The Rich are Getting Richer and the Poor are Getting Poorer!

a reply to: DarkATi

Underpaying workers, keeping them in poverty to brag off about increased profits makes a billion dollars in sales nothing but an immoral and filthy stain on all.

a reply to: DarkATi

I am not knocking those who create their own wealth through there own enterprise and endeavours. The problem, as I see it, is that those in political power do not have the welfare and the needs of the working populace to sustain a living wage. I have a decent job (I'm a nurse) but over the years the increase in the cost of everyday living has surged whilst the average wage has stagnated. There was a time when having this career was seen as well paid but not any more, and it is only going to get worse unless those in power start to value it's work force and listen to our problems.

I cannot see this happening soon as how can a millionaire living in a cocoon of parliamentary expenses have any understanding of the daily struggles others, and those even worse off, in my situation are going through.

originally posted by: ScepticScot
a reply to: STTesc
About 1.5% of the US population are millionaires. About 0.00015% are billionaires. This in the richest country in the world. The majority of the millionaires are in this category based on property value, they certainly do not have a million in the bank. So you really think it is as simple as handling your money properly?

Yes, I do. It might take you 50 years, but you can and will have enough to retire and then some if you handle your money properly. But people don't, they run out and buy things they can't afford. They're in debt, paying for things monthly they don't need, etc. The money isn't going to be given to you, and if you run around like you're rich every time you get paid you're not going to get very far.

That's what Capitalism guarantees you. An opportunity. But we're not a Capitalist nation, far from it. The world hasn't seen true Capitalism since the 20s. This is crony Capitalism, borderline Fascism. We bail out our banks and our banks turn around and buy smaller banks. Our auto industry turns around and opens plants in China. But that opportunity is still there, you're just not going to get there as easy as you used to.

So the answer isn't Socialism. It's not Communism or Fascism. The answer has always been true Capitalism, that which built the American Republic. The problem is we the people are no longer represented and, instead, big business has taken our place.

Yes, I do think it's that easy. This country could be "fixed" overnight, nobody wants to do it though. It's political suicide.

a reply to: STTesc
I do fine. Have a good job, nice house , 2 cars. Would I like to earn more, you bet. Would I sacrifice time with my family for it, no chance.
However I also recognise that I have this job based on a university education paid for by the state. That when my wife took very ill we didn't sink under medical bills as we have a national health service.
I also recognise that my life is better for having other people helped as well. That where I live isn't totally blighted by poverty as the welfare state helps those in need (but not as much as it should do) . That I have good roads to drive on without paying tolls. And clean water/safe food due to government regulation.
Society is made immeasurably better by cooperation not just competition. And untill some invents a better system government remains the best way of a society working together.
Lots of posters like to give examples of failed left wing countries (ignoring the hugely successful social democratic states). Can anyone give an example of a successful "true" capitalist country?

I've tried to envision a moneyless world, and in my head, I keep coming back the Eloi people from HG Wells'The Time Machine. All play and no work. I personally think it's the ideal way to live , but totally impractical. Peeps gotta eat and mana doesn't fall from the sky.

A gift economy would be feasible if we weren't so consumed by self interest. But reconciling all the ethical and theological disparity in the world is a daunting task.

More taxes on the rich and on corporations is simply not a workable solution. USA corporate taxes are already so high companies have been/are fleeing the US (Tax Inversions). Raising the taxes even higher will simply make the problem worse. Make the USA the country companies want to come to. Not the country they want to flee because of the highest taxes in the world. Taxing the rich even more sounds great but the rich can leave and go anywhere. And they are. Look at states with high income taxes and the rate of millionaires who leave. We need more creative solutions that the same old tax the rich, they won't go hungry crap.

This past year the govt took in more money in taxes than ever in history. Yet it STILL WASN'T ENOUGH. There is a spending problem, not a taxing problem. 3 Trillion Dollars in 2014, highest ever

- CUT SPENDING
- Reform the tax system
- Cut out loopholes

We always hear that social security might run out of money.
We always hear defense spending is being cut. Which it is, to historical low pre-WW2 levels.
We never hear that welfare/food stamps might run out of money. Why is that??

originally posted by: jjkenobi
More taxes on the rich and on corporations is simply not a workable solution. USA corporate taxes are already so high companies have been/are fleeing the US (Tax Inversions). Raising the taxes even higher will simply make the problem worse. Make the USA the country companies want to come to. Not the country they want to flee because of the highest taxes in the world. Taxing the rich even more sounds great but the rich can leave and go anywhere. And they are. Look at states with high income taxes and the rate of millionaires who leave. We need more creative solutions that the same old tax the rich, they won't go hungry crap.

This past year the govt took in more money in taxes than ever in history. Yet it STILL WASN'T ENOUGH. There is a spending problem, not a taxing problem. 3 Trillion Dollars in 2014, highest ever

- CUT SPENDING
- Reform the tax system
- Cut out loopholes

We always hear that social security might run out of money.
We always hear defense spending is being cut. Which it is, to historical low pre-WW2 levels.
We never hear that welfare/food stamps might run out of money. Why is that??

This is the truth. Spending IS the problem. Unfortunately, I can't see any workable solution. We have backed ourselves into a horrible corner. If welfare programs are cut, people will riot. If wages aren't raised, people will riot. When we run out of money, people will riot. Notice a pattern?

This isn't to say that there isn't a solution. There is a solution, but it won't be well received. We have lived outside our means far too long. We have created a monster that must be maintained, and if it isn't... people will riot.