Thinking Right

By Jeff

September 13, 2007 8:36 AM | Link to this

Put a state “transaction” tax on every single business-consumer transaction.

My bet is that it could be around 2% and STILL generate more money that the property and sales taxes that exist right now…

By HA

September 13, 2007 8:40 AM | Link to this

I say do away with property and income taxes!!!!!! Our greedy government gets too much of our money as it is!!!

By jbmlaw

September 13, 2007 8:47 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. Real Property is a form of capital; any tax assessed against capital increases the costs of production. Those costs are paid by someone:

(a) consumers in the form of higher prices

(b) employees in the form of lower wages

(c) suppliers, due to harder negotiation

(d) owners, in the form of lower return on capital, and

(e) all of society due to lower productivity/higher inefficiency.

I favor value-added and/or sales taxes, as less disruptive to the economic fabric, but that is merely an issue of personal preference. A better solution, than selection between two general poisons, is diminishment of the role of Leviathan generally.

By the stopper

September 13, 2007 9:07 AM | Link to this

Oh, goodie! Those civic-spirited right-wing Republicans are going to “cut taxes” and do what is surely in everyone’s best interests with this latest regressiv—er, I mean, “fair” kinda sales tax!

I’m sure that this isn’t just another bald-faced attempt to provide huge sums of available capital to the already-fat-and-happy and screw working people who, after all, probably don’t even have the right skin color or speak that good English we dun learnt!

Yee-haw! And did I mention, that Ayn Rand, she is HAWT!

Lastly, jbmlaw—that eeekonomix of yours is real sound! keep up the good work and we’ll get that Gubmint drowned in a bathtub just like Grover promised.

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 9:08 AM | Link to this

Tax haircuts? Tax laundry? Tax goods and services that are already carrying high taxes as well as added taxes on food and gas, (container tax on things such as milk and juice, etc.)?

Let’s just make it a wee bit simpler so that the state of georgia can survive, why don’t they, the repuglicans, stand at the georgia state line with a shot gun, a bandanna over their faces, and a hat in their hands. We already know that we’re being robbed blind, no need in prettying things up with even more “goods and services” taxes then what we already have.

What’s the matter Wooten? Tired of paying the taxes on that $5 mil mansion of yours? Ohh booo hoo; we poor land owners are so put upon by the state, (even though we get tax cuts for being land owners); that we’d rather dump everything on the little guy so that we can have more money to go on trips to Brazil.

I hope the repuglicans do try to initiate this new tax — that’ll be the quickest way to run them outta office in no time.

==================================

Moved since last election? CALL YOUR LOCAL County Registrars Office; especially if you’re a registered Independent or Democrat. Remember Katherine Harris 2000, Florida!!!

Here’s the link:

http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/elections/voterinformation/2000voter_info.asp

By @@

September 13, 2007 9:12 AM | Link to this

Wait a minute Jim…the value of my home is dependent on my local governing officials. The decisions they make impact my ability to sell.

If their decisions, i.e. zoning…infrastructure…schools, etc. have a negative impact on my county, then I can’t recoup my capital investment for the value assessed on my property. They’ve been winnin’ and I’ve been losin’.

Don’t worry, you future is in the hands of government?

I don’t think so. I want out. Do away with the property tax.

See ‘ya.

By the stopper

September 13, 2007 9:20 AM | Link to this

Thanks, Debbie, for keeping a straight face on this—I find it hard when discussing economics with thieving wingnuts.

BTW, Jim? When you wrote: “The property tax is the most hated government levy and everybody would be glad to be rid of it.”

uh, no. For the record, I do NOT want to get rid of it. And yes, I am a property owner; furthermore, I have lived in the Northeast and have some idea of what truly high property taxes are like.

Having said that, I have always been somewhat queasy about relying too heavily on property taxes to fund public schools, and feel that things as currently configured—with SPLOST funds being in the mix—is the rational way to go.

Of course, we also need impact fees on new construction for a variety of good reasons (not the least of which is the positive effect it would have on existing-home prices), but your developer buddies have done all they can to keep that from happening, haven’t they?

By MELO

September 13, 2007 9:28 AM | Link to this

Republicans can always go to Fox noise!!

What is the point of repalcing the property tax with a different tax system if the revenues are going to be the same…to create a buraucracy within the state and more inefficiency?

By stuffedshirt

September 13, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

YES, and lets end this free public babysitting that is mis labeled as education. Fire all the public school teachers, close the schools, and let parents pay for private schools for their brats, or educate them at home. When public education began, most parents were illiterate, so schools were needed to teach the three Rs. Now schools are just babysitting services provided at the homeowners expense. Education is over rated except in the sciences and engineering. We do not need english, history, journalism, business, and phys ed college graduates, they are useless at best, and blood sucking productivity thieves at worst.

By JohnD

September 13, 2007 9:44 AM | Link to this

The reason to replace the property tax with a sales tax is to spread the cost to ALL who benefit.

Property owners now subsidize those who do not own property. By removing the property tax homes and other real estate becomes more affordable for those who would like to own rather than rent.

Additionally, as in Florida, Texas and Nevada (to name three) visitors to the state also participate in paying for government services they use when the revenue source is a sales tax. Those three states, by the way, do have property taxes but no income taxes.

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 9:51 AM | Link to this

Florida, Nevada and Texas don’t need state income taxes. They have tourists that make up the difference. How many tourists does Georgia get a year when there’s no SuperBowl or Final Four in Atlanta? 60?

By Curious Observer

September 13, 2007 9:52 AM | Link to this

I’m sure the counties will simply love having the state legislature determine how much revenue they will receive, for a substitute for the property tax would surely be collected at the state level. The counties that now value low taxes more than good services will be able to stop squawking about how them bad old big counties can afford PCs in schools and such.

Why, we can be down to spending $400 per child on education in no time. And we might as well put county commissions out of business, while we’re at it. They’ll have only what the state legislature decides to give them. They’ll be powerless to raise their own funds. I can see the long line of county officials at the state capital, all waiting their turn to kiss some fat Republican legislator’s butt and receive instructions.

There are some things even worse than property taxes, and one of them is totally centralized control of political activities. Whatever happened to the Republicans’ crying for smaller government? Oh, I get it! That only applies if there isn’t the prospect of a big pot of tax money to be doled out in exchange for political control.

I too am sick of property taxes. I have a $1,500 Fulton County tax bill sitting on my desk, a chunk of it for Grady and a major portion of it for schools. And my house is far from grand or even at the valuation average for the county. I am aware that if I lived in Cherokee or Cobb county, that bill would be cut almost in half. And I know that shortly I will be receiving a property tax bill for another $400 from the City of Roswell.

But I would rather deal with this kind of inequity and have at least some control of county activities than cede all control to the state and shift the tax burden even further to low-income people.

Richardson’s proposal has many of the characteristics of the fat opera singer. Sounds good, but looks bad and stinks to high heaven.

By JohnD

September 13, 2007 9:54 AM | Link to this

Tax haircuts? Tax laundry? Tax goods and services that are already carrying high taxes as well as added taxes on food and gas, (container tax on things such as milk and juice, etc.)?

Are you saying haircuts and laundry are already carrying high taxes? High sales taxes or some other hidden tax only you know?

Did you read the entire comment by JW or just start typing frantically? If services were to be included, according to JW, the overall sales tax rate would decrease.

Try understanding the concept before you go off on your liberal rant born in bias.

By JohnD

September 13, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

DDR,

So, do you include Tennessee in those states who have higher tourist traffic than Georgia? Also no state income tax.

You are too shallow for words.

By Political Foreskin

September 13, 2007 9:59 AM | Link to this

Jim Wooten accomplished a minor masterpiece this morning. His title purposefully induces ennui in order to ensure that the reader only casually glances at the open. Then he blindsides you with a parallel-construct introduction, so that you nearly tumble and slide into the real topic of the blog: The Sovereignty Wars between the State and Local cash-register-lobby fatcats (and their tempting soccor moms). Soccor moms are underrated, BTW. Go for it, I guarantee success and happiness. They’re all amazing, and they all ridicule their husbands. Their husbands are chasing beauty queens and trophies. Some are rejected and miserable and will treat you like a king. Life could be a dream. Only three soccor moms in all the years I’ve been admiring them have pressed charges. Not bad for a wolf. Sometimes I howl at the moon.

Anyway, back to Jim’s Article. Jim is suggesting we look at the state charter as it was formed and the history of that formation, because that is where the rabble will find the legal approach to dissemble the whitefolk obstructions in front of a democratic tax system.

One has to look at the life of a certain mr cobb. 1850’s cobb county. Newt Gingrich Machine today. Follow the horse’s azz, Jim, use the horse. Use the horse.(starwars reference).

Georgia didn’t want no part of the Confederacy if the South had won the civil war. Georgians looked at Virginians as Kurds. If there’s one thing plantation owners didn’t cotton to, it’s virginians….

So Cobb dies at Fredrickburg behind the stone wall on Mary’s Heights. (That means that the Union line got well within range and withstood the pointblank barrage and delivered effective counter fire. The union soldiers dropped like rainwater drops from the eaves of a roof during a rainstorm…. constantly and everywhere along the line, and randomly, yet at once.)

So Cobb’s estate must have had everything to do with how we are entangled in the current Georgia State Fatcat Tax Grab. I dont see any possible chance for inter-generational corruption there, do you? Where was the supervision?

Use the horse, jim.

By the stopper

September 13, 2007 10:04 AM | Link to this

“Why, we can be down to spending $400 per child on education in no time.”

Careful, you’ll get the Glibertarians all excited!

By Anonymous

September 13, 2007 10:06 AM | Link to this

You can always spot a true conservative: they never tire of their efforts to shift the tax burden from the wealthy to the poor, where it “belongs.”

And the latest fad is switching from property taxes (which affect people wealthy enough to own property, duh) to sales taxes (which disproportionately affect those barely able to survive on a meager income).

After all… there’s so many MORE of the poor, surely we can collect just as much from them as we do by targeting a few rich folks, right? At least, until we think up new ways to prove that the poor have it too darn good and the rich are suffering. “Lucky duckies!”

By JohnD

September 13, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

Curios Observer,

There was no detail on the logistics of the proposal but assumption being the mother of all mistakes you jumped right in to the pool.

The current sales tax reporting form includes sections for the cafeteria plan of sales taxes as collected on behalf of the counties by the state. The system does not “give the counties what the legislature decides” but distributes to the counties that which was collected on their behalf. No subjective decisions by the legislature are involved.

As for the charge of passing on the tax to the poor, how many poor people do you suppose use a dry cleaners on a regular basis? How many use a CPA or lawyer? What tax on services do you suppose wil be a burden on the poor?

Does the lowering of the sales tax in general not sound like a good thing for the poor?

DDR was whining about the high taxes on food, do liberals know the sales tax on food is already lower than the general sales tax? Half or less I think.

By Liberal Drive-by

September 13, 2007 10:13 AM | Link to this

I don’t know about this one. What would be the effect on property assessments? Like it or not those assessments are used as the basis for home pricing, unless you live in Fulton where the tax assessors office is a mess.

Everybody pays property taxes whether they own or rent. Renters pay it to the owners who pay the government. Renters are just middlemen.

Stuffedshirt- education is overated…

I wouldn’t say that but there are some classes we can do without. Teach english, math, science, and how to read. The rest of that stuff should be taught in college for those who want to attend.

By Goldie

September 13, 2007 10:17 AM | Link to this

Why don’t we start the “tax revolution” by closing the subsidies and loopholes for big business ventures, such as — oh I dunno— new Wal-Marts, and new football and basketball arenas that only seem to last as long as the tax subsidy lasts! Maybe we could save a BILLION or two in tax loss every few years…

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

JohnD: When you’re “talking” to me, please remember that just because I have an independent mind and not a brain dead conservative one, does not mean that I am automatically opposed to any good and reasonable options or thoughts just because they come out of the republican party’s camp, (unlike some of your repuglican brethern).

To answer your question, YES for their cost differential, haircuts and laundry are already carrying high taxes.

At the laundromat the cost of the electricity, (taxed by the state and county and/or municipality), water, (taxed by the county or city), building lease OR building taxes, (taxed by the county), are all passed down to the consumer. Even the Liability /Property Insurance that the Owner pays is passed along to the consumer. These costs are “trickled down” so that the $6.00 jumbo washer that washes for 10 minutes that the consumer uses makes the owner a $4.00 profit.

This is called Civics 101, Risk Management 101 and Economics 101. Please grab any of those books and read them. There’s some great stuff in it.

By Redneck Convert

September 13, 2007 10:18 AM | Link to this

Well, I pay almost $50 per year for taxes on the trailer and its hiway robbry. Forsyth County takes my money and wastes it on schools and such. We don’t need that much schooling in GA. Just take care of the kids for us while we work and when they get to be 16 they can go out and start making money to buy their own trailer and pickup.

I don’t want more sales taxes neither. The tax on Skoal and Red Man is already out of sight, what with the state and the federal guvmints taking a chunk. Anyway, I like the idea of taxing services. Why should I have to pay sales tax on the missus perscription when the rich people don’t pay no tax on dry cleaning their fancy clothes or their 100-buck hairdos? I bet that librul John Edwards don’t pay a penny in tax on his 400-buck haircuts.

Anyway, I’ll leave it to smart people like jbmlaw and that crazy TFTT to hash out the ins and outs of this tax idea today. I know it will all end the same anyway. This Debbie and TFTT will start calling each other names and pretty soon the topic will be all forgot about and this blog will look like the fambly reunion where people don’t like each other none and the police has to be called.

Have a good day everybody.

By time for the harsh truth

September 13, 2007 10:19 AM | Link to this

They actually did this in Greenville SC recently - cut the property taxes and put up the sales tax by a penny in the county/city to a whopping 6%. Thus the property taxes will be about halved next year so I was told by some folks in my trip there last month. This is responsible GOP govt. Making the illegal leeches, all the always unwanted yanKKKee visitors and the rest pay a bit more.

I deeply resent paying property taxes for liberal dominated schools with worthless far left teeeeechers puking up far left bollocks and self absorbed brats who all too often are too dim/stupid/lazy to even graduate (and obsessed with NOT riding on the skoooool bus after a certain age, as if that’s of any real consequence)even with the most dumbed down ‘exit exam’ ever faced by these often moronic kiddies.

This is what happens to a southern state after an infestation of mouthy nasal whining I know best yanKKKees, illegal mexican type leeches and sullen racist utterly unwanted black northerners!!

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 10:24 AM | Link to this

Goldie: Good point!!!

JohnD: I hate to say it; but you are a closed minded idiot. How very apt that you are a member of the repuglican party. You call me names; but those same names you call me more aptly reflect you.

You also don’t know the extent of this proposed “tax cut”; but you automatically jump on the bandwagon because it was developed by a repuglican. Your very actions speak more loudly than anything you’ve posted on this blog.

By RCH

September 13, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Curious Observer

By implementing a type of ” fair tax” for Georgia, the burden of taxes would be spread more evenly among all Ga. taxpayers or non-payers. It is easier to raise your home assessment every year than to raise sales tax by a penny or two. (My assessment was raised by 80K. There is no way I could sell my home for the value they have assigned it.My current tax bill is over 8K, and you thought you had it bad.)

Anouymous Maybe you don’t realize, even though you may nor own a home, part of you rent has embedded property tax that you pay.

By the stopper

September 13, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

BTW, if you want a better description of this ridiculous scheme:

http://www.georgiatrend.com/neely-young/0807neely.shtml

(the article’s author doesn’t appear to have a particular ax to grind.)

By JohnD

September 13, 2007 10:31 AM | Link to this

Vehicle manufacturing plants, large retailers, sports arenas and others who receive tax subsidy bring jobs, customers, fans and other benefits to the jurisdictions granting the subsidy. The published info always presents the decision as a net benefit to the state, county or city involved.

Is there turly a net benefit? I do not know or wish to take the time to study the plans but surely there is some watch-dog group somewhere that can answer the question.

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 10:32 AM | Link to this

Redneck: Not So!!! I don’t even deign to talk to that thing!! All it does is shrill and whine about blacks and mexicans and pray for the good old days of the south to return!

I’d much rather run the thing down with your beer truck — I’d back up and hit it again and again until it looked like road kill; but I’d never speak to it!! Take that back!

By Political Foreskin

September 13, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this

Reading is Fundamental. (and the other is half mental)

Comprehension is Divine.

Converting to Islam is optional here, mandatory there. So we refuse to convert to Islam over there so we dont have to refuse to convert to Islam over here. We have 4 million Islamics in the USA. Not one has demanded that we convert, only Osama did.

Is Osama typical of every Islamic American? If yes, then we’re finished. So to ensure peace, we have to convince the American Islamics that we respect and revere Islam, and their right to practice Islam.

Unless we show a staunch respect and reverence for Islam, we’re finished. Their hotheads will attack. That’s a certainty.

Dont convert if you dont want to, but respect those that do. Otherwise we’re finished. It will be war. War 4 nothing except 4 johnWayne and the McRove Bar Ranch.

We all have our own personal opinion about the diverse religious practices of the American People. In prison, they invent ceremonial religions to take peyote. I would take peyote if I was in prison. Let them. Respect Peyote. Revere Peyote.

Get the picture and the way to peace? We should build gargantuan mosques to both sunni and shia in Iraq, and see what the sunni and shia do if Al Queda attacks those mosques. Make the mosques historical in stature. Let them build it, we should simply pay for it. Let’s help Islam win in Iraq. (the good islam, the sunnis and shia, for the win).

Too bad the kurds are considered infidels. That ruins my plan for peace. I had you going, though, didn’t I? Fire Patraeus. Incompetent spin. He basically said we are stuck there for generations and generations and any withdrawal will be a photo-op only minimal bunch of three day passes for the already wounded guys. (and gals).

Fire Patraeus. I dont trust soldiers who cant lie very well when the country’s at war.

By AnotherHUH?

September 13, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Who says renters pay no property taxes?

Every economist I have ever heard mention this says renters pay for the property taxes in their rent. And SUPPOSEDLY, if property taxes were reduced, rents would decline.

By Curious Observer

September 13, 2007 10:54 AM | Link to this

Some interesting stuff today on the political nature of Petraeus. He was assigned to Republican minority leader Mitch McConnell’s senate office for a while. Turns out that the new nominee for Chairman, JCS, hates him, calling Petraeus a sycophant to his face.

By JohnD

September 13, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

DDR,

Please read my earlier comment on ASSUMPTION.

At no point in any of my posts have I indicated I supported the plan. I simply pointed out to you, and others, the fallacy of their opposition.

I have never indicated I was a member of the Republican Party, or even a devoted supporter. You seem to be an Assumption junkie.

The fact is (I know you seldom actually consider facts) that I very seldom even mention the Democrat Party. If you read my posts you will see references to conservative and liberal thought not political party thought. There are conservatives and liberals in both parties. In fact, were it not for the conservative Democrats elected in the Senate and House, control would still lie in the hands of the Republicans.

Now for your Laundromat example. Exactly what do you mean by “their cost differential”? Are you trying to say that relative to the price of the service their costs are higher than other businesses? Where do you arrive at the $4 profit claim? Do you own a Laundromat? Do you not see that the 67% profit belies your “cost differential” assertion? The costs you mentioned are borne by every business and the 67% profit means the costs are less significant not more.

If a laundromat makes a 67% profit then everyone would like to own one. You should read those books you mentioned.

As for the haircut, I happen to have a client in the business. Small increases, $1 to $2, have little or no impact on sales. So a sales tax of 5% would be unlikely to limit sales or deter the customers from having a haircut or the customer’s ability to feed a family.

Also, I did not call you names - I said you were shallow. Read the post I made and then your response. I noted the tax would spread the cost to all those who benefit plus the tourists would participate. You ignored the most germane portion of the post and commented the states mentioned do not need income tax because they have more tourists.

Attacking an insignificant portion of the post is indeed - shallow.

Claiming an independent mind is not supported by your posts. You follow the dailykos.com and liberal dogma right down the line.

By RCH

September 13, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

As to General Petraeus, I called it months ago. Good news in Iraq is bad news for the “Cut and run gang.” The military surge is working. Like it or not. Even liberal leaning news organizations like CBS and CNN have stated this. Let the military do their job.

Now let the politicians deal with the government of Iraq. Let them use their so called experience and insight on teaching the fledgling Iraq politicians on how to govern. Good luck and LOL)

As to Hillary Clinton who wants to be Commander and Chief. How dare she makes statements towards this man that has more ethics and morals in his little finger than She and her Husband have in their hole body.Despicable

By time to effortlessly goad crackpipe debbieturd

September 13, 2007 11:12 AM | Link to this

I see the whoralicious crackpipe debbieturd is taking a 5 min breather (gedditt??) from servicing illegal leech day labourers at its local Home Depot to puke up its usual imbecilic hate. How many 50 cent Big Gulps so far today girrrrrrrrrrrrrrl????

In all deadly seriousness sullen racist black b itch debbieturd I would NEVER EVER even joke about returning to the bad old racist/oppressive days of the old south. That was abominable and utterly indefensible by anyone except hateful deranged nazi scum. But feel free AS EVER to puke up your rabid witless lies about your genetic/intellectual betters!!!

Cheers for saying you’d like to kill me repeatedly U nasty sullen black racist b itch!!! That was freaking hilarious!!! still LMFAO!!!

Your miserable, abject fate crackpipe debbieturd is to be U… that is actually a much nastier fate that’s even worse than being a morose leper colony w hore forced to spend 18 hours a day blowing the likes of soddom/uday/chemical ali, yapper arabfart and col ghadaffy duck of Libyan infamy.

maybe in your next life crackpipe you can dream of aspiring to being just an anonymous brain damaged mollusc with maybe curable shellfish genital herpes!! But then again … you DO have this fetid worthless racist turd life to atone for!!

By Tom

September 13, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Sure, Curious Observer, but don’t you understand that Admiral Fallon hates America, just like General Clark, General Shinseki, General Batiste, etc.?

By JohnD

September 13, 2007 11:20 AM | Link to this

I heard a mainstream report that 70% of Democrats and a like number of Republicans would never vote for Hillary for President but that she would still win the nomination due to the money she has raised.

Could this be true or just another poll anomaly?

By JohnD

September 13, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

RCH,

Was that “hole body” thing a typo or a freudian slip?

By the stopper

September 13, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

“I heard a mainstream report that 70% of Democrats and a like number of Republicans would never vote for Hillary for President”

Um, no, you didn’t. Nice try, though.

By RCH

September 13, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

JohnD

Maybe both; LOL. If it was between her and abstaining from sex, I would become a monk! UGH

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 11:46 AM | Link to this

JohnD: No I don’t own a laundromat. Since most of your posts bespeak of a person of limited intellect and a high degree of inherent A.D.D.-like symptons; that “demo” of the laundromat that I posted was dumbed down for you.

The fact is (I know you seldom actually consider facts) that I very seldom even mention the Democrat Party

FACT: Ask a 5th grader what is considered or perceived to be a “Liberal” or a “Conservative” and see what answer they come up with. For instance: You are describing a cow; but you’re not “mentioning” it by name but describing it’s features, saying “the animal that gives milk and moos” while pointing at said animal, may technically mean that you’ve never mentioned the word cow; but even that same 5th grader will know which animal you’re referring too.

I simply pointed out to you, and others, the fallacy of their opposition

This is your comment at 9:44 Property owners now subsidize those who do not own property. By removing the property tax homes and other real estate becomes more affordable for those who would like to own rather than rent

It sounds like an endorsement to me. Unless of course it’s more of your you never “mentioned” the subject directly rhetoric again.

I noted the tax would spread the cost to all those who benefit plus the tourists would participate. You ignored the most germane portion of the post and commented the states mentioned do not need income tax because they have more tourists.

My mentioning tourism WAS the germane portion of your post. The rest of what you said is just obscuring the obvious.

Attacking an insignificant portion of the post is indeed - shallow

Yes, yes of course. I don’t agree with you so of course my opinion is shallow compared to yours. Ok. I get it. Hail Big Brother, He sees all and knows all.

You follow the dailykos.com and liberal dogma right down the line.

And you get all of your various talking points from Hannity & Homeboy, Rush and Ann the Man. Well, at least I can say my opinions are all original thoughts; whereas yours come right out of the “How To Talk Liberals” guidebook.

By J

September 13, 2007 11:48 AM | Link to this

“The property tax is the most hated government levy…”

Perhaps if you are wealthy enough to live off of invested funds. However, for the vast majority of us that WORK for a living, I would venture to guess that income taxes are indeed the most hated.

Personally, my most hated is the payroll tax - i.e. the “double taxation” that conservatives almost always fail to mention. (I’m sure it’s just an oversight.)

But thems the breaks.

By BozoTheClown

September 13, 2007 11:55 AM | Link to this

Q: What’s the difference in developers and rats?

A: The rats are more lovable.

By YourNemisis

September 13, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this

By RCH

September 13, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

As to General Petraeus, I called it months ago.

By RCH

September 13, 2007 11:11 AM | Link to this

As to General Petraeus, I called it months ago.

RCH the only thing you’ve called lately is your mother to pick you up when that beat up old Miata you drive breaks down. What a fraud.

By YourNemisis

September 13, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

By RCH

September 13, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this

JohnD

Maybe both; LOL. If it was between her and abstaining from sex, I would become a monk! UGH

You might as well be a monk RCH, based on the multitude of rejections you suffered in your former workplace. But I bet you’ve had lots of imaginary sex with your best girl Rosy Palm. You’re a real piece of work punk.

By Robert Wingard

September 13, 2007 12:13 PM | Link to this

By RCH

September 13, 2007 10:27 AM | Link to this

Curious Observer

By implementing a type of ” fair tax” for Georgia, the burden of taxes would be spread more evenly among all Ga. taxpayers or non-payers. It is easier to raise your home assessment every year than to raise sales tax by a penny or two. (My assessment was raised by 80K. There is no way I could sell my home for the value they have assigned it.My current tax bill is over 8K, and you thought you had it bad.)

Since when is there property taxes on your 1 bedroom apartment RCH?

By jm

September 13, 2007 12:28 PM | Link to this

Property tax is the most hated government levy? Sorry Mr. Wooten, but I hate my income tax a lot more than my property tax.

Why don’t we look at this proposal for its real purpose, which is to use Atlanta metropolitan region (where most of the sales tax revenue will be generated) to fund projects in the rest of the state. Also, who will be the primary beneficiary of this proposal, individuals or companies with large land holdings (methinks the latter).

By see ya tonite crackpipe under the fiery cross at midnite

September 13, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this

Its freaking hilarious that crackpipe debbieturd is actually systematically sneering at folks for being “dumb’ … talk about the pot calling the kettle black … huge smirk

funny too how crackpipe incessantly whines and b itches (clever pun intended) about hate from the ‘right’ when its own virulent hate and intolerance of ANY DIFFERING OPINIONS is at least as poisonous as anything puked up by KKKlansman R Byrd WV or DUI Killer Kennedy MA or the evil extra-chromosomed wankpig traitor Feingold WI.

nice to see crackpipe yet again talking about cows … clearly even crackpipe has fleeting moments of extreme lucidity that show it recognises its own familial herding instincts (gedditt??)!!

STFU crackpipe … and meet me under the big ol fiery cross at midnite tonite … together we can whistle Dixie and look up at the almost smog free stars … you bring the moonpies - I’ll bring the RC Cola!!

see crackpipe how much fun one can have generously gently humouring your twisted mendacious doltish lies about one’s falsely percieved attitude to the bad old days!!!

By RCH

September 13, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

By see ya tonite crackpipe under the fiery cross at midnite

September 13, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this meet me under the big ol fiery cross at midnite tonite … together we can whistle Dixie and look up at the almost smog free stars … you bring the moonpies - I’ll bring the RC Cola!!

I’LL BE THERE!! I’ll bring the rope and a Mexican?

By BS Aplenty

September 13, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Ah, never been a tax that the liberals didn’t like and the more the merrier. After all, how else are the libs going to rob the industrious types in society. How else to make those bad capitalists just quit making the poor look bad.

NOW, that rant being leveled, is it better to tax capital or consumption - I’m indifferent. The government wants reliability in collections and a tax system that doesn’t adversely affect economic growth. A good businessman also wants diverse revenue streams.

All that being said - the less tax & government the better.

By RCH

September 13, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

As you can probably surmise the RCH post at 12:34 is a fraud, much like Robert Wingaurd and my nemisis.Have no orginal thoughts do you?

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 12:47 PM | Link to this

Twisted, your eyes only:

http://www.killsometime.com/animations/animation.asp?ID=52

Enjoy!

By stuffedshirt

September 13, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

What kind of fair income tax allows a financial manipulator using other peoples money to pocket 900 million dollars at a 15 percent tax rate? that is what our tax system allowed the thieves at blackstone group to do, imho.

By Robert Wingard

September 13, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this

By RCH

September 13, 2007 12:41 PM | Link to this

As you can probably surmise the RCH post at 12:34 is a fraud, much like Robert Wingaurd and my nemisis.Have no orginal thoughts do you?

When you have one that is not a lie RCH, we’ll have one that is original. Kinda hard to be original when one has to listen to your regurgitated lies practically everyday.

By RCH

September 13, 2007 12:57 PM | Link to this

Obviously Robert Wingard and my nemisis are Mexicans out to get me.

By jm

September 13, 2007 12:58 PM | Link to this

rch - here is one for you. If an area has already been ethnically cleansed, wouldn’t you expect sectarian violence to decrease?

Sorry folks, Iraq is broken and it is not worth putting back together. The Kurds want nothing to do with the Shia and the Sunni in the south and the Shia and the Sunni want nothing (except maybe to kill) each other. The end result is already there, a shia dominated south that is allied with Iran, an independent Kurdish state to the north (that may or may not learn to live with the turks to their north) and a sunni dominated west allied with Saudia Arabia, Jordan and Egypt (and ironically, since that is where most of the US fighting has been, the US).

By RCH

September 13, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this

Again RCH at 12:57 is a false post. Must have learned your tactics from the far left.

By jct

September 13, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this

Afternoon everyone,

One item that I can not wrap my mind around is the impact on small business owners. This may have already been discussed but I don’t have time to ready every post today.

Does this not add another burden to the small business owner on top of the other taxes (federal and state) that the owner has to file. Will these taxes be filed quarterly as well?

I don’t see how putting a sales tax requirement on services will help small business person. That is just one more administrative headache that they have to deal with at the start up of a business.

Besides sales tax is the most regression form of taxation. From the posts that I had time to read, I saw the only property owners pay taxes. This is just not true. If you rent, you indirectly pay taxes through your rental payment. It is an easy tax to pass only to the renter. You may not be able to immediately change the rent when the tax bill is received, however, you do have the right to raise the rent at the end of the lease.

By Jackie

September 13, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this

With the Congressional testimony of Gen. Petraeus and Amb. Crocker, Dubya has successfully transferred responsibility of the Iraqi invasion to Gen. Petraeus in the short-term and the next President in the long-term. Testimony was given that US troops would have to remain in Iraqi for the next ten year at a cost of 60 troops dead and more than $7 Billion each month. Our property taxes will be enormous because we will have to pay off the accumulated debt for this criminality.

By RCH

September 13, 2007 1:45 PM | Link to this

Jackie I believe the General was referring to a contingency force much as we have had after previous wars. Do we still not have troops in Germany, Japan, and South Korea years after those wars ended. Have we not dumped billions of dollars in those counties that far exceeded any money we have spent on Iraq. And lastly, were not all these conflicts initiated by Democrates? ( Not to say that these actions were in error.)

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 1:47 PM | Link to this

Dubya has successfully transferred responsibility of the Iraqi invasion to Gen. Petraeus in the short-term and the next President in the long-term

You caught that too huh? I think it was Harold who had said here on this blog, (even though he was joking), that the “plan” in Iraq is to deny, deny, deny, defame, then wait for the dems to take the white house then give them all the blame.

This tactic was evident I noticed on yesterday’s blog. Even though Rumsfeld was the Defense Secretary, Dumbya the President, they held both houses until 2006; somehow it became the “democrats” fault that the War in Iraq is in a shambles. Amazing!

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 1:50 PM | Link to this

Do we still not have troops in Germany, Japan, and South Korea years after those wars ended.

We have troops in Germany because they violated the treaty of WWI.

In Korea because, theorectically the War there never ended; we are just at a cease fire.

Japan — I don’t know about why we have troops still in Japan; I’ll look that one up.

By JohnD

September 13, 2007 2:01 PM | Link to this

DDR,

OK, in spite of your limited reading comprehension skills I will try again.

The post you refer to at 9:44 was answering a post at 9:28. This was not an endorsement but an answer to a question.

Your Laundromat example was inaccurate and simply DUMB, not dumbed down. Again you did not address the issues with your example you just cut and run. I could not resist your inability to actually address issues and not simply blather on.

By your 5th grade comment you are assuming all Democrats are liberal and all conservatives are Republican. You really should come out from behind your keyboard and enter the real world sometime.

Addressing you is such a waste of time but here goes again. The germane portion of the post was spreading the cost to those who benefit and tourists were an example.

As for Rush, Hannity and the others I never listen to Limbaugh, very seldom hear Hannity unless I happen to be in my car and I think entirely for myself - unlike you who give the impression of being nothing more than an entitlement junkie.

You have not addressed the totally inept examples you gave of the “unfair tax on services” simply because I can only assume you have no answer and you have no facts. Your examples were lame, inaccurate, and in fact supported just the opposite of that which you tried to state.

A 67% profit? You should really stop self-medicating.

By RCH

September 13, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

Debbiedoright

Like the Germans, did not Iraq violate the terms of the first Gulf War agreement?

If you like shifting the blame game lets look at Vietnam. It was started by a Democrat( Kennedy), escalated under Johnson (Democrat), and landed in the lap of Nixon who carried most of the blame but managed to get us out of there. ( Even though I didn’t agree with his methods or end result)

You are right, the war with North Korea has never ended. Technically we are still at war. In Japan we are present at the innovation of the Japanese govt. If we need to leave anywhere it is Japan and Germany just keeping bases that we need as a stepping stone to other parts of the world.

By BozoHater

September 13, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

conflicts initiated by Democrates

only on this blog could the stopping of Nazi Germany taking over Europe, or our reaction to the bombing of Pearl Harbor be called that.

BOZO!

By RCH

September 13, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

BozoHater

(Not to say that these actions where in error) You must of missed this.

Korea, Vietnam. There were no bombings or invasions by an enemy upon us. Again both initiated by a Democratic president.

By Jackie

September 13, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

@RCH

Yes, we still have troops all over the world, but, the problem is we do not have troops that are trained for the type of mission that we have in Iraq. You indicate conflicts in Japan, Korea and Germany were initiated by Democrats. Was World War II a Democratic initiative? Did the Democrats attack Korea? My view of this matter is Dubya and his neo-con cadre wanted to go to war for Oil, Israel and Land and they did not have/do not have any plans to leave Iraq. Take the example of the current “surge.” More than 30,000 troops were added to the fray to do what? Now, the military professionals have publicly stated that the ground forces would be broken if we do not take some of those troops out of the combat zone by spring. Isn’t it a coincidence that Gen. Petraeus (Dubya) says these troops will begin to be drawn down by the spring, leaving the same number we started with the past spring. I am sure you remember the bombings and attacks on US troops during that period. Secondly, why is there ethnic cleansing in the city of Baghdad, a city of almost 6 Million people. More than 2 Million folks have moved out of Baghdad with the Madr Army in control. What have we accomplished with the surge? When the Sunni’s finish with al-Qaeda in Anbar province, what will we do with the Sunni militia and the tribal chiefs? The Shiite control the south of the country and the British and leaving as quickly as they can. What is next?

By BozoHater

September 13, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this

No, RCH, I did not miss a thing.

By RCH

September 13, 2007 2:46 PM | Link to this

Jackie It was under Democratic leadership that we attacked North Korea and Vietnam. (Truman and Kennedy)

The war was not over oil. We recieve no more oil now from Iraq than we did before The first Gulf War. What land did wed gain. When this is over with we may have a few bases like we have in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, but this was not a land grab. Did Israel gain from this second hand. Yes, but I don’t think that was the main objective of this war.The removal of Saddam and his sons was.

The main target of the surge is to buy time for the political unification of the country. If the population must live in three separate areas with shared governing power so be it. It has happened elsewhere; India, and China.Give them that chance.

By Rita

September 13, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

Education is practically near the bottom of the list - and it is mostly because it is so cheap to live here when compared to other states (mostly Northern). Georgia is extremely lucky that property taxes are so low, but look at the quality of education you get.

Better yet - do away with all taxes. No more goverment schools, implement the Fair Tax and let the chips fall where they may!

By stuffedshirt

September 13, 2007 3:18 PM | Link to this

as the dollar dies on world markets, you ameriKan pigs will not be able to have an army outside your own country. More likely, foreign troops will be stationed on our shores, extracting what wealth they can to pay your international debts.

By Roger Bourg

September 13, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

The way property tax has increased( 100% increase in one year), I am for doing away with it all together. The county governments are getting greedy. People are being forced to sell their land because the will not be able to afford the tax bill in retirement.

By Dallas

September 13, 2007 3:21 PM | Link to this

Right on Bozo!

RCH, why do you not serve your country?

By WAR EAGLE

September 13, 2007 3:27 PM | Link to this

Eliminate the Property tax AND the AD Valorem tax-raise the sales tax. Consumption tax is better than these nickle and dime taxes. Plus-you r mortgage goes down when property tax is eliminated. Debbie-are you a blonde cause it seems that everything that comes out of your mouth is just so liberal, democratic, taxocratic and anti capitalistic? Read-What the heck are you talking about!!!Property tax, like the ad valorem, is like taxing you on things that you already bought and paid for. What is next a TV tax? Clothes tax. Bathroom tax? We have too many taxes-we need Government reform-as in on a budget with smaller representatives.

By jm

September 13, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this

RCH - no, the war was over oil. Not just the oil in Iraq, but the oil in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the rest of the arab peninsula. If there was no oil there, the US could care less about the region (except to sell guns so that the sunnis and shia could blast themselves to kingdom come). Every decision the US makes in that region has been about making sure the oil in that region continues to flow.

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

JohnD: I’m gonna dumb it down even further for you. See if you can keep up.

Tax Goods and Services - BAD. BAD. BAD. Tax property owners — Need new idea sure; BUT not tax on goods and services. If tax on goods and services it would be VERY BAD for economy. Florida, Texas, et al. NOT good example because they still have PROPERTY TAXES; just not State Texas — NOT TOPIC. Topic is get rid of PROPERTY TAXES NOT STATE TAXES. OK? OK. DUH.

By RCH

September 13, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

Dallas Be more specific.

By Jackie

September 13, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

@RCH

Your description of our attacking North Korea is not a factual statement. North Korea attacked South Korea and we responded. If the current invasion was not about oil, why do our troops guard the oil pipelines and oil fields? We get less oil from Iraq now because the insurgents continue to blow up pipelines. We do not have bases in Saudia Arabia and to think that we will only have a “few” bases in Iraq is an understatement. We have the world’s largest embassy in the Green Zone in Baghdad today. Who will protect those folks and guard the borders? I remember the initial purpose of the war was to find weapons of mass destruction, don’t you? Lastly, your contention is the surge is intended to buy more time for political reconciliation and if different factions must live in separate areas of the country, so be it! That statement in itself is a contradiction, so there is nothing this war has done for us but drain the country of treasure. I don’t believe our foreign policy is contingent upon the political machinations of China or India. I fail to see the validity of your statements.

By jbmlaw

September 13, 2007 3:31 PM | Link to this

How on earth did a discussion of a dry safe topic like property taxes morph into another moonbat assault on the war to kill terrorists? Chairman Ann, in her article today, catalogs the lies about the Iraq war, beginning with the run up and through this week. Only my conservative friends should read the article – our leftist friends will be insulted. http://www.humanevents.com/article.php?id=22374 I am comfortable that our Moveon friends need to compress the “ve” so it looks like a stylized “r.”

By RCH

September 13, 2007 3:32 PM | Link to this

Another war started by a democrat and one we obviously didn’t finish properly was the Mexican-American War. Had Polk prosecuted that war to the fullest and occupied Mexico City we wouldn’t have all these taco benders overrunning us today. So add that blunder to your list of democratic accomplishments Jackie.

By lovelyliz

September 13, 2007 3:33 PM | Link to this

I have a lot of doubt whenever I hear of proposals to drastically change the tax code. They tend to grossly underestimate the actual cost of change or what it would take go guarantee the same level of tax $$$ flowing into the government. The don’t talk about what services will be cut by shortfalls.

The one thing that these proposals all seem to have is that once you look beyond the surface and the hype, you realize that the burden is again going to be heaped on the middle class.

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

You have not addressed the totally inept examples you gave of the “unfair tax on services” simply because I can only assume you have no answer and you have no facts

Allright smart guy. Why don’t YOU give the blog some proven examples of how this no property taxes but sales taxes only would work in Georgia? I’ll wait around for your brilliant post.

By RCH

September 13, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

Can you believe that Rudy Guliani is saying that illegal immigration isn’t a crime? He can go to hell as far as I’m concerned.

By Mrs. RepubLady

September 13, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Yes. Get rid of property taxes and the schools they pay for. Public education is a waste. My properties are mine and the government has no business taking from me to educate your children. Eight year olds can WORK, darn it! I want to KEEP what [interest] I earn! Children don’t matter unless their parents are good Republicans who pay for private school and use vouchers to deduct the tuition in full from their taxes.

By lovelyliz

September 13, 2007 3:41 PM | Link to this

If you are talking about burdens to business, are you going to propose universal health care? Health care costs born by employers in this country put them at a global disadvantage when most of the companies in the industrialize world don’t have to directly support this due to their single payer systems.

I’m just saying.

By heehaw

September 13, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Chairman Ann?

Chairman Mao’s demon seed?

By jct

September 13, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

Okay, if the state collects that tax how does it make government smaller and efficient? What is does is make the state bureaucracy bigger. It takes a way local control and accountability.

I can not remember who said it earlier but I will use his/her quote - it is easier to see your local county officials then to get an appointment with Glenn Richardson.

It’s too much big brother. What will the state do if enough taxes aren’t collected? Give to the rural areas and let the metro areas fend for itself like it does with transportation issues? We see how well that it working.

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 3:46 PM | Link to this

Like the Germans, did not Iraq violate the terms of the first Gulf War agreement?

Since WWII; UN was established to be the go-between for countries who have treaty problems. When the US went to the UN requesting permission to strike at Iraq, the UN said NO. They, the UN, did not feel that Iraq was in serious violation of the terms of the first treaty.

If you like shifting the blame game lets look at Vietnam.

Shifting blame!!! Try telling FACTS!! How is telling the FACTS of what happened “shifting blame”?? FACT: Repuglican controlled Congress, Senate, President, Sec. Of Defense — if the war is unwinnable and a farce, Dumbya has only to look into his mirror to wonder why.

If we need to leave anywhere it is Japan and Germany just keeping bases that we need as a stepping stone to other parts of the world.

We can NEVER leave Germany alltogether because it’s part of the conditions set forth in the treaty. France and England also have bases in Germany — not just America.

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

It was under Democratic leadership that we attacked North Korea and Vietnam. (Truman and Kennedy)

And we’re still in N. Kora, and VietNam was a ghastly mistake!! You think with all this history of past mistakes made by other administrations; your president, Dumbya, could’ve learned something from it!!

I guess it’s true, history really does repeat itself.

By jm

September 13, 2007 3:50 PM | Link to this

jbmlaw@3:31 - Chairman Ann overlooked WMDs (or rather the lack of), mushroom clouds, greeted as liberators …

Plus, since as for taking Baghdad in 17 days, the US still does not have complete control of that city.

Gen. Petraeus strategy is 4 years late and still short about 150,000 troops. The country known as Iraq is broken and is not worth putting back together.

By Jackie

September 13, 2007 3:51 PM | Link to this

@RCH,

You are reaching for some brownie points. The Mexican-American War was managed by Polk, you are correct. Do you realize the “Democrats” of that era are modern-day Republicans? Oops!!!!

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 3:53 PM | Link to this

The main target of the surge is to buy time for the political unification of the country. If the population must live in three separate areas with shared governing power so be it. It has happened elsewhere; India, and China.Give them that chance

RCH they don’t even WANT us there!! Their PM said so on air to the world!! So basically, we are pumping money and lives into a big black worm hole in spaace.

By RMcConnell

September 13, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

The state should end the property tax. After voting itself as a separate city many in John’s Creek received new high tax assessments from Fulton County. Often we hear of lawmakers in prominent people not paying their bills. This has become political and unfair according to who you know. It should be abolished.

By Pen

September 13, 2007 3:57 PM | Link to this

FAIR TAX That is all that needs to be said

By RCH

September 13, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Korea was a country separated by the Soviet Union and the United States after WWII. The attack by the north was a attempt to unify the country into one Korea. ( Sound Familiar: Vietnam)Under the United Nations Charter the two were supposed to have been reunited , but due to the cold war, Truman resisted this.

Why do you think we guard those oil fields. They are the number one generating natural resource for that country. We have not seized it for our own benefit.

Eventhouh we moved the largest airbases out of Saudi Arabia we still have a few smaller Army Tank bases. We also have bases in Kuwait.

I only mentioned three areas as a final worst scenario. However we should still give them time to come to an understanding. However unfortunately I believe this turmoil will continue under the flag of Iran.

Many countries exist with large political, social, and religious minorities. So can Iraq.

JM I would tend to agree. We are providing stability for the flow of oil, not as Jackie said stealing it.

The post RCH at 3:32 is a fraud.

By RCH

September 13, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

Korea was a country separated by the Soviet Union and the United States after WWII. The attack by the north was a attempt to unify the country into one Korea. ( Sound Familiar: Vietnam)Under the United Nations Charter the two were supposed to have been reunited , but due to the cold war, Truman resisted this.

Why do you think we guard those oil fields. They are the number one generating natural resource for that country. We have not seized it for our own benefit.

Eventhouh we moved the largest airbases out of Saudi Arabia we still have a few smaller Army Tank bases. We also have bases in Kuwait.

I only mentioned three areas as a final worst scenario. However we should still give them time to come to an understanding. However unfortunately I believe this turmoil will continue under the flag of Iran.

Many countries exist with large political, social, and religious minorities. So can Iraq.

JM I would tend to agree. We are providing stability for the flow of oil, not as Jackie said stealing it.

The post RCH at 3:32 is a fraud.

By Tina B

September 13, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this

I am a native New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn. Then as a teenager I moved to Long Island. Most of my friends are still there. We all own homes. I built a 6 bedroom 3,500 sq foot house 5 years ago that is now valued at $210,000. I paid $159,000 for it. My taxes are 1,700/yr. I live in Newton County. Meanwhile a friend of mine lives in Westbury, on Long Island. She lives in a 55 year old home that needs alot of work. Paid $209,000 back in 1998. Now it’s valued at $450,000 but still needs ALOT of work. Her taxes, $12,750/yr. You do the math. I will gladly pay these taxes year in and year out. It could be worse.

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Debbie-are you a blonde cause it seems that everything that comes out of your mouth is just so liberal, democratic, taxocratic and anti capitalistic?

HELLOOOOOO isn’t it the repugs who are trying to change a system with an even worse system?

Also, War Eagle, how about that beat down that Auburn took last week from a little known school from Florida? (Which by the way doesn’t have state taxes)

PS: War Eagle, with a name like that; why aren’t you down at your local recruiting office doing your part to promote “democracy in the middle east”?

By Jackie

September 13, 2007 4:03 PM | Link to this

I believe that concerning ourselves about property tax at this juncture is not relevant. I believe everyone knows that property taxes are used to fund the PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Is this a cynical attempt to rid of us public education? Secondly, with the way money is being burned, debt accumulated and the economy seemingly headed for a Recession - many analysts forecast a long, deep slump - this discussion may be irrelevant. Will we be in a position to pay the Chinese their money for this war?

By RCH

September 13, 2007 4:14 PM | Link to this

Interesting little fact:Which Industrialized country spends the least amount of money per pupil? Who spends the most. Lets find the answer and see how well our tax money is being spent?

By Jackie

September 13, 2007 4:15 PM | Link to this

@RCH

Once again, you facts are not correct. The Soviet Union DID NOT separate Korea. If you remember, the war is still in effect as they both declared a truce, no peace treaty was signed. Secondly, the carbon tax proposal in Iraq is about the oil companies getting 70% of the oil profits and the Iraqis get 30%. A member of the Hunt family just signed a deal with the Kurds last week to consummate that deal. Please check a see if those statements presented above are correct.

By mary

September 13, 2007 4:16 PM | Link to this

why does the elimination of the property tax hurt the poor? Wouldn’t it help them - and help them climb the economic ladder and make more money. Higher taxes for the affluent, just make it harded for the working class to BECOME affluent. I feel like every liberal or AA is SO biased that they can’t just look at the big picture. Sorry, but not everyone who owns a home is RICH. I own a home and I am definitely not rich.

By WAR EAGLE

September 13, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

DDR-the world would be better off if we just turned Iraq and iran into sand lots. these fantical muslims know only one system-Dictatorial-they do not know what to do with freedom and they act like wild AHoles from the bushes of Africa! As for Schools-they can get more money from the local option sales taxes. Besides, schools now adays are teaching COMMUNISM-what’s yours belongs to all. BS! I worked for it, I paid for it and it is MINE ALL MINE! If not-I want the House on Paces Ferry for FREE! Again-why are we being taxed on something we already bought? Cars, houses, LICENSE Plates!? enough with the taxes. no more TAXOCRATS! And take the liberal appeasers with you to your Muslim country with Jimmy Carter-what a clown! gives away the Panama Canal like it was a raffle or something.

By RCH

September 13, 2007 4:28 PM | Link to this

Jackie Forgive the exclusion. The United Nations separated the North and South under the administration of the U.S and the Soviet Union.

I will check you facts. I did hear about a member of the Hunt family in negotiations. But remember subsidiary oil firms usually owned by the government of the host country appropriates a large portion of the profit.

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 4:31 PM | Link to this

Why do you think we guard those oil fields. They are the number one generating natural resource for that country. We have not seized it for our own benefit.

Then there was Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Wolfowitz’s prediction last spring that Iraqi oil revenues would pay all the costs of reconstructing the country. Instead, we have already spent nearly $20 billion in reconstruction aid — with no end in sight

It seems that we were spending Iraqi oil before we even landed in Iraq.

By Jackie

September 13, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

@Mary,

The elimination of property taxes hurt the poor in that there would be no funding for PUBLIC SCHOOLS and other items funded by those taxes. Our tax system is intended to be progressive, that is, the more money you make, the more you can afford to pay. The concept is, we all had to contribute in building the infrastructure, therefore, we all have a proportional responsibility in maintaining that situation. The affluent are better able to pay taxes than those of lesser means, therefore, the poor are hurt less by taxes they should pay, in theory.

By JohnD

September 13, 2007 4:41 PM | Link to this

DDR,

Pen @ 3:57 says it all.

Your position that a tax on goods and services is bad, bad, bad is contrary to common sense. By the way, you are aware a tax on goods already exists?

The National Retail Sales Tax being promoted as The FairTax would solve our problems in the economy and make our products competitive in the world market. There is no rational argument for the income tax other than people like you, DDR, can then sponge off the producers in society. Oh yes, the liberals power base in Congress is based upon the income tax, but that does not make a rational case.

Own up, DDR, you are at least a socialist and likely a communist and stridently opposed to taking responsibility, paying your own way, and living free of government control.

You are the princess of pejorative attacks on this blog and you do so without providing one positive idea, one fact (the Laundromat is a classic DDR fantasy), or even an independent thought as you claim. We have all known since elementary school (did you attend?) that the person who feels compelled to stand and proclaim their (in your case independence) is unlikely to be whatever they so proclaim.

By Jackie

September 13, 2007 4:42 PM | Link to this

@RCH,

The truce was brokered by the UN and the 36th parallel was decided upon to stop the hostilities after McArthur had threatened to invade China and Truman had to relieve him of command. Please check those facts.

By ChrisD3

September 13, 2007 4:44 PM | Link to this

Duh. Of course. Every state should. And inheritance taxes, and income taxes. It’s all socialist nonsense.

By JohnD

September 13, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this

Jackie @ 4:33,

The property tax revenue will be replaced by the sales taxes on services, not eliminated. How did this become an effort to defund public schools?

Our income tax system is the progressive system to which you refer. How does that square with your statement that “we all have a proportional responsibility in maintaining that situation”(the infrastructure)? I guess you mean proportional as long as the rich pay the overwhelming majority of the taxes, not proportionally more - overwhelmingly more.

We have reached a point with the income tax where almost 50% of the people pay NO income tax.

The poor would be better off if the rich paid no income tax. That should start your motor, but hear me out first. The rich are the source of jobs and the more money the rich have the more jobs they will provide. Very few poor people have provided jobs for others and that is just a simple fact of life.

Of course we could just follow the socialist agenda and turn the US into a third world country.

By Don

September 13, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this

Dekalb County has been without a property tax for several years and doing quite well. However, we have an ever increasing School Bond Tax. Lets do something about that……I pay almost $4,000 a year to send little Mexican kids to school. Let them pay some of this tax. Some living in a rental house with 10 or 12 people to a house. Let them pay sales tax on the money they earn tax free. Thats right governor, shift the tax……!

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Dumbazz JohnD:

I own my own home;plus own 6 more that I bought through the auction process, fixed up with my business partner and then we either sell what we don’t want to keep or rent out. Some of the ones we originally bought and sold were originally in depressed neighborhoods that, since people are tired of commuting, have been revitalized by the Yuppies.

I have a degree from Spelman (paid for by my working part time and having a partial scholarship) AND when I graduated & did not like the career I chose, went back to school to become, get this, a TAX ATTORNEY; (classes being paid for by the law firm I’m currently working for as a paralegal); so when you say I know NOTHING about taxes and the FAIR TAX is the way to go; I only laugh at people like you.

You think you know me from a BLOG!!??!!! You must be omniprescient!! You got me pegged don’t you? You see me as “Black Female, welfare recipient w/5 kids, looking for whitey to give her a dime.”

Guess what? I made and I’m still making my own dimes; thank you very much. The only public assistance I’ve ever been on was MARTA. I’m married, to a serviceman, no kids, yet; but I made him sign a good prenup; AND I could probably buy and sell your punk azz 3x’s over.

Save your ConServ-A-Tron analysis for someone with a G.E.D. little boy; you’ve just bit off more than your dumbazz can chew.

By Mrs. RepubLady

September 13, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

Those doggone little brown kids! Trying to improve themselves on our dime. Can’t they SEE how they’re ruining our country? Stop public education NOW!

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 5:12 PM | Link to this

JohnD please reference my post from earlier — if you’ve forgotten I’ll repost for you — see below:

Allright smart guy. Why don’t YOU give the blog some proven examples of how this “no property taxes but sales taxes only” would work in Georgia? I’ll wait around for your brilliant post.

STILL waiting on your brilliant, insightful answer.

By raisedanidiot

September 13, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

Kudos Jackie @3:31 !!

RCH @3:32 - are you REALLY comparing the democratic party of the Mexican/American war to the one today? Not really a history buff, are you dude?

In the midst of our troops’ bloodiest summer yet, our fearless leaders are shamelessly decieving the American public once again in order to gain support for this ungodly war…

“According to the Washington Post, Petraeus and the Pentagon are using a bizarre formula for measuring violence in the country. For example, deaths by car bombs don’t count. And assassinations count only if you’re shot in the back of the head—not in the front.”

UNFCKNBLVABLE!!!!

By Jackie

September 13, 2007 5:13 PM | Link to this

News reports indicate the Dubya is going to announce tonight that he has decided to form a LONG-TERM military alliance with the present Iraqi government, on the model of Korea. He also said the legislation proposed to give the troops just as much time at home as they have in the combat theater is not acceptable. He would get around this impediment to his policy by calling up more National Guard and Reserve troops. He said that it is important to maintain our presence in this country, regardless of the cost incurred and the number of people killed or wounded. His reasoning is that he is trying to keep this government together so that it can buttress the effects of Islamists. I guess he wants us to fight there instead of fight here - LOL LOL LOL!!! He has clearly stated that we can “win” this war and we must make the sacrifice to do so. He has implied that most of us do not understand that we must give more lives and treasure to prove him right. There are rumblings about starting a military draft. HANG ON TO YOUR SEATS!!!!!!!!

By Dusty

September 13, 2007 5:15 PM | Link to this

jbmlaw @3:31,

That was such a good link to the column by “Chairman” Ann. It was a pleasure to read her even though I seldom get around to doing it. But there she is; clear, concise and supportive of our country. After all the lunatic literature posted here by liberals, anti-war protestors and Bush haters, her writings are like a breath of fresh air. Not twisted, not guesses, not fabrications, just plain truthful statements.

You are right in your conclusion. Liberals will be insulted by the purity of facts presented by the writer and the obvious desire to win the Iraq War and prevent the insidious growth of terrorism.

By King of Mean

September 13, 2007 5:17 PM | Link to this

“The rich are the source of jobs and the more money the rich have the more jobs they will provide.” - JohnD

That’s correct John. How many poor, lower, lower middle, or middle income class people have you seen doing hiring in companies they own? ‘Muff said. I suppose somehow trickle up economics is supposed to be the true economic working model.

Save a whale - harpoon a liberal

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

JohnD: Why haven’t YOU answered the call to arms and joined the “War On Terror?” You talk a good game; why aren’t you putting your butt and blood where you mouth is? Too busy “blogging” and too yellow to fight?

By Jackie

September 13, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

@DebbieDoRight,

Somehow, your strength of your background and your community come forth in your arguments! You are a strong woman who does not step back in the face of a challenge. Your husband is a lucky man. CONGRATS TO THE BOTH OF YOU!

By TW

September 13, 2007 5:22 PM | Link to this

How about a surge in taxes? Say, 30% increase - then next year we bring it back down to what it is now? Worked with Iraq…and gas prices. Remember all the crying about 2.70/gal? Then they ran it up to 3.20 for a awhile - that showed us! Don’t hear a peep now that it’s back down at 2.70 - not in this blood red state. Might not go over well where it’s blue and there’s brains, but down here’d it’d get a magnet on the bumper - no doubt! Surge in taxes! Surge in taxes!

By JohnD

September 13, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

DDR,

Nice try but I remember you as the graduate of Spellman who in the past was called out because you could not Spel the name of the school (get it?).

If your story is true I feel sorry for the law firm and any future clients who might have a representative who lacks reading comprehension skills, analytical ability and the breadth of vocabulary to speak without profanity. Or are you just trying to fulfill a stereotype?

Laugh all you wish but I support the FairTax and I already make my living as a CPA who specializes in tax and you are clearly not fit for the job. Again that Laundromat example provides all anyone needs to hear about you.

“Profanity bespeaks ignorance” and in your case you are unable to hide from the obvious.

Selah.

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

He has clearly stated that we can “win” this war and we must make the sacrifice to do so. He has implied that most of us do not understand that we must give more lives and treasure to prove him right. There are rumblings about starting a military draft

If there’s a draft, I wanna see all these “yellows” on this board who love this war on it first. Let’s start with JohnD, The Dumbya twins, Cheney’s girl, then work our way from there.

By raisedanidiot

September 13, 2007 5:28 PM | Link to this

Dumb Dubya didn’t have an exit strategy cause he never planned on leaving from the get go… We’re never getting out of Iraq…we will see Iran initiate WWIII…all for dumb dubya’s oil…I think he should be hanged in the same fashion as Sodamn Insane…with his enemies laughing at him.

By DebbieDoRight

September 13, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

Thanks Jackie!!

By LMAO

September 13, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

Bowel Movement.org can’t even quote their nappy ho, the New York Times, correctly. Their slanderous and traitorous ad Monday stated:

According to the NY Times, the Pentagon has adopted a bizarre formula for keeping tabs on violence. For example, death by car bombs don’t count.

Uuuuhhhh, here’s what the NY Times stated about the situation in Sept. 8 article:

Casualties that result from fighting between groups, like the Mahdi Army and the Badr Corps, however, are not classified as sectarian, as they are the result of clashes between two Shiite organizations. But victims of all car bomb attacks and Shiite and Sunni infighting are included in the overall civilian casualty count. Never mind the details, right angry liberal ladies?

Bowel Movement.org are whiney spoiled brats and are so full of vitriol and hate, they can’t even quote their God the NY Times accurately. Laughable. Like diaper soiling toddlers too small for a toilet, they throw a fit and defecate where they want to. They will say or do anything regardless if it’s truthful or not, just to get their disgusting defecation out.

By LMAO

September 13, 2007 5:38 PM | Link to this

You two ditzes need to get a room.

John D, a little birdie told me that DDR was asked a question by someone with knowledge of Spelman. They seem to recall that three years were brought up, like 1912 for instance, and DDR was asked to select one of the three years she represents or something like that. Apparently it was something only a Spelman grad would understand. The inquisitive one never heard back from DDR. It must have been funny to witness.

By Trith

September 13, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

John D and RCH must have been seperated at birth. Both of them are utterly full of bullshi%.

By catlady

September 13, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

EVERYONE PAYS PROPERTY TAX! Some folks have ways of creatively using the tax code to pay a minimal amount of tax on their land (forestry?, agriculture? houses of worship?) but every living being in Georgia pays property tax. They may pay it directly to the tax office, or they may pay it by rent paid to the owner (which includes property tax) but if you are alive in Georgia you pay property taxes. (I am not sure what the tax situation for the dead is…are cemetaries taxed? I would bet so). So let’s quit talking about some of us paying the property tax while others don’t.

Some folks don’t pay much school tax. I think this is confined to the elderly, however. I am sure someone can enlighten us on this.

So, the question becomes, do we pay the tax on wherever we live, with those who can afford better homes or more land paying more, or do we tax all of our goods and services even more than they are now? I think the proposed tax change is another way to stick it to the poor so that they pay a much higher percentage of their wages toward roads, garbage, etc., than those who are wealthy but spend only a quarter of their income each year (or whatever percent).

Please quit saying that only those who own property pay property tax in Georgia!

By Fred

September 13, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

JohnD you simple minded cretin. Dumya and the boys have already turned it into a third world outpost.

By JohnD

September 13, 2007 5:46 PM | Link to this

DDR @ 5:12,

As I stated to you earlier ( short attention span?) I do not support the change but I can see holes in your arguments against. In fact, you have presented nothing logical, only emotional rants and raves. The plan may be good and the plan may be bad, but there is no harm in exploring the possiblity.

Your employer must be thrilled to pay for your school, pay you to work and then have you spend all day, every day on this blog spewing uninformed nonsense.

Congratulations you have grown into a perfect little socialist.

DDR @ 5:19,

Well past the age but I know of many in my generation who would be glad to fight for our country and, if you are able to comprehend the written word, I have already told you I have family in the military.

By LMAO

September 13, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

By Trith

Another new ID, eh? Running from the others so soon? LMAO.

Both of them are utterly full of bullshi%.

Backed up with absolutely no rebuttal whatsoever. LMAO. See how I backed up my 5:30 with a credible link straight from the horse’s a-ss “Trith?” Try it sometime. Oh that’s right, you are a liberal. My bad.

By raisedanidiot

September 13, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

LMAO - go ahead and stick your head in the sand, so I can kick you azz! Believe every word your daddy tells you…he’s mentally molesting you…you’re gonna need years of therapy after its all over.

By DavidDunn

September 13, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

If nothing else JohnD is one arrogant and pompous jacka$$.

By LMAO

September 13, 2007 5:54 PM | Link to this

LMAO - go ahead and stick your head in the sand, so I can kick you azz! Believe every word your daddy tells you

And out of left field comes yet ANOTHER id! Huh? I threw the BULLSH-IT flag on Bowel Movement.org’s wretched liberal ad and BACKED IT UP with a NEW YORK TIMES link! Now all you pansies on the left can do is spit venom. LMAO!

By LMAO

September 13, 2007 5:56 PM | Link to this

If nothing else JohnD is one arrogant and pompous jacka$$.

Nah, don’t think so. He’s no liberal.

By JohnD

September 13, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this

DavidDunn @ 5:52,

Just another inarticulate, uneducated liberal are you?

By Jackie

September 13, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

Trith

September 13, 2007 5:42 PM | Link to this

John D and RCH must have been seperated at birth. Both of them are utterly full of bullshi%.

Sounds like to have hit the nail on the head

By Political Foreskin

September 13, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Is the chick who modeled for the Statue Of Liberty the same chick who modeled for the Blind Justice Lady holding the scales?

By Tommy

September 13, 2007 6:03 PM | Link to this

JohnD, don’t you and your con-servative stickbuds have a bathroom stall meeting to attend?

By LMAO

September 13, 2007 6:17 PM | Link to this

JohnD, don’t you and your con-servative stickbuds have a bathroom stall meeting to attend?

You liberal freaks own getting on the freak like in San Francisco, Nancy’s Nanny Land. Right freaks? Of course. Freaks. Oh, and you are all nut catching losers too like Poli4. LMAO

By LMAO

September 13, 2007 6:21 PM | Link to this

Sounds like to have hit the nail on the head - Jackie

Yet still, none of these idiotic hysteria driven libs can give a BS example from anyone. Small wonder, small minds. Too easy, baby. LMAO

By jm

September 13, 2007 7:02 PM | Link to this

Johnd - funny thing about most services, they operate on small margins and depend on volume to make their money. If you raise the cost of that service by adding or increasing the sales tax, you are going to reduce the demand for that service. You are living in a fantasy land if you think all of the costs associated with providing that service will “magically drop” when the tax system is changed (one of the fallacies of the FairTax proposal).

By Craig

September 14, 2007 8:50 AM | Link to this

Keep fighting the good fight, DebbieDoRight.

As to the GlennTax, no I don’t like property taxes. However, Republicans used to be in favor of local control of government. I know I can be a lot more successful at presenting my views to my county commissioner than to my state legislator.

And someone earlier said it best, this would seem to be mostly about redistribution of Atlanta wealth to poorer parts of the state.

By Political Foreskin

September 14, 2007 8:59 AM | Link to this

Mexican truckers here in the USA? How? I didn’t know there was ice on the Rio Grande. Ice-back Truckers!

We do pander to our children as if they were pandas.

By ConservativeDem

September 14, 2007 9:55 AM | Link to this

First of all—I believe liberals have cause more harm to this country and to is citizens than good. For example! You can not debate without going wacho if it does not go your way. Second, you mentioned the great wars in the past like WWII, the police efforts in Korea, and Vietnam—you do not have any understanding of those wars. You could not blame the American fighter for in those days without wearing dentures later.

We have to give up bombing everything like we did in Germany and Japan because liberals used sympathy to gain attention. We were killing civilians and not soldiers was their cry. Where do armies get their soldiers? Do ufo’s drop them out of the sky armed and ready to fight?

No, but it seems to me by the way liberals act and talk that its ok for an American kid to die but do not kill those enemy civilians. We can not dip to their level! Right!

We carpet bombed Germany and Japan making those people worry about life, safety,food, and shelter. They did not have time to plan road side bombs or await for help from other countries like Iran. Yes, and they ran out of fresh troops and supplies. It demoralized the evil forces and made them look at the impossible. America was going to be the Winner. That really bugs you liberals does it not? We are not democracy nor a socialist state. We are a representative government. There are those who want to harm us.

Some harm us by trying to debate to death the sales tax issure. Sales tax is the only fair tax. The more you buy the more you pay. If you liberals want to grow your own stuff then you can get away from some of this tax. I am for sales tax not income tax nor property tax.

By JohnD

September 14, 2007 11:25 AM | Link to this

jm@7:02p,

You are living in a fantasy land if you think all of the costs associated with providing that service will “magically drop” when the tax system is changed (one of the fallacies of the FairTax proposal).

Not all the costs, the imbedded taxes. The income and payroll taxes and any other taxes replaced by the FairTax. Why is that so difficult to understand?

The cost of the services increases, to the consumer by the amount of the tax, but decreases a similar amount by the imbedded taxes.

Interesting that you opponents have all of the economic information at your beck and call but ignore the findings of Ivy League economists.

By MrLiberty

September 14, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this

Let’s be clear on property taxes. If you have to pay a tax on your property, then it is not yours, but the state’s. By the same argument, if you cannot use, modify, dispose of, etc. your property without getting someone else’s permission then the property is also not yours. Without secirty in your property, civilization collapses. This fact is at the heart of the 3rd world. Property taxation and property regulation are basically fascism and have no place in a free America.

There is nothing wrong with the government providing a service and charging for it, but this should be done along with other competitive businesses working to EARN your business. Fire, ambulance, street lighting, road construction and maintenance and the like could all be provided at a cheaper cost and with higher quality by the private sector in a truly competitive free market. One need only spend a few minutes on YouTube searching “police brutality” to see why government employed police need to be replaced by private sector security. Don’t even get me started on the failed government school system.

The bigger issue is not whether we should have property taxes. It is morally clear that we should not. The real question is why is the government wasting so much money and why is the government involved in 90% of what they are involved in?

Property taxes basically say “you have more money so we are going to steal more from you.” Or to put it as Marx and Engles did “from each according to his ability.” By the same token sales taxes say “we exist and waste money so you should pay tribute to us every time you interact.” At least we might be able to justify the existence of the tax if it all went to support a court system for resolving our transaction disputes, but instead our courts are full of cases in which a transaction was taking place that the government did not approve (the senseless war on drugs, gambling and prostitution).

A responsible and moral government would do little more than make sure there was a friendly environment for all business transtions free from regulations and barriers so that businesses could flourish and provide the needed services that society requires and demands through free choice and a free market. But there is little hope of that ever happening soon. Remember, this discussion is basically about making an obnoxious and obviously socialist tax more paletable by spreading it over the course of every sales transaction instead of heaping it on us in two lumps at the end of the year. Remember folks, this is how the income tax went from a pay in April affair to a witholding from every check so it hurts less. They are managing to steal nearly 2 trillion dollars this way now. How long do you think it will be before the sales tax is at 15%?

By time for the harsh yet comical truth

September 14, 2007 1:46 PM | Link to this

jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesus christ!!!

its taking the backward inbred sullen mutated mutant jackiebitch HOW LONG to come up with that effete abject self humilation AGAIN???!!!

STICK TO dreaming about one day opening a business providing B***** for illegal leeches JACKIEBITCH!!! I hear on the illegal leech grapevine crackpipe debbieturd is having another whoralicious masterclass workshop this weekend. still time to register and you may yet double your average trick to 20 cents a BIG GULP!!

watch for getaturd in its filthy old official moveyourbowels.org mackintosh hanging around outside after the first demo hoping for sloppy seconds!!

By Fred

September 27, 2007 2:36 PM | Link to this

With a sales tax, individuals have some choice in paying taxes. With property tax, individuals have no choice. You either pay or the government takes your property at the point of a gun.

Doing away with property tax reduces the government’s power over the individual and that is a good thing whether you’re rich or poor.