I was home from work today with a virus. You know- the headache, body aches, fever kind of virus. Blah! Good news is that I am feeling much better. It's amazing what 14 hours of sleep and a day of doing nothing will do for you.
I did lots of laying around on the couch watching TV this afternoon. I rarely watch TV so it was a novelty. There is only so much Paula Deen I can stand to watch so, sadly, I ended up channel surfing and watching too much news that just made me irritated. I have, at several points in my life, been in that 47% that didn't pay income tax but I have NEVER considered myself a victim or dependent on anyone. Different circumstances led to that at different points of time- all of my own making. I think that lumping of many people who don't pay income tax (for a whole variety of reasons) as victims and dependents insulting and showing a limited understanding of real life, real people and their struggles. It is a low blow to people of both parties and from all walks of life (including, I hear 4,000 millionaires!). Not everyone who doesn't pay income tax is a dependent loser. I'm sure the millions of retirees and military personnel would agree... as would all those people who pay payroll tax but because of a variety of deductions and credits (approved by both parties) end up not owing income tax. Yes, there are people using the system, who don't want to take responsibility, but lumping everyone together like that just pisses me off.
OK... end of rant. Maybe my continuing headache is from my irritation and not just the virus. I've gotta stay away from the news. I'm cranky today.
I did make it out to the greenhouse today. I've got little radishes starting to sprout. That makes me happy! The weather is definitely fall like. It was down to 40 this morning and it only made it into the low 60's, even with plenty of sunshine. Another cool night tonight and then it should warm up to a bit more seasonal pattern. We could definitely use some rain again but that doesn't look too likely. oh well, I'll take what we get.
I'm still shaking my head over those comments... I keep thinking of those soldiers & veterans who apparently "won't take any responsibility for themselves" - I guess being willing to lay down their lives for their country wasn't enough.
ReplyDeleteAt least I had myself a good chuckle when Rachel Maddow played a clip of Mitt Romney during one of the primary debates - he basically said that if the capital gains tax were eliminated he'd pay no taxes at all... implying that he doesn't actually pay federal income tax - only capital gains... so technically, Mitt Romney IS one of those 47%. FREELOADER!!!!
Enjoy your greenhouse. It's on my "someday" list.
I heard also that there are at least 4,000 other millionaires in that category as well. I guess they're pretty irresponsible as well. LOL!
DeleteAnd I am loving my greenhouse. You should definitely invest someday! I'm just waiting to see how long I can keep things going this winter.
I can almost understand why people at 50K plate fundraisers would think this way, but what's harder is the regular folks defending the statement. I will never understand people who just want to shove the next guy down the ladder rung. Sheesh. Feel better!
ReplyDeleteOf course, those people at that fundraiser probably paid a lower tax rate than you or I did! But I agree, I'm not sure how ordinary people can dis on others that way- when they may be in the same boat.
DeletePlease take care of yourself, Bloggy Friend. You've been pushing for a while now and see where it gets ya?
ReplyDeletePoliticians. Hrumpf. Shall we get into that? Nope, it just upsets us common folk who are being squeezed to death by more and more taxation. The really, truly sad thing is that we don't have a choice in this election that will in any way improve the situation.
Yay, for little green radish sprouts!!
I think that what we have is the "back to school virus sharing" phenomenon. At least it was quick. And the weekend was actually pretty laid back.
DeleteSadly, I agree with you that I don't think either choice will make things better very fast. I honestly think we need to throw out the whole lot in Washington and start over.
He meant the people that want government to take care of ALL their needs would never vote for him and the numbers back him up.
ReplyDeleteAnon- thanks for commenting. That may be what he says now that he meant but that is definitely NOT what he said. He was definitely lumping a lot of people together unfairly and it seems that now he is desperately trying to justify his comment. And I'd like to see where those numbers come from. Those few that are totally reliant on the system and aren't trying to change their lives for the better are out there but they are NOT 47% of the population which is what he stated.
DeleteI'm with you...seems like he has a different story for different "types" of people. It made me mad also - I too try to stay away from the news as I get absolutely furious. Can't wait till this process is over. I'm sorry you were ill, but am glad your feeling better. You've had several bouts of sickness it seems. Hope this is the last for a long time! ...debbie
ReplyDeleteI can't wait until this election cycle is over. Sadly, I am one of those most sought after of voters- an Independent in a swing state. BLAH!!! I can't escape it.
DeleteHope you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteI found your blog a few weeks ago and have been following along, just wanted to say "hi".
I'm not in a swing state (hello New York!) but my husband is politically obsessed, and this is his favorite time - it's 24/7 politics.. watching podcasts, reading all the blogs, laying in bed at night with the ipad watching videos. He's obsessed with statistics and stories and sometimes I just want to rip my hair out.
HUGS from a far!
Pamela- Welcome! I don't think I could live with a politically obsessed husband- I would probably end up hurting him so my hat is off to you! Congratulations and good luck making it through the rest of the election cycle. I will say that there are times I wish we didn't live in a swing state. The ads are constant! In the mail, on the TV, on the radio- I can't escape- except in the garden or my sewing room...
Deleteoh boy ,I can really stick my teeth into this subject ,I want to start my own march to wash DC "EVERY LAST PERSON EVACUATE NOW" We want to start from scratch ,have no lobbyist ,no milliories for office and each and every person in congress has to spend a month in a homeless shelter with no contacts
ReplyDeleteLOL! I love the idea of having every politician live in a homeless shelter for a month! And have to rely on free meals and/or the crisis center!
DeleteOr even have them live in a crappy apartment on a minimum wage job for three months and see how they do! Maybe then they would change their tune.
If we get a refund of our State and Income tax in excess of the amount we pay in I guess that puts us in that category. Now gladly I would forfeit the amount above and beyond a return of what I pay in (sadly that is not allowed - it is an all or nothing statement). I work a full time job, take care of two children and a disabled husband. My disabled husband could work a menial job and we would get even more back in taxes but then we would have to take assistance to help cover the cost of childcare (well at least when our girls were little). We do not and have never received any form of public assistance. My disabled husband does not receive disability (though he could) and we will not collect social security, but we will also never pay income tax. We are not irresponsible. Yes I have a hefty debt, but even with that (which I will pay every penny back) we are able to pay our bills and live our lives without hand outs. We will be able to retire early (before we both turn 50) and live simple, fulfilled lives. Mr. Romney you are correct I could never vote for someone like you who is so out of touch with the current middle class and poverty stricken people of this nation. I support a flat tax even though it means I would no longer receive a refund in excess of what I pay in in taxes. My standard of living would in fact be improved. Just because an individual is not required by the State and Federal tax codes to pay income tax and/or receives a refund in full or excess of payroll taxes collected does not make them welfare recipients. And for the record not every welfare, disability and social security recipient (they usually don't qualify to pay income taxes) is irresponsible.
ReplyDeleteWhat I do find irresponsible is making one's fortune by shipping AMERICAN jobs oversees to less than ethical companies because it will profit YOU, Mr. Romney. Mitt Romney built STAPLES, he did so by taking a failing office supply company and outsourcing it to CHINA. Take a good look at his venture capital portfolio, all of the failing companies he made profitable, he did so by sending American jobs to CHINA. While Mr. Romney has the freedom to make money like this, I also have the freedom not to support any business he is affiliated with or to vote for him for President.
DeleteTell us what you REALLY think, LOL! Seriously- thanks for sharing. It is because of people like you that I'm so angry about that comment about the 47%. He can try to spin it as much as he wants but I think it is still a telling statement about what he really thinks about half of the country.
DeleteOh, and I'm glad to see I'm not the only one with a rant coming on!
Thanks for the rant. More people need to be angry AND speak up about it :-)
ReplyDelete