dfoo
Well-known
It is nothing like splitting the bill evenly, unless you split the bill based on your income.
I also never made that argument.
This isn't the way it works, it's not a valid metaphor.
Getting taxed is not a benefit to the taxed.
It's not like one guy gets a dirt road and the other guy gets a freeway with his tax money.A flat tax is logically the only fair method...everyone pays an equal percentage.
Interesting poll at CBS News:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-6116297-503544.html?tag=
See results after submitting.
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-6116297-503544.html?tag=
See results after submitting.
remphoto
Established
Imagine that -- our illustrious President, so popular with the Europeans and other socialists, but scored very poorly in this main stream media poll in his own country. Looks like he needs some remedial education.
antiquark
Derek Ross
But what if one of your friends had a heart attack right at the end of the meal, and you knew he didn't have health insurance. Would you still make him pay? How about if one of you brought along a destitute fellow from Haiti, would the Haitian have to pay?
How could he not have health insurance?? We have Obamacare now.
At socialist dinners the head waiter acts as Washington, he gets a percentage of every portion of the wealthier diners, and sends some morsels to those diners that are less well-off.
At socialist dinners the head waiter acts as Washington, he gets a percentage of every portion of the wealthier diners, and sends some morsels to those diners that are less well-off.
antiquark
Derek Ross
Sure, if Warren Buffet is sitting in the corner with his 100 lb Giga-Burger, there's no way he would be able to eat it by himself. It makes sense for everyone else to wander over, make some idle chit-chat with Buffet, meanwhile grabbing a few chunks of said Giga-Burger.
Buffet will still go home full -- the burger was so huge that he didn't even notice that everyone else had a few bites. It's a form of socio-gastronomic justice!
That just shows the folly. Buffett isn't going to gorge himself just because he's wealthy. He's going to invest his wealth in businesses and companies that employ and grow and create more wealth.
But if he has to have his wealth confiscated, well, that kinda negatively effects the rest of his goal.
But if he has to have his wealth confiscated, well, that kinda negatively effects the rest of his goal.
dfoo
Well-known
In Buffets case he has given away most of his wealth.
N
Nikon Bob
Guest
At least now I know where the idea for a Buffet Dinner comes from.
Bob
Bob
dmr
Registered Abuser
I'm not personally acquainted with Warren B, but as you know he is a legend around here. My recently-retired former boss does have a connection to their family, so I have picked up a bit about his personality.
He is apparently an incredibly down-to-earth guy, and as you know he has an incredibly keen business sense. I understand he's very intuitive, people-wise as well.
He's on record as saying that people at his income level *SHOULD* be paying higher taxes. (Google it, or on April 1, Topeka it.) He remarked on a local interview that their receptionist pays a greater percentage in taxes than he does!
He's been a long-time Democrat, although he did re-register, possibly temporarily, as a Republican, in support of one particular candidate. I've been told that he tends to lean left, even hard left, on social issues.
And yes, "Woodstock For Capitalists" will be happening here soon! (Too bad I'm not invited.)
He is apparently an incredibly down-to-earth guy, and as you know he has an incredibly keen business sense. I understand he's very intuitive, people-wise as well.
He's on record as saying that people at his income level *SHOULD* be paying higher taxes. (Google it, or on April 1, Topeka it.)
He remarked on a local interview that their receptionist pays a greater percentage in taxes than he does!He's been a long-time Democrat, although he did re-register, possibly temporarily, as a Republican, in support of one particular candidate. I've been told that he tends to lean left, even hard left, on social issues.
And yes, "Woodstock For Capitalists" will be happening here soon!
(Too bad I'm not invited.) 
Olsen
Well-known
Of some strange reason; both Warren Buffet's and Bill Gate's 'given away fortune' (as charity) is still included as their own personal fortune when counted at the Forbe's list. How come? Isn't it all 'given away' after all? Enlighten me. Rich people in USA have some strange ways of giving wealth away.
fergus
Well-known
Perhaps the funds are held in trust establishing a fund, with the investment proceeds to be distributed; hence ensuring an on-going charitable distribution?
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dmr
Registered Abuser
The way I understand it, the Buffett contribution(s) to the Gates Foundation will be over time and have conditions. I'm sure that Warren B. still controls much of his overall accumulations. I also suspect that the Gates' contributions are on similar terms.
One notable quote of Buffett is along the line of "I want to give my kids enough that they can do something, but not enough that they can do nothing."
Olsen
Well-known
Are you on his staff? Curious how you would know what they are paid.
Chriscrawfordphoto
Real Men Shoot Film.
Are you on his staff? Curious how you would know what they are paid.
I think Olsen confused Buffett's statement that he didn't want to leave his kids too much money. Maybe he confused 'kids' with 'employees'.
That said, Buffett's company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns several other businesses some of which do pay starvation wages to their employees, like Dairy Queen. He'd be a better man to just pay these people living wages than to donate to a charitable foundation. Charities are scams, most of the money goes to pay high-paid employees and very little goes to help those the charity supposedly helps (the poor, the arts, medical research, etc.).
dfoo
Well-known
I find it incredible that you guys are ****ting on a guy who is notoriously fair and moral, and gave more money away than any of us will make in our lifetimes.
dmr
Registered Abuser
I don't recall anyone ever saying that BH employees are underpaid. They have the reputation of being a very good company to work for.
I can't recall hearing of any labor disputes attributable to any BH-owned company.
Olsen
Well-known
Chris,
Over here, there has been several newspaper articles about the lousy salaries the employees of Warren Buffet in many of his companies. This must be common knowledge in USA too. Or?
It is just as obvious that the more billionaires you have - the more dirt poor people you have too. It is the same total money pool you share....
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