McCain: no new taxes

[BA93]

The Link

I'm not trying to debate whether tax increases or decreases are needed now or in the next 5 years. There are many sides to that argument.

but I think a Presidential candidate is wrong to make this pledge. I can understand a pledge to avoid new taxes at all costs. But why limit your economic tools to build a stronger govt, if necessary.

Now in theory, McCain will have to use all political clout to make the bush tax cuts permanent. Even though he voted against them in the past and said they were irresponsible.

I'm leaning towards voting for McCain but this statement doesn't inspire much confidence in his ability to stop pandering to certain groups.

 

[zzzz]

He could always claim he doesn't know much about the economy.

 

[Michael Knight]

read his lips

 

[Ag with kids]

He could perhaps use the tack taken by the Democratic candidates and pledge "new taxes"...

Of course, there IS the caveat for both sides...

Allowing the tax cuts that GWB got passed to expire doesn't mean you instituted "new taxes"...it just means you reverted to earlier levels of taxation....

Maybe we can recapture that time before JFK when the top rate was 91%!!!

 

[softlynow]

He makes such a pledge because his candidacy is highly problematic unless Hillary unites the GOP, even then not a sure thing. Next, I suppose, he'll start talking about Roe and strict constructionism. Having to continue moving right through the summer, when he should be moving center, will counter the advantage of having sewn up the nomination while BO and HRC continue their war of no policy differences.

We'll see if the right-wing pundits decide to make nice with their guy, rather than risk a for-sure Dem presidency if they continue to treat him as the did H.W. For some, a Dem win may be a better for business. Especially if it's HRC.

 

[general35]

But why limit your economic tools to build a stronger govt, if necessary.
__________________________________________

a stronger government is a scary thought...why do people think paying more taxes will make out government better?

 

[BernOrange]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[Suvarov]

A day of reckoning is approaching where either entitlement spending will have to be materially reduced or taxes will have to be raised. By 2040, the entire federal budget will be consumed by Medicare/Medicaid, Social Security, and debt service payments.

While I am not really keen on having my taxes raised, something has got to give. If you don't want your taxes raised, you will have to wait longer for Medicare eligibility, Social Security eligibility, and probably be willing to accept reduced benefits compared to what current program recipients are recieving.

The vaunted media does not seem interested in trying to pin the POTUS candidates down on what they think should occur. The candidates are certainly not going to bring this up on their own. I would like the media to at least get the candidates to admit that those programs are not sustainable as currently structured.

 

[BA93]

In reply to:

---

---