How would we pay for Universal Health Care (open question)?

[Maxel]

Originally Posted by HEthePrimate

Yeah, you're right. Taxing the rich is a horrible, horrible idea. I propose instead that we tax the poor! After all, even though very few people are brave enough to say so, we all know that our nation's financial woes are the fault of the poor because they don't support the economy by buying enough consumer goods. And they also mooch off the system. So why not give them some incentive to change their ways by taxing them, essentially a fine for not participating better in the economy?

Would you be okay if we raise taxes for the rich and poor equally? Maybe increase the income tax by 15% all around?

Originally Posted by talisyn

Sorry Maxel, I'm not seeing the clear connection between the national debt and health care. You could also ask how we can fund the national parks program and pay off the debt. Or how we can fund the highway system and the debt. Or better yet, how we can pay for congresspeoples health insurance and pensions and the national debt.

The intent was just to talk about solutions to the money problems facing our country. I'm already familiar with the conservative idea- cut spending and cut taxes- but I'm trying to get a greater feel for the more liberal approach (beyond the 'raise taxes' portion). I also tried to approach it in a manner where solutions are presented first and debated second, instead of the ideology being imediately combatted.

In that regard, I'm enjoying this thread- particularly FunkyTown's analysis of the situation and prisonchaplain's suggestion that bytor pay it all. An idea I happen to support. Where's my check, bytor?

[Moksha]

Originally Posted by Moksha

No more wars, higher taxes and wage/price freezes may help, but it will never end unless under a doomsday scenario of the world economy totally collapsing ...

Pessimist! Like Annie said, "...tomorrow's just a day away", so you better remember that and concentrate on things that can be changed for the better.

[boyando]

The answer is simple. Unicorns!

[Just_A_Guy]

Not sure where else to put this, but . . .

Apparently the conference between the House and Senate health care bills has been delayed until February. Right-slanted story here.

[prisonchaplain]

I thought Palerider was footing the bill?

[trulykiwi]

Originally Posted by beefche

HEP, I know you're being sarcastic, but I don't understand why you think slashing taxes on the rich will in essence make the poor pay taxes. They already pay taxes--sales tax, taxes on junk food, taxes on cig/liquor, taxes on gas, etc.

We all know the problem with our healthcare system--too much waste and government spending and inefficiency within the systems we currently have. The government has admitted they know that there is billions of dollars lost due to fraud within the system. Then clean it up!

Actually there are very rich men who are tax exempt since the great depression. They were exempt from the government like the Rockefellers and other wealthy men. They did it through their companies, look it up it's right there! For evil reasons as well!

[Just_A_Guy]

Trulykiwi, do you work in a U.S. law office where one of the areas of emphasis is estate planning?

I do. There are certainly some legal tax sheltering and/or deferring strategies out there; but there are only so many tricks attorneys and accountants have up their sleeves and wealthy Americans still wind up paying taxes just like everyone else. (More, in fact. Far more.)

[Traveler]

There are a few things I believe would help:

1. Institute a negative income tax; so people can make decisions concerning their health care and how to finance it. Allow people to be responsible.

2. Install tax incentives to be healthy

3. Give tax deductions for health care cost above 5% of a family’s income.

4. Create a class of health care professionals between doctors and nurses.

5. Downgrade unhealthy foods from the food category.

6. Have a truth in taxation label on products. So consumers know whenever they are paying taxes on consumer items to the government. Do away with hidden taxes.

A few thoughts. There are two things I think are necessary to keep costs and services under control. Make sure people know what the costs are and that they are expected to contribute towards payment.

The Traveler

[talisyn]

Originally Posted by boyando

The answer is simple. Unicorns!

I always felt this was the ultimate answer to everything

[Moksha]

Originally Posted by boyando

The answer is simple. Unicorns!

If this idea catches on, I suspect we will see it marketed on late night TV.