kiowamohican,
I learned a lot from his speech. It was refreshing to hear a full set of ideas instead of only sound bites that we get on MSM. His personal story about being a POW was amazing, he truly is an American hero...

NVgrf Take a look at the tax rates for the last 8 yrs. This is one reason I vote Republican.

http://www.moneychimp.com/features/tax_b...

Here is the rest of the article.

These numbers represent only people who have a positive adjusted gross income. In 1999, there were 127 million tax filers, 94.5 million of whom showed an income tax liability. That is, 26% had no liability at all. The actual number of people filing without paying comes to 16 million (after subtracting those getting earned income tax credits and thus, presumably, still somewhat sensitive to tax rates). So almost 13% of all workers have no tax liability and so are indifferent to income tax rates. And that doesn't include another 16.5 million who have some income but don't file at all.

Who are these lucky duckies? They are the beneficiaries of tax policies that have expanded the personal exemption and standard deduction and targeted certain voter groups by introducing a welter of tax credits for things like child care and education. When these escape hatches are figured against income, the result is either a zero liability or a liability that represents a tiny percentage of income. The 1986 tax reform, for example, with its giant increase in the personal exemption and standard deduction, took six to seven million people off the tax rolls.

This complicated system of progressivity and targeted rewards is creating a nation of two different tax-paying classes: those who pay a lot and those who pay very little. And as fewer and fewer people are responsible for paying more and more of all taxes, the constituency for tax cutting, much less for tax reform, is eroding. Workers who pay little or no taxes can hardly be expected to care about tax relief for everybody else. They are also that much more detached from recognizing the costs of government.

All of which suggests that the last thing the White House should do now is come up with more exemptions, deductions and credits that will shrink the tax-paying population even further.

Nice article please read first published in the NY Times.

The stars look to be in perfect alignment for tax relief. With a Democratic majority in both houses of Congress, the Bush Administration is making eager and energetic noises, and the economy is in what Fed Chairman calls a down turn.

But as the Republicans construct their tax plan, there is a large and under-appreciated fact they would do well to keep in mind. Over the past decade or so, fewer and fewer Americans have been paying income taxes and still fewer have been paying a significant percentage of income in taxes. While we would opt for a perfect world in which everybody paid far less in taxes, our increasingly two-tiered tax system is undermining the political consensus for cutting taxes at all.

Even the barest of glances at tax data reveal a system that is steeply progressive. Tax revenue has been increasingly squeezed out of top earners. According to the most recent data, the richest--with income above half a million dollars--constituted 0.5% of taxpayers but accounted for 28% of total tax revenue. Simply put, a tiny group of people (553,380) were responsible for more than one-quarter of the income tax take of $877 billion.

Well, maybe you're saying--so what? They can afford it. Then take a look at those who aren't Richie Rich. The most recent data from the IRS, show that the top 5% coughed up more than half of total tax revenue. Specifically, we are talking about folks with adjusted gross incomes of $128,336 and higher being responsible for 56% of the tax take. Eyebrows raised? There's more. The top 50% of taxpayers accounted for almost all income tax revenue--96% of the total take.

These numbers are more arresting when compared with the situation years earlier. In 1986, the top 1% paid 26% of revenue, the top 5% was responsible for 42% and the top half contributed 93%. And what about the bottom half of taxpayers? They accounted for 7% of the total in 1986 but only 4% in 2008.

This skewed reality is the result of a growing number of absolutely legal escape hatches. Consider what happens to those in the lowest bracket. Say a person earns $12,000. After subtracting the personal exemption, the standard deduction and assuming no tax credits, then applying the 10% rate of the lowest bracket, the person ends up paying a little less than 4% of income in taxes. It ain't peanuts, but not enough to get his or her blood boiling with tax rage.

Of course, lower-income workers are on the hook for the payroll tax--but a sizable group slip free from even that net tax liability via the refundable earned income tax credit. ("Refundable" means that even if your net income tax liability is zero, the government still writes you a check.)

"McCain has been in Congress 26 years and Arizona borders are still not protected"

Yeah but Biden has been there for 35 years...so this makes us safer.

When I read the comment implying that Cedarburg has many “seven house” owners, I laughed. Cedarburg is not the place that rich people in the Milwaukee area aspire to live. They like River Hills, Whitefish Bay and Fox Point, which all happen to be in Milwaukee County. Maybe the factually challenged poster mistook Cedarburg for Mequon since they are in the same county, at least.
I wonder if those who would condemn McCain for visiting the “Billionaires of Cedarburg” were as vexed with Obama’s visits to places such as Brentwood in southern California, a region with many Billionaires who may think that having only 7 houses would make one disadvantaged? Isn’t it strange that residents of places such as that would embrace a liberal such as Obama? I was under the impression, based on Democratic rhetoric, that all rich people are evil and Republicans. It seems to be such a contradiction that they would, by implication of their support for Obama, be in favor of higher taxes on the rich. Perhaps those ultra rich liberals are relying on the accountants and lawyers they can afford to help them avoid those higher taxes, as well as their off-shore accounts in banks based in the Caribbean and Switzerland.
If the ultra rich can find a legal way to avoid the higher taxes that Obama proposes, then who will pay for all those new programs he intends while he reduces the deficit? Maybe he should call himself Barack Houdini Obama.

I'm not trying to indoctrinate anyone. I'm simply stating my views, since this is suppose to be a forum to do so. I understand that this infuriates liberals when someone voices an opinion other than their own... that's when the personal attacks start to fly. Your right on schedule NVgrf. I could set my watch by you.

McCain is Bush he embraces the right wing base of the Republician Party. Religion does not belong in Government. This is America with Freedom of Choice. With the Rights of the persute of happiness, with Freedom to Choose, which maintains our Liberty. No one can dictate our Right to Choose.

McCain has been in Congress 26 years and Arizona borders are still not protected. Cheap labor for the Corporate Cronies continues.

Simple if you are satisfied with the last 8 years vote McCain it will be more of the same. Job out sourcing, recession, joblessness, devalued dollar now worth 72 cents on the foreign market. That means your house is worth less than what you paid for it. That means your 401K is worth 28 cents less than eight years ago on every dollar invested. You will probably have more Abramoffs, Foleys, Stevens, Delays, the list of corupptors is long. Lies will be part of the daily routine. Lets not forget WARS. But EXXon will profit.

Does a buzzer go off in the Bat Cave every time the Gazette posts a story about Obama or McCain?

Typical Republican tactic...snerdley blabs on for a full page trying to indoctrinate others, but can not deal with anyone critical of his nonsense. Pretty lame.

go to ...
http://www.votesmart.org/index.htm

you will see that palin repeatedly refused to discuss her views on ANYTHING...even at the urging of several people. john mcaion included.This link will show the the issues she refused to talk about.

Hey, NVgrf... MY view is not even close? Compared to what? Yours? Who the hell are you to tell me what my experiences and preceptions are? While you're entitled to your opinion, that's all it is, your opinion. I'm sure that there are plenty of people living in AZ "NOW" who, like me, have a different prespective from your "reality." Do you honestly believe that your opinion is the only viable one and anyone else who doesn't share yours isn't dealing with "reality?" If so, perhaps you just think a little too much of yourself.

Still waiting for an answer.....

NVgrf...please explain to us how working hard for the American dream and prospering comes at the “expense of the poor and middle class”. Our economy is not a zero-sum bucket; meaning if you make 10 dollars more someone has to make 10 dollars less.

snerdley......I live in the southwest NOW. Your analysis of the view of McSame out here is not close to reality. Sorry, you are not even close in your view point.

janesvillemom - The article I linked to isn't neccesarily "right-wing" just because it's a critique of the far leftist (Marxist) democrat agenda. While I was delighted (and astounded) to find that the views of this author basically mirror my own, I do also have legitimate criticisms of Bush as well. Especially in regard to his lack of responding to the relentless attacks of this fanatical, and unfortunately now mainstream segment of the democratic party. Furthermore, because of the massive, unbridled, and undisguised libral, pro-Obama media bias it's almost imposible to find any opposing moderate view point in the mainstream media. This too is a major issue that the author discusses (which leads me to believe that perhaps you didn't read the article or didn't read it in it's entirety.) Your assessment of how I should "vote for Obama" if I (paraphase), "care about the safety and financial security of the US" is, (among many other reasons) exactly why I will NOT vote for this man. Not only because I feel like he is incapable of providing for these goals, but much more critically, because i feel that those issues are not his purpose for running. No, he and his ilk have another more ominous agenda for this country. Again, I would refer you to the article if you're wondering what that is. Moreover, McCain is not Bush and Bush is not McCain. Yes, it's true their both republicans and so ok, their views may be similar in some regards. That's to be expected. What I don't believe is that by electing McCain, this would somehow equate to another term for Bush in absentia, etc. That's nonsense. Based on what I know of McCain from having lived in AZ for several years, I feel quite certain that he will have his own ideas, vision, and governing style singularly apart from those of President Bush. Lastly, I believe that McCain is the best and safest choice to be in office along with his outstanding running mate. As far as I'm concerned, McCain/Palin are infinitely more competent and deserving of my vote not only because of their stand on issues but also because the alternative is, for me, utterly unacceptable.

snerdly, What makes you think I would place any faith in an opinion piece from a right-wing blogger? I read it, I didn't weep, except for the people who only read and listen to right-wing fanatics. I read and listen to the information from both sides. Both sides have their faults, but if you are really concerned about the future of our country (economically, status in the world, safety and security of our people, then you will vote for Obama). McCain's extension of Bush's economic policies will keep our economy on it's current path to destruction and cause more jobs and investments to be shipped overseas. China is gaining rapidly on us and will soon have a larger GNP than us...thanks to us. We have been sold out to corporations, many of them foreign-owned. I remember someone telling me that a Chinese student had told them that China had figured out that taking over the US with money was cheaper than doing it with war.

Theansweris42: That Daily Show clip was HILARIOUS! No hypocrisy there! The Karl Rove one was the BEST.

How could a person in your circumstances possibly vote Republican? While you are struggling in your situation, Bush and his gang have given huge tax breaks to the large corporations. How many breaks did you get? At least you could ask for a level playing field by voting Democratic. Gobama!!

If you really want to understand the agenda of the dems, read the following (and weep)....

http://www.americanthinker.com/2008/06/t...

http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/k...

Caribou barbie is a LIAR. In fact.......She could be the ANTI-CHRIST......Oh my......<www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/kilkenny.asp>

Love how the left piles on Karl Rove. It's typical of a loosing team having sour grapes. Rove is a strategical mastermind. He was able to get Bush re-elected in 2004 despite having MAJOR flaws. That was the 1st time in history a president was re-elected with an approval rate below 50% going in. The guy is an unbelievable talent in the political arena. Like anyone who is good at what they do, gets results, and namely WINS, they get all sorts of attacks.
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The Democrats have not had a good strategist since Dick Morris was able to sell the most corrupt President since Warren G Harding, in Bill Clinton. Morris was another true mastermind of politics, and strategy. Of course after Morris retired from politics he went on to detail all the endless lies, and corruption that took place while he worked for the Clinton's. I'd like to see a game of chess played between Morris and Rove myself!

Isn't this what the mainstream news media is trying to say but is unable to say so?

http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index....

I will vote for Obama. McCain is more of the same. If you are satisfied with the past 8 years of Bush failure and lies then vote for McCain. POW yes war hero yes, but he wants to privitize medicare, wants to provide vochers for schools, private and home schooling, not rebuild our school system. Is now against stem cell research, abortion is his bases main issue, wants to get rid of roe vs wade. Will appoint very conservative supreme court menbers. His energy plan will only include OIL and Nuclear, he gives lip service to other forms of energy. I question his ability or his williness to restore the Constitution. He will keep Gitmo in operation. Believes CIA has the need to Torture. Like Biden I say Thank you but No thank you. Sara did no coin this phrase.

Why be sad? There were people in Iraq trying to find WMD's. Guess what? None found at yet our fearless leader took it upon himself to appease his Dad's legacy and went in gun's blazin and for what? Nothing to show for it but many American lives. He must be so proud of himself.

Rich like me huh? Material wise, income $29,800, single father raising a teenage daughter pays support ( on time and in full) for 3 of my other kids. Don't own a house just rent. Difference between me and you ( you know who you are) I accept the fact I am where I am because of my choices and actions and I take responsibility for my situation. I do not blame or expect the government to bail me out. You on the other hand? It sounds like you do. Go McCain/Paulin!!!

deltafox:
I thought the speech was average to above. I commented about it in another post. The back round was not good, and I thought the speech was kind of dry (same old political pandering) until it got to his personal story. That was when it clearly took off in my mind. Thats the sort of stuff that wins over undecided voters (which is what the speech is really for). I LOVED how the speech ended with the cheering and applause, which created that stereo effect while he went on about the greatness of America. It really had that Reaganess feel to it.
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REMARKABLY his speech had MORE viewers then did Obama's...NO ONE would have predicted that (thats straight from nielsen ratings, not spin). Polls are unclear so soon after, but the data I have tracked is showing the momentum going toward McCain. Next week the data will be much more concrete on just how well it boosted him. On the exchanges, the action also moved toward McCain today.

The whole Obama plan of windfall profit taxes on big oil always cracks me up. For one this is essentially a tax on the public; as all these oil companies are publicly traded, and held by people with 401K's, retirement plans, ext; who invest their money in such companies that turn big profit. Not only will this damage the many American people invested in these companies, it will actually just drive UP the price of gas. As all high taxes will do is make you cut back in R&D, and some companies will simply move out of the US, and take their operation to a country that is much more tax/business friendly. Always sounds good though to punish these big evil corporations. The corporations who are providing millions of jobs, and paying an insane amount of taxes on the profits they are all ready currently making.

The number I heard on radio from Milwaukee was there was about 40,000 people at the rally. Hard to say if those numbers are accurate or not. Nonetheless it was packed, and shows there is a lot of enthusiasm coming out of the convention. The polling numbers are also showing this.

Oh thanks SarahB for that journalistic factoid! Seems like you're full of them (facts, that is).

NVgrf...please explain to us how working hard for the American dream and prospering comes at the “expense of the poor and middle class”. Our economy is not a zero-sum bucket; meaning if you make 10 dollars more someone has to make 10 dollars less.

Snerdley: It's standard policy to NOT count the number of media members attending a rally. That might account for part of the gap between official estimates and your friends' estimates. Also, many times the press gets the estimate from police officials in attendance and not from their own guessing. And, this is a story with an Associated Press byline and was not penned by a Gazette staff member.

Go get em there President McCain

bubbavoo How is giving Iraq 12 years to comply bullying? please explain.

Prevobus: Obama's plan is to reward companies who keep the jobs here in the States. Personally, I don't think either party should be talking tax cuts (shifts to different income brackets possibly) but no actual cuts when the deficit has now reached $1 trillion! Obama has also pledged to put in place an oil profits tax to close down loopholes and to end speculation that drives up oil prices. He is determined to invest in renewal energy sources right here in the United States. He wants a better educated work force (reason for more college grants) to fill new energy-sector jobs and he is pushing for incentives to encourage this country to work a long-term program to reduce dependency on Middle Eastern oil. McCain's plan would resemble that of President Bush: short term and doing little to decrease oil imports. I also believe that McCain is a true American war hero. However, his policies are too much like those we presently have. McCain won't lose the election: Bush has already lost it for him.

Get your reporting correct Gazette! "More than 1,000 people turned out for McCain/Palin speech."?? Yeah, more like thousands and thousands of people. 12K+ to up to 20K is what I have been told by people who attended. Why is this media always trying to belittle and downplay the republican candidate, but would have us believe the democrats walk on water? The media, big and small, have absolutely no credibility. It's appalling!

cozat5....Just tired of folks getting rich at the expense of the poor and middle class. You might want to check out what percentage of America's population controls 90% of the wealth. This might sit well for rich folks like you cozat5, but not for middle class folks like me.

I think Senator McCain is an American Hero, but I do not think he can bring about the change we need in this country. Maybe Senator Obama, as President, can use diplomacy instead of starting wars that have no end. What's wrong with using common sense instead of beligerent, and bullying tactics as this sitting president is doing.

You're right, lbarmilt.

Obama's tax plan is actually a welfare plan:
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB12191030...

Question for voters whose #1 issue is taxes: Do you support higher taxes to pay for the war or do you think it continues to be okay that the U.S. go into debt with China underwriting these costs at the moment? Are Americans willing to back up their war against terrorism with the daily sacrifice of higher taxes to finance the $9 billion a month [ http://usgovinfo.about.com/library/weekl... ] or would they rather actively do something to end the war? Neither presidential candidate is addressing the fact that there is no personal connection with the war in the daily lives of most Americans and THAT should be very concerning.

Unfortunately, it is not common sense. Most people don't understand at all. Why else would many support the supposed tax plan from Obama? It is not a plan, and more people need to go to his own web site and read his "plan."

When will anyone realize that if taxes go up for "big business" we will still pay for it and at the end, that is why companies leave. If it cost less to do business, they stay and we work. We need to understand this before we can support any plan that goes after companies.If we support a tax that rewards big business to stay here and make it easier to have their profits, they will keep US working, if not they will keep Mexico and China working. It's just common sense.

McCain gave a great speech last night...what do all my conservative friends here think about it?

Am I just stone with my hippy friends or did you say 98%.... Lets be fair it is probably closer to 97%

"but we won't see a paycheck because 98% Obama will take in taxes!"

Not true. Both candidates promise to lower taxes on the middle class. They just differ on how much.

stupidisasstupiddoes - sure, we'll have to work for the free health care, free food, etc., but we won't see a paycheck because 98% Obama will take in taxes!

In the famous words of Eric Cartman... "Democrats Piss Me Off!!!"

Vote for Barack and we will all have 7 houses!!! And free health care and free food and not have to work one day to get it!! We will all be safe from our enemies because he is going to talk to them. Now I must go back to the campfire and smoke another one and sing kumbiah with the rest of my liberal hippy friends!!!

Jealous of the "rich" because they worked hard for those 7 houses or is there another reason perhaps?

Can't get anything past you, gary!

It doesn't state whether the "more than a thousand" lining the streets was to view the bus coming into town, or the actual crowd for the speech.

We all get it. You like Obama.

Let's see. I wonder why they would receive a "rousing reception" in Cedarburg? Hmmmmmm
There are a few seven house owners there I am sure.

Does "more than 1,000 people" equate to the AP's previous expectation of "5,000 to 8,000 people"? Or, does this indicate people are already voting - with their feet - in the historically-secure "red" region Washington and Ozaukee Counties?