Examples of income being taxed multiple times:
Social Security Benefits: Depending on your income level, Social Security benefits can be subject to federal income tax. If you earn above a certain threshold, up to 85% of your benefits may be taxed. This can feel like double taxation since you've already paid taxes on the income that contributed to your Social Security benefits.
Inheritance: When you inherit money or property, you may be subject to an inheritance tax. This is a tax on the transfer of assets from the deceased to the beneficiary. In some cases, the estate of the deceased may have already paid taxes on the assets, meaning the inheritance is being taxed twice.
Retirement Accounts: Contributions to retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s and IRAs, are made with pre-tax income, meaning you don't pay taxes on the money you contribute. However, when you withdraw the funds in retirement, you'll be taxed at your ordinary income tax rate.
Sales Tax: When you buy goods or services, you're typically charged a sales tax. This is a tax on your income, as you're using money you've earned to make the purchase. If you're also paying income tax on the same income, it can feel like double taxation.
Property Tax: Property taxes are another example of income being taxed multiple times. You're required to pay property taxes on the value of your home or other real estate, which is often based on the income you've earned and used to purchase the property. This can feel like double taxation, as you're paying taxes on the same income twice.
The undue influence that politicians have after retiring from political office is a matter of concern for many. As mentioned in the sources above, a significant number of former members of Congress have become lobbyists, potentially using their connections and knowledge to sway policy in favor of their clients. This revolving door between government and lobbying raises questions about the integrity of the political system and the potential for conflicts of interest.
Moreover, the ability of retired politicians to exert influence can also be seen in their ability to endorse candidates and sway public opinion. This can have a significant impact on elections and the political landscape as a whole.
In conclusion, the undue influence of politicians after retirement from political office is a complex issue with potentially far-reaching consequences. It's crucial to be aware of these potential effects and to keep an eye on how former politicians use their influence in the public sphere.
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/apr/15/our-oppressive-tax-system-can-be-analogized-to-dra/
Our oppressive tax system can be analogized to Dracula
Was it as bad for you as it was for me? Sending Washington money we earn, but Washington doesn't, I mean?
By Cal Thomas
OPINION:
Was it as bad for you as it was for me? Sending Washington money we earn, but Washington doesn’t, I mean?
It’s not just being part of the half the nation that pays taxes while the other half doesn’t that bothers me. It’s the waste and unnecessary programs and agencies that have long outlived whatever usefulness they once had (if they were ever necessary). And still, President Biden wants to raise taxes even more without proposing a single dollar be cut to reduce our unsustainable $34 trillion debt.
As The Washington Times reported, Mr. Biden “wants to impose a 25% minimum tax on all income not currently taxed — including unrealized gains on assets — for Americans with a net worth of $100 million. Mr. Biden has also urged Congress to raise the corporate tax rate to 28% up from 21%.”
No American should be forced to endure the annual torture of compiling records and filling out tax returns. Many other nations have far simpler systems. Even the instructions for filling out forms for the IRS need instructions to be understood. It is why so many must hire tax attorneys who fulfill the role of language translators.
Just one example: Enter your gross farming and fishing income reported on Form 4835, line 7; Schedule K-1 (Form 1065), box 14, code B; Schedule K-1 (Form 1120-S), box 17, code AN; and Schedule K-1 (Form 1041), box 14, code F. See instructions.
Got it?
The Congressional Budget Office predicts the U.S. will add an average of $2 trillion in debt annually for the next decade. That’s more than $5 billion of debt daily for the next 10 years. We borrow more than $200 million every hour, which is $3 million every minute and $60,000 every second.
If that’s not enough to make your blood boil, consider a fraction of the misspending that occurs in Washington. For the past nine years, Sen. Rand Paul has published a “Festivus Report” exposing outrageous examples of unnecessary federal spending. In his latest report, the Kentucky Republican writes:
“I am highlighting a whopping $900,000,000,000 of waste (emphasis his), including a National Institutes of Health grant to study Russian cats walking on a treadmill, Barbies used as proof of ID for receiving COVID Paycheck Protection Program funds, $6 million to promote tourism in Egypt, and $200 million to ‘struggling artists’ like Post Malone, Chris Brown, and Lil Wayne. No matter how much money the government has already wasted, politicians demand even more.”
There’s much more. Google “Festivus Report” and be aghast at what we are doing to ourselves. Ultimately, this is the fault of voters who won’t restrain politicians and select people who will restore America’s financial future and balance the budget, as was so recently done during the Clinton administration.
If too many voters keep fueling the gravy train, the only option will be an Article V constitutional convention, provided by the Founders for such a moment as we are now facing.
Suppose a future Congress refuses to attack the debt. In that case, an Article V constitutional convention will be the only way to balance the budget and return power to where the Founders originally intended it — to the people.
Nineteen of the required 34 states have already passed resolutions calling for a Convention of States. Other states have passed it in one legislative chamber, and still others are considering it.
Our current oppressive tax system can be analogized to Dracula, who is never satisfied with the blood he sucks out of one victim, but must constantly look for new sources to bite. We must drive a stake in the bloodsucking government’s heart, or we will end up driving one in ourselves, and the country we have known and loved will be no more.
Before 1913, funding for roads in the United States primarily came from local and state governments, as well as private initiatives. Here are some of the key methods used to finance roads before 1913:
Local Taxes and Assessments: Local governments were responsible for funding and maintaining roads within their jurisdictions. They often levied taxes or assessments on property owners in the area to cover the costs of road construction and maintenance.
Toll Roads: Private companies or individuals often built toll roads, which were funded by user fees. Travelers had to pay a fee to use these roads, and the revenue generated from tolls was used to cover construction and maintenance costs.
Private Funding and Investment: Some roads were financed through private investments. Wealthy individuals or groups of investors would fund the construction of a road and charge tolls to recoup their investment and generate profits.
Public Subscriptions: In some cases, communities or towns would collectively contribute funds to finance the construction of a road. This could involve public subscriptions, where individuals and businesses in the area donate money or resources towards road projects.
Land Grants: The federal government and some state governments provided land grants to incentivize the construction of certain roads. These grants allowed private companies or local governments to use designated lands for road construction in exchange for taking on the responsibility of building and maintaining the road.
Bond Issues: Governments, both at the state and local levels, issued bonds to raise funds for road construction. These bonds were essentially loans that would be repaid with interest over time, often funded through tax revenues.
Volunteer Labor and Materials: In rural areas, communities would sometimes rely on volunteer labor and donated materials to build and maintain roads. This practice was especially common in sparsely populated regions.
It's important to note that the state of road infrastructure varied widely across the United States before the establishment of a federal income tax in 1913. While some regions had well-developed road networks, others had limited or rudimentary infrastructure. The funding mechanisms mentioned above were often implemented at the local and state levels, reflecting the decentralized nature of road management during that time.
In 1913, significant changes occurred in the United States regarding taxes with the passage of two crucial pieces of legislation:
1. **16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution:**
The 16th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified on February 3, 1913. It granted Congress the power to levy income taxes on individuals and corporations without apportioning it among the states or basing it on census results. This amendment effectively gave the federal government the authority to collect income taxes directly from citizens.
Prior to the 16th Amendment, the federal government primarily relied on revenue from tariffs (taxes on imported goods) and excise taxes (taxes on specific goods and services like alcohol and tobacco). The introduction of income tax marked a significant shift in how the federal government funded its operations.
2. **Revenue Act of 1913 (Tariff Act of 1913):**
The Revenue Act of 1913, also known as the Tariff Act of 1913, was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson on October 3, 1913. This act implemented the income tax provisions enabled by the 16th Amendment.
Key provisions of the Revenue Act of 1913 included:
- Introduction of a graduated income tax system, where higher incomes were subject to higher tax rates.
- Initial tax rates were relatively low, with the highest rate set at 7% on incomes over $500,000 (equivalent to several million dollars in today's currency).
- Only a small percentage of the population was initially subject to income tax.
The Revenue Act of 1913 aimed to reduce reliance on tariffs and excise taxes and to establish a more stable and diversified source of federal revenue.
These developments marked the beginning of modern income taxation in the United States. The federal government gained the authority to directly tax the income of individuals and corporations, significantly expanding its revenue base. This shift in taxation played a crucial role in funding government operations, enabling the growth of various federal programs and initiatives over the years.
The success of the United States and its Constitution in building a great nation can be attributed to several key factors:
1. **Founding Principles**: The U.S. Constitution is based on a set of enduring principles, including the protection of individual rights, the separation of powers, and the rule of law. These principles have provided a solid foundation for governance and have allowed for adaptability and growth over time.
2. **Checks and Balances**: The Constitution established a system of checks and balances among the three branches of government (Executive, Legislative, and Judicial). This framework ensures that no one branch becomes too powerful, promoting accountability and preventing tyranny.
3. **Federalism**: The Constitution created a system of federalism, where power is shared between a central government and individual states. This balance of authority allows for diversity and experimentation in governance, while still providing a unified framework.
4. **Flexibility and Adaptability**: The framers of the Constitution designed a framework that could be amended to accommodate changing circumstances. This adaptability has allowed the U.S. to evolve and respond to new challenges, technologies, and societal changes.
5. **Protection of Individual Rights**: The Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms to citizens. This protection of individual liberties has been crucial in fostering a society that values personal freedoms and civil liberties.
6. **Rule of Law**: The Constitution established the principle that everyone, including government officials, is subject to the law. This principle has helped to maintain stability, ensure fairness, and prevent arbitrary exercise of power.
7. **Inclusivity and Citizenship**: The Constitution has been amended to expand the definition of citizenship and the rights of citizens. Amendments, such as the 14th Amendment, have been instrumental in addressing issues of civil rights and equality.
8. **Peaceful Transition of Power**: The Constitution provides a framework for the peaceful transfer of power through regular elections. This has contributed to political stability and the continuity of government.
9. **Civic Participation and Engagement**: The U.S. Constitution has encouraged civic participation and engagement through various mechanisms, including the right to vote. This active citizenry is crucial in maintaining a healthy democracy.
10. **Global Influence**: The U.S. Constitution and the American system of governance have served as a model for many other nations around the world, contributing to the spread of democratic ideals and institutions.
It's important to note that while the U.S. Constitution has been remarkably successful, it is not without its challenges and ongoing debates. Continuous efforts to uphold its principles, address evolving issues, and ensure inclusivity are essential in maintaining the success of the American experiment in self-governance.
Creating a country free from corruption and prosperous, like Singapore, is a complex endeavor that involves a combination of political, economic, and social factors. Here are some key ingredients:
1. **Strong Rule of Law and Independent Judiciary**:
- Establish and uphold a robust legal framework with transparent and consistent application of laws.
- Ensure an independent judiciary that can hold individuals and institutions accountable.
2. **Transparent and Accountable Governance**:
- Promote transparency in government operations, including budget allocation and public expenditure.
- Implement effective oversight mechanisms, such as auditing bodies and anti-corruption agencies.
3. **Effective Anti-Corruption Measures**:
- Develop and enforce strict anti-corruption laws and regulations.
- Encourage a culture of integrity and ethics within public and private sectors.
4. **Political Will and Leadership**:
- Cultivate a political culture that prioritizes anti-corruption efforts.
- Appoint leaders committed to rooting out corruption and upholding the rule of law.
5. **Meritocratic Civil Service**:
- Build a professional and meritocratic civil service that is free from political interference and based on qualifications and expertise.
6. **Efficient Bureaucracy**:
- Streamline administrative processes to reduce opportunities for corruption and bureaucratic red tape.
7. **Investment in Education and Skills Development**:
- Prioritize education and skills development to create a well-educated and skilled workforce that can contribute to economic growth.
8. **Open and Competitive Economy**:
- Foster a business-friendly environment with minimal barriers to entry for entrepreneurs.
- Encourage competition to prevent monopolies and promote innovation.
9. **Diversification of the Economy**:
- Avoid over-reliance on a single industry or sector. Diversify the economy to mitigate risks and encourage sustainable growth.
10. **Social Cohesion and Inclusion**:
- Foster a sense of national identity and unity among citizens, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or background.
- Implement policies that reduce income inequality and promote social mobility.
11. **Investment in Infrastructure and Technology**:
- Develop modern infrastructure and leverage technology to enhance connectivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.
12. **Sustainable Urban Planning**:
- Implement effective urban planning to create livable cities with well-designed public spaces and efficient transportation systems.
13. **International Cooperation and Trade**:
- Engage in mutually beneficial international relationships and trade agreements to access global markets and resources.
14. **Long-Term Vision and Planning**:
- Develop and adhere to a clear, long-term vision for the country's development, with input from various stakeholders.
15. **Civic Engagement and Participation**:
- Encourage active citizen participation in governance and decision-making processes.
It's important to note that achieving a corruption-free and prosperous society is an ongoing process that requires dedication, continuous vigilance, and adaptation to changing circumstances. Additionally, each country has its own unique context, and strategies may need to be tailored accordingly.
A country, also known as a nation-state, is a distinct political and geographic entity characterized by the following key elements:
1. **Defined Territory**: A country has defined borders or boundaries that separate it from neighboring states. These borders can be natural (such as rivers or mountain ranges) or artificial (delineated by treaties or agreements).
2. **Sovereignty**: A country exercises sovereignty, which means it has the authority to govern itself without interference from external powers. It has the power to make and enforce laws within its territory.
3. **Permanent Population**: A country is inhabited by a population of people who live within its borders on a continuous basis. This population may include citizens, residents, and other individuals with a legal presence.
4. **Government**: A country has a system of governance in place to administer and regulate its affairs. This may take the form of a democratic government, a monarchy, an autocracy, or another type of political system.
5. **Recognition by Other States**: Countries are typically recognized as sovereign entities by other countries. This recognition may be formalized through diplomatic relations, treaties, and international agreements.
6. **Capacity to Enter into Relations with Other States**: A country has the capacity to engage in diplomatic, political, economic, and cultural relations with other countries. This includes the ability to negotiate treaties and engage in international organizations.
7. **Monopoly on the Use of Force**: A country's government generally has a monopoly on the legitimate use of force within its territory. This means that it is responsible for maintaining law and order, and has control over military and law enforcement agencies.
8. **Cultural, Historical, or Social Identity**: A common cultural, historical, or social identity often unites the people of a country. This sense of identity can be based on shared language, religion, traditions, or other cultural factors.
9. **Recognition of International Law**: Countries typically adhere to the principles and norms of international law, which govern relations between states. This includes respect for treaties, agreements, and obligations under international law.
It's worth noting that while these are the general criteria that define a country, there are exceptions and complexities, such as regions with disputed sovereignty or states that may not meet all of these criteria (e.g., entities with limited international recognition or in the process of seeking recognition). Additionally, there are geopolitical situations, such as dependencies and territories, that may not meet all of these criteria but are still governed by a larger political entity.
These countries’ currency devaluation played a major role in their downfall.
Byzantine Empire: As mentioned earlier, the Byzantine Empire faced economic difficulties, including devaluation of its currency (particularly the gold solidus), during its long period of decline.
Spanish Empire: The Spanish Empire, which reached its zenith in the 16th century, faced economic troubles due in part to the influx of silver and gold from the New World. This led to inflation and devaluation of Spanish currency.
Ottoman Empire: In its later years, the Ottoman Empire experienced severe financial strain. The empire resorted to debasing its currency, which contributed to its economic instability.
Safavid Empire: The Safavid Empire (1501-1736) in Persia faced economic challenges, including devaluation of its currency, as it dealt with external pressures from neighboring empires.
Zimbabwean Empire: The Kingdom of Zimbabwe (also known as the Great Zimbabwe) experienced a dramatic collapse, partly due to the overproduction of currency in the form of soapstone birds, contributing to hyperinflation.
Weimar Republic (Germany): While not an empire in the traditional sense, the Weimar Republic faced severe hyperinflation in the early 1920s. This economic instability contributed to the social and political upheaval that ultimately led to the rise of the Nazi party.
French First Republic: Following the French Revolution, the revolutionary government faced economic challenges, including hyperinflation, as they printed vast amounts of assignats (paper currency) to finance their activities.
Russian Empire: In the lead-up to the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Russian economy was severely strained. The government resorted to printing excessive amounts of money, contributing to hyperinflation.
Austro-Hungarian Empire: In the later years of this multi-ethnic empire, economic difficulties arose in part due to the strain of World War I. The empire experienced inflation and currency devaluation.
Yugoslavia: After World War II, the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia, which encompassed several distinct regions and ethnic groups, experienced economic difficulties, including currency devaluation. This contributed to the eventual breakup of the country in the 1990s.
Argentina: Argentina experienced a series of economic crises in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. These included hyperinflationary periods where the value of the Argentine peso drastically eroded.
Venezuela: In recent years, Venezuela has faced a severe economic crisis marked by hyperinflation. The devaluation of the Venezuelan bolívar has been a central factor in this crisis.
Zimbabwe: In the 2000s, Zimbabwe experienced one of the most extreme cases of hyperinflation in modern history. The government's excessive printing of currency led to astronomical levels of devaluation.
Yugoslav dinar (1992-1994): After the breakup of Yugoslavia, several of its successor states, including Serbia and Montenegro, faced severe hyperinflation. The Yugoslav dinar experienced rapid devaluation during this period.
Iran (Post-revolution): After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Iran faced economic difficulties, including hyperinflation. The Iranian rial experienced significant devaluation during this time.
Brazil (1980s-1990s): Brazil experienced a period of hyperinflation during the 1980s and early 1990s. The Brazilian government implemented various currency stabilization plans to combat the devaluation of the Brazilian cruzeiro.
Romania (Post-communist era): After the fall of Nicolae Ceaușescu's regime in 1989, Romania faced a severe economic crisis, including hyperinflation. The Romanian leu experienced rapid devaluation.
Angola (Post-civil war): Following the end of the Angolan Civil War in 2002, Angola faced economic challenges, including hyperinflation. The Angolan kwanza experienced significant devaluation.
Hungary (Post-communist era): After the fall of communism, Hungary faced economic difficulties, including hyperinflation in the early 1990s. The Hungarian forint experienced rapid devaluation.
Ukraine (Post-Soviet era): After gaining independence from the Soviet Union, Ukraine faced economic challenges, including hyperinflation in the early 1990s. The Ukrainian hryvnia experienced significant devaluation.
https://www.amazon.com/Maos-America-A-Survivors-Warning/dp/B0C1HF27WS
An inspiring survivor of Mao’s Cultural Revolution in China makes a passionate case that history is eerily repeating itself as the Woke Revolution spreads across America.
Xi Van Fleet lived through the horrors of the Chinese Cultural Revolution as a schoolgirl. Forced to the countryside with other young Chinese for re-education after high school, she later escaped communism and found freedom and new a life in America. But more than 30 years later, Xi disturbingly sees signs of the same Cultural Marxism that ravaged her birth country of China threatening to destroy the America she now calls home.
This is her dire warning to the United States.
Xi compellingly tells the story of two Cultural Revolutions: one driven by Mao during her childhood and the one unfolding in today’s America from the progressive left. With captivating personal stories and extensive historic research, Xi reveals the stunning similarities of these two revolutions. This fascinating book shows readers that both revolutions:
Use Marxist tactics of division, indoctrination, deception, coercion, cancelation, subversion and violence.
Aim to destroy the foundation of the traditional culture to replace it with Marxist ideologies.
Weaponize youth, using them as their means to an end.
Share the same goal of achieving absolute power at the expense of the people.
Lead to the same ending: loss of freedom and totalitarian rule.
Readers will be captivated by the riveting personal story of a Chinese immigrant to the United States who overcame fear and reluctance to get involved in the movement to save America. Her political activism begins with a school board speech in 2021 against Critical Race Theory in Loudoun County, Virginia that unexpectedly goes viral and ignites national media attention. Xi now devotes her life to educating the American public on the shocking parallels between these two revolutions.
Because only when Americans understand what is really happening will they rise up and resist the communist takeover of America.
APR 8 •
2
Chapter Four: Education and Taught Morality
MAY 24, 2023 •
Answer to desertification
This is how the UAE are doing it - by cloud seeding. Whether this is a good way, we shall see.
The data on the efficacy of cloud seeding is weak.