More McCainocrats

[il Padrino Ute]

Originally Posted by Cali Coug

You are seeing what you want to see.

I suppose we all see what we want to see, don't we?

Obama is nothing like Reagan. Reagan believed in lower taxes and strong defense.

[Cali Coug]

Originally Posted by il Padrino Ute

Raising taxes is not a good thing. Raising capital gains taxes is a worse idea. Why discourage investment in the economy?

Study after study shows that raising capital gains taxes won't have any negative impact on the economy, so long as the rates don't go too high (studies have shown even 25% would have almost no impact).

[ERCougar]

Originally Posted by Cali Coug

Study after study shows that raising capital gains taxes won't have any negative impact on the economy, so long as the rates don't go too high (studies have shown even 25% would have almost no impact).

I would absolutely LOVE to see these studies. General economic consensus is that capital gains taxes are only beneficial to the extent of income redistribution, but are generally a drag on long-term growth. There may be outlying economists with their own agendas, but I would put about as much stock in their opinion as I do in those economists that argue tax cuts always increase tax revenues. It's convoluted theory at best.

[Archaea]

Originally Posted by ERCougar

I would absolutely LOVE to see these studies. General economic consensus is that capital gains taxes are only beneficial to the extent of income redistribution, but are generally a drag on long-term growth. There may be outlying economists with their own agendas, but I would put about as much stock in their opinion as I do in those economists that argue tax cuts always increase tax revenues. It's convoluted theory at best.

Agreed. Economics is NOT Cali's long suit, and if he adheres to those outliers, it's no wonder.

[Cali Coug]

Originally Posted by ERCougar

I have heard him discuss the Bush tax cuts. I haven't heard the capital gains tax increase, but it doesn't surprise me. Neither idea is wise during a recession, and shouldn't score him big economic points, if the economy is truly the focus of the election as you claim.

The Iraq war is being financed almost entirely on debt, so that will give him almost no additional revenue. Additionally, he's not going to withdraw nearly as quickly as promised--already discussed this.

So we're left with: (1) raising taxes on the rich and those who invest in the economy during a recession and (2) getting better credit card deals to pay for a massive universal health care program. I get it.

I thought you were trying to have an honest conversation. Instead it appears that when I given an example of a spending cut, you then determine that the example is all there is. Not interested in honest discussion. I get it.

[Tex]

Originally Posted by Cali Coug

You are seeing what you want to see.

I'd like to hear just what part of Ronald Reagan's foreign policies Obama thinks his ideas reflect.

[Cali Coug]

Originally Posted by ERCougar

I would absolutely LOVE to see these studies. General economic consensus is that capital gains taxes are only beneficial to the extent of income redistribution, but are generally a drag on long-term growth. There may be outlying economists with their own agendas, but I would put about as much stock in their opinion as I do in those economists that argue tax cuts always increase tax revenues. It's convoluted theory at best.

No, you are discussing whether or not there should be any capital gains tax at all (an entirely different discussion). I am discussing that the difference in the market between a 15% cap gains tax and a 20% cap gains tax (for example) is negligible at best.

[Cali Coug]

Originally Posted by Tex

I'd like to hear just what part of Ronald Reagan's foreign policies Obama thinks his ideas reflect.

I would imagine being willing to speak with our enemies would be one instance he would cite. Of course, a major difference would be that Obama actually plans on preparing Iraqis for our withdrawal, whereas Reagan was more in line with the "cut and run" approach in Beirut.

[Tex]

Originally Posted by Cali Coug

I would imagine being willing to speak with our enemies would be one instance he would cite. Of course, a major difference would be that Obama actually plans on preparing Iraqis for our withdrawal, whereas Reagan was more in line with the "cut and run" approach in Beirut.

Based on Obama's comments, I think the "cut and run" approach in Beirut is the only thing Obama might have in common with Reagan.

[ERCougar]

Originally Posted by Cali Coug

I thought you were trying to have an honest conversation. Instead it appears that when I given an example of a spending cut, you then determine that the example is all there is. Not interested in honest discussion. I get it.

OK...so the last statement was overboard. But the point stands--everyone claims they can go in and eliminate government waste. It sounds nice, it's easy and painless, and they don't have to talk about taxes. I'm just not convinced there's all that much money just up for grabs.