BP:

And this will be my last post here for a while. No, no, please don't cry!

First, put my "tirade" in the context of the repeated baiting, and snide, sarcastic remarks JFM repeatedly engaged in.

Second, It was only directed at JFM and was not broad based.

Third, As far as taxes go, I am not saying that what one does for a living has anything to do with their tax rate. Regardless of one's occupation, taxes should be based upon one's earnings and the tax should be progressive so that the more one earns, the higher the percentage of his gross earnings he pays in taxes. I refer you to BR's post regarding how Kerry made over 6 million dollars and only paid about $750K, or 12%, in income taxes. And contrary to what EVERYONE seems to think and how they are TOTALLY misreading me, it does not stem from any ill will towards those who have chosen more financially lucrative career paths. It is simply a matter of what is fair and equitable; it is simple mathematics and dollars and "sense". Not value judgements or ill will. I am sorry if anyone has misunderstood my passion on this topic.

The bottom line is, we all have to pay to run our country and it's government, and we are apparently not paying enough, hence our deficits. True, we need to make sure it is being well managed, like any good business. But we also need to make sure that those in power are not manipulating the system for their own personal gain or that of those closely connected to them. I am willing to pay my share, and more than I do now if necessary, but only if those of far greater means are also required to pay a proportionate increase.

I hope this helps to clarify my postion on this, even if we may still disagree.

Respectfully,

Jim

P.S. Thank you for what you said in my defense.