We either get taxed for the services that government provides to everyone or we can pay for those services out of our own pockets. But the irony is that people feel those services shouldn't be cut so how exactly are we to fund it then? Either way it'll be coming out of our pockets. An example is health care, If you want to consider health care cost a tax we're already paying more than we would pay if we would just have universal health care like most industralized nations. But No thats too much from our officials

If all Obama does is his promise to introduce universal health care, taxes for everybody will increase and continue to increase over the years. Just look at what has happened in countries that provide health care: higher taxes and fewer services,

Mike Kaplan

A progressive tax system is a fundamental of Marxian economic ideals. So, yeah, it may not be socialism, per se, but it sure leans that way.

Obama thinks he's Robin Hood….

RELAX PEOPLE!!!!

As a FORMER High earner (Bushs Policies sent most middle management jobs out of the country) Let me tell you.

First $200K Plus income earners CAN Afford it.

Second At that level of income you use an accountant to do your taxes and they will find new deductions to offset it alot. That is what we pay them for.

Third. When I saw my first tax bill after having a "good year" and was gripeing about it, an older, wiser man said me…" Do you realize you are crying about making too much money??….Stop being a cry baby" Guess what he was right.

Time for the rich to start paying their own way. You may not think that $250K is rich… but to 2/3 of the US population, it is.

Obama is planning on taxing the rich. McCain wants to give tax breaks to the rich (a stance he once opposed).

But I guess he figured he had better get lock-and-step with the trademark greed of the Republican party. Let the rich keep their money and tax the poor for a broken economy and an endless war that THEY created.

If you make less than $200K, and you vote McShame, you are pathetic.

Obama '08

I am sick and tired of being overtaxed. The goverment is one big canerous tumor that we need to operate on to repair as soon as possible. I am tired of every election season the Dems roll out the tax the rich plan. This is always said by a canidate that is wealthy themselves. Keep in mind that if you are an elected offical of this country you are exempt from many of the laws that the average citizen is held to and the perks allows them to keep their money. People wake up the goverment is not trying to help you at all. Just my 2 cents.

All you people who think that Obama is still going to make the US a socialist country dont understand where our money is going. We're BORROWING money from the Chinese. Under Bush, under McCain, the Chinese will OWN america. So yea, if you care about your kids, you'll understand and support Obama's tax plan because it keeps American's money in America. But hey, if you want your kids and grandkids to pay back China their whole lives, then sure, go for it. Vote McCain. See what happens.

What McCain proposed is GREAT, and it is working. It was designed to get us motivated, brainstorming ideas and discussing it. I think the old man has much wisdom. Instead of talking about how we are going to tax innovation to death, like barack wants, let’s start innovating. Barack says new ideas, reach for the stars, yes we can. But as soon as we start actually doing it, him and his supporters come right out and say "No, we can't". Sounds pretty two-faced to me. Before one starts shooting down everyone’s dreams, he needs to live up to his own potential. I have not heard ANY new ideas from that fool barack, he just craps on everyone else’s ideas and efforts, and has nothing to offer other than HOPE. McCain is not just hoping it will happen, he is out making it happen and I am a democrat that supports Mac all the way now. I now see who just is going move this country in a positive direction, unite us and get us motivated again. Mac is back, and he has this democrats vote. McCainocrats, let's unite around this guy. He obviously is the one that has what it takes, walk, not talk.

@ginger

have u heard the term called "The rich gets richer and the poor gets poorer" . This is wat this current regime has brought to the American people. I you trying to say it's my fault that I'm a waiter making 7$ an hour and I shud be taxed higher. Or I guess people like you will be regarded as selfish and ignorant that people in the South, Mid west ,West and East are going thru hard times. The issue of taxing the wealthy is also going to affect the senators, Governors and everyone who call him or herself Americans and stop acting like Obama is some stupid fool like yourself .God help all you Republicans

Most democrates have never even met anyone who makes $200,000 per year. However, because of Operation Chaos I am sure there will be those who falt Obama for this. You got to give it to Rush, there may have been a delayed reaction, but without unity chaos will prevail.

To No more

No Obama wont help them, I will help them. I find it crazy that people like you think that since high gas prices or food dont affect me that it should. It does affect me as well…… His tax plan is awful, so when I get my raise next year its gone to help individuals who cant pay there mortage, are lazy etc…..

Explain to me why I went above and beyond to provide a better life for MY FAMILY, when soon Hussein is going to take I am not kidding half my check. This is socialism I dont care what anyone says…. Not to mention 300K a year living in Boston is by no means rich.

CNN Sorry I am not for Obama can you please post this

No more fighting

No Obama wont help them, I will help them. I find it crazy that people like you think that since high gas prices or food dont affect me that it should. It does affect me as well…… His tax plan is awful, so when I get my raise next year its gone to help individuals who cant pay there mortage, are lazy etc…..

Explain to me why I went above and beyond to provide a better life for MY FAMILY, when soon Hussein is going to take I am not kidding half my check. This is socialism I dont care what anyone says…. Not to mention 300K a year living in Boston is by no means rich.

I cant wait for the poor to get poorer and us rich to get richer…….We have allways found ways around taxes and this time will be no exception. Good luck paying for food and gas when they keep going up and your taxes do as well.

Also, as a business owner I will let people go who are non essential to save money. The days of hiring to help people out will be finished, especially the young generation who vote for people like Obama with out knowing the consequense

Listen, Less than one percent of the American public makeshe over 250 000, per year. Keep that in perspective. To solve the money issues, they need to get the money, why not from the well off?

Well, let's see now. Under the republicans, people making over $250,000 a year have lower taxes, but at what cost to the rest of us? Can we please stop focusing on our own personal pocketbooks and look at the bigger picture here.

I tell you that we truly get what we deserve when we vote for a president based on one issue! Let's look at the whole picture here and at what is best for our country. You people who profess to love this country so much would sell us down the river if it means you can get lower gas prices or a bigger tax break! Get Real America! Stop the INSANITY! We have an economy in shambles, a war that continues to claim the lives of our brave young men and women, and all some of you can think about is electing a president who will lower your tax burden if you make over $250,000 year?

It is not surprising to see where we are today when we have Americans who just don't understand what is at stake in this election! WAKE UP!

Listen less that one percent of the american public makes over 250 000 per year. Keep that in perspeictive.

I"m tired of people talkin about experience. Where has Bush's experience taken us; foreclosures, wars, high gas prices, etc. What did Hillary's experience take her; 22 MILLION dollars in debt during the PRIMARY season. If that's the kind of experience you all are talking about i'll put my chips with the Junior Senator from illinois.

Go democrats

You know we wouldn't need to raise taxes at all, rich or poor, if we only cut down on wasteful spending! But you really can't expect that from Obama, a great critic of the war in Iraq who despite all his rhetoric voted FOR continued funding of this biggest taxpayer money sinkhole of them all!

No more fighting,

No Obama wont help them, I will help them. I find it crazy that people like you think that since high gas prices or food dont affect me that it should. It does affect me as well…… His tax plan is awful, so when I get my raise next year its gone to help individuals who cant pay there mortage, are lazy etc…..

Explain to me why I went above and beyond to provide a better life for MY FAMILY, when soon Hussein is going to take I am not kidding half my check. This is socialism I dont care what anyone says…. Not to mention 300K a year living in Boston is by no means rich.

People that make over 200,000 dollars a year can pay more and taxes and they should why tax people that make 25,000 a year and not make people that make alot more than that pay more it is just Common sense that people with more money shoud have to pay more so the people with less can lighten there burden

Will people please get the facts. Everyone thinks that they will pay more taxes, because it is just easier than finding out the facts. This very website, a couple a weeks ago listed each basic tax bracket and what they stood to save. Every income tax bracket below $250,000 saved more money with Obama. However I should point out that the 'other tax plan' did save everyone money. Like those that earn less than 19,000, they stood to save $12-$19 under McCain, and $2,000+ with Obama. In some case the differences were negligable, though it did favor Obama on everyone making less than $250,000. So Gary and Willy only need to check their facts, but why expect that from anyone when it is so much easier to believe the hype.

Thank god I have a good accountant to show me how to avoid paying that much in taxes……I do make over 250K a year and paying 5k to my a ccountant to find loop holes is the best money I could ever spend.

Sorry lib's if I had to work for it you need to work for it….. I pay a little more under Obama but I should actually should thank him for understanding how many more tax loop holes are out there.

When all is said and done you will still be broke and I will still have plenty of money for food and gas for my big Cadi SUV.

Heck, I may even hire one of you $6.00 an hour some day

I don't mind taxes. This country is plenty rich enough to handle taxes. (so you don't get to use your SUV to drive ONE block down the street, and your spoiled kid doesn't get a new video console every month)

It is wasteful, unnecessery SPENDING that needs to be stopped! And exactly what can you expect from the spendocrats about that? Clue: Obama has himself voted FOR continued funding of the Iraq War. So much for change…

Vote Ron Paul! Change you can TRUST in!

It simple to me if you make under $200,000 you will see more money in your pocket, especially the lower income. If you make over $200,00 you will pay more taxes. Plus this will help to save social security.

chipster hit it right on the head. We demand services from the goverment and how do you think the government is going to pay for those services. Has everyone forgotten about our failing social security system, under paid teachers, police, firedepatment, etc,. We as a country have been falling behind the rest of the world as far as taking care of our citizens. We pay outrageous amounts for medical. Wake up and smell the roses people. Quit complaining about a paying a little more tax and think about what can be done with that money. At least Obama will not be throwing it away like the Bush administration has or like McCain will.

Obama 08

All these people complaining here must make over $200,000 a year, right? Did you even read the article? And if you don't make that much money in a year – you do know that you're taxes are actually going to go DOWN, right?? Don't believe the rich bastards who are complaining because they might actually have a tax rise and have to actually HELP people for a change instead of just taking from them.

Obama is a good man and understands that some people weren't born into families with social connections.

Shut up rich people, just because you have more money, doesn't make you better people. Get a conscience!

My wife and I are likely to pay more taxes under a Democratic White House.

And you know what? We should. The US has among the lowest taxation rate of any developed country, and yet we still have all these idiots saying we're paying way too much. But if the roads start getting crappy or the flood control projects aren't funded, guess who's first in line to complain? You can't get these services for nothing, people.

Granted, the government could be run better and more efficiently so that our tax money could go further. And frankly, I believe the Democrats are better at that than the Republicans, who want to build Bridges to Nowhere and give no-bid contracts to their pals in industry.

Hmm…let's see. Continue a useless war at millions of dollars a minute while the richest get richer and the poor are left to fend for themselves with gas and food prices skyrocketing…

Or end the useless war, ask more of all Americans, and make life better for our veterans, our low-income working families, single moms, and the undereducated poor.

Pretty easy choice, it seems.
Yes we can!

Seems like the only ones screaming on this blog are the 200,000 and over Republicans. Just shut up and pay your fair amount of taxes

Once again a liberal commits to the marriage tax. Why marry and go into a higher tax bracket at 250K when you can cohabitate and stay in the lower bracket until 400K? It's the same McGovern/Carter strategy all over again!

I make less than $200K but If it will help put my country back on the right path….he can raise my taxes too! We can begin by paying down the national dept. and repairing our infrastructure.

Gary- sorry you are wrong. How would you be poorer most of tax money is going to the Iraq war and depressing the economy. OB is not going to let the economy worsen. By the way you much be really rich if you make over 250,000 combined income, so you don't have to worry about higher taxes because you have enough money to pay in taxes.

You need to start paying now or your children's children's children's children's children, I think you get it. Not to mention 100 years in Iraq

As a supporter I hope the closer we get to November the better shaped up this plan will be once he actually gets to sit down with people who are proficent in the tax area. Right now as a single individual with no dependents I"m getting slammed with taxes under the so-called-Bush tax cuts…I just wish someone would find a better solution

It does tick me off when people think that those who make $200K and above DESERVE to be taxed. What did those people do to get to that level? Sure some of them maybe fell into a great situation without much effort. And others, I say most of them, worked hard. Saved money. Made reasonable purchases. Made difficult choices to move ahead. Invested money instead of buying things they couldn't afford. Made frugal choices to plan for the future. And for this they DESERVE to be taxed more? Interesting…

Let's not forget, those people use the public systems to get to where they are now. It's not a bad idea to tax them a bit more.

The more money you have the easier it is to make more money. While this is a great system for a growing economy, there is a tipping point where it become difficult for people below that line to contribute to the economy. Then they become a burden to the system. That's what has happened under Bush. The economy has tilted towards one end, and it's much harder for the low income people to make it.

His tax plan tries to make it an even playing field. That is ultimatly good for the economy.

The wealthy, traditionally, pay more from payday to payday; however, they get a lot of it back on April 15.

Having the wealthy pay their fair share would be a great start. Eliminating the ridiculous level of tax shelters and loopholes is what really needs to be done!

Does Obama not understand that jobs will be lost if the wealthy is taxed more. They are the people who invest and create jobs.

First of all, all people are NOT taxed evenly or fairly. Out of their average incomes of nearly $174 million, under the Bush tax cuts the top 400 taxpayers would have paid the government 17.5% in income, Social Security and Medicare taxes. For people who make $100,000 to $200,000, the tax burden is much higher at 20.6%. And you know what? I know that at my measly $45k salary, my share in the tax pie is 25% and rising. So, anyone that want’s to complain about Obama’s plan to start taxing the crazy rich more is either crazy rich and greedy or stupid. What a lot of people don’t realize is where all of these taxes actually go. Most go to pay subsidies as corporate welfare, benefiting those in that top 400 of already crazy rich taxpayers. When, really, where it all should be going is to public services such as public education, after-school programs, maintaining our crumbling infrastructure, energy initiatives and health care. If these areas of public services were getting the attention and financing that they used to, before the Regan era, there would be a chance for people out side of that top 400 to better themselves and not have to sit around waiting for government handouts. This is the goal of Obama’s tax plan. This is the goal of his presidency.

I made 12k last year I am safe I can't get any poorer.

i have one question how many people make 200,000 plus?
most of america don't so why are most of the people making under the cap complaining? it just simple means if you make the averag" 30 to 75 grand " you'll get a tax break duh!!!!

unfortunately bush decided to start a war and give tax cuts he could not afford. now we are broke, and it's too bad people want to blame obama for trying to show some fiscal conservatism and and balance the budget. something i always expected from the republicans….

If you make over $200,000 a year and you get taxed an extra 5% Gary, you are a moron if you become poor. Don't hide your racism behind a bad argument. People will see right through that. That goes for everyone.

gary June 27th, 2008 9:15 am ET

IF O.B. GETS ELECTED WE ALL WILL BE POOR AND IN WORST SHAPE.

——————————————————

However, the educational system will be better and you can learn correct grammar.

"…..AND IN WORST SHAPE"

My view is that we are all created equal in America-I think we can pay some of our money to help those in our own country who are less fortunate. I would rather my hard earned money go to help Americans who need it then to have my hard earned money going billions of dollars in debt for a war that none of us want. There are only two choices here. We pay and help Americans or we pay and help Bush and McBush. Let your conscious lead you

I'm not thrilled about the potential for a tax increase, but I'm also not excited about our runaway debt under the current GOP spending model. The declining dollar fueled by our need for foreign investment hurts me and my children. Maybe I should just pay a little more now instead of leveraging the future with debt. I'm getting a better idea why we have such a low savings rate: no one can live within their means … especially the government.

Obviously Bush's tax cuts that benefited the wealthiest of americans disproportionately has really been great for our economy. I know all of that invested in our country because of those tax breaks created lots of new jobs.

with the bush "tax cuts" the wealthy got the break, it's time for them pay up.

Trickle down economics…skim off the top taxes…

One ideology creates private sector jobs–the other ideology creates public sector jobs.

Who cares really–will anything change for the average worker except that there will probably be extended unemployment and some government funded job retraining (of course only in large metro areas) so when our bosses cut us loose to shave costs (and retain profit) because of the increased taxes–those taxes will have paid for a dandy (not) safety net.

No wonder so many former Demo-hypocrites and Repugnikans have joined the Libertarian Party.

Big deal, I can afford the higher taxes because my Social Security has already capped out in June and most of my investments are sheltered.

In fact, I wish they would lift the cap on Social Security. It just seems like it is all the little people complaining about the taxes, we on the other hand can afford not only to pay them but will still come out ahead of the game.

I don't think I deserve to be penalized because I have spent my life going to school and working hard. I came from a very modest family to make something of myself so why should I have to pay more for the same services others use. Do I use them more? Hmmmm

Penalizing those who work for themselves to support those who don't care enough about their lives to find a job…GO SOCIALISM!!

The American Dream is NOT "what can the government give me" but "if I put my mind to it, the possibilities are endless." I'm not at all interested in spending any more of my money (by force) on people who don't care about themselves enough to find work.

Don't be so blind to what is happening folks! Our government will have to raise revenues from taxes somehow to pay for the ump-teen million boomers that are beginning to retire and apply for social security and medicare…let alone repair the crumbling infrastructure of this country. Did I mention research funds for renewable energy sources? Obama is the only candidate with the plan and intellect to do this. We have no choice but to raise taxes on big corporations and those making over $200,000/year. And by the way, energy independence is completely dependent on researching alternative energy sources. Oil and coal are going, going, nearly gone. Electing McCain will continue the failed policies of BUSH and we will keep spiraling out of control toward a very unattractive fate.

Socialism is not the change this country needs.

Obama is a socialist!

Mike June 27th, 2008 9:18 am ET

I only wish I had that kind of money. I haven't made that much in 24 years combine

That is not anyone's fault except yours.

Hey all you public school graduates! Do the math.

According to the IRS, there are about 93 million Americans that make $50,000 or less. There are just 2 million Americans who make $200,000 or more. Last year our federal deficit was $450 billion.

YOU COULD TAKE $200,000 EACH FROM THE TOP 2 MILLION PEOPLE, AND STILL NOT GET THE FEDERAL BUDGET INTO POSITIVE TERRITORY.

That is with what we are spending now. With the big promising free spending generosity of a new administration coming online in January — who knows where we will be next year.

One thing you can count on for sure. THE REST OF US will all get to pay more taxes.

This is not fair. Even people who make up to 300k have enough to provide better education to their kids, able to pay high gas prices, go for vacation once a year with the family, save little for retirement. These people are not living lavish life style. Why should they pay more? They are making more because they are working hard. They finished their education. They waited to have kids so that they are able to provide good future to thier kids. This is plain wrong. I am democrat and I don't agree with Obama's plan tax people higher who have worked hard in their life. I will not vote for him based on that.

If he makes it limit up to million and up then I will consider voting for him.

The American people can either pay our own way or mortgage our childrens' future to China, etc. It's that simple. If I earned 200k a year I'd be willing to pay more in taxes to see more of our citizens have affordable health care, more money invested in renewable energy exploration, better schools with higher paid teachers. "To whom much is given, much is required." Oh wait, the difference between so called liberals and conservatives is that conservatives believe they have "earned" everything they have. Most so-called liberals believe "there, but for the grace of God, go I".

CNNMONEY: What Obama means by tax the wealthy

Notice the title……so are you speaking for Obama now, CNN? You fight his battles and make his arguments – how thoughtful of you! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that you are like a crazed fan salivating over a rock star. Just look at the "Categories" section of your website:

Barrack Obama (1840)
John McCain (986)

It looks as though you've published twice as many articles about Obama as you have McCain. No favoritism there, huh CNN? And, yes, I am being facetious.

We are in the over $250,000/yr bracket. We have no problem paying more tax. When we get out of Iraq, my tax dollars will go to fund things that I don't mind paying for–like education and infrastructure rebuilding which will create thousands of new jobs.

Most in this bracket have enough money to make some widely diversified investments. When the economy improves, the investment income will more than offset the additional tax. Obama's plan will lower taxes on 85% of the population.

To all of the Obama Bashers above!

Please STOP TRYING TO SCARE people! Barack said that he will be raising taxes on those who earn over $200,000 or $250,000, and that is exactly what HE WILL DO! SO STOP WITH THE SCARE-MONGERING!

Barack also said that he WILL BE HANDING OUT all kinds of TAX RELIEF FOR THOSE LOWER INCOME PEOPLE! He also said that HE WILL be handing out $4,000 dollars each year in STUDENT RELIEF to those students who GIVE BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITY!

By the way, here in CANADA we have the option of filing SEPARATE TAX RETURNS, and I know that this option is also available in the us.
so those couples who make combined income of $200,000 or $250,000 plus, can always file SEPARATE TAX RETURNS! Furthermore Barack's income tax policies are waaaaaaaaaay ahead of McCain's. McCain will keep handing out the huge tax cuts to Large Corporations and Big Money Makers, like CINDY.

Please folks you must start thinking responsibly, don't let these naysayers pull the wool over your eyes! Please don't let these REPUBLICANS who are dressed in DEMOCRATS CLOTHING scare you. You are not gullible, you CAN THINK FOR YOURSELVES, just keep listening to Barack's policies, and educate yourselves on the truth and facts of said policies, in that way you will not be buying into scare tactics!

Since 2000:
My property taxes have increased 110% because federal funding to the states have been cut.
Gas prices have gone up 275%.
My electric bill is up 160%
My water bill is up 220%

Oh, but my federal income taxes are down 3%. I want to thank the GOP for saving me $4500 a year on my federal taxes but increasing my other expenses by over $20,000 a year.

So I want to thank the Republicans for exchanging my tax savings into exponential corporate profit and the degradation of local government.

Facism you can believe in!!!

Worst idea
They already pay a larger % of there earnings to the government. And they make up the largest part of the economy. You thought the economy was doing bad now.
For the last year our economy has been doing poorly. When did the democrats take control of the house and senate?

Average Americans will pay LESS in taxes under Obama. Dont believe the lies and twisted facts spread by the greedy. They just want to keep more money for themselves while the average people foot the bill.

Get real, if we want to win the war it cost $$$. People want to win the war, but no one want to pay the $$$.

I wish we could simply put a check box on our tax form that you either pay $5,000 (or more) and we stay int he war and win, or you dont. Then the majority rules.

Everyoen want to stay the course, win the war, but no one wants to pay….168 billion approved for the war yesterday.. that' s $320,000 an hour! Yes thats the facts. So we get out, or start paying!!!

I am in a higher tax bracket, but I support Obama. I honestly think we need to look at the bigger picture here – meaning our economy and global warming! The money gained from removing tax breaks to higher income Americans (by Bush) is supposed to be used to invest in Health Care, Alternative Energy, and improving our education system. I say that is a great investment and one we MUST make as a nation now to stay competitive in a global market. Everyone will benefit (including higher income Americans) if the money is invested properly. We also have to keep him accountable if he is elected! If it is not used for those purposes, then he should not be elected to a second term.

If anyone really believes that trickle down economics still works…the idea that you just give lots of breaks to the rich and it will help the little guy…great..vote for Johnny Macsame…(ask the ceo of Bear Stearns he loves it) we've had 8 years of that..and if your better off today than you were during the Clinton years..by all means vote republican…Me I make way less than 200,000 a year..and I'll be voting OBAMA…THE LAST 8 years have seen the biggest growth in the divide between the rich and the poor in this country's history. 5% of the population controls most of the wealth of this country. If thinking thats wrong makes me a Socialists (it doesn't but thats what the Wingnuts will tell you) than so be it. Don't let them tell you the Dems are communists, just because they believe society should be measured on how well we treat the people on the bottom instead of how cushy we make it for thost at the top.
Turn off the talk radio and think for youreslf.

Everyone will be taxed more, it may not come across in the income tax but the government will get there share (certainly not fair). Until the government starts spending what they already have well, I'm not inclined to want them to take more. Why do people actually think the answer to our social problems are always solved by giving the government more money? Do they have a solid track record?

And the comment about people making over $250k a year don't feel the burden of high gas prices. A lot of these people are small business owners and the gas is effecting their business which in turn affects how many people they hire and what their wage is. Please people THINK! This isn't a difficult concept to grasp.

Did you all know that only the first 100k of any american's salary is put into social security?
So all the millionaires and billionaires in America are paying about the same amount to it as just about everybody else.
Can any one see why social security is going bankrupt?
If anyone cares about the system they should look into it instead of privatizing it and sending us all to Vegas to procure retirement!

-Sue-

Well, now a days most Americans don’t make over 250,000 so we would welcome the change. Clearly you are benefiting from the current "tax the poor, tax cuts for the wealthy" policy the cheney/bush administration currently has in place. In that case who really cares what some greedy old republican has to say. You’re a minority and will LOSE this Nov.

Amazing how some people think. I for one want to remain free and if that means paying a few more dollars to keep that freedom then so be it. Believe me, I am in the low to middle tax bracket and every penny counts. However, it is sad that we have to borrow billions of dollars to pay for things (such as the war) when we are suppose to be the richest nation in the world. If anyone believes that McCain will not raise taxes, then they need to get their head out of the sand. We are already in major debt with other countries and he talks about all these things he wants to do…..Where do you think he is going to get the money?????

You people that make above $250,000 in income are greedy cry babyies.

CNN = always wrong, although taxes for people making 250k+ will go up by a couple of thousand dollars, the real difference will be from people making 700k+. Check the business week article about it if you really want a news source that knows what they are talking about.

I don't make a lot of money – under $45,000 per year and I can't keep up with my own bills because of taxes…. If I were to get more money in my pocket I would be one happy person. I live from paycheck to paycheck and welcome Obama reducing my taxes…. yes yes… that would be a good thing.

At least he has a plan all McCain does is to take a Nap during the Weekends might as well run for President of Daydreamers.

Get real folks, the economy effects everyone…………200-250K really isn't that much. If you work hard to succeed, why should you have to pay for the slacker that doesn't go to school, drops out, has too many kids to pay for (they made the choice to have them) and won't leave their precious 'home town' way of life to better their own circumstances? I say a flat tax is the way to go……..everyone pays 20% or 25% of their income every year.

As someone who is very close to that amount and recognizing the fact that I am reaping some portion of the American dream I see no reason why I can't help my country and those who have been less fortunate than myself. It is just greed and selfishness that would spark someone to complain about giving a few more dollars out of their $200,000+ dollar income to help those that make 25% or less than what I make and can't take care of their family due to the horrible economic environment. After all, any person smart with their money knows that they can find tons of write offs and proper investments to save even more. Though the % may be the same for some the true value is not. 30% of my income does not carry the same weight as 30% of the income for a family struggling to get by (most blue collar families). That is unless you make a habit of living dangerously close to or outside of your means.

i think it's time for the FAIRTAX!

There is no reason my my income should be taxed at a higher rate that someone making more than me or less than me. Discard the AMT, establish a single income tax rate, and remove most of the available deductions and you will begin to see everyone paying their "fair" share in taxes. The super rich won't have all the loopholes currently available to them to avoid paying taxes, meaning they will pay more. That increase in tax revenue would mean the majority of tax payers would find their percentage rates dropping. So more revenue at lower tax rates is a good thing. Why Obama and McCain can't grasp that is beyond me.

Most of you folks complaining on this blog have little to no real idea what it's like to be poor. I mean really poor in America.
And by the way, those of us who don't make 250K plus are not all uneducated underachievers. Remember, teachers, police officers, firefighters, etc. typically make somewhere between 30 and 60K in this country. These are the folks who teach your children (That is if their not in some private school somewhere), fight crime and save us from burning buildings.

Net, net, most college grads (i.e., well educated people) in this country make far less then 250K annually, regardless of their profession.

You all need to GROW UP. WE have been paying the lion's share of taxes in this country for long enough. This last 8 years has nearly distroyed the average American and all you do is whin about the prospect of being asked to pay your fair share AGAIN FINALLY…

How are we supposed to pay for the mess were are in print more money? Or should we mortage the country to China or the highest bidder. Wake up people, do you think McCain would not have to raise taxes. At least you're getting the truth up front, rather than another read my lips speech then tax raised through the back door.

ummm, people. If we don't pay taxes you can kiss our country's infrastructure goodbye. Grow up and realize that taxes pay much more that just for our government…highways, schools, police, firefighters, etc….

This makes sense. High-income filers benefit disproportionately from the system our tax dollars support.

They should pay in proportion to the benefit they take from the system.

Long overdue.

I'm more concern about my safety and that of my family and of the planet; than I'm of higher "taxes" on the rich………………………..it's harder for them to get to Heaven, than for me……………………………….

I made 26,000 for the year and I had to pay the feds I claimed 1 exemption I don't think that was fair at all, I don't have money to give them. Personally I think, you are taxed EVERY TIME you buy something or walk into a store, and they take taxes out of your paycheck before you even get paid like they worked for it, It wouldn't suprise me if they start taxing us to breathe and THEN at the end of the year they want more money, you still owe them something this country is UNREAL sometime. If I made the money I would not have any problems paying more taxes so the little person could breathe.

"McCain says it really isn't important when our troops come home from Iraq."

Chipster, you do realize that quote-mining is, in itself, arrogant?

Ginger,

If everyone was given a fair shot to attain goals in this society, do you think there would be poor people? Tell me why public schools in more affluent areas score better on standardized tests. Tell me why they always have better textbooks and teachers. Aren't they funded with the same money?

Alot of people are poor because of circumstance, not because of a lack of drive, and they should not have to pay the same taxes as a person who makes 400K per year.

Actually, when income taxes were introduced, they were intended to be paid by corporations, not citizens. Guess the loopholes allowed too much money to escape so how do we continue to run the government and keep the fat cats happy? Let's tax the poor!

Every News organization always has to explain what BARACK OBAMA means …nobody ever had to do that when Hillary gave a speech or her husband Bill. Living in New York or California and making 250,000 a year as a couple is not alot…I know someone living in SC or Iowa this may seem like a huge upper income to them…BUT look at real estate in Iowa you can get a 4000 sq foot home for about 300,000 that same home in California will cost you MILLIONS so wake up America none of these nominees are good for our country …I am a life long Democrat who is dissappointed with both candidates….I have lived in CT,SC,TX and now IL….CHICAGOLAND area is outrageous for TAXES…Barack needs to come home and work on lowering IL taxes and making CHICAGO a safe place…CRIME is up in Chicago …look at what Hillary ,Shumer and Bloomberg did for NY…crime is down….DALY,Durbin and Obama have done nothing for Chicago…is this how he is going to run our country?????

In 2006 the average income of Americans were $48,200.
Whites average $50,700
Asians average $64,200
Non-Hispanics whites averge $52,400
Hispanics average $37,800
Blacks average $32,000

The average household that has a B.S degree or higher averages $73,000.

So the regardless of race or education most Americans will not be taxed, and the people who are taxed will help their fellow Americans.

Why should successful hard-working Americans be taxed more to cover services to those who just want a hand-out??

The unions have been the successful force in all manufacturing jobs going over-seas. They wanted $35/hour to push a button or put part A into Part B. Thus, they over-priced themselves and now they want govt support. They should be outlawed from existing.

And no the the mortgage bail-out. If lenders were stupid enough to finance homes for people who should have never qualified in the first place and those people bought into escalating mortgages they knew they would not be able to pay in the future – well TOO BAD!!!

These are type of people that move off, trash their property and leave their poor pets locked inside the house to die – Just plain Evil but the Govt wants to bail them out – no thank you!!!

Obamanomics will break this country!!!!

McCain in 2008

Money in American pockets equals good economy. Less money in American pockets equals less good economy. That is just plain common sense.

I am scared of Barack Hussein Obama. He will ruin this country and the world.

Obama's plan will lower taxes on most Americans. Only the wealthy will have theirs increase. I'm amazed that so many rich people have time to write comments on this site instead of being out there working hard and using their educations to support themselves and their families.

This country prints “In God We Trust” on everything they can, why not trust God’s way and just tax everyone 10% on their income. If it’s good enough for God in tithes its good enough for the US Government.

I would vote for the candidate who wants federal and state taxes for everyone to be 10% of income.

I am one of those who make in the $200K range. I come from a poor rural background and paid my own way to college. I work hard and was never handed anything. Why would I pay more tax that anyone else to sustain entitlement Programs? This is a Robinhood mentality that tries to portrait people who make ggod money as the bad guys. Or perhapos it is socialism.
If they want to be fair, just put a flat tax on consumption. I will stil be paying more tax than the average American but at least, it will be my choice to consume or not.

Kirk

Wow! How would these people who make $200k+ be able to afford the guns the Supreme Court has entitled them to if Obama's plan does through? They'll have hire more illegal workers to make up for their lost income! What has happened to the American Dream?

YES PLEASE!! Tax the wealthy, not regular Americans!!!! Let's use alittle common sense here!

99 pecent of people posting here don't make over 200k. Clearly the rich will do whatever they can to make you fear that you will be taxed more under Obama but thats simply not what he is planning.
reading and comprehension are fundamentally important.

I still don't understand why I have to be penalized for getting myself an education, being succesful and earning more than $200K? I have to pay more taxes so that a stay-at-home mom with six kids can receive her welfare check? This is "leveling the playing field"…sounds like communism to me. A distraught Democrat in Florida…

You are right on Target "No more fighting". Lot of people think that Obama is raising every ones taxes. But the truth he is raising taxes only the people who make more than 250k which is 3% of the US population. So I think it's fair. I do support welfare system but I hate to see people don't want to work but get welfare check. I work hard to make my $. People on welfare should try to find work, we shouldn't provide free meal for life to them, if they are not handicap.

I don't understand how there can be so many people claiming they were economically troubled during the Clinton years. Unemployment was at an all time low, the dollar was strong, gas was cheap, intrest rates made investing possible for average Americans. Sounds like a case of getting your news, education, and ideology from an entertainer rather then facts. Under Clinton, the government had a surpluss! That is conservativism: saving money not spending it.

To those over the $200,000 tax level, do you really think that you do not use government services? Was your higher education earned at a public university? Do you drive on interstate highways and expect protection from civil servants? Just because you don't ask for Medicaid or Social Security Disability doesn't mean that you don't want "government handouts." Please use your higher education to think openly and not just from the viewpoint of your checkbook.

"If you stupidly think you will not pay more taxes under Obama, you really need to get your head out of the sand."

Sue, if you stupidly think we can continue to run up huge deficits and fund a costly war without paying a heavy price in the future, YOU need to pull YOUR head out of the sand. Why is it so radical to ask those at the very top of the income scale to pay a little more in the name of fairness and fiscal responsibility? We shouldn't go overboard in soaking the rich, but they will survive a little dunk or 2. Spare me the violins please.

You know what, if you love this country, and you feel that the country is headed in the wrong direction. You shouldn't have a problem being taxed. If the country needs to raise my taxes to help get this country back on track, then I'm all for it. Remember those great words, "ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country" I love this country…tax me if you have to…

As long as the rich ones pay the same prizes for bread and gas a higher taxation on them is only fair.

So tax the people that worked hard to get to where they are now making more then $200,000 a year. How dare they make that much money. Take it and give it to those that don't want to improve their lives and you can bet that no one will try to make that kind of money again. It would be better to take the money from the wealthy and give it to those that don't care to work for it, that will keep people from trying to do such a horrible thing as make over $200,000 a year. They should be ashame of themselves.

If I was making that kind of money, I'd be glad to pay those kinds of taxes…I'd still have more than I do now.
At least they can afford to put gas in their cars.

This article should mention that Obama plans to CUT taxes for Americans making under $75K, no taxes for senior citizens living on Social Security under $50K, and eliminate capital-gains taxes for small businesses. This seems to be smart policy for Americans who need relief in a struggling economy.

In theory, taxing the rich sounds like a good idea but looking at everything Obama is proposing, there is no way additional taxes from the rich will cover it all. Plus, if Obama delivers on everything he is promising, the additional taxes from the rich will be needed to offset other taxes that won't be collected. I read on Obama's website that under his plan, an additional 10 million people won't have to pay any taxes. As it is, not enough people are paying.

I'm just curious as to where he is going to get the money from for everything he intends to do. I hope he's not counting on the money currently being spent on the war to finance his pet projects.

I think that that is a great policy. A single filer making over $200k annually and/or a couple making over $250k annually can and should pay a higher percentage of tax because their incomes are higher. The average American family has an annual income of $75k and a large portion of the population makes less than that. It is so interesting and sad to hear affluent individuals complain and worry about paying taxes especially since they have higher disposable incomes in the first place.

NOBAMA reminds me of the cartoon "Little Bill," someone trying to learn lifes lessons as they go along.

"Little Bill" appears to have a higher I.Q. however.

Barry is fakin it while tryin to make it.

More garbage on Barry and Hillary will take her rightful place.

Remember, she simply "suspended" her campaign.

This is the only way America can stop its industrial and infrastructure decay. Going on with McCain there is only a "money infrastructure" for the rich. The strong shoulders should carry the weaker guys !

CHIPSTER
YOU ARE RIGHT ON

It is safe for Obama to state his position on raising taxes on couples earning more than $250,000. He knows that such a proposal would never survive congress.

Tax the wealthy and spare the poor……a modern day Robin Hood.

It's time they step up and help out and give back after the Bush tax cuts that they got, trust me they won't go broke nor will they be eating from the bottom of the barrel nor will they be in the food stamp line or asking for general relief from welfare.

Why does the government think they own us? I believe we all pay enough taxes. The problem is where are these taxes going? (Haliburton?) How are our taxes being utilized (paying $1,000 for a hammer?) and why can no one in Washington DC seem to be able to manager our money? Enough already! Use what you have. Live within a budget (that's what we ordinary citizens must do) and stop taxing us to death! It's not your money, it's the people's.

Mike,
you'd make $250,000 at minimum wage after 24 years. Are you employed?

It's about TIME the wealthy start paying MORE and stop getting ALL the tax breaks when most Americans are "following the rules and working hard" and getting taxed the MOST!!! What kinda of KA-KA is this?

I'm ALL for taxing the WEALTHY…they have been given the MOST FREE RIDES compared to the average Joe Smith, and it's NOT fair.

TAX THE WEALTHY, SOUNDS GOOD TO ME.

Mike June 27th, 2008 9:18 am ET

I only wish I had that kind of money. I haven't made that much in 24 years combined.

———————————
And who's fault is that Mike? That means you make less than 10K per year. Maybe you should better yourself and get out of job that pays less than $5 per hour. I have no pitty on you.

Taxing those who strive to acheive the American dream is…UN-AMERICAN!

"POOR AND IN WORST SHAPE."

First of all it's worse… and turn off your caps lock. We are all $ 4 trillion poorer thanks to GWB and his cronies. Take a look at the national debt.

That you get taxed more to pay for it all… TOO BAD… stop spending it on unnecessary war.

That seems fair to me!

i do not feel sorry for rich people quit crying . how many steak's can you eat in one week.

we are paying less in taxes, yet we can't find jobs
we are losing our mortgages
we are paying more in gas prices
foods prices are skyrocketing
jobs are being shipped overseas

all under the economic watch of GDubya!

If you dont have a job, how can you pay less in taxes???

that John McBush for you!!!!!!!

Yes we can…..

Stop these tax cuts to the wealthy. Most of them don't earn more than $200,000 a year.

We have been out of balance far too long. Do some of these bloggers grasp the meaning of deficit spending? Most of them won't even be affected except when receiving a TAX CREDIT helping the real workers.

IF I made more than a quarter of a million dollars each year, I wouldn't mind paying more taxes.

I find it interesting that the folks complaining the most are the folks who make less than 100,000 dollars each year. These are the same folks that want a President to continue sticking it to them.

Well, I rather be a tax and spend democrat than a borrow and stiff our children with the bill republican.

We need to stop thinking just about ourselves and start thinking 3 & 4 generation ahead.

Obama knows what it's like to be poor, none of the other candidates do. He truly has our best interest in mind and the experience of the true American Dream to guide him!

Do not be fooled! Obama will raise taxes on EVERYONE to pay for his social programs.

we all complain about the economy, not having health care, the condition of our schools, social security, and on and on and on…well after the mess the repubs have gotten us in how do you think we are going to fix it? i hate the idea of higher taxes just like any hard working American, but i hate more the reality of the educational system in this country, the crime here, i hate more the idea that the money from SS will be gone. we have to pay for the rrepubs screw up….McCain is no different from Bush.
the tax codes as McCain describes them are suited fro the wealthy.
its not going to be easy getting out of the MESS Bush/Chaney have gotten us in…it will take a while for President Obama to correct the crimes of the current administration.

All these Obama-haters just lack knowledge and spine. Raising taxes on the wealthy is a good way to start recovering the money that Bush let slip away under his tax cuts for wealthy.

That Bush tax cut combined with a war on terror has got to be the dumbest policy moves in the last 50 years! You don't throw the gauntlet down at Syria, North Korea, Iraq and now Iran without a military and economic plan to back it up.

When Bush took office in Feb. 2001, the price of oil was $27 per barrel and the national debt was ~$5 trillion. Now the price of oil is hovering around $140 per barrel and our national debt is ~$9 trillion and going up!

Higher taxes for those who keep the economy humming, great idea, especially now! YES WE CAN! (Become the next 3rd world country) YES WE CAN! (Become the next 3rd world country)

How many of you bloggers who post here make this amount of money ($250,000) annually …. Not one I'm sure ……..

Democrats 08!!!!!!!!!!

Down with the haters …

Sounds fair to me !! As the saying goes " The rich get richer..and the poor get poorer ". It is time for a more fairer system. With Obama as President ,we are on our way to a fair system for ALL Americans. GO OBAMA !!!

No. That's not true. Even if it is, a friend of mine made up to 175,000 dollars last year and only had a little over 1,000 tax return this yaer. She's married and still claimed single in her tax deduction column. I don't see what the difference is between what is obtainable now and when Obama higher tax kicks in. CNN should stop the fear mongering.

It's the same thing Gloria Borger did yesterday in her commentry. Obama had emphasized the need to be cautious about North Korea's destruction of it's nuclear program even before McCain said anything. But she quickly pointed out that Obama went straight to acclaim how diplomacy worked than expressing caution on North Korea's sincerity. If I didn't listen to both commentries I would have been inclined to believe what she said. What was so disappointing about this was Wolf Blitzer who had heard both candidates express their thoughts on the issue couldn't call her to order. Wolf had played the interview Bloomgerg television conducted with Obama which was he made the comments.

CNN should be objective in their reporting. It hasn't looked that way recently.

If you want your taxes down in eight years keep voting dem.quit voting for republican they always mess up the economy.

If higher taxes will result in a booming economy as it did in the nineties, I’m all for it. I will not vote for McCain this time around (although I voted for him in the 2000 Primary).

Don’t get me wrong I think McCain is an excellent Senator but he’s catered to much to the far right this year that I just can’t support the guy.

I live in Chicago and have been a fan of Obama since he was a Southside State Senator. After W, I’m skeptical to ever vote for a Republican again.

Socialism is such a bad word, liberals have started calling it "progressive". The are high on symbolism, not substance. If it quacks like a duck…

ok yeah and John McCain's non existant policies are definitely going to make this world a better place??? You people make me laugh. John is going to keep borrowing and borrowing money from foreign nations burying us further and further into debt! He wants to continue Bush's tax cuts to the wealthiest americans, money that we don't have! If you think for one minute that the flip flopper John McCain will not destroy this country by continuing Bush's stupid policies then you're insane! At least Obama has clear decisive plans on foreign policy and domestic policy. Why is it that I never hear McSame talk about domestic policy in detail? It's because he doesn't have one! He thinks everything is fine just the way it is. He thinks our trade agreements are fine just the way they are! He could care less about the american worker. He's just another Repug trying to lie his way into the White House.

I have a college degree and so does my husband. We have a house 2 cars and two kids. I consider myself an average American. Our salaries dont even come close to $200k/year. So naturally, the gas prices, food prices, and everything prices are hitting us very hard.

If you are making over 250k/year and are living sensibly within your means, paying a bit more in taxes shouldn't bother you. Don't be a spoiler, vote Obama to help out the regular folk of this nation.

I pay taxes on ALL MY INCOME. Those who make more should do the same.

Dirt = the people, Water = Money, The Planter = Society, the stalk and leaves = small buisness, bigger leaves = bigger buisness, the Flower = The richest of the rich. We have been watering the flower for too long. Time to water the dirt, put money in the peoples pockets, they then spend it in the buisnesses… The plant grows and thrives. Water the flower only and it is sure to die or not grow very well.

YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR. Look at the last 8 years.

Ginger, do you honestly believe the only possible incentive for low-income workers to get an education and a better paying job would be to benefit from lower taxes? That's not only ignorant, but also absurd. Why are you the only person who believes in the American dream? Low-income workers are just as likely as you are to want better for themselves just because they want better for themselves.

I don't know, maybe it's true that federal taxes have been lower since Dubya has been in office. But fees for every little thing have gone up to offset it, along with insurance costs, gas prices, food prices, etc. And services have gotten noticeably worse.
I've always felt that if your biggest problem is you think taxes are too high, it means you don't have a whole lot in your life to worry about.

We're close to the threshhold for which Obama is proposing additional taxes. I'm still voting for him. Call me a Socialist if you want, but we have a responsibility as high-income wage earners to help those less fortunate. For all of you who think only of yourself, remember…

"There but for the grace of God go I. "

I thinik that's fair. Why shouldn't people who make over 250K, in essence pay less taxes than us.

A recent comparison of McCain and Obama's tax plans by the Tax Policy Center showed that both candidates' plans would reduce taxes for everyone under 227k income, with Obama's reductions being much higher for those under 112k. Above 227k, McCain still gave tax cuts that grew substantially the higher you went. Obama's plan increased taxes by greater amounts than McCain's cuts. At the top of the scale, those making over 2.9M, McCain's plan cuts their taxes by 269k, Obama's raises them by 702k. At the bottom, under 38k, McCain's cuts are from $19-$113, Obama's are from $567-$892. Everyone knows where they fit on this scale. Decide for yourself which plan most benefits you.

Here's the choice, raise taxes now or raise taxes more later. The longer it's put off, the higher the taxes will have to be.

Or we could put our heads in the sand and pretend China will continue to support us. Meanwhile the dollar gets so worthless that a stick of gum costs 5 bucks.

Not only will we pay more taxes illegals will have drivers license and no border secruity. The jails will open up because he says some people are spending to much time in jail. This man is dangerous.

"The American way is to keep government out of private lives and let us keep the money we earn and pay only a small tax to support government operations."

Wow – a truly clueless American. Where the heck have YOU been the last 16 years?

If he actually increases these tax rates, I might as well apply for citizenship in the UAE and live in Dubai where you are not penalized for contributing. Why should I have to pay for other people's healthcare when all most do is eat McDonalds and not excercise to get diabetes….

No way.

Why stop there? I hear them rich folk are good eatin'…

Good. If a person cannot make a decent life for themselves and their families on $250k a year, then they are pathetic. And don't whine about the cost of living in a big city – every city has nice suburbs at a commutable distance that are affordable with that salary.

It's about time people in my salary bracket and up pay their fair share.

This is what Democrats consistently fail to understand: taxing the rich reduces their capital investment, in turn slowing business growth and thus job creation. Take a good look at France to see the effects of high taxes and bloated beaurocracies. Economics 101.

That being said, the real focos of the next president should be to eliminate the budget deficit. That is worthy of raising taxes.

Well thank God the rich will be paying more than me for a change.

If I had a job – and if I had that much coming in – I'd gladly pay a higher tax rate.

Watch all the wealthy republicans whine over this one.

Obama '08

Have you ever heard of the AMT? Alternative Minimum Tax. We have this system because after the wealthy finish with all their deductions, their tax liability is so low, the government had to put the AMT in place to make sure they pay something.

Most of them already know their minimum and they will always make sure they have the deductions, etc. to get there.

So, they won't see a change in their tax payments anyway!

His plan would tax the wealth to help the less wealthy. A progressive tax would help the majority of the country not further hurt the country. For those of you who doubt this…

Obama's plan is the exact opposite of Bush's/McCain and will have the opposite results—The country and the people will benefit !!!!

Republicans try to scare the uneducated with the higher taxes scare. What they don't realize is they are paying more out on a daily basis for groceries, gas, and all other daily needs. They don't realize that the republicans want the illegals here so they can cut the rich man's amount he has to pay his workers. The Republicans are for the rich. They will do anything to protect the rich man. People who can't see that are just ignorant.

Wake up America our tax system in this country is lower than a lot of prosperous countries. Taxing people that make over 100,000 per year, at a higher rate is the only way to go, these people should pay a tax comparable to what they are making. Warren Buffett said it best, and that was "When my secretary pays more taxes than I do or a billionaire, something is wrong with the tax system" The loophole for these big corporations also need to be closed. Obama isn't planning to raise taxes for people in lower brackets. Americans quit being sheep, and stop believing the Republicans, they are they reason this country is in the mess it's in.

There is a saying that "the wealth of the rich is laid up for the poor". If we ever want to move our economy, technology and innovation ahead for the 21st century, somebody will have to pay the cost. North Korea economy has suffered for many reasons including the fact that most of its currency was utilize on weapons and military, living theirselves vulnerable to what is happening today. I am all for a strong defense but not at the expense of a poor economy.

Do the research please, Obama cuts taxes for people making less than 200,000 a year. People that make less than that will actually pay less taxes than under McCains plan.

Doesn’t bother me any, my check is far from $200,000. Why did these folks get a tax break in the first place?

These are the same tax cuts under Bill Clinton. I'm all for it! GO OBAMA! GO DEMOCRATS!

Do you think the President or his administration eats your "well deserved money" for lunch or dinner? Asking for more and more federal services and support and after all claiming that communism comes closer. That is why the US are in this mess.

You people who think this sort of wealth redistribution is a good idea are absolutely insane. Period. Anyone who votes for ideas such as this votes for the ultimate death of America.

Relax, President Obama is only here to help you.

In Response to Hamp Carver who said "The American way is to keep government out of private lives and let us keep the money we earn and pay only a small tax to support government operations."

This foolish attitude is why the American infrastructure is in ruins. Why tens of millions of children go to school hungry. Why America has the worst health care in the modern world.

What you are saying is simply republican silliness, motivated solely by the desire to save the wealthy from again paying their share in taxes.

So a new found genius, Mike Kaplan, seems fit to point out that "a slightly progressive tax system" is "NOT" socialism. Explain to me why someone making $200k or more (which definitely is NOT me) should have to pay more in taxes. Why don't you just quote "From each according to his ability, to each according to his need." Just simply saying they should pay more because they can afford it is not good enough to use as a response. So is Obama's quest to increase captial gains taxes also part of your "slightly progressive tax system?" Let's take a roll call of all who are affected by the capital gains tax. If Mr. Kaplan would kindly take his eyes away from Das Kapital, he'll see that it touches many more wallets than just those of the rich. HA HA HA.

It's time to pay the bills we've run up in Iraq. We can't just ignore it the way GWB has. Freedom is never free, and Operation Iraqi Freedom is one of the most expensive in history.

Obama: All tax all the time. He will ruin Social Security when he eliminates the tie between contributions and benefits.

The government has enough taxes. They should spend the money more wisely. Where are these new taxes going to go? Who will benefit? Taxes don't exist for the government to take at a whim, there has to be a justified, compelling reason to ask people for their hard earned money.

Anyone making $200,000 can afford to pay their fair share. I agree with his plan to eliminate taxes for Seniors making $50,000 or less. Democracies and governments are there to make sure its citizens are protected – and that means they should not become prey to large corporations or corporate interests.

I only wish I had that kind of money. I haven't made that much in 24 years combined.

so far so good

First? They deserve to be taxed.

IF O.B. GETS ELECTED WE ALL WILL BE POOR AND IN WORST SHAPE.

Go ahead, Americans, and vote to pay more taxes. If you stupidly think you will not pay more taxes under Obama, you really need to get your head out of the sand.

I find it interesting that people I talk to who make in the $30-$75k per year range think they'd be paying more taxes if Obama is President. They don't understand that Obama will HELP them. Obama needs to get out and spread the word every single day exactly what his policies would do for true "average" Americans. I only know a few people who make more than $200k per year, and they are making enough to not have to worry about gas and food prices.

Gasp! Oh my! Socialism!

Psst! I'm kidding. Note to my right-wing opponents: a slightly progressive tax system, like we used to have in the quite prosperous Clinton years, is NOT socialism.

Let's get practical. The American people want, no demand, services. They will not vote for anyone who cuts spending so we have 2 choices. We can pay taxes now to pay for those services or we can borrow the money from China and start learning to speak Chinese.

Karl Rove recently had the nerve to call Obama arrogant – arrogant! Holy cow! In the dictionary, there should be a picture of Rove, Cheney, and Bush under arrogant to define the term. McCain says it really isn't important when our troops come home from Iraq. Maybe his picture should be there too.

You have to decide if you want to pay for services or borrow more and more and more and more … however, the interest is growing so more of our taxes of being used to just pay the interest. It time to get real and vote responsibly.

Why penalize someone who has worked hard, gotten their education and is working to support themselves and their family and not ask for government handouts? I don't agree at all. Everyone should pay their fair share – including low income workers. What's the incentive for low income people to try to further their education and try to get the credentials to make more money? Looks like the beginning of Communism to me.

its ok , i can afford it. Can you?

I can tell you that under the tax rates of the 90's, I paid more taxes than I do now, and my income has gone up since the 90's. If you people don't think you will all pay higher taxes under Obama, you better get real. Not only will your check to the IRS every year be higher, you will pay more in the grocery stores and everywhere else you spend your money. The American way is to keep government out of private lives and let us keep the money we earn and pay only a small tax to support government operations.

Any legal tax paying American will be screwed by Mr. Change so he can give away your money the illegals here now.