L
ocal roads= local taxes, state highways=local taxes, Schools= property taxes, Libraries= local funding, county run. So what did the federal government build? Interstates ok and where is the other 80% of my tax dollars going? And again I really like my tempurpedic.
Um, no. The federal gov't spends quite a bit on roads, and not only on interstate highways.
Check this out:
Local News | Washington projects could be affected as federal fund for roads runs dry | Seattle Times Newspaper
Remember back before the summer season when McCain said he was all for doing away with the federal tax on gas? A lot of people were very upset about that because (1) it would not have made that much of a difference, and (2) those taxes go toward sustaining, or attempting to sustain, our infrastructure.
Also, check out this pie chart that shows what the budget is. The source for this thing is the whitehouse.gov
Federal Budget made easy - budget chart - cartoon
Regarding schools, you are correct to a certain extent; however, the federal government DOES contribute quite a bit to our public schools. It's just that the schools are primarily run by the states. You can see what the portion that is being spent by the feds is on that pie chart.
I think one reason we've gotten our lines mixed up here is that you were referring specifically and only to federal taxes, whereas I was referring to taxes in general, which would include state taxes, sales taxes, etc. I don't think it's a biggie, though, and yes, I agree that you and I do have some common ground (which I kind of said upthread a bit--"I like a lot of what I see in your posts"; something like that).
I can not support handing over our healthcare system to a corrupt federal power. If you they can promise to eliminate spending on crap like "The War on Terror" I'm all for it because the money we spend on that alone would finance a wonderful social health program.
Is that underlined part a typo? I'm thinking it must be, because I'm thoroughly disgusted with what is being spent on this bogus war on terror.
And yes, if you look at that pie chart, you'll see that if we reduced what we spend on being the LONE SUPER POWER, we'd have a lot of money left over for medical care, education, etc. It's shameful.
AND it's a damned business, this war machine.
Ever read or heard of Eisenhower's speech before he left office? He warned us against what we are now dealing with:
Military-Industrial Complex Speech, Dwight D. Eisenhower, 1961
My fellow Americans:
Three days from now, after half a century in the service of our country, I shall lay down the responsibilities of office as, in traditional and solemn ceremony, the authority of the Presidency is vested in my successor.
snip.....
Until the latest of our world conflicts, the United States had no armaments industry. American makers of plowshares could, with time and as required, make swords as well. But now we can no longer risk emergency improvisation of national defense; we have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. Added to this, three and a half million men and women are directly engaged in the defense establishment. We annually spend on military security more than the net income of all United States corporations.
This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. The total influence -- economic, political, even spiritual -- is felt in every city, every State house, every office of the Federal government. We recognize the imperative need for this development. Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. Our toil, resources and livelihood are all involved; so is the very structure of our society.
In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the militaryindustrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
Eisenhower was warning us against the military-INDUSTRIAL complex, which was ever so prescient of him; look at what we've got going on today.
I would encourage you to read the entire speech. It's not only very eloquent; I think it peers right into the heart of a man who loved his country deeply, but was sincerely worried about the business of war. It's well worth reading. It's relevant to 2008, for sure.
No I don't that is why I volunteer my time to work with Vet's.
This is where I'm getting confused with you. I believe you that you don't approve of a vet losing all his money due to outrageous health care costs; but you seem outright opposed to any revamping of our health care system. Am I wrong? Is your objection to such a notion that the federal government is corrupt? On that, we both agree.
Still, though, something has got to give. Look to Canada's health care, sure, but better, look at the way things are done in Germany. They are light years ahead of us in this respect.
I know it's frustrating. And there are days when I want to toss my hands up in the air and say, "Well, forget it. I have other things that need my attenion and this is never going to change." But I also feel a responsibility to be part of a solution. And yeah, part of that is doing what I am doing right this very moment: posting stuff on an Internet bulletin board. There is so much misinformation out there that too many people are just unaware of. I know it sounds utterly corny, but if push hard enough, hold them accountable and really mean it, maybe we can get things turned around.
Then again? Maybe not. I can't stand to think like that, however, because it steals hope from me. I have children. I want this world to go on for them (and for myself, and really, for everyone).
Frustrating, huh?
I have no problem with social healthcare, hell my father is a military doctor. I would rather go to a military hospital any day . . . But tell me that our current federal government will provide us with a plausible social health program and I will not believe you.
Google Germany's health care system. THAT is what I'd like to see. Do I think we will see it any time soon? Probably not. But I'd like to see us at least move in that direction. SEriously, check it out and let me know what you think.
I have many of the same beliefs as you Leilani, believe it or not . . .
Yes, I think so too.
I'm not a freeloader just a slacker who does not agree with the Socialist idea of "wealth redistribution" as mr Obama puts it. For the record I in no way endorse Mccain either
I was only making a sarcastic comment, and it didn't even have anything to do with you. Sorry for any confusion. I was making fun of myself, calling myself a socialist or communist, because that's how we liberals are now being painted, that's all.
(I do love freebies, though! I will not have to pay for soap or dental floss for ages. I've gotten loads of it gratis from hotels and from friends who are cleaning out closets, etc. I LOVE freebies! Free samples, coupons for buy one, get one free, etc. I'm a real communist, lmao)
No matter where any of us stand on any of these issues, it is my sincere hope that things are going to get better for EVERYONE.
Have a good Sunday, everyone.
