Flinging Poo

There are 135.7 million taxpayers in the USA. 1.3 million are in the top 1%. 6.8 million are in the top 5%, and 13.6 million are in the top 10%. This groups share of total income is 22%. The Top 1% earns about 21% of total US income. They make $388,806 or higher, with an average tax rate of 22.80%, and turn in a share of taxpayer money about 40%. The Top 5% earns $153,542 or higher and pays 60% of taxes, with an average tax rate of 20.7%. The groups share of total income is 36.7%. The Top 10% earns $108,904 or higher and pays 70.68% of all taxes, with an average rate of 18.9%. The groups share of total income is 47.%. The 40% below that make between $32k and $108k and result in 28% of all tax income. The bottom 50% of income earners (67 million), contribute 3% of tax income and make less than $32k. History of Tax Rates 1915 - Bottom rate: 1%, Top rate: 7%. WWI - 4% and 73%. 1925-1932 - 1% and 25% 1942-1945 - 19% and 88% 1965-1981 - 14% and 70% 1981 12% and 50% 1987 11% and 38.5% 1993-2...

I want to be clear at the start. I associate myself as a Democrat. There are certain assumptions and presumptions predicated on that label, just as there are if I were to refer to myself as a Republican. Modern definitions trumping history, it's safe to say that both parties have evolved substantially since their inception. The modern Republican can be said to favor small government, low taxes, business growth unhindered by limitations of government, and faith-based governance. Their most vitriolic attacks against Democrats are to label them Liberals, Socialists, and even Communists. Let's stop pussy-footing around with name calling and get right down to brass tacks, shall we? Let's tackle small government first. A small government implies a larger state role. It means a reduction in the federal government, especially oversight (related to business). That's essentially what is meant. It means less taxes. All three are inextricably linked. At the root is the essential as...

As he walks away, time seems to slow down. The moment has arrived. The ring of inevitability sounds in the air and time slows down as fate descends upon him. In the movies crimson holes sprout exactly where you aim, but it never seems to be that way in reality. Perhaps it's the adrenaline, the nerves, whatever. When you come to the moment, you wonder if it's the correct moment. Is there someone close that can hear or that can see? If you wait will it make it better or make it worse? Will he know you're there and react? Will something random happen to foil the works? Are there good exits? Will you be discovered? These and a dozen more like it crowd your senses in doubts leading up to the act. They're like games your head plays with you. The more you do it, the more you realize you can get away, but also in the back of your head you know you're rolling the dice with chance. Eventually, someone will see you or hear you. But not now. Once the trigger has been pulled the...