The US is one of the LEAST Taxed Industrialized Nations in the World?!!?

Question

It's true! Next time you hear someone telling you some BS about a "fair tax" or a "flat tax" Remember this info! Taxes continue to take up a relatively small part of American economic output, according to data compiled by Citizens for Tax Justice from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the U.S. Treasury and the U.S. Census. For example, in all but two OECD countries, taxes make up a larger percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) than in the United States.(http://www.ctj.org/pdf/oecd07.pdf)The federal tax code has become so skewed in favor of investors over workers that personal taxes on earnings are now two-and-a-half times greater than personal taxes on investment income. That is the central finding of a new analysis by the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP), released today by Citizens for Tax Justice (CTJ). (http://www.ctj.org/pdf/earnpr.pdf)

A group of conservative Republican economists has charged that House Majority Leader Dick Armey's [flat tax] would result in "significantly higher taxes" for the middle class.

Echoing Democratic complaints about the scheme, the economic consulting firm of Lehrman, Bell, Mueller and Cannon argues that by eliminating many popular deductions, the plan will end up increasing federal taxes for most workers.

In a letter to key Republicans, they pose the semi-rhetorical question, "Does the Republican Party want to take into 1996 a flat tax proposal that raises taxes on most American workers and worsens the middle-class squeeze?"

The team's party credentials are solid. Lehrman ran for governor of New York and Bell ran for Senator from New Jersey, both as Republicans.

--The American Legion magazine, December 1995, p. 14

In Fiscal year 2006, 92 BILLION dollars was given to Corporations in the form of CORPORATE WELFARE! This money comes from US taxpayers. Why are WE, the hardworking Americans supporting these GIANTS upon our backs? Think your taxes are too high? Thank a corporation! ;-)

Answer 1

Hummm.... Who writes the reports. The government. Who wants people to believe what we are paying in taxes is fair. The government. Some countries you may think pay higher higher taxes, but they also take care of their people and have a higher standard of living. Our government could care less about it's people. Ever try to get help if your child has to have heart surgery. By the time we were done filing paperwork she almost died and her heart enlarged because we had to wait for the paperwork to go through. Yet the government sees fit to raise their own salaries when most of the people's salaries which they are supposed to be serving are not even at a level where they can just cover basic needs. Let the people keep what little they earn if your not going to care for them.

Answer 2

You are not really saying we should be taxed more are you ? I hope not. If so , please take my share and you pay it. A true flat tax we have no deductions for anyone. So, depending on the rate , you could be correct. I would favor that except to be able to deduct for charities. If not , this could hurt many charities. It would however free up alot of money that is wasted by the IRS. Would not need those people much.

Answer 3

You mean the free medical care, free universities and all the other government handouts in other countries don't just fall out of the sky from the socialist liberal goddess?
Damn, and I thought all of these perks were really free.

An excellent and well sourced question that just might open a few eyes for the proponents of socialized medicine and other government controlled "freebies."

Answer 4

Yup, all this is true. Another fact is that Texas is the state with the least taxes. Its one of the cheapest states. Our average legislator in Texas makes 8000 per session, the lowest salary of all 50 states. No wonder its mainly a one party state thus increasing corruption..

Answer 5

Hey, I'm all for a progressive tax--higher tax rates for the rich. But your statistic isn't at all suprising. Most European nations are socialist, with income tax around 80%.