The RICH are costing Social Security $150 Billion a year.

I don't know what you think your story demonstrates. Beyond that, it's one story. We can ALWAYS find stories of rags to riches or riches to rags.

I agree we have to be careful with who is paying taxes. People in the middle, including the guy in your example can get seriously caught. Those above the middle can still have their lives changed by their tax load. Those at the top don't even have to care.

Not only that, but those at the top have unusually high effect on the laws we have. There is a reason Amazon pays $0 in taxes on $11B in net profit. There is a reason oil companies can write off new wells using business start up deductions - regardless of how big and long lasting the company has been. There is a reason we cut the taxes on corporations, better funnelling profit to the wealth of the owner class through stock value. When a healthcare system is designed, it's not designed for or by those with low income. When we add huge sums to our already stupendously bloated defense budget it isn't because those of median income believe they need more protection. Etc. Our system is designed for and by those with huge incomes, and the tax bill and cost of features (like health) is carried by the middle class.

 

Just more excuses.

Technology and trades have always changed. How many typewriter repair men do you know?

 

I guess the government figures that most people borrowing against their 401k are going to invest it in some kind of venture resulting in economic growth.

Are you jealous that they actually saved and have money available?

If they don't put it back, they pay the tax. When they take it out at retirement they pay tax. In no way are they capable of avoiding the tax. Not sure what you oppose.

 

That's not good enough.

The catch is that this affect has continued to accelerate. And, while it once consumed jobs that were exceptionally menial, it's starting to eat jobs that were good, solid jobs supporting middle and upper middle class America.

And, it's not going to stop there.

Those selling encyclopedias door to door went to sell other stuff. Typewriter repair men found something else to repair. But, now we face the fact that manufacturing overseas has caught up with our abilities and production efficiencies have reduced prices such that "repair" isn't really a job category anymore.

Today, we don't have a vocational education direction adequate for preparing people for the kinds of change that are bearing down on us.

The problem with MAGA is that the focus is on being more of yesteryear - coal, manufacturing, etc. that others do just as well or better. We need to be learning tomorrow, not trying to force corporations to move to yesteryear.

 

Don't be silly with your accusations of jealousy.

We forgive taxes on 401ks for a purpose. Personal loans are not determined to be within that purpose.

I don't care whether they put it back or not - it's misappropriation of funds and very clearly should not be legal.

Even hardship withdrawals (for healthcare, for example) come at a cost.

I know there is constant pressure to allow people to use their 401k for reasons other than retirement and without paying the penalties and back taxes. But again, that is NOT what the legislature was buying when it paid for 401k accounts by exempting them from taxes.

 

I have no problem helping those who "just plainly need help". It is just so many who are getting help now don't need it; plainly or otherwise. Maybe if we toss them all out to fend for themselves we will then be better able to honestly asses which are truly in need.

Never quite understood why lack of compassion for the poor always gets a person labeled a conservative. I believe my views are much more closely aligned with Libertarians

 

Statistically speaking, there aren't any Libertarians.

 

If you honestly did not understand the point of me relating that story of my friend then there is no point in discussing any thing more with you.

Take care.

Rich

 

I will have to assume you don't understand statistics either.

 

Show me your numbers.

The point is that with essentially no Libertarians, it's no surprise that Libertarians don't get a lot of credit - or blame.

 

I thought I just did. What part of "my views are much more closely aligned with Libertarians" did you not understand?
My numbers are: 1 - I AM LIBERTARIAN.
Better?

 

But sitting around collecting welfare checks and smoking weed is?

 

Your obviously not capable of understanding the issue. Im not surprised though. Few conservatives are.

 

Speaking not understanding the issue
Post 297 awaits your response.

 

Just because its one mans opinion doesnt make it so.

 

Cause ya, That statement describes most poor people right?


WRONG.

The vast majority of people on public assistance HAVE A JOB. Usually MULTIPLE jobs.

 

To a small extent. Yes. Absolutely.

Lets face it, Republicans and Democrats are both just as authoritarian. They just want different rules enforced.

 

Then you shall have no issue when someone else uses the state to force their morality on you, and violate your rights while doing so.
Right?

 

Well Friedman is not "just one man". Where did you disagree with him?

 

Let me ask you a question. Then I will answer yours.


Should the government deny any individual whom needs help for any reason what so ever outside of say, a national disaster? In terms of food, shelter, water. Etc Etc.

 

Nope. You first.

 

I actually read through this entire thread and have come to the conclusion you have absolutely no idea of how taxes, Social Security or even basic economics work. If you did, you wouldn't be making statements like this and asking silly questions. Your lack of knowledge reminds me of AOC and the damage she has already done to New York. She is barely even a few months into office and it's apparent that she is a disaster.

Your ideas and stance on economics if adopted in America would be be pure destruction.

 

It already happens to me on a daily basis. By your definitions.

 

And you, for some reason, are OK with it