Independents are now 45% and both parties are looking more corrupt all the time. As an independent I'm forced to choose between the lesser of two evils over and over. Most of the time there isn't very much difference. The dems were revealed as at least 80% totally corrupt in the last primary and yet party loyalists will continue to give them their vote. I can't believe what the reps are going to ram through today. I don't have dependents, deductions, or mortgages, just a fixed income and because of that I'll be in a bracket that looks like I'll pay more taxes so that 1% or whatever can have more money. Well guess which of us needs it the most? I don't think that the dems would do any better if they were writing the tax code. Anyway since I'm in the 45% bracket and that's bigger than the dems and reps combined that's the one thing that gives me any hope. If 45% gets organized we should be able to change one of the parties or start our own. Here's hoping that we can have some helpful dialogue on this from those interested without just attacking. I'm always looking for opposing views to my own.
I see Trump as the first successful independent president. He was the choice of the people and both parties oppose him. He represents the political beliefs of the people, contrary to what the "mainstream media" try to tell us.
From what ive seen, if you do a simple tax bill, no deductions, etc...your first $50k is not taxable at all. Most people on fixed income would fall in that bracket. Standard income from just SS is a maximum of of just over $40k (35 years of tax, max benefit at 70 yrs old). Most everyone I know on SS is lucky to get half that. My own is less than $12,000 a year. With what ive even added with side work, Ive gotten a full refund for years. Ive not had any capital gains, and very little interest gained. I keep mine all in checking accounts or personal property...like buying vehicles. You never gain on vehicles you sell.
[This message has been edited by rogergarrison (edited 12-19-2017).]
Independents are now 45% and both parties are looking more corrupt all the time. As an independent I'm forced to choose between the lesser of two evils over and over. Most of the time there isn't very much difference.
.....I'll pay more taxes so that 1% or whatever can have more money.
Claiming to be "Independent" simply means that you don't register as a voter declaring yourself to be Republican, Democrat or any other political party.
It does NOT mean that you don't have a political ideology.
It does NOT mean that you are a political "moderate" or "centrist" or "in the middle".
The history of all of your political, economic and even social issue posts on this forum is decidedly and objectively hard LEFT even though you constantly claim to be "in the middle".
You have even been upset at the mention of anything demeaning toward Comrade Bernie Sanders or "Democratic Socialism".
Now you're bitching about the so-called "1%", which is yet another meme of hard left, Marxist ideology.
You will undoubtedly complain again that you are somehow being "attacked".
You are not being attacked.
If you are hurt and offended, then you're hurt and offended by FACTS.
...................
....and I agree completely with williegoat.
[This message has been edited by randye (edited 12-19-2017).]
Why in the world would I think this was an attack? I was looking for informative opinions either like mine or not. Thank you so much for your insightful reply.
Why in the world would I think this was an attack? I was looking for informative opinions either like mine or not. Thank you so much for your insightful reply.
You're welcome.
The topic of this thread, (that you started), does say; "political independence".
I gave you facts rather than opinion because most people find those much more useful in making decisions, especially when deciding the truth of matters.
[This message has been edited by randye (edited 12-20-2017).]
Generally speaking your sentiments is how our currnet presidnet was elected. I beleive most folks who voted in 2016 actually voted against the other candidate; and didn't intend to vote for a candidate. Viola, our currnet president was elected.
Independents are now 45% and both parties are looking more corrupt all the time. As an independent I'm forced to choose between the lesser of two evils over and over. Most of the time there isn't very much difference. The dems were revealed as at least 80% totally corrupt in the last primary and yet party loyalists will continue to give them their vote. I can't believe what the reps are going to ram through today. I don't have dependents, deductions, or mortgages, just a fixed income and because of that I'll be in a bracket that looks like I'll pay more taxes so that 1% or whatever can have more money. Well guess which of us needs it the most? I don't think that the dems would do any better if they were writing the tax code. Anyway since I'm in the 45% bracket and that's bigger than the dems and reps combined that's the one thing that gives me any hope. If 45% gets organized we should be able to change one of the parties or start our own. Here's hoping that we can have some helpful dialogue on this from those interested without just attacking. I'm always looking for opposing views to my own.
I think you may have posted something somewhat similar a while back, and if I recall, I shared my views on this.
I personally feel as though Donald Trump *IS* that Independent candidate. It's for that reason why so many Republicans (establishment politicians) are upset with him, and why the Democrats by and large fear him so much (they took so many of their voters in critical states).
I've always had the feel that if BOTH sides hate something... that means it's either REALLY great, or REALLY bad. I tend to think in this case, it's really great. We're doing things right now that just make sense but that both parties would hem and haw on, and pretend like it was more complicated than it needed to be.
IE: We can't deregulate some things because it's too complicated. We can't lower corporate taxes because it's complicated... blah blah.
dratts, I agree with Williegoat. I have said the very same thing to my friends and family about Trump being the first Independent President. Like you I have no dependents, no mortgage, or no deductions other then the standard deduction as it applies to income taxes. I work a regular job and will save hundreds under Trump's new tax bill. My liberal niece and her husband have one child. They too will benefit from Trump's new tax bill. You will never get them to admit it however....Are you paying any income taxes?
[This message has been edited by hammer (edited 12-20-2017).]
Dratts..... So your standard deduction is doubling but you are going to pay more taxes because you're losing itemized deductions you don't have or took?
As a married individual the doubling of the standard deduction will surpass what I am currently itemized deducting. Not by much so I expect my tax liability to remain pretty much the same. Not sure where the new tax bracket(s) will put me at this point.. What I do know is we are going to save a lot of hours not compiling all the deductions background support data.
Independents are now 45% and both parties are looking more corrupt all the time. As an independent I'm forced to choose between the lesser of two evils over and over. Most of the time there isn't very much difference.[QUOTE]
Not to argue but, I'd like to say two things.
First, you may consider yourself a centrist and may infact be one in your neck of the woods but, that would not be my opinion based on your postings here. You're well left of center.
Secondly: Lessor of two evils? Most elections come down to that for most voters. Who can I stomach in the office of the choices I have. I've stated previously many times that I'm not a Trump fan but, the thought of HRC in the Whitehouse scared the hell out of me. I have a hard time understanding how CA allows the idiots to stay in office representing them but, that is apparently how they want to be viewed. CA voters aren't the only ones but, they do stand out. ------------------ Rams
Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun.... Open your frigg'n minds, think about all the other tools that can be made into WMDs.
My wife told me to grow up. I told her to get out of my fort!
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 12-20-2017).]
Independents are now 45% and both parties are looking more corrupt all the time. As an independent I'm forced to choose between the lesser of two evils over and over. Most of the time there isn't very much difference.[QUOTE]
Not to argue but, I'd like to say two things.
First, you may consider yourself a centrist and may infact be one in your neck of the woods but, that would not be my opinion based on your postings here. You're well left of center.
Secondly: Lessor of two evils? Most elections come down to that for most voters. Who can I stomach in the office of the choices I have. I've stated previously many times that I'm not a Trump fan but, the thought of HRC in the Whitehouse scared the hell out of me. I have a hard time understanding how CA allows the idiots to stay in office representing them but, that is apparently how they want to be viewed. CA voters aren't the only ones but, they do stand out.
You are right. here the majority is so far right that a centrist is viewed as far left. I'm with you 100% in regard to Trump and Hillary. I couldn't bring myself to vote for either one but I was relieved that Hillary lost.
You are right. here the majority is so far right that a centrist is viewed as far left.
Being an ardent fan of Socialism and "Comrade Bernie", as you have expressed more than a few times, makes you very far left of center no matter where you live.
As I have said, and Don has reiterated, your history of posts on this forum tell the undeniable story or your ideology.
Once again, those are facts.
[This message has been edited by randye (edited 12-21-2017).]
You are right. here the majority is so far right that a centrist is viewed as far left. I'm with you 100% in regard to Trump and Hillary. I couldn't bring myself to vote for either one but I was relieved that Hillary lost.
Well, if you consider this a far right majority, you need to get out more. Right slanted, I'd agree.
------------------ Rams
Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun.... Open your frigg'n minds, think about all the other tools that can be made into WMDs.
My wife told me to grow up. I told her to get out of my fort!
Being an ardent fan of Socialism and "Comrade Bernie", as you have expressed more than a few times, makes you very far left of center no matter where you live.
As I have said, and Don has reiterated, your history of posts on this forum tell the undeniable story or your ideology.
Once again, those are facts.
I don't know why I even bother answering your attacks. It is democratic socialism, not socialism and Bernie isn't a 'comrade' in fact he's the most popular politician in the country. I'll give you that he's not the most popular on this forum. I'm really not into defending myself from your posted opinions of me. I'm always just looking for intelligent discussion. You don't have to agree with me at all. Just post your ideas without feeling that you have to put me down. Your positions are just as valid as mine and I feel no need to make any personal attack toward you. Have a nice day.
There is no perfect candidate. Every choice, when deciding who will most represent the views of millions of people, will be the "lesser of two evils".
Shoot... not me.
Trump was THE guy I wanted. Anyone who's curious can go back and look at all my posts from as far back as late 2015. As SOON as I knew he was running, I was HOOKED. I felt the same way back in 2012 when he said he was considering running.
He has the boisterous, arrogant, and 100% totally non-politically correct attitude that I absolutely wanted in a president.
This is the FIRST time... I've gotten exactly what I want in a candidate.
I am willing to bet that our left leaners believe that most of us here are far right. They would be wrong.
I know I'm not far right. I am right of center however. There are plenty others on here much further right than I am on certain issues that I just see as necessary evils until a different really feasible solution is found.
[This message has been edited by Khw (edited 12-21-2017).]
This forum is more right than left for sure and that's ok. If I were only interested in leftist I wouldn't be a regular fox viewer. You however are definitely alt/right or far far right and that's as close as I'm going to calling you names. I do have a few others but I would be lowering myself to your standards. I'm always resisting the urge to come back to you on the same level that you come after me but I won't do that. If I could block you like they do on facebook I would have done that a long time ago. I put you in the same category as efurgal and keel. I wouldn't be surprised if that pleases you.
This forum is more right than left for sure and that's ok. If I were only interested in leftist I wouldn't be a regular fox viewer. You however are definitely alt/right or far far right and that's as close as I'm going to calling you names. I do have a few others but I would be lowering myself to your standards. I'm always resisting the urge to come back to you on the same level that you come after me but I won't do that. If I could block you like they do on facebook I would have done that a long time ago. I put you in the same category as efurgal and keel. I wouldn't be surprised if that pleases you.
You're obviously very emotional and upset over FACTS.
You claim you're being "attacked", (just as I predicted), but the only thing that has been offered to you are non-accusatory, objective facts.
There's no difference between socialism and democratic socialism. They are the same.
We have been over this with "dratts" several times before in several previous threads.
He has been offered LONG lists of failed communist / socialist countries that have all called themselves "Democratic" in one form or another.
It has always been, and always will be, the same basic, failed Marxist ideology.
For whatever reason, "dratts" can't accept that.
He keeps holding onto the idea that there is something magical about putting the word *Democratic* in front of socialist that makes it somehow different.
Millions of other people in recent history had that same fantasy and had to learn the hard way.
[This message has been edited by randye (edited 12-23-2017).]
