-- Blue States subsidize less productive Red States - socialism?

[LVZ]

http://www.taxfoundation.org/research/show/266.html">The Tax Foundation - Federal Spending Received Per Dollar of Taxes Paid by State, 2005

[Skidmore]

1. Groan.............

Now that we are in the business of turning "red states" to "blue states," tell me what this post seeks to accomplish. I'm in Iowa, a red state turned blue. This type of thread has appeared before on DU forums and I will reply in the way I have in the past. The derisive undertones of this type of thread just is counterproductive. Most "red states" are rural or mining states with low population and no really large cities. There are not lots of high paying tech jobs out here or glamour industries either. That being said, the big blue centers sure love to eat what we produce and buy doodads made from the raw materials that come from our soil.

Perhaps there is a better way we can approach how we all care for one another in this nation than looking down our collective noses at the country cousins.

[LVZ]

2. Politicians from red states whine most about being overtaxed but ...

Politicians, more frequently from states like Mississippi and Alaska, whine the most about paying taxes to fix "urban problems" (subtext: minorities) when in reality, they get back far more for the taxes paid than those more urbanized "blue states". New Jersey and Nevada, for instance, get back less than one third in federal spending benefits compared to Mississippi and Alaska.

[Skidmore]

4. Look, there are massive problems in both urban and rural areas.

All need to be addressed in productive manner. We are doing our best to change our politicians now. Part of the problem has been this constant pitting of segments of the population against one another for a share of dwindling pot. One reason I have strongly supported Obama for some time is that I think he will be the first president in a long time to preside over a government that will look at the concerns of all of the nation and make an honest effort to prioritize. We ALL need to step up and recognize that every state has needs and get to work.

[bigbrother05]

3. Maybe indicates what "spread the wealth" really means

Gives a graphic example of what our progressive tax system is about. This shows that "for the common good" isn't Marxist/Communist, it's American!

Also points out what has been the GOP's greatest success, getting folks to vote against their own financial interests.

[No Elephants]

5. It has been this way for as long as I can remember, too. That's why some in NYC advocated

secession when NYC was teetering on bankruptcy and no one wanted to help.

[jsmirman]

6. Yep

you're looking at the founder of secedenyc.com.

Obama brought me back from the ledge.

As of two years ago, at least, NYC paid out 18 BILLION - yes, 18 BILLION more dollars in taxes than we got back in services.

People could at least be a little appreciative.

[stolivodka]

7. Partisan politics aside, it's long past time when flyover country start pulling its weight.

Also, there was no Alaskan Revolution - Alaska was BOUGHT by the federal government. Why do the colonial share croppers in that state get checks from the government for "their" resources, when those resources were paid for, in cash, by the tax dollars of us mainland Americans? The people living there are there for the convenience of the federal government. Why are the legitimate claims of mainland America being ignored? Are they afraid of the AIP, or have they been paid off? America deserves a return on its investment. It's only fair.

[LVZ]

8. A few links ...

http://taxprof.typepad.com/taxprof_blog/2004/09/red_states_feed.html

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/211080_sciglianomoney.html

http://boards.historychannel.com/topic/Current-Events/The-Blue-States/520013964&start=0

http://www.reddit.com/r/politics/comments/7ajy0/im_tired_of_my_blue_state_taxes_going_to/

http://www.opednews.com/articles/genera_jon_faul_060929_taxing_the_red_2c_welf.htm