text: Unions, BART staff, Urban Habitat join hands in rallying against cuts in federal funding for transportation | Town Square | PleasantonWeekly.com |
  Representatives of BART, Urban Habitat, ACCE, Genesis, the Transportation Justice Working Group and Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 192 rallied togetherTuesday in what was called "Don't X Out Public Transportation Day."
  Read the full story here Web Link posted Tuesday, September 20, 2011, 12:09 PM
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 8:21 am
  What the hell is she talking about? How about the ones she left out that are not being vilified as they should, for not paying their taxes Timmy Geitner, GE, ACORN, Warren Buffet..........
  All the groups mentioned in this article, are leaches that return little value for the vast sums of taxpayer money they consume and waste.
  Posted by Former Zelda from Danville, but no longer
  First off, I really like your name choice. Very original!
  Second, Tim Geitner and Warren Buffet don't pay taxes? And, what, you're saying the nonprofit ACORN should?
  Of course they our all upset over the cut in the Transportation Bill, they all get a cut out of our Taxes, and don't respect the TAXPAYERS. They spend the taxpayers money on anything and waste the rest. THE PURSE IS CLOSED, WE DON'T HAVE ANYMORE MONEY.
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 12:30 pm
  Why SHOULD they respect taxpayers like yourself who can't see beyond their own selfish interests? If you don't like paying your fair share of taxes, do what I do and simply buy off some politicians.
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 1:02 pm
  Leland - From your perspective, what is your idea of fair? I'm curious because as you likely saw with the AP piece yesterday, the top income earners compared to middleclasspay on average twice as much in income on taxes and pay the large magority of total taxes.
  I agree that the 15% tax rate for hedge fund managers and capital gains need to be fixed, but the reality is the rich are paying most of our way already today.
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 1:28 pm
  Well I can tell you what I DON'T think is fair. And that would be putting it up for a vote: Proposition: Should the super rich be taxed at a rate higher than they are today? Boy, wouldn't THAT be dandy? Having an issue of economic justice put up for a democratic vote? Thank GOODness our "democracy" doesn't work THAT way? It's so much better having my buddies in political office make the determination instead of a direct vote from the public!
  Posted by WHOSE facts?
  Get a load of this little snippet from MediaMatters:
  "In addition to million-dollar earners who don't pay any federal income taxes at all [over 1400 households with earnings over 1 million paid no income taxes this past year] are those who pay taxes at a very low rate. According to IRS data on the 400 taxpayers with the highest adjusted gross income in 2008 (an elite group, even among millionaires), 131 paid less than 15 percent in federal income taxes, and another 112 paid between 15 percent and 20 percent."
  But I guess it's easier to go after poor people who are said to lack motivation and discipline. Regarding critics of poor people, one wonders how beautiful kids can grow up to become such twisted human beings as adults.
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 2:52 pm
  Nice filtering of the fact there. I guess it doesn't make your point strong enough if you actually referenced the full truth that those 1400 households represent less than 1% of those 236,000 households with incomes greater than $1M.
  And if you really thought about it, you'd realize that the tax rates of those 1400 are low because of the capital gains tax law - and as I agreed above that law needs to be changed.
  But too many people are generalizing the tax situation of those 1400 to claim that the rich are not paying their fair share. Take the time to investigate IRS or CBO statistics and you will learn that the average tax rate of higher income households is much greater than everyone else.
  So again my question to Leland, what is fair? Today the top 10% pay 70% of all Federal taxes. What do you want, 100% so we can have a completely dependent society?
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 3:32 pm
  Not "fact", he who identifies himself as Question, but facts -- plural. If you re-read my post, you'll see that the quote I provided discussed not only the gang of deadbeat 1400 millionaires, but also referenced another 131 of the top 400 taxpayers. You seem to have overlooked that, as well as the citation to IRS stats which you have just now urged me to read. A bit of asymmetry here, no? You want me to pour over IRS stats; you're unable to read and fathom a short few sentences I posted. Are you actually that stupid, that you're unable to read and digest what I posted?
  Put it up for a vote, numbskull. We live in a democracy; let's democratically decide what the tax rate should be on the wealthy. Are you afraid of democracy? It sure sounds like it.
  Clearly we need more tax revenues to meet increasingly complex needs of society. The Buffet proposal is a good start. I don't like the idea of 1/6 of the US population living in poverty, while Leland and his crew are hoarding their millions and billions. Your talk about dependence is all so much blather. All you really seem concerned about is that quarter you dropped somewhere in the carpet earlier yesterday. You're a selfish cheapskate who doesn't care about the rest of society. Admit it.
  Funny how it always seems to come down to name calling and other denigration when peoples' debate points aren't supported by facts.
  Since you couldn't find the energy to type "CBO average tax rates" into google and hit the return button, here is the URL:
  And still you focus on the small exceptions without acknowledging the big picture. The rich and upper middle class already pay way more taxes than everyone else. Is is only those who want a completely entitled and dependent sociiety (i.e. socialism) that say it is not enough.
  Now I completely agree that we should get rid of all loopholes and eliminate the 15% rate for long-term capital gains, but let's not fool ourselves that the majority of high income earners are not paying their way.
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 4:06 pm
  "According to IRS data on the 400 taxpayers with the highest adjusted gross income in 2008 (an elite group, even among millionaires), 131 paid less than 15 percent in federal income taxes, and another 112 paid between 15 percent and 20 percent."
  What about this don't you understand? You can wave your hand about socialism all you want. A failure to read and comprehend even the most basic of messages betrays your thought processes every time. So frequently, in fact, that it is sad. I'm sorry to have to say it to you.
  Whose seems a bit myopic about 400 people and won't acknowledge the other facts he/she does not like. As for increasing tax revenues to meet increasingly complex needs of society, I don't think society's needs today are any more complex today than they have ever been. There have always been people that have more or less than others and there always will be.
  Perhaps Whose could provide me with the following facts about the 1/6 of the population living in poverty:
  - How many own cell phones
  - How many smoke
  - How many have mulitple tattos
  - How many own mulitiple TV sets
  - How many own cars
  How many have one or more children they can't afford to feed or clothe and probably are not responsible enough to have had them in the first place?
  People make decisions and decisions have consequences. I have no problem helping people that need help. I have a big problem being forced to help people that make stupid or self destrucive decisions. You want to put higher taxes to a vote? Great. Let's let those of us who are going to pay those taxes vote on how the money is spent.
  It's really easy to spend other people's money.
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 6:01 pm
  If these 643 people do not work, but live strictly off certain types of investments, they will pay lower tax rates then their counter parts who are working and take home a paycheck. Really? Media Matters is worried about 643 people? Surprised they didn't label them all as Republicans. Because of course, only Republicans are rich people.
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 6:08 pm
  Fix the capital gains tax rate and you take care of the 400 exceptions.
  But that won't even come close to addressing our deficit. In fact, you could confiscate 100% of their income and still not come close.
  That is how far out of wack we are right now with revenue vs. promises. And yet anyone who points out this obvious fact is barraged of abuse.
  What to see how ugly it gets when we inevitably do start taking away entitlements.
  BTW, nice list Mike. I could add to it but I think people get the point. No one ever talks about all the gross overspending that has occurred by Americans these past 10-20 years. What if people actually saved their money rather than spent it. Maybe they'd be getting richer off all these Fed market manipulations like the rich are.
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 6:11 pm
  What the heck is transportaion justice? Does it have any relationship to the further ghettoization of Pleasanton and society in general?
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 6:56 pm
  "What if people actually saved their money rather than spent it?"
  Well, I guess less money would be directed toward consumer goods, which would lead to more shuttered businesses, more lay-offs, longer unemployment lines. Any other brilliant ideas?
  Steve/curly/Question/Mike: your posts are virtually identical. They are laced with pesticide induced intellectual deficit and a surplus of misplaced anger.
  Want an example? STeve, last time I checked, 131 + 112 = 253. Where do you come up with 643? You misread the stats, didn't you?
  Another example: 400 exceptions? Last time I checked 131 + 112 = 253. Where do you come up with 400? You misread the stats, didn't you?
  Like Obama stated, it's about Math. The intellectually challenged posters on the right couldn't add 2 + 2 to get 4 if their lives depended on it. Somehow, through some tortured mode of 'thought', they'll arrive at 26 or 51 instead of 4. It is very sad. I feel badly for them. It is what happens to a mind when forced into the pesticide saturated fields to pick fruit.
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 7:14 pm
  Gloria - I always chuckle when you try to lump all of us together with the hope of fooling people there are just a few of us and thereby try to minimize our messages.
  Let me make it simple for you with a very simple example. Let's assume the the following:
  - The top 1,000 taxpayers each make $1B/year and are currently paying 15% in taxes (hihgly unlikely)
  - Their new tax rate is now 50% thereby an incremental 35% for the government
  This would provide the government an additional $350B in revenue per year. It would not come close to closing the $1,600B deficit.
  After shafting these people, where else would you go to close our huge gap? And after shafting them, do you think they will more or less inclined to do business in the US?
  BTW, I am all for cloing tax loopholes and increasing the capital gains tax but don't fool yourself that this is going to fix our problem.
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 7:28 pm
  Forget the pesticide-induced hypotheticals. Fact is, remove the Bush-era tax cuts for the rich and the deficit is more than cut in half. Any other questions?
  Not in the least bit interested in what you believe should be done, Question, because everything you conclude tends to be very, very wrong. You can't add, you can't subtract, and you don't know how to read what is right in front of your nose. No wonder why you went nowhere in school. Your offerings are a pathetic joke. Kudos to your employer who undoubtedly keeps you on the payroll as an act of extreme charity.
  Instead of slumming out here at the Republican cesspool of ideas, you should be attempting to correct for your lack of education, or try another 'job', like coloring books.
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 8:13 pm
  Would you mind providing your source for enhanced revenue when the Bush tax cuts retire?
  Also, let me assume for a moment that this will in fact take care of half the current deficit? What is your suggestion for the other half? (Let's not assume for a moment that the rest comes from GDP growth as it is very unclear when robust growth will resume.)
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 9:55 pm
  Look it up yourself, pal. I've seen it on no less than six media sites. It's well OVER half of the deficit, btw.
  Given your past, Question, shouldn't your anger be directed at corporate farmers who subjected you at such a young age to pesticides rather than directing it at the state? If you want to rail against the state, it should be because it didn't adequately regulate commercial agriculture while it subjected you and your loved ones to the horrors you must now live with for the remainder of your life.
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 10:06 pm
  Yea Gloria, I messed up. (Must be the alleged pesticide I was exposed to.) Actually, I didn't, I was chuckling to much and included the 400 figure in my total. Which makes it even more funny to me that Media Matters is worried about 253 people who have done nothing illegal, except in Media Matters and your mind. Have our government fix the loop hole, problem solved...on 253 people. (Needed all 255 fingers and toes to count that high, pesticides to that to ya, you know.)
  on Sep 21, 2011 at 10:58 pm
  If you were picking berries in the fields when you were younger, you can be sure you got heavy doses. Nothing alleged about it. Glad you can joke about it. Ha-ha. Only I don't think pesticide poisoning of field workers is a joke. It seems to have done a real number on you.
  on Sep 22, 2011 at 7:22 am
  I am not Steve. Do you ever stop to think about the irony of how you can bucket people together on your road to discredit them?
  I really would like to understand the source of how rescinding the Bush tax cuts will take care of 50% of the deficit. BTW, I'm sure you realize that action would increase taxes on the poorest by 50% (moving from current 10% rate to 15%).
  Also, I'll pose the question again. How do you suggest we take care of the other 50% of the deficit?
  I do hope you can find a way past your denigrations to have a more serious fact-based discussion.
  on Sep 22, 2011 at 8:54 am
  Guys, don't waste your time on gloria. Her name calling and immaturity are evidence of a juvenile mind. She must be skipping school again today to pick berries and inhale some chemicals (maybe even some pesticides). gloria, once you go to owrk out in the big, wide world, you'll have a little more appreciation for what it takes to suurvive on your own and if you're luck succeed. In the meantime, go back to school and learn something other than the drivel you've read on leftist websites.
  on Sep 22, 2011 at 9:17 am
  Yes, steve/Zelda, thank you for your chemical infused thinking on this matter. The clarity of your thought is clearly indicated by 'owrk', 'suurvive', 'if you're luck succeed'.
  I'm saddened that steve/Zelda attempts to make light of a very serious problem that not only affects him(her), but tens of thousands of others as well. Instead of employing approx 20 thousand border patrol agents to sit in their SUVs and stare at dirt, the state should employ rigorous inspection teams that ensure field workers are given adequate clothing and masks while they immerse themselves in agricultural chemicals day in and day out.
  steve/Zelda tries to laugh this off. But if you've followed these discussion boards for any length of time, you will conclude as have I that steve/Zelda is a poster boy/girl for the harmful effects of pesticides among field workers.
  on Sep 22, 2011 at 9:35 am
  Gloria - It is unfortunate that you continue to duck my questions and can't find the energy to defend your assertions will data sources or refuse to move beyond you initial position and discuss the implications/next steps of your suggested approach.
  This, plus your continued juvenile tactics, does undermine your position and limits your ability to educate those who are trying to listen to all sides of the debate.
  I'll assume from this that this is either your form of entertainment and/or an escape valve for your frustrations. It would be great if you could prove me wrong on this. I think we all might learn something - seriously.
  on Sep 22, 2011 at 9:41 am
  If you genuinely wanted to learn something, bucko, you'd spend 10-15 seconds Googling Bush tax cuts and deficit. You might also look at how our economy began swirling down the toilet precisely at the moment when the tax cuts were instituted. Sorry, pal, but I'm not doing the work for you. If you're so skeptical, present something that refutes my claims.
  on Sep 22, 2011 at 9:52 am
  Gloria - I've already done exactly what you suggested and could not come up with anything substantial. If you've got a source, it would be helpful if you could provide it.
  And I've already provide counter information to you that you have yet to address.
  I'll remind you that I agree that elements of the tax code need to be fixed (see my multiple previous posts), however my point is that those tax changes won't fix the current situation given the magnitude of the problem.
  What do we do next when we raise taxes on the rich and yet we will have significant deficits?
  on Sep 22, 2011 at 10:16 am
  You're not being truthful, Question. Additionally, I've already established that you, or you-as-steve, cannot even do basic math. Now you claim you're unable to do a basic internet search. What is wrong with you? If you are steve, no need to answer that question. (Pesticides are an evil presence in our world.)
  Rescind Bush tax cuts on the rich; raise taxes on the rich; bring back troops from Iraq and Afghanistan; cut drastically military spending (e.g., drop the F-22; recall tens of thousands of troops stationed throughout Europe and Asia). I know, I know, you're deeply chagrined because I don't mention cutting teacher salaries. Ever since your earliest days in school, those teachers have been your archnemesis. Well, I've got a secret for you: your educational failings weren't on account of your teachers. Hint: hold up mirror.
  on Sep 22, 2011 at 10:31 am
  Looks like I'm not steve/Question after all since Gloria/Nick has told me in the past to stop searching on Google or Wikipedia while steve/Question is apparently unable to search (that's just me talking to myself.)
  Good thing those government bureaucrats who, in their infinite Max Weber-inspired wisdom, allowed the use of methyl iodide on strawberries to save us all from steve.
  Gloria - I give up. All I asked for was a definitive source you reference that outlines the impact of eliminating the Bush tax cuts and all I got was the run-around.
  BTW, I agree with your point regarding cutting military spending. And I don't have an opinion on teachers (although I do support education parcel taxes), as I am not this Steve guy.
  Good luck with your rantings. Just realize you are missing a golden opportunity to influence those that are trying to educate themselves,