Democrat or Republican . . .

[slapshot]

Hogwash. The top 10% earners pay 90% of the total taxes. The bottom 10% don't even pay 1% of the total.

[BassyiusMaximus]

I have to rethink my statement that was "Those who pay the most benefit the least", at least from a public services standpoint. I know I don't use any public services other than those that have to do with say, public safety and with the roads and maybe the bouys in the ocean, so while I pay, I don't get any more service than I need.

I will however fully agree that the inefficiency of the governments and what they do with the money seems to be the root of the problems and is why anyone who tells me that they will 1. cut taxes, and 2. eliminate waste will always get my vote.

And it is true that those who earn more pay more, up to a point. It will be interesting to see what happens in Massachusetts this upcoming election and even more so for the presidency in 08.

[spence]

Originally Posted by BassyiusMaximus

...so while I pay, I don't get any more service than I need.

Not true, as those who as providing the services you need rely on the other services you don't need to provide the services you do need!

So it's not a matter of "need" as much as it is a matter of indirect vs direct need.

Even if you place less of a value on the individual indirect needs, there is a value chain throught the service providers, and as such you would need to evaluate the culmulative indirect value chain benefits.

Certainly one could argue if it's the responsibility of the State, the Feds, charities or the private sector to provide for a lot of those needs...but that's another matter

-spence