my connection with the tea party

[--Pete]

Hi,

Quite simply, in my view, the rich can pay lower percentages in taxes because they can afford better tax planning services. Me, I depend on my own understanding of the tax code and what I can figure out from the tax prep software.

Good point, and valid, but incomplete. There are also many ways of tax sheltering that require a fairly large income. Say that, like so many in the middle class you have very little left after living expenses, set asides for retirement, possibly paying into an educational fund (or repaying student loans, and other immediate needs. Then it is not possible for you to put large quantities into municipal bonds or other such low/no tax sources of income.

Consider, if you need 90% of your income to live, you only have 10% to put into shelters. That might reduce your taxes, but not by much. If a wealthy person can live on 10% of his income, he can put the other 90% into shelters, greatly reducing his tax burden.

I’m just realizing how little I'm adding to the discussion here. Sorry for that, but I would like to draw attention to the following:

On the core issues, there is a semi-fleshed out general guideline, found at http://www.teaparty-platform.com:

1. Eliminate Excessive Taxes
--snip--
5. Abide by the Constitution of the United States

To my mind, I think #5 ought to be a higher priority for a political party. Just like upholding the law ought to be the highest priority for the legal system.

Well, first, I think you've contributed two excellent points, so no need to apologize for your contribution.

And, second, I strongly agree with you. Any political organization or public figure who doesn't put the Constitution first should be disenfranchised -- not only should they not be able to hold public office, they shouldn't be allowed to vote.

--Pete