Reply #18: That 15% FICA you mentioned would probably be more [View All]

[Cleita]

palatable if working people were able to access the Medicare portion and if we took the cap off of the FICA so that the well compensated paid their fair share. As it is now the "wedge" is on the backs of the poorest. If taxed across the board, the percentage taken could probably drop down to 10% once everyone pays their fair share.

Also, SS has been proven to be the backbone of ones retirement. I know. With all this talk about saving for retirement, it doesn't really meet the needs of the retiree, especially the poorly paid retiree. Also, a decent minimum wage would put more money into the coffers. as 15% of $10 is more than 15% of $5.

Other than that with your method I don't see where taxing only land values and fees on government service would cover our needs as a nation. I don't like sales tax, but it does cull a portion of the GNP although again it's a tax gained on the backs of the poor.

There is much the federal government could do to bring in extra revenue, like charging the same rent for grazing on federal lands as private landowners do, sometimes three times what the government charges for those privileges and making the lumber companies pay market prices on the lumber they take from federal lands.

However, talking about other methods of taxation is a moot point with our corrupt government right now. Better that we concentrate on giving each citizens the tools they need to make a better life, like a decent minimum wage and other isseus. Unfortunately, the people of the USA are going to have to do this at a municpal and county level until we get our federal and state governments straightened out.