Change your philosopy of life to abhor statism, collectivism, socialism, and compulsory altruism. Translate that new philosophy to the political realm by voting for people who share your basic values. Problems solved. Over time.

The problems cannot and will not be solved by changes to policy, the policies arise from bankrupt philosophy and bankrupt morality. Until the population actually learns to think critically, we will meander from one form of statism-collectivism to another in a futile attempt to handle each new "crisis". Changing various rules can change nothing because rules are based on a philosophical foundation, and in the case of Contemporary America, that foundation is disintegrated and broken.

A new foundation needs to be built, and the bricks must be made of individualism, freedom, competence, excellence, rationality, and primacy of the individual. The current foundation is built with bricks of mediocrity, collectivism, mysticism, compulsion, and most of all: ENVY. Such a foundation will never result in a society that anyone could ever be proud of.

Changing welfare or immigration rules at this point is the equivalent of rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

It's the enshrinement of greed and avarice that we need to fix.

I want higher taxes. The HIGHEST taxed people are the HAPPIEST people. Why's that? It's because their basic needs are met so they've more time & energy to focus on the higher needs. And their neighbor's needs are met so there's less chance of being victimized by desperate people. They got a college education and they're not in debt for the rest of their life because of it. They get fixed when they get sick or injured.

Think back to your most recent happiest time - it had nothing to do with your bank account or your home - it had everything to do with your health and the love of those you love and love you right back, didn't it?

OTOH, the least-taxed people are the most miserable.
Source: http://www.forbes.com/2010/07/14/world-happiest-countries-lifestyle-realestate-gallup-table.html

Okay, you cannot be serious, really?

My most recent happiest time was when I was on vacation with my family. Why, because I had made enough money to pay for it, and I didn't have to stress about the high cost of souviners, dining, activites, etc.

And then, when all was said and done, we were all happy to be home, in our 3 bedroom 3 bath house, not having to share 1 room and 1 bath.

My most happiest thought toward the future, is to be able to do it all over again!

As a working family, we dont' spend much time together. Working all day, kids go to school, we share a family dinner, on nights when my daughter doesn't have sports, watch 1 hour of tv, then go to bed.

My happies time is when I get to afford to pay for my family time together. Raise taxes, those times will be much less frequent!

Wouldn't you like to spend more time w/your kids?

Wish granted.

There was a time when there was no irs, social security or federal reserve.

Was it a time of lower tax rates?

at one time there were no taxes. i can only find charts going to 1913 - here is a link - highest tax rate then was 7%. In 1942 however the top tax rate was 88%, yes... 88%.

take a look at the history of tax rates in this chart and you will see what happens when the country gets into a crisis.

http://www.taxfoundation.org/publications/show/151.html

Wasn't 1942 the middle-class/industrial boom generation and the height of the Union memberships?

Anyways, I think we're not taxed enough and it's unfair to make .5% of the country sacrifice for war - referring to service-members and their family's who pay the greatest price. Least we could do is ration chocolate, gas, nylon and melt ipods down for metal or something like that for them...like they used to do in the olden days in order to support a war -- back in the days when war-profiteers were convicted of treason...

LOL! You are a walking talking contradiction.....



That's pretty warped. You say the government is corrupt yet you want them to enforce higher taxes? Last time I checked, the government was the only entity with the ability to enforce taxes.
And now that same corruption will give you better schools and healthcare, too? All that power concentrated in one central area that you call corrupt?

This would be laughable if it wasn't so sad.

Didn't say I wanted this US government. I'm not impressed w/our facade of democracy at all.

Money is our God. Institutionalized unrestrained pursuit of profit and exploitation of human and natural resources is not in our best interests:

As I said, you are a walking talking contradiction.

You want more government but not this government. Yet, no matter what government you get it is going to be run by the same type. Human beings. All with vunerability and all subject to corruption. Centralized as the heart of commerce and health, there will be no checks or balances. No accountability. The seat of power will rest in one place. Then, of course, you'll bemoan that government too....but I didn't want THAT government!!!

By working in the private sector you are a contradiction. Your pursuit of a better life which you will achieve by means of profit is contrary to the words typed on these pages. If you want to pay more taxes, no one is stopping you. Lead the way. If people see it makes you happier then why would they not follow? Instead of forcing them at the point of a gun, show them the beauty of it. Smile while you write your checks to the local, state, and federal adminstrations. I suggest, if you really believe this that you get a smaller house with a smaller payment, drive a beater and use all the extra money at the end of every month you have to pay more taxes so you'll be a happier person.

Incidentally, the government pursuit of taxation is a pursuit of profit. It just fails over and over since they don't know the meaning of the word "budget". Which is why the political establishment then add supporting incomes by getting into bed with businesses or threatening them with shakedowns.

I think that you assume a lot more than you actually know about my opinions, sorry.

I've only responded to what you've shown to be your opinion. Did I make up the words I put in quotes or are those your words? What about this one?



Did you not say that? Who is stopping you from paying more?



Did you not say that? Wouldn't it be logical then if you took more of your money and gave it to the government for taxes that you would be happier? I didn't make that up, you said it.

What about this one?



Government enshrines greed and avarice. Businesses are only enabled by the power of government. A monopoly could not exist without government controls.

Fixing greed and avarice then? What is your fix?

Bravo!

I really recommend others follow the link. Thanks for posting it broker. Very interesting information.