Letter: Rich are not the job-creators

I am a liberal Democrat, and I oppose increased taxes on job-creators. Yes, you read that correctly.

Specifically, I oppose increased taxes on that middle-class Dad buying school clothes for his children, that middle-class Mom buying a new minivan, that middle-class family eating out at a favorite restaurant or traveling to New Orleans for a vacation. Customers are the real job-creators.

When will a store or dealer hire more sales staff? When will a restaurant hire more waitresses, a hotel hire more housekeepers? Obviously, when, and only when, there are more customers coming through the doors.

If taxes are allowed to increase in 2013 on middle-class families, the economy will suffer as they are forced to reduce spending. More customers will stimulate the economy.

If taxes on a middle-class family of four are increased $2,000 or more, that may mean the difference in that family sending their children to a parochial school or building their college fund. I support President Barack Obama’s tax plan to preserve current tax rates for the middle class, and I support his plan for a slight tax increase on the top 2 percent of taxpayers. Yes, 2 percent, not the 0.19 percent proposed under the GOP’s Plan B.

Marie Alice Rousselle

retired research chemist

Metairie

Comments

1) Comment by DMJ - 31/12/2012

The right tends to think labor comes from capital.... I tend to think capital comes from labor. We respect one more than the other, when it should be other way around....or equal at least. People wear clothes to work that cost more than someone who does actual work makes in a month, yet they pay a smaller tax rate because their money comes from capital gains- or they're simply rich enough to exploit tax shelters and loopholes. Seem fair to anyone? Job creators? Wrong. Money creators. There are those who earn money...and those who make it. There's a difference. And hey....if there's not, then let the job creators pay the same tax rate as you or me.

2) Comment by LSUinVail - 31/12/2012

Like I said, "economic illiterate".

3) Comment by InPVille - 30/12/2012

It is certainly possible to work hard and become rich in America today. . . At least so argues the following: http://www.nytimes.com/books/first/s/stanley-millionaire.html "About 80 percent of us are first-generation affluent."

4) Comment by MBW - 30/12/2012

@LSUinVail--- When was the last time somebody built a business in the middle of the woods? Most businesses are built where there are already roads.

5) Comment by nimby? - 30/12/2012

this country cannot continue to support the growing number of people who feel the need to be taken care of . it's kind of stupid to pay able bodied people to not work when so much needs to be done . LAZY , there , I said it . there is also a bit of confusion over the term socialism . in a pure socialist society EVERYONE is required by the state to perform a function to the betterment of the collective . you are assigned a duty according to your talents , not your wants . if you decide to "opt out" you are sent to an isolated location to support yourself , or you disappear . I would almost prefer that to the monarchy we are starting to resemble .

6) Comment by LSUinVail - 30/12/2012

You might be an economic illiterate if you believe that roads create business success instead of the other way around. -Ron Paul

7) Comment by DMJ - 30/12/2012

Great letter, Marie.

8) Comment by MBW - 30/12/2012

@InPVille--- When I say "works for EVERYONE", I simply mean that everyone can buy into it. Obviously there will always be people who don't succeed, but the key is to have an American Dream that the vast majority people believe can be possible for themselves. The problem with having a widening income gap is that it begins to create this notion that hard work doesn't really pay off and that being successful has more to do with getting special breaks and exemptions.

9) Comment by InPVille - 30/12/2012

@MBW: No. I am not the contributor who wrote the phrase " If the American dream works for EVERYONE, . . ." only trying to instill a bit or reality here instead of fantasy. But since you ask, can you demonstrate that either communist Russia, Cuba, or any other system in a nation that ever existed on this planet was able to come up with a system where everyone was able to achieve their dream.

10) Comment by MBW - 30/12/2012

@PVille-- You like straw men don't you? If I don't agree with you, then I must want to turn the US into communist Russia or Cuba?

11) Comment by InPVille - 30/12/2012

Are the rich job creators? Let us look at it from the other side of the Jobs/Taxation/Revenue equation. It is common practice for Congress to act in the belief that when a tax is passed, the behavior of those subject to the tax will be unchanged(static scoring as opposed to dynamic scoring). This is wishful thinking. Consider the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990. As part of the Act a 10% luxury tax was placed on such items as yachts and jewelery as a way to force the rich "to pay their fair share". It was estimated that the tax would generate over $30 million dollars in additional revenue. Was $30 million dollars in additional revenue generated? In a word, NO! Yacht buyers chose to purchase yachts in other countries where the tax wasn't applicable. In the first year 1/3 of U.S. yacht builders ceased production. When all was said and done, the U.S. became a net importer of yachts instead of an exporter, tens of thousands of U.S. jobs were lost, and companies filed for bankruptcy. The 10% luxury tax was repealed in 1993. But the damage was already done. And yes. The point was reached where a tax increase led to a reduction in revenue receipts. http://www.nytimes.com/1992/02/07/business/falling-tax-would-lift-all-yachts.html

12) Comment by agagent - 30/12/2012

What about when almost everyone was poor in this country: no TV, no cars, no telephone, no indoor plumbing, etc. and yet very few turned to public assistance. Everyone worked and helped each other. The country fought and won a world war and even those “poor” were rich in values and led good, happy lives. Could we ever do that again?

13) Comment by InPVille - 30/12/2012

@chem: the Laffer Curve posits that tax revenue will only go down after tax rates exceed a certain level and not that you will always see more taxes revenue if you reduce tax rates. Admittedly tax revenue will go up until the point is reached where people start looking for tax shelters rather than placing their money in places where they will be subject to taxation. Look at the level of taxation in the state of California. People are leaving the state in great numbers because of ex cessive taxation. Another example would be the United Kingdom. After the UK increased the level of taxation on their highest tax bracket the number of people reporting income at that level dropped like a rock resulting in less tax revenue than before. -[**]- Let us look at another economic fallacy, the idea that the government can spend it's way out of economic downturn. So where does that leave us. Two competing economic philosophies that don't deliver everything they promise and we continue to be in the position where we have to deal with cycles of economic up and downturns.

14) Comment by InPVille - 30/12/2012

@Chem: The boon days for the middle class until the early 1970s was the result of the fortunes of war. When World War Two ended the United States was the only Western nation with an intact industrial system. Until the other nations were able to recover, the balance of trade and America's level of production created the conditions which allowed companies to reap profits and provide greater employee wages and benefits than might have otherwise been the case. It was inevitable that the rest of the nations of the western world would eventually get back on their feet. Then toss in the Free Trade Agreements ADVOCATED BY BOTH MAJOR POLITICAL PARTIES(including the current administration) which removed import tariffs. Tariffs artificially raised the cost of imported goods. Without the tariffs, Imported goods became cheaper than American made products. Companies could have continued to manufacture goods in the U.S.A. and tack on labor costs. But then the prices on the goods would have resulted in loss of market share and business collapse. Restore the tariffs, cancel the trade agreements and other nations will respond in the same fashion. Sorry! that boat has already left the docks.

15) Comment by agagent - 29/12/2012

The great depression we never read about: America had a severe depression in 1920-21. President Harding ignored advice to spend America out of this depression. Instead he cut government spending and within a year the economy recovered. BTW the advice promoting big government spending came from Hoover. Later as President Hoover tried deficit spending to get us out of the Great Depression. That was just prior to FDR using the same approach throughout the 30's until about 1941, when unemployment finally fell below 10%.

16) Comment by agagent - 29/12/2012

A trillion spent here, a trillion spent there and soon government spending is real money: “In 2013, a number of Obamacare’s taxes will go into effect. Each will increase the cost of health care, yield job losses, and deprive our struggling economy of investment. These are the true costs of Obamacare . . . . The money to pay for Obamacare’s healthcare overhaul, which will be in excess of $1 trillion and probably upwards of $2.5 trillion from 2014 to 2023, has to come from somewhere. In the New Year, Americans will find that “somewhere” is their wallets.”--Forbes

17) Comment by agagent - 29/12/2012

Economists are "laughing" in California where the higher tax rates resulted in less government revenue . . . and many jobs leaving the state.

18) Comment by chem - 29/12/2012

There are many economists that laugh at the Laffer curve. Quite simply, if you drop tax rates, you lose revenue. As far as job creation is concerned, there is no evidence that cutting taxes creates jobs. It is a myth. Say something often enough and people tend to believe it. As I said earlier, tax rates are at their lowest rates ever, so we should be drowning in jobs. But we are not. That is the difference between a theoretical exercise and reality.

19) Comment by agagent - 29/12/2012

"I will cut the deficit in half in my first term."-O

20) Comment by agagent - 29/12/2012

I would rather the person who earned the money spend it rather than more going to the District of Corruption. The more money the federal government removes from the private sector the bigger and more corrupt the government becomes. While revenues stalked Obama ramped up sending. Much of his increased spending went to his supporters. Most politicians use our money to buy votes so there is never enough in their view.

21) Comment by InPVille - 29/12/2012

Hey MBW. What planet do you live on?. There is no way that the American Dream or any other dream that can be thought of by the mind of man will work for EVERYONE. Let us say you actually manage to level the playing field at some point by taking everyone's resources and dividing it equally. It will not stay that way. Some people through no fault of their own have the burden of mental and physical disabilities that limit them. People who were doing the wrong things to manage their lives before or were mixed up with drugs or other things to mess up their lives are not going to instantly take to the straight and narrow path. By and large(Not all. But a significant number) they will keep right on doing what they were doing before, and be right back where they were before in short order. Those will greater initiative and/or ability will rise again. Human societies can't be made to resemble the ant nest, bee hive, or any social insect society you care to name.

22) Comment by InPVille - 29/12/2012

@chem: "This whole argument about how jobs can only be created if taxes are lowered is nonsense." You don't understand the idea of what has been mistakenly called spend down theory if this is what you believe it is about. You still may not believe what it is about or accept the idea after and if you watch these youtube segments. But here they are anyway: 1.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=fIqyCpCPrvU 2.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsB_rnzBA08 3.) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw7LtVwDCbs

23) Comment by agagent - 29/12/2012

Europe embraced socialism long before America. They created their socialistic utopias before America but now America is following their lead. Liberals are trying to change America into a European style socialist/nanny state. We might learn what it is like to be the next Greece or Spain if liberals get their way.

24) Comment by agagent - 29/12/2012

Fortunately only about 16% of Louisiana’s voters consider themselves to be liberal and have a favorable view of socialism. Thankfully, the vast majority of voters believe in free enterprise.

25) Comment by chem - 29/12/2012

This whole argument about how jobs can only be created if taxes are lowered is nonsense. How were jobs created when taxes were up to 90% at one time. Taxes are lower now than they have ever been, so by the less taxes more jobs credo, we should be awash in new jobs. But we are not. The lower taxes means more jobs mantra is nothing but a pile of steaming waste put out by the right-wing GOP and the "Chamber of Commerce."

26) Comment by MBW - 29/12/2012

Hey conservatives-- get a clue. If the American dream works for EVERYONE, not just a few at the top, more people will be likely to step up to defend the American system. But when people see loopholes and special breaks granted only to the wealthy...and the rich getting richer while their own wages stagnate, they start to lose faith in the American Dream Our country works best when more people believe in our way of life. It's not about "taking" from people...it's about levelling the playing field so that everyone can believe they have a shot. Republican policies have eroded that belief by allowing wealth to be concentrated at the top.

27) Comment by MBW - 29/12/2012

@whatnow-- You said "jealousy, greed and envy are the mantra of liberals." If that's the case, why are conservatives the ones who are so worried that someone else might benefit from their tax dollars??

28) Comment by MBW - 29/12/2012

Being in favor of middle class policies isn't about envy of or disdain for the rich. It's a basic concept: Everyone does better when EVERYONE does better.

29) Comment by MBW - 29/12/2012

@billynurse-- I doubt there are any billionaires out there filing their businesses as individuals. Secondly, I never once degraded wealthy people as you imply that I did. The main reason for my argument is that, if you want to stimulate the economy, you will get more bang for your buck by providing tax breaks at the lower end of the spectrum because those people are more likely to spend that extra money.

30) Comment by chem - 29/12/2012

****Comment Removed for Violation of Terms of Use****

31) Comment by billynurse - 29/12/2012

MBW : If lower and middle income tax rates remain the same as in past years, how is demand going to get higher? 80% of personal wealth in the US is 1st generation, which means the vast majority earned their own way, and Mommy&Daddy didn't put the silver spoon in their mouth. Those "fat-cat millionaires/billionaires" are mostly small & mid-size companies that file as individuals and simply won't be able to hire as many with higher tax rates. It really is a moot point if the goal is to shrink the deficit/debt. Revenue from tax increases will be like a grain of sand compared to the Grand Beach of out-of-control spending and the entitlement parade.

32) Comment by MBW - 29/12/2012

Why do conservatives dispute that it is good for businesses when middle and lower income consumers have more money to spend at their businesses? This is not rocket science folks. I come from a long line of small business owners....and they never hired people because of tax cuts...they hired people when there was higher demand for their services. Period.

33) Comment by chem - 29/12/2012

It's been a losing battle for working people since the 80's.  Business have reaped record profits, executive pay has risen, on average, 79%, but working people, the middle class, have seen their earnings diminish.  These are weekly salaries from 1972 to 2011.    1972 $341.83 (peak), 1975 $314.75, 1980 $290.86, 1985 $285.34, 1990 $271.12, 1992 $266.46 (lowest point; 22% below peak), 1995 $267.07, 2000 $284.79, 2005 $284.99, 2010 $297.67, 2011 $294.78 (still 14% below peak).  Adjusted for inflation, people make less than they did in the 70s.  Yet prices continue to go up.  Anyone who says that taxes are the problem with employment and wages either does not know what he is talking about, or else he is simply parroting the GOP/business mantra. •••  I do not see how the effect of people buying goods and services is being exaggerated.  How can a business operate with no customers? •••  The data show that the middle class is continually losing pace with wages.  Trickle-down economics is a winner only for corporations and the very wealthy.  It's a loser for everyone else.  Taxes, on the wealthy and businesses, have nothing to do with job creation.

34) Comment by gofigger - 29/12/2012

Seems to me the people running our country are better at taking care of their own funds, benifits and loopholes.

35) Comment by ggallman - 29/12/2012

Increasing tax rates will not greatly increase federal revenue. Remember the10% luxury tax on boats and planes. It did not work. Free businesses to grow. That will increase revenue.

36) Comment by InPVille - 29/12/2012

Businesses are not created by people without the necessary capital to start up the business. Why does anyone frequent a given restaurant or choose to stay at a certain hotel rather than another? It is because the business plan and management of that restaurant or hotel has created something that customers want to avail themselves of. Sure a business cannot succeed and grow without customers. But it is an exaggeration to say simply that it is customers that create jobs. Providing a service that customers wish to and are able to avail themselves of is what creates jobs. If the food or service at the restaurant declines in quality, customers stop walking through the door and the jobs there disappear. If the hotel is poorly run, maintained, and managed, customers go to other hotels and jobs disappear at that hotel. If the economy is good, people will have the money to go out and eat more often. If the economy worsens, people will stay home more often for meals. Jobs are also impacted by these and other things.

37) Comment by InPVille - 29/12/2012

How were people in the middle class getting by before the Bush Tax Cuts went into effect? I don't know about you. But I was able to meet my bills and pay for children's college by managing my money and not taking on a lot of unnecessary debt. Perhaps those years working in the Food Stamp Program taught me something about how people get themselves in financial difficulty. When the Bush Tax Cuts went into effect, I increased my Federal Tax withholding by the same amount since I had no faith in the tax cuts' permanence. I didn't want to get myself in the habit of depending on that money. When I got my tax refund, I'd use it to fund a vacation I couldn't otherwise afford or to pay for unexpected expenses. Not having the vacation will mean less fun. But it is something I can live without. If the nations' debt problem is ever going to be solved, there is no other way to do it but to increase taxes on the middle class and reduce federal spending. Trimming the percentage of annual increases in federal spending by a point or three isn't going to get the job done. An increase in federal spending by whatever amount is not a cut in spending no matter how much big spenders in Washington repeat that mantra to themselves.

38) Comment by InPVille - 29/12/2012

Let us look at what the proposed tax increase on the rich will actually accomplish. Should The President actually get that $1,600,000,000 over the course of the next 10 years it will amount to $160,000,000 per year against a projected 1,000,000,000+ annual deficit. There will be an increasing amount of national debt each year of $840,000,000+. The tax increase only gives the illusion that anything is being accomplished to those without the wit or inclination to understand what is really going on. If you add to the current $16,000,000,000 national debt the $24,000,000,000 in unfunded Medicare liability, the $21,400,000,000 in unfunded Social Security, the 3,600,000,000 in unfunded Military Retirements, the $2,000,000,000 in unfunded Federal Employment retirements it comes to about $65,000,000,000. The total GDP of the United States is about $15,000,000,000. This doesn't include the interest that will have to be paid on that amount as it will change over the years. The tax increase on the top 2% doesn't adequately address and certainly doesn't fix any problem. It is just class warfare. In most other western nations VAT taxes on everyone increases the amount of taxes on those not in the top 2% economic group. Even then they have a lot of debt because the amount spending is the biggest part of the problem.

39) Comment by Whatnow - 28/12/2012

swinham, Before my time and I wouldn't have voted for him either. ScotB is right. Who decides who is too rich and what if they decide you are?

40) Comment by ScotB - 28/12/2012

Tax the rich!!!! So, let me ask you something.... If you were rich and you had to pay high taxes to invest in one country and low taxes to invest in another country, where would you invest? Ever heard of the term "investment capital"? Jobs occur where people invest their capital in the hopes of making a reasonable profit. In a global economy, rich people can invest their capital anywhere. It is possible to chase away investors by punishing them with taxes. Still believe that the rich don't create jobs? Think for yourself and stop listening to Republican and Democratic talking points. Think about the founding of this nation when it was an undeveloped wilderness and why it became the economic powerhouse of the entire world (25% of the world economy) in just 200 years. Freedom and opportunity with minimal government intrusion and taxation were what brought so many innovators and risk takers here.

41) Comment by nimby? - 28/12/2012

in a recent survey 100 percent of those polled said someone else needs to pay more taxes ...

42) Comment by swinham - 28/12/2012

Okay, ever heard of Huey P. Long and of his most famous plan in your lifetime? "In a national radio address on February 23, 1934, Huey Long unveiled his “Share Our Wealth” plan (also known as Huey Long's "Share the Wealth" plan), a program designed to provide a decent standard of living to all Americans by spreading the nation’s wealth among the people. Long proposed capping personal fortunes at $50 million each (roughly $600 million in today's dollars) through a restructured, progressive federal tax code and sharing the resulting revenue with the public through government benefits and public works. In subsequent speeches and writings, he revised his graduated tax levy on wealth over $1 million to cap fortunes at $5 - $8 million (or $60 - $96 million today)." Source: http://www.hueylong.com/programs/share-our-wealth.php

43) Comment by Whatnow - 28/12/2012

And what is your point, Scrooge?

44) Comment by Scrooge - 28/12/2012

Whatnow"I never heard of "Spread the Wealth" spoken in my lifetime until this administration, either." I guess you haven't heard of Citizens United either.

45) Comment by swinham - 28/12/2012

I think most people know our economy is not as simple as "do this, get that result". Arguably, the current U. S. economy is based on consumption. Unfortunately, it can be easily argued that, to the extent government subsidizes consumption it is doing so via debt owed primarily to foreign countries. A country's true wealth should be built on production and adding value, including the value of labor, to the products at each step in the process. Is it possible to truly stimulate the economy by increasing the money available for consumption? In the short run, perhaps. But, in the long run, a country must build wealth and, again, wealth should the be result of production. To the extent America's private sector exports jobs to foreign countries, it is obviously exporting production. That may lower the prices we pay for the goods and may increase consumption, but it dramatically lowers the value added to our economy. To the extent private sector wealth is hoarded, the effects on the overall economy are obvious. Anyhow, everybody commenting here can make a convincing case and most of them are at least partly true.

46) Comment by prbeav - 28/12/2012

"The truth" is controversial until you modify the phrase. For some folks, "my opinion" is equivalent to "the truth." When the modifier is "objective," most of us have to retreat from subjective truth. For example, "the sun will come up again tomorrow," when challenged must be modified to "the earth's rotation toward the east will reveal the sun again tomorrow." When I write opinion, I hope people accept that I am only writing my opinion, which I establish because I do not know the truth. That way, what I write may not seem harsh or threatening.>>>>I think the American market is the greatest in the world, and the elite organize and lobby to take maximum advantage of the consumer: the minority is taking advantage of the majority.>>>>Someone who has the facts please comment on FDR's unbelievable four freedoms, especially "freedom from want." How did he envision government fulfilling "freedom from want?"

47) Comment by Whatnow - 28/12/2012

Scrooge, I never heard of "Spread the Wealth" spoken in my lifetime until this administration, either.

48) Comment by speakthetruth - 28/12/2012

Gary, I merely stated I question her occupation. Never said she wasn't, and I still question it. Just as you said, this is the internet and anybody can say just about anything so a person has to look at the whole picture. Which is, what they are saying compared to what they claim to be. I know, that is very deep for most liberals. Liberals are not allowed to think for themselves, they have the government to do that for them. Other than what Marie's occupation, you don't comment about the point of my comment. Or did you read past the first line...I do speak the truth, some just don't like to hear it.

49) Comment by Scrooge - 28/12/2012

Whatnow, I don't envy you, regardless of any assumed political leanings. "Jealousy, greed and envy" are universal human traits not limited to any particular branch of human ignorance. As if...

50) Comment by Whatnow - 28/12/2012

Jealousy, greed and envy are the mantra of liberals. Don't worry. Obama is your savior. He will save the day! Too bad he had to leave his vacation to do it, though.

51) Comment by gary - 28/12/2012

@speakthetruth - hate to burst your bubble - Marie is a research chemist - maybe someone would call your handle "speakthetruth" a fib - this is the internet - there are all kinds of folk who can read the letters to the editor and comment - you never know who you might reply. Have a great day.

52) Comment by crazycajun - 28/12/2012

It's simply amazing to what depth of ignorance so many of you will lower yourselves to. EVERYTHING in this article talks to the mantra "trickle down economics" and how it's worked out for middle class. Tell me. Are your benefits getting better or are they shrinking?. Corporate profits in general have soared the last twenty years. Can you say the same for your salaries? Workers rights have dwindled to the point of being nonexistent. The last few years the CEO's continued to get bonuses. How about your raises? This doesn't cover the situation by far but it gives you a taste of your own medicine.

53) Comment by phil - 28/12/2012

I am certainly not a liberal democrat but I think there needs to be a lot more discussion about how to solve the existing $16 trillion debt. SOMEONE will have to pay more in taxes I believe. Yes, we have dug a hole so deep that now we do have a revenue problem and not just a spending problem. If Congress can't start fixing this mess using a long-term acceptable method, then we all are in big trouble. Fix the problem and stop playing politics. By the way, the writer of this letter might not actually be as liberal of a Democrat as she seems to think.

54) Comment by speakthetruth - 28/12/2012

Marie, I question your occupation as a retired research chemist. As a research chemist your whole career relied on "the rich greedy companies" spending their capitol to expand into new areas, or to make their current business better. That is where you came in, especially as a "research" chemist. The oil companies use you to improve their product, the drug companies use you to create drugs and improve the drugs they have on the market. All this is done by "hording all the money they make". When taxes are raised on these companies the money does not just appear out of thin air like it seems to for obama, it has to come from somewhere within. If taxes go up these companies have to spend less, that is called "budget cuts" which result in less hiring and even cutting jobs. It is obvious you are a democrat, but I really doubt you are a research chemist, otherwise you would know this.

55) Comment by Joey Hebert - 28/12/2012

Why hasn't anyone stated the obvious: we middle class spenders are only able to spend because someone created our jobs. If my employer's taxes go up and his revenues stay the same guess what - he has to cut his expenses somewhere and he may decide to cut a few jobs to make up the difference. It's hard to spend money at Wal-Mart if I don't have a job.

56) Comment by [e-mail] - 28/12/2012

If Ms. Rousselle is indeed a liberal Democrat, then she should just enjoy Obama's reign and be happy; leave the economic debate to others with more pragmatic views.

57) Comment by Melisse3 - 28/12/2012

Marie, in case you haven't been paying attention, no one is proposing raising middle-class tax rates. Certainly not the Republicans. If anything, many Republicans would love to lower middle-class tax rates even further, and create even more jobs. The tax rate changes a decade ago (so called "Bush tax cuts") lowered taxes across the board, including the job-creating middle-class. Did you conveniently forget that? Oh, and by the way, taxes on most middle-class workers will increase in 2013, as the payroll tax rate goes up. That is going to happen. Do you support keeping it as the current rate? If so, you had better give Obama a call.

58) Comment by Attila - 28/12/2012

Ms. Roussell is just another liberal who, like Twinkie, spend too much time obsessing over the fact that some people are successful and wealthy. Class envy and warfare are the stock in trade of the left. Their goal, not unlike the NAACP, is not a level playing field or equal opportunity, but equal results. That is something that will never happen. There will always be the haves and have nots. No amount of weeping, gnashing of teeth, and wringing of ones hands will change that fact. Give it a rest.

59) Comment by spqr - 28/12/2012

My guess is Marie does not have to worry about her taxes increasing if Obama's plan is selected over the GOP version. Agagent and Slye are right. This tax increase idea is just the start. Obama will prove to be out of control regarding tax hikes this term. Everyone run for cover. Your lifestyle is about to radically change. Even Obama supporters will realize this by 2014.

60) Comment by slye753 - 28/12/2012

who does Marie think is going to pay for the millions of uninsured that will be covered under obamacare? who will pay for the increased spending the next four years? the next stimulus spending? wake up Marie and keep your wallet open.

61) Comment by agagent - 28/12/2012

So we reached the authorized debt ceiling of about $16.4 trillion on December 31, 2012 and Obama plans additional spending increases in the next four years. Surprise, surprise . . . tax increases follow all those spending increases: income taxes, inheritance taxes, taxes on investment income, Obamacare taxes, Medicare taxes on the rich, eliminating deductions, etc. People like Rouselle never learn.

62) Comment by agagent - 28/12/2012

Rousselle probably never ran a business, favors socialism, and lacks an understanding of free enterprise. Don’t blame businesses for “hoarding” their capitol. Businesses operate from plans which forecast costs and income for 5 years or more. It is foolish for businesses to invest more resources when it expects to lose money or when there is too much uncertainty. Obama policies have created so much fear and uncertainty that many businesses just hope to survive. Investors do the same. When there is little chance of reward from investments and the possibility of losses are great, investors turn to cash in hopes of avoiding big losses.

63) Comment by postscript56 - 28/12/2012

Marie is correct when she writes businesses will hire when they have more work and only when they have more work. They don't hire because the owners taxes went down. Nor do current emplyees get raises or bonuses. The tax savings go into the owners pocket. If you want to argue whether or not tax incresaes or tax cuts are "fair," go right ahead. But save the ***** about how tax cuts create jobs. Workload creates jobs. Nothing else.

64) Comment by dday198 - 28/12/2012

big corporations admit that they are sitting on billions and complain about regulations and taxes yet they have made and saved these billion since 2008 under the same regulations and taxes.

65) Comment by Bighug - 28/12/2012

The problem is that it is those super-rich who put so much money in the coffers of the politicians. Most of those in office now are much more concerned with their own personal gain than with what is good for the country.

66) Comment by twinkie1cat - 27/12/2012

Thank you. The rich are not the job creators. They are the money hoarders constantly trying to find ways to get more money with fewer employees who work for lower wages. The job creators are the middle and working class people who spend their paychecks at Walmart, Family Dollar and Shanghai Buffet, who use their discretionary income to make it necessary for the businesses to hire more employees because there are more of them and they are not going to tolerate only 2 registers being open. If the middle and working class people and yes, even the poor have more money to spend, they create more jobs.