A lot of political hay was made of John McCain's (attempted humorous) answer to the question "[at what point] do you move from middle class to rich?" Did anybody notice that Obama wasn't asked and didn't answer this question? Considering the Democrats are largely campaigning on providing and protecting the "middle class" and "ordinary Americans", doesn't it seem dishonest that they don't define this "class" as a specific range of incomes so we can evaluate their "offerings" objectively? Don't we all think we are middle class in our own heads (unless we are financially independent?) I think they are counting on it.
"Depending on class model used, the middle class may constitute anywhere from 25% to 73% of households." This assures the Democrats are selling their ideas to a majority audience.
Wouldn't you be disappointed if you bought into the Democrats pitch expecting to receive a tax cut, some service, a handout and found out that you weren't middle class at all, but either too high or too low for their definitions? This is classism. I know it hits a wide target demographic, but I don't want to be low, middle, or high class. I don't want to be included or excluded from some arbitrary class that is targeted for specific benefits. I want to be an American, who works for my own keep. I don't want some imaginary line drawn that says now you are "rich" or "upper class" and can "afford" to pay additional taxes as some sort of "political duty."
When Bill O'Reilly interviewed Obama a couple weeks ago, Obama told Bill O'Reilly that he "can afford" to pay higher taxes. There is a big difference applying that same tax rate to a small-business owner that just barely crosses some arbitrary "success line", let's say $250,000. I'm not sure why O'Reilly didn't ask Obama what right Obama had to say where Bill O'Reilly's money should be spent. I can't believe he let that one slip by.
I'm sure this ambiguity is to attract as many people as possible into the class of needy voters who want what the Democrats are offering. Don't worry everyone, the first hit is free. After that, you won't care to try to succeed hard enough to carry someone else on your shoulders. Ever read Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged
? It's an excellent book. It examines what happens when you start demanding things (taxes) from the producers in society. Long story short, those with a conscience and soul intact will withdraw from producing and not allow themselves to be abused in this way. What does Obama plan to do if all the "wealthiest 5% in America" (those who would get a tax increase) decided to suddenly cut their income to below $250,000 a year? Who will pay for everyone then? Do we just assume this won't ever happen?
