Tom Delay: “Hillary will be the next president of the United States"

[Reynaldo 0]

The bottom line IMHO is the less government involvement in my life the better. Each American citizen knows what is better for themselves and their community than a few guys in suits in Washington. That Federal taxes are as high as they are is a disgrace. More power should be in the states.

What is this-no trans fats in NYC...GMAB!!!!! Why don't we have socialized food now so that the government can control what we eat and drink, too. It is disgusting.

"The government that governs best is the government that governs least"?

So, by these standards, you have made a fabulous job in Iraq.

Thanks to Mr. Colbert.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

Now that you mention tax deductions, I'm reminded that I apparently can write off the cost of buying movie tickets as a "business expense" because I work in the entertainment industry. Now I can never be bothered with something like that, but I bet a lot of very wealthy people in this industry do and it kind of highlights the ridiculous tax loopholes that do exist. I know for a fact that some very highly paid actors write off the cost of their designer outfits as a "business expense" because they "need to look good for their job"

I personally find it a little nuts that a multi-millionaire can write off the cost of their Gucci at taxpayers expense but a poor child in Compton might not get the medicine they need because they don't have health insurance. Call me a communist.

But as someone pointed out, free clinics and what not do exist and no one can be refused treatment at a public emergency room if their condition is life threatening (of course, it might not be life threatening if they had access to healthcare in the first place). So we DO pay for healthcare for the insured through our taxes and higher premiums.

And according to tge Economist -- the US pays as much as a percentage of GDP IN PUBLIC MONEY as Canada and Britain, countries which have universal access to healthcare.

[mawilson 2,133]

Now that you mention tax deductions, I'm reminded that I apparently can write off the cost of buying movie tickets as a "business expense" because I work in the entertainment industry.

I don't work in the entertainment industry but I can still write off 50% of the cost of

movie tickets (Broadway shows or Knicks games, or even golf, fishing or boating) if

I take a potential client to a movie, show or game before or after a business meal.

The IRS considers it "associated entertainment" if it precedes or follows a substantial

and bona fide business discussion.

[Trompe le Monde 1,107]

And again that's relevant as a business expense, not someone's personal tax situation -- if I am entertaining a client it is all reimbursed by my company (who probably get some tax benefit for client-related entertainment). I can watch films for free for my own enjoyment on the taxpayers dime, as can Steven Spielberg and Brad Pitt.

[mawilson 2,133]

And again that's relevant as a business expense, not someone's personal tax situation -- if I am entertaining a client it is all reimbursed by my company (who probably get some tax benefit for client-related entertainment). I can watch films for free for my own enjoyment on the taxpayers dime, as can Steven Spielberg and Brad Pitt.

Correct -- which is why it's a good idea to have a small business, even if you're in full-time employment.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

The bottom line IMHO is the less government involvement in my life the better

Like the "Patriot" Act?

[one...two...tree 2,762]

The bottom line IMHO is the less government involvement in my life the better. Each American citizen knows what is better for themselves and their community than a few guys in suits in Washington.

What would happen to the NFL if they threw out the referee's? Do you think the players and coaches would regulate themselves? Government oversight is necessary - without it and things run amok - the powerful exploit the less powerful and the powerless.

[Trumplestiltskin 5,791]

The bottom line IMHO is the less government involvement in my life the better. Each American citizen knows what is better for themselves and their community than a few guys in suits in Washington.

What would happen to the NFL if they threw out the referee's? Do you think the players and coaches would regulate themselves? Government oversight is necessary - without it and things run amok - the powerful exploit the less powerful and the powerless.

Still not figured out how paying sky high prices for prescription drugs is "good for me". I can see how its good for board room executives, but as I have no stock in pharmaceutical companies - nor do I work for one, its hard to see what benefit I derive from shoring up the profits of Corporate America. Certainly no direct benefits...

The argument that "what is good for big business is therefore good for me" is extremely dubious.