a reply to:
Enochstask
From my perspective Bernie wants billionaires to pay their fair share of taxes, stop taking handouts from the taxpayers when they need us then bail on
us and move jobs overseas when they don't need us. I don't think he wants to hand anyone the American dream but to give us all the best possible
environment to achieve that dream.
From my perspective there are distinct differences between Socialism, National Socialism, and Democratic Socialism. Bernie is a Democratic Socialist.
We are moving towards an Oligarchy. What about all the big money that dictates politicians support? What about the ability for huge billionaire
corporations to donate unlimited amounts of money to campaigns?
What about all the lobbyist in politics as we know it today? I think there is a lot of fear associated with the word socialism. But again, from my
perspective Democratic Socialism still has capitalistic ideas within its framework but has a social safety net and promotes people over profit.
When billionaires openly claim they pay as little in taxes as their secretaries that doesn't seem like a fair share to me. For example: Boeing,
General Electric and Verizon have paid NO federal taxes in recent years. Global Financial Integrity, a financial watchdog agency, estimates that
global corporations and wealthy individuals are hiding a total of over $21 trillion.
For example, the report explains Jetblue, PG&E, PEPCO Holdings, and Ryder used accelerated depreciation a tax break that allows companies to write off
the cost of their capital investments much faster than these investments wear out, to dramatically reduce their tax rates. CTJ has estimated that
closing the accelerated depreciation loophole could raise more than $428 billion over the next decade.
They have took nothing from me, still I want them to pay their fair share of taxes like I do. Sander's points to the Scandinavian governments as his
model of Democratic Socialism. Those countries are working hard, have health care, education, and an overall good quality of life.
They have produced world shaping companies like Volvo, IKEA, AstraZeneca, Electrolux, Ericsson, H&M, Skype, Solvatten, Spotify, Peepoople, and Wrapp
for example. Surely they must have an incentive to be successful. Social democrats like Sanders want to ensure that every person has access to
housing, health care, education, meaningful employment, and transportation.
Reducing economic inequality, removing the rigged influence of the rich on our political system, and importantly, preventing climate change. Sanders
wants to make our taxation system more progressive by ensuring the rich pay their fair share, given how much they benefit from the labor of others.
He wants to ensure that every person has access to food, shelter, health care, and a good-paying job. I think it's a good alternative to what we have
now, and if given the chance perhaps it can really thrive
How is taxation stealing if you can receive something in return? If someone steals my wallet that's obviously theft. I'm getting nothing in return!
When we pay our taxes, in return our government gives us education, transportation, healthcare, safe food, protection and a commitment to justice,
social security, medicare, medicaid, disability insurance, unemployment insurance, FEMA, USDA, and civilization just to name a few perks.
Democratic Socialism is taxpayer funds being used collectively to benefit society as a whole, despite income, contribution, or ability. With this,
there is also redistribution and welfare for citizens in the event of sickness, poverty, and old age.
What thief gives you the opportunity to decide where your money is spent or even how much? The US government still has to listen to the will of We The
People. We choose what tax system and how much if any we should have when we vote. If taxation truly was stealing, there would be another political
party emerge to represent We The People in a heartbeat and it would win by a landslide victory!
Listen, we all have a right as citizens to these benefits but we obviously all have a collective responsibility to pay our fair share of taxes for
these services if able. We all have a right and what I think is a responsibility to vote, but we also have a responsibility to accept the outcome no
matter if our chosen representative wins or not.
Do we not have a moral responsibility to the elderly, children, sick, or disabled? I believe we do. What's wrong with We The People collectively
exercising that responsibility through our elected officials and government? Especially, when we can all improve our quality of life and environment
through this portal as a collective whole.
When we are successful, did we not build upon the work of previous generations? Did we not receive some assistance from other members of society? What
about energy, education, health, and public roads? Did those benefits not help us to become successful and provide us the environment we needed to
take full advantage of and reach our potential?
Is it not then fair to pay into the environment and support it? I realize our current system is not fully working as intended and that is why I want
Bernie Sanders to become the next POTUS. That's my opinion, thoughts, and belief.