Taxes: June 2008 Archives

From an Obama rally in North Carolina:

"At a time when we're fighting two wars, when millions of Americans can't afford their medical bills or their tuition bills, when we're paying more than $4 a gallon for gas, the man who rails against government spending wants to spend $1.2 billion on a tax break for Exxon Mobil," Obama said.

When a tax break, no matter who it benefits, is characterized as government "spending", watch your wallets. This is an arrogant view of government as rightful owner, with whatever you're allowed to keep owing only to government's benevolence.

It's human nature for people to envy others who have more - I wish I was rich, too. But keep in mind that corporations don't actually pay taxes, the simply collect them from you and me as they include the cost of taxes into the prices you pay for their products. The wealthy don't always hide their money in mattresses, they invest it, creating jobs and prosperity in the process.

It may feel good when government takes money away from folks who often appear undeserving of what they have. That's human nature, too. But which would you prefer - good feelings or lower gas prices? And which benefits you more - good feelings or more jobs?

A couple of questions for the changey-hopey folks - Can any of you explain to me why you think raising taxes on Exxon will lower gas prices? Can any of you please explain to me how taking away the resources of those who create jobs will somehow increase job opportunities for you and me?