AHHHHH... America the Beautiful... Well maybe the scenery is...

[johnsteed]

***

So now I come here and start reading the threads. Only to find out that we can no longer us MC and I am sure Visa will do the same thing. I mean what the hell people, between land/school taxes and income taxes my hubby and I paid in almost 33% of our income just for damn taxes. Now the freakin government is telling me how I can spend my own money. I thought this was a free country.

I guess not enough people wanted to listen to crazy 'ol Ron Paul, with his preaching about:


- stupid Keynesian Economics


- about wanting to legitimize gold and silver as legal tender (while removing the tax on them); edit-out Bill O'Reilly and Sean Hannity laughing in the background


- about foolishly eliminated that wonderful Federal Reserve System; printing-up money out of thin air 'cos it don't matta!



There's no need for accountability when you're a part of the elitist spectrum.



Just ignore everything Grandpa Paul says about anything, and continue on with the Democrats vs Republican debates (which is really just the Red Sox vs. Yankees at this point... both BIG spenders), instead of trying to fix what's broken. I want to vomit in my mouth (or on my lap) every single time I see Michael Moore defending his party, when the Obama Administration is really just the Bush Administration all over again (while applauding his winning a Nobel "Peace" Prize )



Believe it or not, I LOVE America. I'm from Canada, but I've always recognized the U.S. as being the focal point of what were once great ideals that I once had hoped other nations would adopt. The American Government - for what appears to be for the most part, or at least the strongest voices in Congress - seem to have made too many compromises along the way that don't serve the people's best interests. Having a strong middle-class is what made the U.S. (probably) one of the better (if not THE best) country to live in at one time. There are hardly any traces left of a true democracy, and I hope that it's not too late to make some serious (un-Obama) "CHANGES" there, before it's too late.

​

Even if Ron Paul doesn't fit the profile of what a leader should look and sound like, the guy never rests, he's courageous (perhaps gutsy is a better word here), he's persistent, he's a true Constitutionalist, and he has a completely sound track-record. Oh yeah, he's honest.



I'm not from the U.S., but I've never come across a more sincere politician in my life, and I've never cared about any sort of politics until I came across this guy. I think a ton of Canadians (and people around the world) would LOVE to vote for him if they could. I guess he doesn't have U2 or George Clooney in his back pocket though, so he's not cool, and he's 74, so he's out of touch with Hip Hop and gangsta culture; because today's youth is SOOOOOOO brilliant.











Can someone please explain to me how Barack Obama got his 2009 Nobel Peace Prize? Same with Ben Bernanke, and his getting the Time Magazine "Person of the Year"?



Steed


***

 

[winbig]

you know not to get any of you pissed off at me but my ex lifted me with 3 kids and i got nothing from him at all. and they were all young when he choose to leave caz he had a drinking promble and i did,nt like it. i worked my ass off to make sure my kids had clothes and shoes to go to school and yes when i filed for my taxs i got to count my kids and got that credit that winbig is talking about and it helped alot to take some of the stress off of me as to how i was going to pay my rent and buy food. and i take offence at the words the joy of having kids you make it sound as if i had my kids just to get the tax credit. i had my kids caz i wanted my kids and yes i do put out more in money a month then someone who does not have any one but themselfs to worrie about. and i was,nt living off the state or getting any help from them just myself and my kids. so before you say just for the fun of having kids you might what to stop and think about the single person men or women who thought that they would not be alone to rise thier kids but ended up that way. that little extar credit helps alot.

I never said that the EITC wasn't legit...it's great for people in situations such as yours. It just goes south when people abuse it...

 

[love2winalot]

Hiya: I am Not saying, but I am just saying.............

There are forced tax laws, and unforced tax laws. If you think it is evil for someone to violate a forced tax law, then it should be just as evil for those of us who violate the unforced tax laws.

Forced Tax Laws: Kids must live with you for 6 months out of the year.
$1200 + win on slots, require a w2g to be filled out.
Doing part time work for a friend, at his company requires a 1099 tax form.

Un Forced Tax Laws: These are the letter of the Law, in which the IRS expects you to follow, on your own. You are required to claim ALL income on your tax return. But do we really do this???????
Doing work for a friend at his house, and getting paid for it.
Winning $1190 on a slot machine, and walking away a winner.
Winning any amount, at any table game, and doing it more than once.
Winning money gambling On-Line.
Gaining profit from selling stuff on ebay/craigs list/garrage sale, ect.
and so on.

I know "NO ONE", has ever done any of these things as an income maker, and not, on their own, reported the extra income on their tax return..

I am just saying, that if you point a finger, make sure there are no mirrors in the house.......hehehe

 

[winbig]

Un Forced Tax Laws: These are the letter of the Law, in which the IRS expects you to follow, on your own. You are required to claim ALL income on your tax return. But do we really do this???????
Doing work for a friend at his house, and getting paid for it.
Winning $1190 on a slot machine, and walking away a winner.
Winning any amount, at any table game, and doing it more than once.
Winning money gambling On-Line.
Gaining profit from selling stuff on ebay/craigs list/garrage sale, ect.
and so on.

The problem is, none of these are actual laws......
As a contractor (doing work for friends/etc, not receiving a w2): you're only obligated to report income over $600

Winning $1190 on a slot machine, and walking away & table games: This can be shady, yes, if you're not playing with a players card where the casino can track your play with a w2g at the end of the year. If you play with a card, then you're not trying to circumvent the law...the same goes for cashing in < $10,000 at a time at the cage to get under the limit where the casino has to report it to the IRS.

Winning money from online gambling: At least in the USA, this is unregulated, so of course it's not taxable.

Selling stuff on CL, ebay, etc... I'm sure there's a limit you have to reach in sales before you have to actually claim it on your taxes.

 

[kauphy]

I never said that the EITC wasn't legit...it's great for people in situations such as yours. It just goes south when people abuse it...

thank you winbig. yes thats ture when people abuse anything it makes it hard for all of us. and i don,t know if you know this or not but they( the goverment) is passing a law which if i,m not wrong it has made it thought the house already. that will make it illegal to ship anything tabacco thought the mail. i know one site that i use to use is now closed because of this law. i have been fighting against it but just got a letter from senator kly that it will pass and become a law because 2 many people r useing it and the state that they live in don,t get their taxs. and i think its for everyone not just certen states.

 

[winbig]

thank you winbig. yes thats ture when people abuse anything it makes it hard for all of us. and i don,t know if you know this or not but they( the goverment) is passing a law which if i,m not wrong it has made it thought the house already. that will make it illegal to ship anything tabacco thought the mail. i know one site that i use to use is now closed because of this law. i have been fighting against it but just got a letter from senator kly that it will pass and become a law because 2 many people r useing it and the state that they live in don,t get their taxs. and i think its for everyone not just certen states.

Yep, I just emailed my senator to vote NO on this bill. I buy mine online, too.

 

[LaurieJim]

Hiya: I am Not saying, but I am just saying.............

There are forced tax laws, and unforced tax laws. If you think it is evil for someone to violate a forced tax law, then it should be just as evil for those of us who violate the unforced tax laws.

Forced Tax Laws: Kids must live with you for 6 months out of the year.
Agree

$1200 + win on slots, require a w2g to be filled out.

true
Doing part time work for a friend, at his company requires a 1099 tax form.
Guilty

Un Forced Tax Laws: These are the letter of the Law, in which the IRS expects you to follow, on your own. You are required to claim ALL income on your tax return. But do we really do this???????

I have been guilty sometimes on that one
Doing work for a friend at his house, and getting paid for it.

Guilty
Winning $1190 on a slot machine, and walking away a winner.

Guilty
Winning any amount, at any table game, and doing it more than once.

Im safe there
Winning money gambling On-Line.

Big Big time Guilty:

Gaining profit from selling stuff on ebay/craigs list/garrage sale, ect.
and so on.
I plead the 5th

I know "NO ONE", has ever done any of these things as an income maker, and not, on their own, reported the extra income on their tax return..

Hey, i said im Guilty of some of them

I am just saying, that if you point a finger, make sure there are no mirrors in the house.......hehehe

Going to check for broken glass now:eek:................laurie

 

[felicie]

**sigh**

Running off to Wal-Mart (and any other box or chain store) and giving them your money just so they can suck it all out of the community, along with good paying jobs, and stick it the pocket of their shareholders?


I guess you aren't realizing that people like YOU are actually responsible for the recession.

I use to think that too but the other grocery stores (Albertson, Vons) after getting 500 or more a month from my family for a hundred years wont sell me the 'right' pp card, wont carry my favorite foods, smokes or even have 'for sale signs' so where else do you go and what am I being loyal to them for? They're all the same so the one that treats me most like a human wins I guess.

 

[Simmo!]

So out of interest, what are your guys thoughts on the States each being able to make their own laws? On the one hand I guess it gives an element of freedom to decide how to run their jurisdiction, while on the other it seems to lead to a minefield of red tape.

The biggest issue to me (observing as an outsider) seems to be, as referenced above, that each State is keen to ensure that their laws stop their residents buying products or services from outside the State a lot of the time, or is that unusual?

It must be a nightmare for some businesses to have to comply with different laws and tax regs in the same country I would have thought.

 

[winbig]

So out of interest, what are your guys thoughts on the States each being able to make their own laws? On the one hand I guess it gives an element of freedom to decide how to run their jurisdiction, while on the other it seems to lead to a minefield of red tape.

The biggest issue to me (observing as an outsider) seems to be, as referenced above, that each State is keen to ensure that their laws stop their residents buying products or services from outside the State a lot of the time, or is that unusual?

It must be a nightmare for some businesses to have to comply with different laws and tax regs in the same country I would have thought.

There are certain states that want to charge tax on goods you buy online, no matter where the store is. Normally, you only pay taxes on stuff you buy online if the store is physically located in the state you reside in.

One such state is New York, which successfully sued Amazon.com (

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) to start collecting taxes from ANY sales they make to a NY resident. Keep in mind that Amazon is not located in NY.

On the flip side, if you buy stuff online from wal*mart, chances are you're going to pay taxes on it.


The reason that the federal gov't wants to ban all online tobacco sales is because they want a piece of the tax pie, and there are no laws in place that entitle them to that privilege. ...and we all know that if the gov't can't get a piece of the action, then they're going to make it illegal.

I think that since it's the Native Americans that are selling these cigarettes, they can't pass a law to start collecting taxes from these sales.

 

[NASHVEGAS]

So out of interest, what are your guys thoughts on the States each being able to make their own laws?

Well since you mentioned it. Tell me what you think about this but remember this site is for entertainment purposes only or some CYA disclaimer yet...............!!

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"Excerpt:28-3-106. Recovery of gambling losses.

Actions to recover money or goods lost at any kind of gambling or betting, and paid or delivered:
(1) If brought by the loser, shall be commenced within ninety (90) days next after such payment or delivery;

(2) If brought for the use of the spouse, child or children, or next of kin, within twelve (12) months from the expiration of the ninety (90) days;

(3) If by a creditor of the loser, within twenty-four (24) months from the end of the ninety (90) days.

Anti-Gambling Laws

39-17-501. Part definitions.

As used in this part, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) Gambling is contrary to the public policy of this state and means risking anything of value for a profit whose return is to any degree contingent on chance, or any games of chance associated with casinos, including, but not limited to, slot machines, roulette wheels and the like. For the purposes of this chapter gambling does not include:
(A) A lawful business transaction;
(B) Annual events operated for the benefit of charitable 501(c)(3) organizations that are authorized pursuant to a two-thirds (2/3) approval of the general assembly, so long as such events are not prohibited by the state constitution; or
(C) A state lottery of the type such as is in operation in Georgia, Kentucky, and Virginia in 2000 and authorized by amendment to the Constitution of Tennessee, if such lottery is approved by the general assembly;"

Maybe Tennessee should be a banned state for more reasons than the obvious or why isn't it?

 

[Roanan]

Well Ronan, I have to disagree here, I just moved to this town 3 years ago, I lived in Lower Manhatten for most of my life. I wasn't here when the Walmart was built. When I live in NYC we only had little mom and pop shops, which we shopped at. Do I shop at Walmart now, sometimes yes because with gas being the way it is I am not going to waste gas for inexpensive items like a FOR SALE sign. In this town we have 2 gas stations 1 locally owned grocery store which was just bought out by a larger company, and Walmart. Walmart employees alot of people in my community so I yeah if I shop there I am in a way supporting my community. I am ensuring these people have a job.

LH

I use to think that too but the other grocery stores (Albertson, Vons) after getting 500 or more a month from my family for a hundred years wont sell me the 'right' pp card, wont carry my favorite foods, smokes or even have 'for sale signs' so where else do you go and what am I being loyal to them for? They're all the same so the one that treats me most like a human wins I guess.

I can appreciate the fact that you moved to your town after Mall-Wart raped it, so I guess you can't be fully blamed.


They may employ many people in the community, but what people don't realize is:

-the jobs are almost entirely part time
-they only pay minimum wage
-no benefits are provided to part time employees
-the large portion of these wages are spent at their place of employment
-the majority of these employees are female
-the majority of management and executive are male


It's a well known fact that big chains use predatory tactics when dealing with their suppliers as well as independent competition, but the hidden costs to the community need to also be known:

-they have their own legal staff, so the local notaries don't get their business
-they have their own accountants so the ones in the community don't benefit
-they have their own advertising, graphic designers and printers so they don't use the locals for these services and they print and distribute their own flyers via large newspaper chains thus denying the local paper from this business
-their 'we prosecute all shoplifters' policy wastes a lot of money and time for law enforcement and the courts, whereas a local business is more likely to contact the parents and/or do some old fashioned shaming
-box stores build at the edge of, or out of town so taxpayer money is wasted bringing civic services to them (water, power, etc.)
-they demand tax exemptions in exchange for 'giving the town the privilege of having them', so the costs above do not get recouped
-green space is usually destroyed to make room for them and their massive parking lots
-these huge parking lots gather a great deal of harmful chemicals (from the asphalt, garbage, vehicles, etc.) especially during the rain and affect local lakes and rivers and the wildlife that inhabit them
-the parking lots retain so much heat that they alter the climate of the surrounding area and increase the temperature in the region by 5 degrees, doing irreparable long term damage


Local businesses are unable to gain income from chain stores that would be used to hire employees as well as be spent in the community for their own needs.
There's no trickle down effect


The fact that gas is expensive is also what they rely on.
People don't want to be making many trips for their supplies so driving to one destination is exactly what the big box relies on. They get all your money in one fell swoop and hand it to their shareholders.


Their marketing practices are also very deceptive.

They market on TV and in their flyers what are called 'loss leaders'
These are the items that everyone knows the price of.
They are presented prominently in the store and are sold AT A LOSS.

This is designed to get you into the store, knowing that you will make additional purchases. Many of these are for items that can usually be found at an independent for a LOWER price, or are their own brand (furthering the loss of 'trickle down effect'), therefore, long term 'allegiance' to the box store will actually cost you MORE MONEY.


This is all just what I can think of. There's a lot more.


You may save a nickel from time to time by giving them your business, but you are costing yourself, your family and your community a whole lot more by doing so.

 

[NASHVEGAS]

Winning money from online gambling: At least in the USA, this is unregulated, so of course it's not taxable.

I have seen/read/heard the arguments that OG income is not taxable for various reasons (regulation was not one of them, ftr) and some or most probably do not report as a line item before one's AGI regardless. That said, to the contrary (of not taxable) still prevails imo only but I have been given so many conflicting answers, I am not sure anyone knows even those that think they do.

(BTW,The IRS did amend and clarify not long ago how table game sessions are defined and I guess the proper way to report but it was still confusing to me)

In the State of Tennessee, drug dealers must report and pay State taxes, iirc via a tax stamp. Some do, no joke!

 

[winbig]

-they only pay minimum wage

Not true. I worked for them years ago, and started out about $1-$2 over min. wage. Plus they give raises after you've been there for 6 months.

 

[Roanan]

Not true. I worked for them years ago, and started out about $1-$2 over min. wage. Plus they give raises after you've been there for 6 months.

May I ask what persuaded you to work there, and what made you leave?

 

[felicie]

So out of interest, what are your guys thoughts on the States each being able to make their own laws? On the one hand I guess it gives an element of freedom to decide how to run their jurisdiction, while on the other it seems to lead to a minefield of red tape.

The biggest issue to me (observing as an outsider) seems to be, as referenced above, that each State is keen to ensure that their laws stop their residents buying products or services from outside the State a lot of the time, or is that unusual?

It must be a nightmare for some businesses to have to comply with different laws and tax regs in the same country I would have thought.

I've voted every possible time since i came of age but it is amazing to me how much is decided upon that I am not asked to vote on.
good question though simmo thanks

 

[winbig]

May I ask what persuaded you to work there, and what made you leave?

Simply because I needed the money, and the job presented itself. Where I came from, there weren't many jobs to be found at all, so choices were limited.

I left after 8 months due to medical reasons. 8 months of stocking @ 40 hours a week really took a toll on my body, and after 2 trips to the doctor and 2 cortisone shots in my arm within 3 months, I said enough is enough and left. It wasn't worth it. To get an idea of the work involved, stockers (at least in the grocery section I worked in) were required to put up 60 cases an hour on average. We were putting out at least double to triple that amount.

fwiw, wal*mart actually offers benefits to part time workers. They pay a little more, of course, but they do have the option of getting it.

 

[Roanan]

Simply because I needed the money, and the job presented itself. Where I came from, there weren't many jobs to be found at all, so choices were limited.

I left after 8 months due to medical reasons. 8 months of stocking @ 40 hours a week really took a toll on my body, and after 2 trips to the doctor and 2 cortisone shots in my arm within 3 months, I said enough is enough and left. It wasn't worth it. To get an idea of the work involved, stockers (at least in the grocery section I worked in) were required to put up 60 cases an hour on average. We were putting out at least double to triple that amount.

fwiw, wal*mart actually offers benefits to part time workers. They pay a little more, of course, but they do have the option of getting it.

When you woke up in the morning, did you look forward to going to work?

 

[winbig]

When you woke up in the morning, did you look forward to going to work?

Actually, it was at night (3rds), and of course not.

Your point?

A job is a job. Some pay is better than no pay.

 

[slotplayer]

I believe the rise in cigarettes is due to the S-CHIP Legislation.

Bush passed a tax cut (actually 2 I think), which is set to expire at the end of 2010, so enjoy them while they last.

 

[bernynhel]

I'd like to see as much energy as there is in this thread turned toward US representives, (especially if one is a constituant), responsible for this midnight hour BS.

 

[Simmo!]

I'd like to see as much energy as there is in this thread turned toward US representives, (especially if one is a constituant), responsible for this midnight hour BS.

I think the biggest issue people have is not so much writing an email, but digging out who to contact and their email address.

Someone ought to create a list of the representatives email addresses and post a thread here so ppl know how to contact their representative.

As long as ppl email sensibly and politely with a proper argument and dont just rant, it could help, at least to make reps aware that ppl feel strongly.

 

[Roanan]

I think the biggest issue people have is not so much writing an email, but digging out who to contact and their email address.

Someone ought to create a list of the representatives email addresses and post a thread here so ppl know how to contact their representative.

As long as ppl email sensibly and politely with a proper argument and dont just rant, it could help, at least to make reps aware that ppl feel strongly.

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This service will assist you by identifying your Congressperson in the U.S. House of Representatives and providing contact information.

 

[GreyDay]

You should be ok then

I dunno, but if I were you, I'd report him....It makes my stomach churn to see people doing this.

So it's okay for the Government to make up stupid ways to tax him and get away with it? But if someone finds away to get alittle of their money back. Oh it's all wrong and makes your stomach churn. So you'll go out and report him??!! I dunno why she even put this man tax business on the internet like this in the first place. It's people like you (Winbig) that makes my stomach churn.

 

[LaurieJim]

. It's people like you (Winbig) that makes my stomach churn.

Both of these people you are talking about are long time forum members and very respected ones at that, so if your tummy is churning, id suggest some PEPTO, always does me good after reading a post like yours.........LJ