Science Forums 2

[TheBigDog]

Originally Posted by CraigD

At the risk of answering a disingenuous rhetorical question/talking point, I’d hazard that almost nobody, regardless of views on government, would willingly cast any vote for any person or referendum to increase the amount of federal, state, or local tax he or she pays.

Neither presidential candidate Barack Obama nor John McCain have, in any public statement or publication of which I’m aware, stated that they would raise the amount of federal income tax that I, personally, pay (for 2007, $12179). Comparing Barack Obama’s Comprehensive Tax Plan to public statements by John McCain (after some searching of JohnMcCain.com - McCain-Palin 2008, I’m unable to find a similar document), I find that Obama’s proposal would result in my federal tax being decreased by about $2,000, McCain’s, decreased by $600.

The primary reason for the difference between the two is the Obama plan’s tax refund of 10% of home mortgage interest. If I rented rather than owned a home, or did not have a home mortgage loan, my tax decrease would change to Obama’s, $500, McCain’s $600.

OK, this is off topic for the thread, and I should start a thread dedicated to contrasting the Tax policy of the two candidates, but for now...

What is the position of the candidates on renewing the Bush tax cuts that were established for 10 years and due to expire in the middle of the next presidential term? This will be an increase in the income taxes of everyone who makes more than $32,000/year. I would hope that the candidates who are claiming that they will not increase taxes on the so-called middle class are not considering that this is NOT a tax increase because they didn't do it. Time will tell.

Bill