled to the same luxuries that I earned and sacrificed a decade of my life for.

Yes, business ownership has is benefits but the price I've paid is steep and not without wounds.

Unfortunately, the cost of running this business, and employing you, is starting to eclipse the threshold of marginal benefit and let me tell you why:

I am being taxed to death and the government thinks I don't pay enough. I have state taxes. Federal taxes. Property taxes. Sales and use taxes. Payroll taxes. Workers compensation taxes. Unemployment taxes. Taxes on taxes. I have to hire a tax man to manage all these taxes and then guess what? I have to pay
taxes for employing him. Government mandates and regulations and all the accounting that goes with it, now occupy most of my time. On Oct 15th, I wrote a check to the US Treasury for $288,000 for quarterly taxes. You know what my "stimulus" check was? Zero. Nada. Zilch.

The question I have is this: Who is stimulating the economy? Me, the guy who has provided 14 people good paying jobs and serves over 2,200,000 people per year with a flourishing business? Or, the single mother sitting at home pregnant with her fourth child waiting for her next welfare check? Obviously, government feels the latter is the economic stimulus of this country.

The fact is, if I deducted (Read: Stole) 50% of your paycheck you'd quit and you wouldn't work here. I mean, why should you? That's nuts. Who wants to get rewarded only 50% of their hard work? Well, I agree which is why your job is in jeopardy.

Here is what many of you don't understand ... to stimulate the economy you need to stimulate what runs the economy. Had suddenly government mandated to me that I didn't need to pay taxes, guess what? Instead of depositing that $288,000 into the Washington black-hole, I would have spent it, hired more employees, and generated substantial economic growth. My employees would have enjoyed the wealth of that tax cut in the form of promotions and better salaries. But you can forget it now.

When you have a comatose man on the verge of death, you don't defibrillate and shock his thumb thinking that will bring him back to life, do you? Or, do you defibrillate his heart? Business is at the heart of America and always has been. To restart it, you must stimulate it, not kill it. Suddenly, the power brokers in Washington believe the poor of America are the essential drivers of the American economic engine. Nothing could be further from the truth and this is the type of change you can keep.

So where am I going with all this?

It's quite simple.

If any new taxes are levied on me, or my company, my reaction will be swift and simple. I fire you. I fire your co-workers. You can then plead with the government to pay for your mortgage, your SUV, and your child's future. Frankly, it isn't my problem any more.

Then, I will close this company down, move to another country, and retire. You see, I'm done. I'm done with a country that penalizes the productive and gives to the unproductive. My motivation to work and to provide jobs will be destroyed, and with it, will be my citizenship.

So, if you lose your job, it won't be at the hands of the economy; it will be at the hands of a political hurricane that swept through this country, steamrolled the constitution, and will have changed its landscape forever. If that happens, you can find me sitting on a beach, retired, and with no employees to worry about....

Signed,
Your boss

Masturbate much?

[Mavdog]

Originally Posted by Arne

The real problem here is that hundreds of thousand highly skilled bright minds are spending all day long on tax forms, tax optimization, etc. These potentially highly productive people could be in real jobs increasing our standart of living every day if it were not for these tax laws.

If you want to tax people tax them at consumption.

I'm not on board the consumption tax bandwagon, but this we can agree on: our tax code is in need of an overhaul with simplification required.

I'm on the flat tax bandwagon, that will be the most efficient and equitable manner to tax imho.