Birth, Death and Taxes…Well At Least if You’re Poor in the U.S.

I am pleasantly surprised to see one of the top earners in the US take on an unpopular topic for the rich and powerful – tax rates for the wealthy. Warren Buffet claims that he pays 17.7 percent in payroll taxes on income of $66 million, while his receptionist pays 30 percent on $60 thousand.

When asked why there is this disparity, he responded: “…all the rich in one way or another - have lobbyists, you know, coming out of their ears. And are down there whenever something threatens their favored status, they are in Washington en mass. And who is there representing the person that pays the payroll tax? I don't know of any group that is going around saying, ‘It's too tough for these people who - barely eke out a living to be paying 15 percent on payroll taxes.’”

That is a simple enough explanation. If our political system is driven by big business, the politicians will look out for the interests of big business. At some point the wealthy minority hijacked the U.S. government, or maybe it was always set up to protect them solely. One could certainly argue that.

One thing is for sure – the tax system in the U.S. needs to be fixed.

For more on this read this article in the Times or this CNBC interview.

Bush and the De-Evolution of US Conservation

It is interesting to look at our current administration's position on conservation and environmental issues. George W Bush once again represents a de-evolution of thought and principles. One-hundred years ago there was a much greater man in office that clearly saw the toll nations levy on the environment, and ultimately our children and children’s children, as society prospers. Theodore Roosevelt outlined his views in the "Conservation as a National Duty" address to business and community leaders on how we should counteract our negative impact on the environment – before it was too late. Roosevelt is remembered for saving vast amounts of land from destruction by establishing the National Parks system and for fueling the progressive movement that tightened the reins on big business. These and many other very notable accomplishments transpired because he held the interest of the American public as his top priority.

George W Bush on the other hand will be remembered as the idiot president, only in power because of his father, that pandered to needs of big business because of his family's and his administration’s ties to the oil business. His actions and words are completely transparent. His personal interests drove the United States to war with Iraq. One can only hope that the next president will have the strength to pull the US out of the Dark Ages that dim-witted little W has brought upon the Nation.