Republican tax dogma remains one of their biggest weaknesses, because they are not willing to consider fairness for the 99% by making the richest 0.1% pay more than average workers in taxes. While the Buffet Rule is only a small step toward needed reforms, it is imperative that we support it and put the Republicans on record for blocking it.
President Obama made another pitch Saturday for Congress to raise taxes on the richest Americans.
Obama, as he has repeatedly in recent days, urged Congress to enact legislation that would implement the so-called Buffett Rule, a principle calling for those at the very top of the income pyramid to pay at least the same percentage of their income in taxes as those in middle-class families.
In his weekly radio and Internet speech, Obama said it’s "not just about fairness," but "is also about growth."
"It’s about being able to make the investments we need to strengthen our economy and create jobs," Obama said. "And it’s about whether we as a country are willing to pay for those investments… [emphasis added]
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Ed Schultz discusses America’s overwhelming support for this policy with Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI).
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Saint Ronnie Ray Gun would be a reject in today’s Republican Party. They would call him a socialist, or worst yet a "librul".
I disagree with the Senator on one thing. Republicans are going to block this no matter what we do. Nevertheless, it is imperative that we make it plain that what they are doing is contrary to the will if the American people, so I urge you to join me in support for it at buffetrulebill.com. At worst we will force Republicans to demonstrate once again that they govern exclusively for the benefit of millionaires, billionaires and corporate criminals.
11 Responses to “Action Alert: It’s Time to Pass the Buffet Rule”
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great post, Tom. I signed earlier this week while watching Bill Press on Current.
Now the RepublicanTs are saying that even if the rates were raised on the uber-wealthy it would not bring down the deficit. HA!
HA! is right Patty. We could say that it won’t increase it either! But personally, I think that if fair tax codes were in place for individuals AND corporations, the deficit would come down a lot faster, especially if the US stays out of foreign wars!
You’re both right. That’s why I said the Buffet Rule is a small step toward needed reforms.
Part of the post to this article on Care2 by Norm C — “BTW, any idea how long the average length of time a stock is held by one owner? (ans: 14 seconds) Any idea what the same number is for a bond? (ans: 20 seconds). This is not investing. This is not doing anything productive for the economy. ” — I find this very interesting making the assumption that the figures are correct. I agree with Norm C that this is not investing. This is plain unadulterated GREED!
Another thing that often comes up from the Republican/Teabaggers is the freedom to pay extra — so Mr Obama and Mr Buffet should pay extra tax if that’s what their conscience dictates to them. They try to deflect attention away from the real issue, fair taxation, by essentially calling Mr Obama and Mr Buffet on the carpet for not paying extra. Them paying extra is simply a smole screen to cover the fact that many of the corporations paid little or no tax and the 1% paid tax rates lower than the middle class.
Great article TC. Signed the petitiion.
That is fascinating and earned a “kudos” from me.
That Buffet and Obama can voluntarily pay their fair share does not excuse the Romneys and Kodhs of this world from not doing so.
In a Gallup Poll this past week, an overwhelming majority of Americans – by a whopping 60% to 37% – favor a return to fairness embodied in the “Buffett Rule”.
The White House has a neat interactive widget up so you can “Find Out How Many Millionaires Pay a Lower Tax Rate Than You”. You can either enter in your income (wages, salaries, other sources) and how much you paid – or just slide a bar to select different Tax Rates, and find out how many millionaires paid less.
Thanks Nameless. Great links and graphic!!
Small step Big impact signed thanks TomCat
Thanks Mama.
Signed and so glad to see you back, Tom!
Thanks Terrie!