Allow me Marc...

*** The same people you're ridiculing for "not paying taxes" may not be paying the same amount of income taxes you pay, but they most likely pay into FICA and they sure as hell pay sales tax and the like for everything they buy.  Or doesn't that count? ***

Of course this counts. It all counts. That's our point. Everyone should contribute. Don't tax the hell out of the wealthy and give lesser paid Americans every tax break or write off possible.

This thread is discussing income taxes and the fact that wealthier Americans already pay the bulk of the govenments tax revenue. Also, I do not see where Marc was "ridiculing" anyone in his post. And I'm glad their paying sales tax. Why shouldn't they?? 

This country is still "the land of opportunity". A place where if you work hard you will reap your just rewards. This is not "the land of free rides". I have people working for me who barely make ends meet. Yet they buy snowmobiles, dvd players etc etc. and they keep having children. One mother here (making $11/hr) has 6 kids and she's barely 30 yrs old.Why? Because the more kids she has, the more money/assistance she gets from the state. What message do you think this sends to her children? How much in income taxes do you think t she pays every year? Not a dime. She get it all back and now Daschle wants to give her more relief. Relief from what???

I don't mind paying my fair share and I really don't mind helping those less fortunate but when the system rewards people for being lazy, unmotivated and useless and punishes those who work hard and succeed, something is definately wrong.