s/o Gov't shutdown - Clicky poll

TBLilyRose

If you got a tax refund this year, would you donate it to help the national debt recover?[Poll]

sefaniee

What refund??? I owe way too much!

rg8482

I just think the government takes enough out of my pocket every day that I work or purchase something.  Just about everything is taxed. I would feel robbed if I had to donate what's rightfully mine too.

AgrippaRidesAgain

If people get a tax refund, it just means that they loaned their money to the government interest free for a year.

WestCoastMommy

sefaniee:

What refund??? I owe way too much!

this

nadinethequeen01

I would agree to give a portion of it but not all of it.

SammyJJo

I would - not because I feel some heroic duty to my country, but because I'd rather see people like me loose a bit of cash than cut social services to people who actually need it.  Yes, "they" should have spent more wisely, but "they" is "us" so it might be time to pony up.

Additionally, there's all this talk of "do we go with the GOP and cut spending OR let the Democrats raise taxes?!?!?"  I don't think people realize that it's not an either/or situation since we probably need to do both. 

As long as I'm on my stump, I'd also make corporations/uber rich pay their fair share.  Why are we cutting kid's health care when there are enough loopholes to let more than half of american companies pay no federal income tax, as in $0?  It's insane if you ask me.  Thy [the companies] can only hide behind the "if you tax me, it will kill jobs" line for so long - either create a crap ton of jobs or start paying taxes, I say!

 That's all.  SammyJ for pres 2012!  

huffman627

Aren't we not even getting our refunds if the government shuts down?

TBLilyRose

huffman627:

Aren't we not even getting our refunds if the government shuts down?

You'll get them, they will just be delayed most likely. 

kristin2t

SammyJJo:

I would - not because I feel some heroic duty to my country, but because I'd rather see people like me loose a bit of cash than cut social services to people who actually need it.  Yes, "they" should have spent more wisely, but "they" is "us" so it might be time to pony up.

Additionally, there's all this talk of "do we go with the GOP and cut spending OR let the Democrats raise taxes?!?!?"  I don't think people realize that it's not an either/or situation since we probably need to do both. 

As long as I'm on my stump, I'd also make corporations/uber rich pay their fair share.  Why are we cutting kid's health care when there are enough loopholes to let more than half of american companies pay no federal income tax, as in $0?  It's insane if you ask me.  Thy [the companies] can only hide behind the "if you tax me, it will kill jobs" line for so long - either create a crap ton of jobs or start paying taxes, I say!

 That's all.  SammyJ for pres 2012!  

  You got my vote!

Mama_SAS

AgrippaRidesAgain:

If people get a tax refund, it just means that they loaned their money to the government interest free for a year.

Yeah ... it's not like the refund is some money that was won. It's wages. People who pay in were overpaid throughout the year and people who get money were underpaid throughout the year. So my tax refund specifically - no.

However I don't mind paying more taxes to help our country if necessary, which isn't far removed from donating my tax refund but it's certainly not the same thing. I don't mind spending cuts, but the government and I don't seem to agree on what should be cut. I like when my increased taxes go toward things that I support, you know?

kcisthebombdotcom

Here's my flameful confession re: gov't shutdown.

Right now I have so many FB friends who are military/government who are complaining that they cant pay their rent/mortgage this month or feed their kids if this shutdown really happens. While I feel for people who can lose their job/not have a paycheck next week, I don't really feel bad that they didnt plan well financially. Hello, we have been in a recession for a while now and this isnt the first time in history there was a shutdown. People should have prepared for the possibility.

That is the problem with our country.

SammyJJo

heckysue:

SammyJJo:

I would - not because I feel some heroic duty to my country, but because I'd rather see people like me loose a bit of cash than cut social services to people who actually need it.  Yes, "they" should have spent more wisely, but "they" is "us" so it might be time to pony up.

Additionally, there's all this talk of "do we go with the GOP and cut spending OR let the Democrats raise taxes?!?!?"  I don't think people realize that it's not an either/or situation since we probably need to do both. 

As long as I'm on my stump, I'd also make corporations/uber rich pay their fair share.  Why are we cutting kid's health care when there are enough loopholes to let more than half of american companies pay no federal income tax, as in $0?  It's insane if you ask me.  Thy [the companies] can only hide behind the "if you tax me, it will kill jobs" line for so long - either create a crap ton of jobs or start paying taxes, I say!

 That's all.  SammyJ for pres 2012!  

I want to have your babies.

I thought the same thing when I read your post on 6-9.  High five for moderate liberalism-in-a-non-polarizing-kind-of-way!

DreadLoc

Hell the eff no.  I'll MAYBE think of donating it if politicians agreed to cut their pay DRASTICALLY.  

SnoopyLuv

KC_13:

Here's my flameful confession re: gov't shutdown.

Right now I have so many FB friends who are military/government who are complaining that they cant pay their rent/mortgage this month or feed their kids if this shutdown really happens. While I feel for people who can lose their job/not have a paycheck next week, I don't really feel bad that they didnt plan well financially. Hello, we have been in a recession for a while now and this isnt the first time in history there was a shutdown. People should have prepared for the possibility.

That is the problem with our country.

I know many people are in a paycheck to paycheck situation and that's rough, I've been there. But once you pass a certain age you really need to become more fiscally responsible. It is common knowledge that you should have at least 3 months of expenses socked away, it's not like you are not getting paid for more than a few weeks.

Also, I don't understand why they aren't making these furlough days. They should have planned ahead of time and given everyone this time unpaid with fair warning. The paper pushing and back pay is going to make this more expensive than if they had just been paid like normal.

mrsf123

They should never have agreed to the tax cut extensions for the very wealthy.  If billionaires don't have to pay an additional 2% of their money in taxes that was solve the whole problem, I don't see how my $2,000 refund could help!!!

kcisthebombdotcom

SnoopyLuv:

KC_13:

Here's my flameful confession re: gov't shutdown.

Right now I have so many FB friends who are military/government who are complaining that they cant pay their rent/mortgage this month or feed their kids if this shutdown really happens. While I feel for people who can lose their job/not have a paycheck next week, I don't really feel bad that they didnt plan well financially. Hello, we have been in a recession for a while now and this isnt the first time in history there was a shutdown. People should have prepared for the possibility.

That is the problem with our country.

I know many people are in a paycheck to paycheck situation and that's rough, I've been there. But once you pass a certain age you really need to become more fiscally responsible. It is common knowledge that you should have at least 3 months of expenses socked away, it's not like you are not getting paid for more than a few weeks.

Also, I don't understand why they aren't making these furlough days. They should have planned ahead of time and given everyone this time unpaid with fair warning. The paper pushing and back pay is going to make this more expensive than if they had just been paid like normal.

Oh, I've been there too. I was young and stupid once. The problem is these are grown adults, in their 30s, with children. You need to grow the F up when you become a parent and become responsible.

SammyJJo

SnoopyLuv:

KC_13:

Here's my flameful confession re: gov't shutdown.

Right now I have so many FB friends who are military/government who are complaining that they cant pay their rent/mortgage this month or feed their kids if this shutdown really happens. While I feel for people who can lose their job/not have a paycheck next week, I don't really feel bad that they didnt plan well financially. Hello, we have been in a recession for a while now and this isnt the first time in history there was a shutdown. People should have prepared for the possibility.

That is the problem with our country.

I know many people are in a paycheck to paycheck situation and that's rough, I've been there. But once you pass a certain age you really need to become more fiscally responsible. It is common knowledge that you should have at least 3 months of expenses socked away, it's not like you are not getting paid for more than a few weeks.

Also, I don't understand why they aren't making these furlough days. They should have planned ahead of time and given everyone this time unpaid with fair warning. The paper pushing and back pay is going to make this more expensive than if they had just been paid like normal.

I agree with the sentiment, I really do.  But I'm also a little tired of blaming people without a lot of money for not having money.  So - yes, it's trivially true that people should live within their means - the real sticking point for me is that we should have a wealth distribution that allows people to comfortably live within their means (i.e., not pay check to pay check) and we don't. 

TBLilyRose

KC_13:

Here's my flameful confession re: gov't shutdown.

Right now I have so many FB friends who are military/government who are complaining that they cant pay their rent/mortgage this month or feed their kids if this shutdown really happens. While I feel for people who can lose their job/not have a paycheck next week, I don't really feel bad that they didnt plan well financially. Hello, we have been in a recession for a while now and this isnt the first time in history there was a shutdown. People should have prepared for the possibility.

That is the problem with our country.

I do agree, to an extent, but military couples are often young...many get married straight out of high school...so they don't even all have time to build up a nest egg. DH's actual income is only like $32K and he's been in 8 years. If you live in base housing, they take all of your housing allowance. DH and I are able to stash a little more away because we live off base and our rent is lower so we can bank some extra BAH. And we're stationed in one of the most expensive states in the country. So while we personally have a decent savings and won't be hurting, I can see how some families might. 

SnoopyLuv

SammyJJo:

I agree with the sentiment, I really do.  But I'm also a little tired of blaming people without a lot of money for not having money.  So - yes, it's trivially true that people should live within their means - the real sticking point for me is that we should have a wealth distribution that allows people to comfortably live within their means (i.e., not pay check to pay check) and we don't. 

I agree with you Sammy. But, until we (as in conservative Americans) get over that the word socialist is not offensive, we will never get there.

But, I also think that there is a huge American way of thinking that living beyond your means (nice cars, clothes, cable, etc) is normal.

kcisthebombdotcom

SammyJJo:

SnoopyLuv:

KC_13:

Here's my flameful confession re: gov't shutdown.

Right now I have so many FB friends who are military/government who are complaining that they cant pay their rent/mortgage this month or feed their kids if this shutdown really happens. While I feel for people who can lose their job/not have a paycheck next week, I don't really feel bad that they didnt plan well financially. Hello, we have been in a recession for a while now and this isnt the first time in history there was a shutdown. People should have prepared for the possibility.

That is the problem with our country.

I know many people are in a paycheck to paycheck situation and that's rough, I've been there. But once you pass a certain age you really need to become more fiscally responsible. It is common knowledge that you should have at least 3 months of expenses socked away, it's not like you are not getting paid for more than a few weeks.

Also, I don't understand why they aren't making these furlough days. They should have planned ahead of time and given everyone this time unpaid with fair warning. The paper pushing and back pay is going to make this more expensive than if they had just been paid like normal.

I agree with the sentiment, I really do.  But I'm also a little tired of blaming people without a lot of money for not having money.  So - yes, it's trivially true that people should live within their means - the real sticking point for me is that we should have a wealth distribution that allows people to comfortably live within their means (i.e., not pay check to pay check) and we don't. 

Meh, I don't believe in socialism.

You can live within your means without a big paycheck. I live in a HCOL area, own a house in a nice neighborhood, and we live on my DH's income (which isnt a whole lot admittedly) and are able to save, have 6 months of savings in the bank, etc. It's not really difficult to make smart financial choices that allow you to live comfortably (ie not paycheck to paycheck and have an emergency fund of at least a few months). The problem is the American entitlement attitude where we need new cars every few years, buy things we cant really afford on credit cards, etc.

austenreader85

Sure, after all the billionaires donate their money too.  I don't want to see things like social services cut or disappear but for crying out loud, I SAH and DH only makes 40K a year.  There's got to be someone else with a little bit extra to give.  Then after we get the debt all straightened out they can quit overspending.  How about we use some foresight and realize that there will always be some crazy a** lunatic leader where we have to get involved like the Libya situation.  Oh, I could go on and on about getting involved with that stuff and everything else.  But yeah. 

islelily

People actually get refunds?? We owe AGAIN.

SammyJJo

SnoopyLuv:

SammyJJo:

I agree with the sentiment, I really do.  But I'm also a little tired of blaming people without a lot of money for not having money.  So - yes, it's trivially true that people should live within their means - the real sticking point for me is that we should have a wealth distribution that allows people to comfortably live within their means (i.e., not pay check to pay check) and we don't. 

I agree with you Sammy. But, until we (as in conservative Americans) get over that the word socialist is not offensive, we will never get there.

But, I also think that there is a huge American way of thinking that living beyond your means (nice cars, clothes, cable, etc) is normal.

I think you're right.  I was just reading an article that argued that Americans aren't more outraged at inequity because they carry so much more debt these days than the did before.  In essence, they think they're richer than they are (and therefore against "wealth redistribution) but it's just because they're in so much debt.  So sad.

SammyJJo

KC_13:

SammyJJo:

SnoopyLuv:

KC_13:

Here's my flameful confession re: gov't shutdown.

Right now I have so many FB friends who are military/government who are complaining that they cant pay their rent/mortgage this month or feed their kids if this shutdown really happens. While I feel for people who can lose their job/not have a paycheck next week, I don't really feel bad that they didnt plan well financially. Hello, we have been in a recession for a while now and this isnt the first time in history there was a shutdown. People should have prepared for the possibility.

That is the problem with our country.

I know many people are in a paycheck to paycheck situation and that's rough, I've been there. But once you pass a certain age you really need to become more fiscally responsible. It is common knowledge that you should have at least 3 months of expenses socked away, it's not like you are not getting paid for more than a few weeks.

Also, I don't understand why they aren't making these furlough days. They should have planned ahead of time and given everyone this time unpaid with fair warning. The paper pushing and back pay is going to make this more expensive than if they had just been paid like normal.

I agree with the sentiment, I really do.  But I'm also a little tired of blaming people without a lot of money for not having money.  So - yes, it's trivially true that people should live within their means - the real sticking point for me is that we should have a wealth distribution that allows people to comfortably live within their means (i.e., not pay check to pay check) and we don't. 

Meh, I don't believe in socialism.

You can live within your means without a big paycheck. I live in a HCOL area, own a house in a nice neighborhood, and we live on my DH's income (which isnt a whole lot admittedly) and are able to save, have 6 months of savings in the bank, etc. It's not really difficult to make smart financial choices that allow you to live comfortably (ie not paycheck to paycheck and have an emergency fund of at least a few months). The problem is the American entitlement attitude where we need new cars every few years, buy things we cant really afford on credit cards, etc.

1.) I think you mean you don't agree with socialism.

2.) I think it's pretty egocentric to think that just because your life is one way, that everyone's life could be that way.  Like I said before, I think Americans should live within in their means.  But there are also conditions which I do not want them punished for - their bank accounts could be drained due to health problems, family problems, an unexpected home repair, a lost job, etc.  Why are we so focused on ensuring that the poor live a spartan life while the wealthy live a life of luxury actively dodging taxes by paying more to accountants to help them pay less in taxes? 

Edited re: typo

CGKyle

KC_13:

Here's my flameful confession re: gov't shutdown.

Right now I have so many FB friends who are military/government who are complaining that they cant pay their rent/mortgage this month or feed their kids if this shutdown really happens. While I feel for people who can lose their job/not have a paycheck next week, I don't really feel bad that they didnt plan well financially. Hello, we have been in a recession for a while now and this isnt the first time in history there was a shutdown. People should have prepared for the possibility.

That is the problem with our country.

clearly you are not military... we spent our savings onfixing our car last month. Either way, they shouldn't have to dip into savings. They risk their lives for this country, the lest the government could do is pay them.