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Originally posted by taxwonk
So your argument is that it is Right not to externalize costs.
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Where possible, yes. Of course, exceptions apply where, e.g., it would be more inefficient to ensure fair taxation than to just rough-it.
Quote:
Originally posted by taxwonk
How does one avoid "externalizing" the safety of the US in a hostile geopolitical environment?
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I'm not sure what this means. Safety is not a cost. The cost of safety is.
As a nation, the U.S. needs to try and ensure others aren't externalizing the costs of their safety onto us. To almost the last one, they are. As a very easy example (that I'm sure would ruffle many, many feathers), when the Germans complain about us pulling the troops out, we could suggest that they start spending a proportion of GDP on defense that is similar to ours.
Come to think of it, that would be a great way of knocking both Germany and France in line (i.e., suggesting that Germany needs a bigger army .
Quote:
Originally posted by taxwonk
Are you suggesting that it is only people who use petroleum products who should bear the cost of the instability in the Middle East?
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Good heavens, no. Are you? One of the analysts on CNBC was just saying the other day that even if we replaced every SUV in America with a Corolla, the price of gas wouldn't even drop by (5 cents?). I am saying, however, that they should more directly bear some of the cost of securing their oil, and of fixing the roads.
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Originally posted by taxwonk
Okay, what's the tax rate on the oil used to fire the generators that supply your power? Do you use heating oil or gas to heat your water or your apartment/house? What about the tax on your public transportation?
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No idea, of course -- what's your point, and ha ha ha - Frank Kreusi says not enough, but I don't think he's looking to contribute anything to our efforts in Iraq.
Why shouldn't it be enough to cover what we use. Are you gonna scream when the poor people say their homes are cold or are you gonna scream when I tell them to move to Florida if they can't afford heat in Illinois? Did you see the recent series by Mary Schmich where Cabrini Green residents were complaining that their new mixed-income housing didn't include 4 and 5 bedroom units? Its a perfect example of why I'm willing to let people sleep on the streets.
I don't see the point you are trying to make with the last question. Is it some kind of suggestion that I'm standing in the middle of the ladder stepping on the hands beneath me, and that I'd protest if those above me stepped on my hands? I hope not.
The Right carries its burden in this country. Everyone else continually asks it to contribute more.
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