Let’s have a show of hands on this question: How many of you believe that it is OK to punish the rich by making them pay their fair share of taxes?

 Ok, so about half of you think the “rich” have unjustly made their living on the back of the “workers.” They should have to send more of their money for the government to redistribute and keep the current politicians in power. Right? That is what is really happening with our money we send to Augusta and Washington!

The Political Animals are tackling the question; “should Congress and the President extend the Bush tax cuts…for the wealthy?”

 The assault on the “rich” continues from the politicians. The Republicans are pandering to the “get even” crowd while the Democrats are making the case it is because of the “tax breaks for the rich” that our deficit and debt is exploding.

Do you agree with the Democrats? If so, do me a favor and either go back into your shell or educate yourself with a lesson in economics and common sense! Psst…In case you haven’t heard, it is the spending that expands the deficit!

 We don’t have a trillion dollar deficit because we don’t tax enough.  We have a trillion dollar deficit because we spend too much! Once again our politicians have fooled you into believing they are looking out for your best interest. The reality is that their power comes from the money — our money — we send to them in the form of taxes.

The politicians’ message is that we working stiffs are not paying enough. Think about it folks, if we don’t send it they can’t spend it! It is not a coincidence that our Congressional delegation touts how much “free federal money” they secured for their districts during their tenure. The next time a liberal rails on the rich just ask this question: “When was the last time a poor person wrote a paycheck to someone?”

 If you really want to see how skewed things are check these facts, (U.S. Census) concerning the average salaries of a couple of professions:

United States Armed Forces – $22, 767

American household – $50, 462  (Maine- $37,00)

Federal employee – $74,403

United States Congressman – $174,000 (plus lifetime health insurance)

 So let me sum this up:  the people who put their life, literally, on the line to protect us get paid the least amount. The second lowest amount is the people who foot the bill for the last two (paid the most with the best benefits and retirement plans) and the people who are supposed to be working for “we the people.” You have to love America! I digress…

 The part of the tax package I can’t understand is the cut in the Social Security payroll tax. Yes, you are reading this right: a tax cut I don’t really like. (That is just at this time!) I understand the concept,  that it will make a direct impact on somebody’s paycheck, but wonder why you couldn’t just cut the income tax taken out of people’s paychecks? Why Social Security?

The part of the tax package I can’t understand is the cut in the Social Security payroll tax. Yes you are reading this right, a tax cut I don’t really like or more like one I don’t understand at this time. I do understand the concept that it will have an immediate and direct impact into somebody’s paycheck, but wonder why they couldn’t just cut the income tax instead?
Why not allow people to take the 2 percent cut and invest it into the stockmarket on their behalf so you can truly have a retirement fund when you retire? Just think of the boost to the stock market and overall health of the economy. They are banking (no pun intended) that you will spend the money immediately to boost the current economy…and you will.
 Instead we reduce the amount of money into an already over burdened sytem? At a time when we have the largest segment of Americans, the baby boom generation, about to retire? Most economists predict the boomers will bankrupt the Social Security system. So what is the real motive behind this bonehead move? Could it be they want the system to fail so they can walk away and tell all who contributed, “oh well”?

 Again we come back to this hypocrisy thing where Sen. Susan Collins voted against the Bush tax extension because we need to “pay for it.” The truth of the matter is that tax cuts do not cost a thing! If you fall for this argument, go back to line 12 of this article and heed my advice! In fact, educate yourself and use facts, not emotions! I know, you are going to write me to ask me “what happened with the Reagan tax cuts and the Bush tax cuts”? I will tell you the same thing; Ronald Reagan doubled, yes doubled, revenues to the government after Congress approved the tax cuts. Revenues increased from $900 billion to $1.7 trillion! This is where it went south: the Congress promised for every $1 sent to the IRS, they would cut spending by $3. That never materialized. Your’e shocked, I know, that politicians broke their promise. Remember, “Read my lips, NO NEW Taxes.” The elder Bush almost ruined the economy with his agreement to raise taxes, which cost him the re-election bid for his second term.

I loved President G.W. Bush, but he was not a fiscal conservative. W agreed to a massive expansion of spending by the Congress. He did ruin the economy, but by overspending, not tax cuts! The revenue to the government increased every year he was in office, but the spending out paced the revenues. Again, our politicians were willing accomplices, buying votes and currying favor in their home states and districts.

 Extending the tax cuts to all is the way to go;  yes, even the evil rich! Businesses and the risk-takers love predictability, not the uncertainty and threats of the politicians!

 That is my opinion. Let me know yours by writing to [email protected] , Facebook or comment after the article in the SJ online.

 Scott Lansley is a former legislator and current Sabattus selectman.