AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP
Distinguished Associate
Joined: Dec 21, 2010 11:59:07 GMT -5
Posts: 31,709
Favorite Drink: Sweetwater 420
|
Post by AgeOfEnlightenmentSCP on May 7, 2011 14:04:52 GMT -5
I did not quit my job, and risk everything we have in order to:
1. Start a jobs program for my community
2. Give back- I didn't TAKE anything- what would I "give back"? 3. Pay taxes- I'll pay what I legally owe, but my guiding principle is The Supreme Court that Judge Learned Hand wrote in his ruling, "Any one may so arrange his affairs that his taxes shall be as low as possible; he is not bound to choose that pattern which will best pay the Treasury; there is not even a patriotic duty to increase one's taxes." (Helvering v. Gregory, 69 F.2d 809, 810-11 (2d Cir. 1934).)
4. Run a charity. Private charitable giving is a personal passion of mine, but it is at my discretion. Compulsion (taxes) is not compassion. The IRS is not a charity, the government welfare office isn't compassionate, government housing is not charity.
I started a business for me, and my family. We started down this road to get rich. We wanted to do what others were unwilling to do so that someday we could do what others are unable to do. We wanted the finer things in life, we wanted to own our own time, and in a free country- why shouldn't it be our expectation that we would be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor?
Do we work as hard as some? No. Lazy people work much harder. Those that think will always govern those that labor. If you lack imagination, you will work for someone who doesn't. If you lack ambition, and motivation, you'll work for someone who doesn't. If you don't relish responsibility and do not seek it out, then you will work for someone who does. This is a true and just order, and when you get right down to it those that think life isn't fair are just upset that really-- it is fair.
Is it 'fair' that we were born in America and someone else was born in the Congo? No. Now, THAT is unfair. Is it luck that we were born here, while another human being was born in Haiti? I suppose. But if you were born here, too- then you have the same opportunities. If you will apply yourself, you can have the chance to succeed, too.
We're a free people here, and freedom is the natural state of man- we were designed by God for liberty. God's laws were designed to benefit those that will freely obey, and to correct, or ultimately destroy- if that is your choice- those will not obey. That is not to say we live in a theocracy, but to point out that our government's only legitimate purpose is to protect the rights of individuals from other individuals who would abuse them- and you're not being abused if you make 400 times less than the CEO of your company. After all, he doesn't need YOU. He could hire someone else. YOU need your CEO, because you are not CEO, you must work for one-- that is your choice, these are your consequences.
So, next time you feel like bitching, just ask yourself- what is it you really actually DO? What's your vision for your life, what responsibilities do YOU have on a daily basis? How many jobs are YOU responsible for (most people are only responsible for their own job, and that has limitations)? How ambitious are you?
Isn't it true that the real greedy people are those who want more, but who don't really want to DO anything extra for it? Showing up may be 80% of success, but most people can't even manage that consistently without sick days and personal days and vacation days, and so on. The CEO of my first company I worked for hadn't had a vacation in five (5) years.
I'm sick of whiny ass people who don't do shit complaining that they don't get paid. Get off your ass and do something with your life, and if you don't- then don't complain to the rest of us about your choice.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 21, 2024 15:03:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 7, 2011 14:14:58 GMT -5
BRAVO!!!!!!
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 21, 2024 15:03:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 7, 2011 14:52:06 GMT -5
Paul I have to agree with everything you said. I will point out the obvious though: If you were born in Mexico it's not working hard that improves you lot in life. It's stealth....getting across the border. It's craftiness that gets you that new ID & those free government benefits. It is luck however that you were born into a time where the US doesn't really actively hunt you down & deport you.
|
|
hello fromWarsaw
Senior Member
Hiya! Wake UP!!
Joined: Feb 13, 2011 1:24:04 GMT -5
Posts: 2,044
|
Post by hello fromWarsaw on May 7, 2011 15:00:56 GMT -5
Thank god there are Dems for reasonable regulations to protect your employees and customers After 30 years of Voodoo, however, we're trailing the rest of the modern world in upward mobility and rich/poor gap. Neocon Pubs have proven themselves the most regressive, hateful, and cruel party in the modern world. But thanks for the BS. ;D We are now making a comeback, and hopefully we'll renounce the boom and bust, deregulation and fraud, lies and propaganda, polluting, hypocrite, everything for the mega rich and greedy corporate party....not to mention the incredibly incompetent national security and STUPID wars...totally delusional... Happy of course YOUR hard work has been rewarded
|
|
hello fromWarsaw
Senior Member
Hiya! Wake UP!!
Joined: Feb 13, 2011 1:24:04 GMT -5
Posts: 2,044
|
Post by hello fromWarsaw on May 7, 2011 15:06:06 GMT -5
You did hear about the Pub Great Recession, right? Ay caramba. Vote bought off Pub and blame the victims, and enjoy your eternal reward!! ;D
|
|
moon/Laura
Administrator
Forum Owner
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 15:05:36 GMT -5
Posts: 10,054
Mini-Profile Text Color: f8fb10
|
Post by moon/Laura on May 7, 2011 15:07:41 GMT -5
paul, what is the purpose of your whine on this board? i don't believe it belongs here.. or much of anywhere, really.
|
|
mmhmm
Administrator
It's a great pity the right of free speech isn't based on the obligation to say something sensible.
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 18:13:34 GMT -5
Posts: 31,770
Today's Mood: Saddened by Events
Location: Memory Lane
Favorite Drink: Water
|
Post by mmhmm on May 7, 2011 15:28:39 GMT -5
Gotta agree, moonbeam. Personally, I don't give a flying flip what paul does, how much money paul has, or does not have; nor, do I care for why he does what he does. This board isn't about paul, last I heard.
|
|
moon/Laura
Administrator
Forum Owner
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 15:05:36 GMT -5
Posts: 10,054
Mini-Profile Text Color: f8fb10
|
Post by moon/Laura on May 7, 2011 15:33:13 GMT -5
perhaps i need a new board? i can call it "MY money. ALL MINE!!"
|
|
mmhmm
Administrator
It's a great pity the right of free speech isn't based on the obligation to say something sensible.
Joined: Dec 25, 2010 18:13:34 GMT -5
Posts: 31,770
Today's Mood: Saddened by Events
Location: Memory Lane
Favorite Drink: Water
|
Post by mmhmm on May 7, 2011 15:40:40 GMT -5
Hee! You'd probably get quite a few posters who'd love to expound on such a subject, moon! ;D
|
|
|
Post by ed1066 on May 7, 2011 21:26:14 GMT -5
paul, what is the purpose of your whine on this board? i don't believe it belongs here.. or much of anywhere, really. Must say I'm stunned that after reading messages 3 and 4, you consider the OP to be "whining". The liberal immunity on this board is ruining it...
|
|
steff
Senior Associate
I'll sleep when I'm dead
Joined: Dec 30, 2010 17:34:24 GMT -5
Posts: 10,772
|
Post by steff on May 7, 2011 21:28:56 GMT -5
how much money is enough money? is there ever enough to be happy or is the mentality just more more more mine mine mine until you die?
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 21, 2024 15:03:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 7, 2011 21:30:58 GMT -5
There is a difference between a landlord, and a slumlord... Both make money. One does it with some ethics...
|
|
formerexpat
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 12:09:05 GMT -5
Posts: 4,079
|
Post by formerexpat on May 7, 2011 21:35:12 GMT -5
I think Paul's post is very relevant, Moon.
The "rich" are tired of being the scapegoat for other peoples failings. The country will be in for a world of hurt when the rich take their ball and go home...to another country that is more tax friendly to those that produce.
|
|
steff
Senior Associate
I'll sleep when I'm dead
Joined: Dec 30, 2010 17:34:24 GMT -5
Posts: 10,772
|
Post by steff on May 7, 2011 21:35:31 GMT -5
He who dies with the most toys is still dead and having the most toys doesn't always mean happiness.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 21, 2024 15:03:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 7, 2011 21:40:57 GMT -5
Only Paul knows how much $ Paul needs to make him happy. Go get it Paul!
|
|
formerexpat
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 12:09:05 GMT -5
Posts: 4,079
|
Post by formerexpat on May 7, 2011 21:47:59 GMT -5
He who can donate their fortune to worthy causes is much happier than the person who has it forcefully removed by the government. Ask Buffett and Gates...although, they are suspiciously calling for people to be taxed more even though they don't believe the government is the best vehicle for capital investment.
|
|
moon/Laura
Administrator
Forum Owner
Joined: Dec 17, 2010 15:05:36 GMT -5
Posts: 10,054
Mini-Profile Text Color: f8fb10
|
Post by moon/Laura on May 7, 2011 21:49:23 GMT -5
yes, i view it as whiny.. not to mention the fact that he comes off like a greedy, selfish jerk.. yes i know he says he donates 'at his discretion'.. so what.
it's the whole high and mighty, holier than thou attitude of his post that i dislike.
|
|
steff
Senior Associate
I'll sleep when I'm dead
Joined: Dec 30, 2010 17:34:24 GMT -5
Posts: 10,772
|
Post by steff on May 7, 2011 21:50:54 GMT -5
geeeeeeeez expat.... I wasn't asking for the political twist....but was really wondering, is there ever "enough" to be happy with.... or is the mentality always more more more? For some being able to pay the bills, save some money and have a little extra to spend is enough to be able to relax and enjoy life....
|
|
hello fromWarsaw
Senior Member
Hiya! Wake UP!!
Joined: Feb 13, 2011 1:24:04 GMT -5
Posts: 2,044
|
Post by hello fromWarsaw on May 7, 2011 21:56:08 GMT -5
Nowhere has lower taxes on the rich fcs...unbelievable!!
|
|
|
Post by bobbysgirl on May 7, 2011 22:21:42 GMT -5
Paul always throws in one or 2 good points to his post. He does, however, seem to have to pontificate from time to time. This too shall pass.
I have to say there are times that I sit back after reading something he wrote and say, this guy is brilliant. Then other times I see only bragging. Perhaps there are 2 Pauls, but they haven't met yet.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 21, 2024 15:03:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 7, 2011 22:23:20 GMT -5
"there are times that I sit back after reading something he wrote and say, this guy is brilliant. Then other times"
... even an unbalanced clock...
|
|
|
Post by bobbysgirl on May 7, 2011 22:35:33 GMT -5
Sorry OPED, I guess I'm thick. I don't get it.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 21, 2024 15:03:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 7, 2011 22:36:56 GMT -5
Even a broken clock is right twice a day...
|
|
|
Post by bobbysgirl on May 7, 2011 22:52:06 GMT -5
I just had an ahah moment! ;D
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 21, 2024 15:03:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 7, 2011 22:59:57 GMT -5
We are now making a comeback, and hopefully we'll renounce the boom and bust, deregulation and fraud, lies and propaganda Socialism is all about propaganda & it's pretty much always bust.
polluting, hypocrite, everything for the mega rich and greedy corporate party.... It's guaranteed to get rid of most of the mega rich.
not to mention the incredibly incompetent national security and STUPID wars...totally delusional... Sorry but even Russia had wars. You can expect as the states struggle to survive in a socialist climate they (at least some of them) will try to break away.
Oh & lastly President Obama moved much to fast. I'm thinking the Dims will lose the next election by a large majority (but I could be wrong).
|
|
deziloooooo
Senior Associate
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 16:22:04 GMT -5
Posts: 10,723
|
Post by deziloooooo on May 7, 2011 23:03:50 GMT -5
paul, what is the purpose of your whine on this board? i don't believe it belongs here.. or much of anywhere, really. Must say I'm stunned that after reading messages 3 and 4, you consider the OP to be "whining". The liberal immunity on this board is ruining it... Think so , board is being ruined? mmm I just don't feel that way at all, funny how two different views on the same topic. Interesting , it is.
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 21, 2024 15:03:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 7, 2011 23:05:07 GMT -5
There is a difference between a landlord, and a slumlord... Both make money. One does it with some ethics...
I would have said the difference is that the landlord wants to increase his return so he improves his property, which will allow him to increase his rent. A slumlord just wants to maximize his gain at the cost of the property value of the property. Both have the main goal of making money they just approach it differently.
|
|
Tennesseer
Member Emeritus
Joined: Dec 20, 2010 21:58:42 GMT -5
Posts: 63,627
|
Post by Tennesseer on May 7, 2011 23:05:12 GMT -5
|
|
Deleted
Joined: May 21, 2024 15:03:29 GMT -5
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on May 7, 2011 23:18:38 GMT -5
Ask Buffett and Gates...although, they are suspiciously calling for people to be taxed more even though they don't believe the government is the best vehicle for capital investment.
Now I don't know about Gates (but I have a suspension that he has a LOT of people who's only job is to try to save him from paying taxes.
Now Buffett is interesting. He says that he thinks people should pay more taxes. Then there's the quote from him saying that he should pay more but actually pays less than his secretary. The truth is that his wage per year is only $100,000 & I'm betting that his tax adviser has come up with all kinds of expenses that he writes off (so of course he doesn't pay much tax). His wealth however is in shares of Burkshire Hathaway, which is a fund that never declares dividends (that's why it's $100,000 per SHARE) so he doesn't pay taxes on that unless he sells shares. BH is set up to limit taxes on wealth.
Much like sinners late in life that repent (& give money to the church), I believe these 2 are facing the end of their lives & NOW say that the rich should pay more taxes. I suspect that most of their lives they have don't everything possible to cut their tax rate.
I also suspect (but wish that I knew first hand) that when you have as much as either of these guys it's very easy to give away money & say things because you know that no matter what YOU can never spend all the money that you have so you don't have to worry about the future.
|
|
formerexpat
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 18, 2010 12:09:05 GMT -5
Posts: 4,079
|
Post by formerexpat on May 7, 2011 23:20:07 GMT -5
Even if Paul were that rich, I don't strike him as an anti-American that would look to financially control a party and insert a Manchurian candidate to destroy the US.
|
|