Stephen King: Tax Me, for F@%&’s Sake!
Apr 30, 2012 4:45 AM EDT
The iconic writer scolds the superrich (including himselfand Mitt Romney) for not giving back, and warns of a Kingsian apocalyptic scenario if inequality is not addressed in America.
Chris Christie may be fat, but he aint Santa Claus. In fact, he seems unable to decide if he is New Jerseys governor or its caporegime, and it may be a comment on the coarsening of American discourse that his brash rudeness is often taken for charm. In February, while discussing New Jerseys newly amended income-tax law, which allows the rich to pay less (proportionally) than the middle class, Christie was asked about Warren Buffetts observation that he paid less federal income taxes than his personal secretary, and that wasnt fair. He should just write a check and shut up, Christie responded, with his typical verve. Im tired of hearing about it. If he wants to give the government more money, hes got the ability to write a checkgo ahead and write it.
Heard it all before. At a rally in Florida (to support collective bargaining and to express the socialist view that firing teachers with experience was sort of a bad idea), I pointed out that I was paying taxes of roughly 28 percent on my income. My question was, How come Im not paying 50? The governor of New Jersey did not respond to this radical idea, possibly being too busy at the all-you-can-eat cheese buffet at Applebees in Jersey City, but plenty of other people of the Christie persuasion did.
snip* Tough shit for you guys, because Im not tired of talking about it. Ive known rich people, and why not, since Im one of them? The majority would rather douse their dicks with lighter fluid, strike a match, and dance around singing Disco Inferno than pay one more cent in taxes to Uncle Sugar. Its true that some rich folks put at least some of their tax savings into charitable contributions. My wife and I give away roughly $4 million a year to libraries, local fire departments that need updated lifesaving equipment (Jaws of Life tools are always a popular request), schools, and a scattering of organizations that underwrite the arts. Warren Buffett does the same; so does Bill Gates; so does Steven Spielberg; so do the Koch brothers; so did the late Steve Jobs. All fine as far as it goes, but it doesnt go far enough.
in full: http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/04/30/stephen-king-tax-me-for-f-s-sake.html
LeftishBrit
(41,205 posts)A 'one per center' who nevertheless considers society as a whole, not just his own short term advantage. I agree with all he says!
Jefferson23
(30,099 posts)a Republican talking point which is completely false, relying on charitable contributions. Ron Paul frequently relies on this
too to solve issues and it is nonsense..why his supporters do not question him is beyond me.
King: All fine as far as it goes, but it doesnt go far enough.
Charity does not go anywhere near as far enough, and never will.
Thanks for posting.
oilpro2
(80 posts)This man makes so much sense, and gives so much pleasure in this books and movies based on his books.
Brigid
(17,621 posts)that Mr. King is not from a wealthy family?