Comments on: We Need You: A Case for a New Grand Old Party Agenda http://demockracy.com/republicans-we-need-you-a-case-for-a-new-agenda-for-the-grand-old-party/ Fri, 06 Jan 2012 08:23:22 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8 hourly 1 By: Michi http://demockracy.com/republicans-we-need-you-a-case-for-a-new-agenda-for-the-grand-old-party/comment-page-1/#comment-651 Michi Thu, 05 Mar 2009 15:35:43 +0000 http://demockracy.com/?p=4261#comment-651 I had forgotten that he's the #2 most influential politician. This was great! I had forgotten that he’s the #2 most influential politician. This was great!

]]> By: Kevin Van Dyke, Editor http://demockracy.com/republicans-we-need-you-a-case-for-a-new-agenda-for-the-grand-old-party/comment-page-1/#comment-636 Kevin Van Dyke, Editor Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:59:31 +0000 http://demockracy.com/?p=4261#comment-636 SAM, you make some fair points and do a good job of looking at some potential unintended consequences of Obama's proposed tax policy. However, a recent article at factcheck.org shows that only an estimated 600,000 tax payers out of the 27 million who own small businesses would in reality fall into the top two tax brackets that would see rates go up to what they were under Bill Clinton (not a bad time for small businesses--of course that's partially apples and oranges, I admit): http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/mccains_small-business_bunk.html In addition, it is important to note that the first 250,000 dollars would be taxed the same, it is only the marginal amount over 250,000 that would be taxed at a higher rate. For example, if one made 300,000 they may see 1,000-1,500 more a year in taxes. Most small businesses that have revenues that exceed this by too much are likely to incorporate in some sort of way. If your dad is making millions in profit, then perhaps he will end up paying more. However, if he's making that much, he really should see a tax lawyer to help him look at different ways to legally structure his business. In addition, an additional point that you may want to look at is that a lot of this increased tax revenue will probably help subsidize insurance markets that will likely cut your dad's health insurance costs for himself, his family, and his employees (if he offers insurance) substantially---probably in half (this could add up to tens of thousands of dollars, if not more). All this freed up money can then be invested into capital and other ways to help grow his business. The number one reason for small business bankruptcy in this country is not higher taxes, but rather health care costs! SAM, you make some fair points and do a good job of looking at some potential unintended consequences of Obama’s proposed tax policy. However, a recent article at factcheck.org shows that only an estimated 600,000 tax payers out of the 27 million who own small businesses would in reality fall into the top two tax brackets that would see rates go up to what they were under Bill Clinton (not a bad time for small businesses–of course that’s partially apples and oranges, I admit):

http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/mccains_small-business_bunk.html

In addition, it is important to note that the first 250,000 dollars would be taxed the same, it is only the marginal amount over 250,000 that would be taxed at a higher rate. For example, if one made 300,000 they may see 1,000-1,500 more a year in taxes. Most small businesses that have revenues that exceed this by too much are likely to incorporate in some sort of way. If your dad is making millions in profit, then perhaps he will end up paying more. However, if he’s making that much, he really should see a tax lawyer to help him look at different ways to legally structure his business.

In addition, an additional point that you may want to look at is that a lot of this increased tax revenue will probably help subsidize insurance markets that will likely cut your dad’s health insurance costs for himself, his family, and his employees (if he offers insurance) substantially—probably in half (this could add up to tens of thousands of dollars, if not more). All this freed up money can then be invested into capital and other ways to help grow his business. The number one reason for small business bankruptcy in this country is not higher taxes, but rather health care costs!

]]> By: S.A.M. http://demockracy.com/republicans-we-need-you-a-case-for-a-new-agenda-for-the-grand-old-party/comment-page-1/#comment-633 S.A.M. Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:06:19 +0000 http://demockracy.com/?p=4261#comment-633 I, and most young Republicans, agree that the image of the Republican party needs a bit of an overhaul and there needs to be a clearer focus on what we want to achieve. I disagree however with your assertion that "As the party evolved from one that supported small businesses and individual rights to one that consistently favors corporate tax breaks and social conservatism, it has tried to hang on to its message and supporters by pretending to be Joe the Plumber when it’s really Joe the CEO.". I believe and know that the fiscal policies of the Republican party better serve the small business owner along with the large CEO's, which benefit most American's in the long run since small business owners and CEO's make up the vast majority of job creation in this country. My father is a small business owner himself and policies like President Obama's new tax plan will completely paralize him. I am sick of hearing how $250,000 is a large amount of money. It is, certainly, a grand sum for an individual but not for a small business owner who pays his or her employess along with his or herself and all of the companies expenses out of that $250,000. The Republican's tax cuts are not what got us into this current economic mess. I, and most young Republicans, agree that the image of the Republican party needs a bit of an overhaul and there needs to be a clearer focus on what we want to achieve. I disagree however with your assertion that “As the party evolved from one that supported small businesses and individual rights to one that consistently favors corporate tax breaks and social conservatism, it has tried to hang on to its message and supporters by pretending to be Joe the Plumber when it’s really Joe the CEO.”. I believe and know that the fiscal policies of the Republican party better serve the small business owner along with the large CEO’s, which benefit most American’s in the long run since small business owners and CEO’s make up the vast majority of job creation in this country. My father is a small business owner himself and policies like President Obama’s new tax plan will completely paralize him. I am sick of hearing how $250,000 is a large amount of money. It is, certainly, a grand sum for an individual but not for a small business owner who pays his or her employess along with his or herself and all of the companies expenses out of that $250,000. The Republican’s tax cuts are not what got us into this current economic mess.

]]> By: Eric http://demockracy.com/republicans-we-need-you-a-case-for-a-new-agenda-for-the-grand-old-party/comment-page-1/#comment-631 Eric Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:28:31 +0000 http://demockracy.com/?p=4261#comment-631 Good article. We need more balanced, reasonable IDEAS in Congress, not just blind opposition. Good article. We need more balanced, reasonable IDEAS in Congress, not just blind opposition.

]]> By: Tatyana http://demockracy.com/republicans-we-need-you-a-case-for-a-new-agenda-for-the-grand-old-party/comment-page-1/#comment-630 Tatyana Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:24:54 +0000 http://demockracy.com/?p=4261#comment-630 Great article. Great article.

]]>