Federal Income Tax: One Extreme To The Other

I read an article dated April 7, 2010, from Stephen Ohlemacher, an Associated Press writer, which provided statistics regarding 2009 tax return filings. For instance, for the year 2009, it was reported that about 47 percent of households would pay NO federal taxes. Okay, that's certainly interesting, as is the rest of his article. When I wrote this hub, I provided a link. However, it appears the subject matter that I read has been deleted and left me with a broken link so "no more link for you"!!!!!!

But that's not what got my attention today. Today I reviewed that article and when it printed, it seemed longer than I remembered it being on the internet. Apparently, I had printed the comments as well. I had not read the comments online so I did from my printed copy and I nearly had a coronary (and for me that is not funny). I knew at once I had to share them as I am sure not too many people have seen these but no doubt you have either known people like this or read about them. Talk about in your face with real life!!! You needn't read the AP article unless you want to know those statistics (which are repulsive - I can save you the trip!) but these comments deserved airing. It looks long but it is actually quite a fast read, really!

The first comment is from a person whose screen name (and maybe his real name, who knows) is Jay Ware. Today, in looking at the article online again, I don't see his comment but I printed it two days ago so type it I will. He says, in pertinent part only:

"I am one of those families who pay zero income tax. We earn between $55K and $70K depending on whether the wife works and investment income. But we have a mortgage deduction, 3 kids (one in private elementary school, one in college, one about to begin at Art School in Chicago)

"We attend church 2-4 times per month and leave an offering each time we attend. I also support a local charity to the tune of a couple hundred dollars per year.

"Long story short is that I pay zero and actually get a sizeable refund check! My take is that I am a pretty typical American story. Others are getting hosed because me and other higher income earners are paying nothing.

"...Me and the people above me need to "Cowboy up" and pay our fair share. For starters I would suggest a minimum tax threshold so that no one gets more in refund than they paid in FICA. Such a rule would reduce my refund by $500 or so, but why in the world should I or ANYONE at my income level get more money back than I paid in?"

Okay, fair enough. And a big, fat BRAVO to Jay Ware! His comment struck my heart because he is willing to give up what the government is handing out freely, our taxpayer dollars.

Then we have the complete opposite end of the spectrum over here. This person is only identified as "Yahoo User" and it does still appear online in the comments as of today. This person says,

"First off, I admit that we are blessed. We are able to stay home, have tv, enjoy the front porch, and allowed to shop at Publix with our EBT debit cards for daily groceries. Once a month, our EBT card is debited to pay the subsidized rent ($168), which includes electricity, water/sewer, trash pick-up, basic cable tv, and unlimited phone service. We are still waiting for the internet service to start, but until then, we get a little extra money deposited into our EBT accounts each month for the trouble. As I began this story, I will say it again......we are truly blessed. Sometimes I feel sorry for people who work so hard, I really do. But honestly, why should we bother with such low paying jobs when we are already given what we need for free. I thank the people who do work, and wish they would stop and enjoy the basics like us." (Emphasis added.)

I don't know about you but after I read that, I had to step away from the computer. Coach, step away from the computer! I took a long walk in the hopes of walking out some of the anger I felt at this person's absolute lack of honor, integrity, decency. When I got back, I still wanted to spit on Yahoo User, but at least my computer equipment stayed in one piece! I am continually floored by the attitude of all too many people in this country. I mean really, this is just sick!

Yahoo User cannot be a very educated human (although he/she's simple paragraph was written well enough) or he/she would know that if we all sat on our ass and collected welfare, there would be no more money so that he/she can sit on their ass! This is one of my pet peeves. Some of these people really DO NOT KNOW where the money comes from hence they don't understand why people like me are mad! OR they believe they deserve it and that is a whole other topic. Yahoo User doesn't sound disabled since he/she said, "...why should we bother with such low paying jobs when we are already given what we need for free." Just revisiting that sentence makes my blood boil!

I don't know anyone who has a problem with persons collecting social security disability, or any other types of assistance programs when they need it. That is certainly not the situation I come away with reading Yahoo User's paragraph. My ears hear a person saying that they could take a lower paying job but choose not to because they can be comfortable with living off mine and your taxes and that, folks, pisses me off to no end!!!!!

Next caller....

pcoach