Note: Comments of readers are their own and do not reflect the feelings of Bob Lonsberry or lonsberry.com.
49 Responses to:
WAS KRUSCHEV RIGHT?
# 1. 5/30/12 1:09 AM
Tax his land, Tax his bed, Tax the table At which he's fed.
Tax his tractor, Tax his mule, Teach him taxes Are the rule.
Tax his work, Tax his pay, He works for peanuts Anyway!
Tax his cow, Tax his goat, Tax his pants, Tax his coat.
Tax his ties, Tax his shirt, Tax his work, Tax his dirt.
Tax his tobacco, Tax his drink, Tax him if he tries to think.
Tax his cigars, Tax his beers, If he cries, then tax his tears.
Tax his car, Tax his gas, Find other ways To tax his ass.
Tax all he has Then let him know, That you won't be done till he has no dough. When he screams and hollers Then tax him more, Tax him till he's good and sore.
Then tax his coffin, Tax his grave, Tax the sod in Which he's laid.
Put these words Upon his tomb, 'Taxes drove me to my doom.. . '
When he's gone, Do not relax, Its time to apply The inheritance tax.
# 2. 5/30/12 4:20 AM by Jodi - Wayne County East
The Russians know this.
The Chinese know this.
The Muslim Jihadists know this.
The American people and government don't know this?
Lazy, entitled, deluded.
Just look at the current western European folly.
It all reminds me of a song by Kansas titled The Point of No Return.
Are you mentally, physically and spiritually prepared for the possible collapse of civil society as we know it?
Do you know Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior?
Are you death or Rapture Ready?
# 3. 5/30/12 4:20 AM
God willing, we all vote for the good old Red, White & Blue. Which is to say: sweep the socialists into the ashbin of history.
A Muslim, a illegal alien & a socialist walk into a bar. the bartender says: "What can I get for you, Mister President?"
# 4. 5/30/12 4:52 AM by Brian
The constitution, being the supreme law of the land, defines what the government must do. It stands to reason that what the government must do is all it may do unless there is an amendment to the constitution. To believe otherwise is to enable government to do anything for any reason.
There is no constitutional means by which the federal government may tax some in order to give to others. Welfare, at the federal level, is illegal.
Neither party has the cojones or the intelligence to address this.
# 5. 5/30/12 5:05 AM by Abner D
Which songbook of class warfare are you singing from? Stop whining and get another job, Lonsberry!
# 6. 5/30/12 6:41 AM by rjd
yes I'm afraid that Kruschev was probably right. One thing that Russia and Europe knew about was greed and human nature. They had been through countless types of political and economic systems and they know how to play the masses. They knew that with time the US would dig the same hole to bury themselves in. Is there hope? well yes in a way, because the money has long run out to pay for this socialism and at some point the crap will hit the fan, the takers will have nothing left to take and they will be mad. there will most likely be a bloody revolution of sorts and depending which side wins we may have a future. It's a long shot but its probably the only hope we have.
# 7. 5/30/12 6:48 AM
The Democrat Party was founded by Andrew Jackson to fight influence peddling in government. Lately it has made its living by peddling influence to special interest groups. Now it's trying to make the entire "99%" it's dependent special interest group. It incites envy by calling for "fairness". Where Obama and the Democrats are leading is being played out in Europe for all to see, but most people are blind. If Obama is reelected, the country is over.
# 8. 5/30/12 7:27 AM by Poplar Beach
I got a minor ailment (Tinea versicolor) when I was in the Navy, nothing serious and no effect on my overall health, but it never really goes away.
A few years ago I mentioned this to a friend, he said he had the same thing and he gets a check from the government every month, partial disability.
I was flabbergasted, as this person is a big-wig who makes great money, he calls himself a conservative, and there is absolutely no disability involved.
He suggested I sign up, I suggested he man up and get off the dole.
I also know another millionaire who gets $70,000 each year in crop subsidies from the government, he also calls himself a conservative and says he does not think the payments are right.
I also know dozens of DISABLED folks, on SSI who are not really disabled.
I don't want to screw the poor, I don't want to screw anyone who is truly disabled, I want to make sure all children get a great shot at a good education, but I am damn tired of this government throwing tax payer money down the drain.
We can cut government spending by 25%, then close tax lop holes to the tune of 15%, this would balance the budget and it would hurt no one, this it is not fiction, it is a fact!
Editor's Note: tell your friend to rub some massengil on it and send the check back. i got tinea in the service, too, and it is readily controllable. and mine went away when i turned about 40.
# 9. 5/30/12 7:31 AM by Mike - Stafford, NY
Right on, Bob. I am reminded of a speech (or something) by the late Barber Conable of NY concerning this situation. To paraphrase, he said that the way to take over a country was to get most (or all) of the people on the government dole - THEN CHANGE THE GOVERNMENT! Amen.
# 10. 5/30/12 7:43 AM by OldVietVet - Rochester, NY
If Kruschev was right, then our Nations economy will collapse for reasons like those that collapsed the old Soviet Union.That failure may be in the works now.The USSR brand of state sponsored industry had impressive achievements, especially in the high tech industries of that day which were aircraft,communications, and space exploration.What do they produce today? They also produced much materiel for the war machine.That machine was destroyed in Afghanistan. Our Nation today has been rapidly developing a program of State sponsored investment and industry.Much of which goes nowhere,but leaves taxpayers holding the bag.We've got our own brand of communism in this country, and it's as unsustainable as the old European brand.Obama will not need to remove his shoe, and bang it on the table for attention though-the media bums give him all the attention he needs.We'll find out in November just how successfull the commies have been.
# 11. 5/30/12 7:57 AM
1)I wish the darn rapture would come ASAP so those eagerly awaiting it can go and shut up already.
2)If you don't wash your balls you are gonna get something, dammit.
3)If we let the Democrats give us Obama again it's our own damn fault. (VOTE!)
4)The majority of those on welfare are like children - they will keep doing something as long as they get away with it. We have to call their bluff in an organized manner. It's amazing what people are capable of when given the "opportunity".
# 12. 5/30/12 7:59 AM by Joe - Bergin
And people wonder why we're broke?
Every working person regardless of income should pay something, however small. You can't have just 53% of wage earners paying all the federal income taxes.
Now I don't expect someone making 16K to pay much, but they should be able to afford at least 10% in taxes.
# 13. 5/30/12 8:02 AM by William
This has been a problem for some time. Between 2000 and 2008 the percentage of filers who paid no federal income tax rose from 25.2 percent to 36.3 percent
# 14. 5/30/12 8:05 AM by Simon P - Rochester, NY
Kruschev was right. We can get to choose a white or black socialist for POTUS this election. Ron Paul was the only real choice for earners and we can see that didn't pan out too well.
# 15. 5/30/12 8:14 AM by Poplar Beach
RE your comment. My friend is a hospital administrator, he knows tinea can easily be controlled. He also knows it can be worth a 10% disability check for life, a fact that amazed me.
I used this example to show how easy it is for non deserving, non needy, folks to get money from the government.
This is why conservatives insist that we see cuts in spending, BEFORE we talk about raising taxes!
# 16. 5/30/12 8:20 AM by Tobey
Eliminate the EIC & child tax credit. That would save significant dollars for the treasury,
# 17. 5/30/12 8:24 AM by Clyde
Q. What do you get when you pay inner city people to be poor?
A. MORE POOR INNER CITY PEOPLE!
# 18. 5/30/12 8:30 AM by Phil
Compared to years ago, people who don't pay any taxes have a clean apartment, well rounded nutrition, cell phones, cable television, high speed internet access, 2 cars, and new clothes. Time to anti up.
# 19. 5/30/12 8:33 AM by hc
Well, at least they're still wrong about borscht.
Yuukkk!!
This column also makes me want to dig out Solzhenitsyn's Harvard speech and read it again.
~xp
# 20. 5/30/12 8:34 AM by Randy
I don't begrudge tax cuts were for the wealthy. That is how jobs get created.
# 21. 5/30/12 8:43 AM by Carl
Government welfare is bad for all..the givers and the takers. Republican 20% Socialist Democrat 90% Socialist Sad times for our republic
# 22. 5/30/12 8:43 AM by Christopher - Newport News, VA
The sad part is that the welfare recipients don't realize that they are slaves on the government plantation. Their initiative and pursuit of happiness stolen. And the cycle of poverty both spiritual and economic continues. And the liberal elite wield their "entitlements" like whips keeping their subjects in line. You are property and they own you.
Give me liberty or give me death.
# 23. 5/30/12 8:53 AM by steve thompson - addison ny
Heeeey Bob, 5:49 Sehgahunda Trail Marathon, knocking off 59 minutes in one year... fantastic! You are a wonderful example for your family and community to emulate. Here in Addison we cash our government checks and conserve energy as we sit eating chips on the porches of our trailers.
Editor's Note: oh, i was a fat guy in the middle of the pack. my improvement ove the last two years is an illustration of how poorly i did the last two years.
# 24. 5/30/12 9:07 AM by Diane - Utah
Isn't anyone watching the news and seeing the economic collapse going on world wide? On a small scale, recently in Utah they have noticed the increase in the food credit cards being dispersed. Comes to find out, people are selling them for cash and getting more reissued. Shouldn't I D be required when using one of these cards? Shouldn't you only be allotted one a month with a specific amount on it? I am tired of paying for the free loaders who can work but choose to find another way not to.
# 25. 5/30/12 10:01 AM by Don - Fort Worth
Reminds me of a 1966 Beatle's song. "Tax Man".
# 26. 5/30/12 10:13 AM by Marty - Tax-me-very-much, NY
Isn't It Ironic?
The SNAP/Food Stamp Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is pleased to be distributing the greatest amount of free meals and food stamps ever. Meanwhile, the National Park Service, administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior, asks us to "Please Do Not Feed The Animals." This is because the animals may grow dependent on handouts and not learn to take care of themselves.
# 27. 5/30/12 10:28 AM by Wut - Rochester
Let's see, they take away 33% of my pay every 2 weeks, and once a year I get a check back for 5% of my yearly pay.
Sounds like I am still a contributor. Don't lump me in with the welfare cheats just because I get a tax return.
I'll also mention that along with everyone else who works, I am forced to contribute part of my paycheck to a system that will have been bankrupt for several years by the time I am ready to "retire" (ha-ha, as if). So yeah the government and anyone else who thinks I am a burden on the system can go pound sand.
Editor's Note: getting a tax refund that's less than they withheld is not a government benefit, dipwad.
# 28. 5/30/12 10:36 AM by Tony
Everyone should have to pay something to reap the benefits of being a part this nation. But if forced to pay up the toothless, get ruthless.
# 29. 5/30/12 10:47 AM by Paul
A person making $1.445 million pays a 30.9% tax rate. Someone earning $66,000 pays a 30.0% tax rate. I don't see the problem since jobs are created with the money that the millionaire saves in taxes.
Editor's Note: flat tax
# 30. 5/30/12 10:54 AM by Josh - Henrietta
Who is John Galt?
# 31. 5/30/12 10:57 AM by jaymor
Many of us know more than one family of creative, industrious individuals who apply those attributes in exploiting the welfare system. If they re-directed their efforts toward gainful employment, they would be significantly better off as would the nation. But as long as politicians peddle entitlement,it will dominate our culture.
# 32. 5/30/12 11:27 AM by Cal - Rochester, NY
Bob,
Kruchev was wrong. It was Russia that went belly-up after he resigned. Now our inexperienced Dictator In Chief, and his "spiritual" advisor Jim Wallis who replaced the evil Jeramiah Wright, is trying to emulate Kruchev`s communism for the US. Not too bright. Where do they find all of these brain dead imposters?!
THIS IS AMERICA! I bet we will rise above all of this evil!
# 33. 5/30/12 11:29 AM by David - Gates
Bob the other day you stated that cops must not be good at spotting DWI's and it must not be all that dangerous because the average DWI suspect has driven drunk 400 times prior to having been caught. I question the 400 number but the other two statements are true. Most drunk drivers aren't falling down drunk and all over the road. The're borderline drink or tipsy and can tighten their driving up especially if there is a cop around. And unless a cop is right behind them as they slip it's unlikely they would get caught. 400 though? Maybe a few people but not the average.
# 34. 5/30/12 11:47 AM
Amen. Chilling, but it sure appears to be the road we're on.
What gets me the most is the railing on "the rich" paying "their fair share." They don't define "the rich" but it seems that BHO has defined them as anyone making more than $250K per year. I imagine that a pretty fair number of citizens are making between $250K and $1M, and are also paying the IRS-mandated tax rate. But to more define "fair share?" I posit that they are paying MORE than their "fair share." They own houses, like many people, but typically own more expensive houses. Thus they pay commensurately more in real estate (like school) taxes. They drive a more expensive car, which uses the same roads as the Chevy or Ford, but on which they've paid higher sales tax and registration fee. They may purchase more expensive home furnishings, clothing, food, etc., which function identically as their common equivalents, but on which higher taxes are paid. But they typically do not avail themselves of services offered by the government.
The point is, "the rich" already take less and give more. And the government wants to take even more from them. RIIIIIGHT.
# 35. 5/30/12 12:40 PM by Steve
When I was growing up I never met anyone on any assistance, now I can't meet anyone who's not.
What's the end game here? We can't sustain this forever even if we go all out commie. When the money runs out and no ones left who wants to work and produce then what? Forced labor? Total chaos?
I think we will go over the edge and fall into socialism it's just too easy now not to work. I love the USA but not what it's become, I wish I could go to a place where hard work and ideas are valued.
I have Freinds in the science community that openly spit on capitalism who draw a check, what do they think will happen once it's gone? The thing is once things fall apart people are so ignorant they will blame everything but the problem and I fear this day will come during my lifetime.
# 36. 5/30/12 1:01 PM by Poplar Beach
Re your comment to # 29. The Fair Tax, national sales tax, replacing income tax and FICA.
The more you consume, the more you pay and no more IRS!
# 37. 5/30/12 1:01 PM by Mark H - Fairport, ny
I don't think the government employees hurt their numbers at the polls either, we are over 50%...too late.
# 38. 5/30/12 1:15 PM by Sparky - NC
Obama is driving us toward not only class warfare, but a race war. FUBO.
# 39. 5/30/12 1:27 PM by Ed - Rochester, ny
Don't overlook the the other receipients of the "social movement" and consequently the swing vote population, and they would be the entire welfare industry; administrators,social workers.... and their pensions, saleries,vacations,offices, rent, air conditioning,transportation.... They are also an equal or greater burden. They don't want to loose their jobs.
# 40. 5/30/12 1:59 PM by Tony Greene - Syracuse
You sir, are a complete idiot. There are NOT two parties in this country-only one. The party of "Corporations & Wall Street" which encompasses a Democratic branch and a Republican branch. We have a government for the rich, ruled by the rich. I believe it's called a Plutocracy. And please get off the Syracuse airwaves- you are an embarrassment.
# 41. 5/30/12 2:23 PM by Steve
Obama has attacked Bain capital but he has good reason too with Romney throwing sticks and stones at him constantly. I don't think success is destroying businesses and cutting people's wages and taking their pensions and laying them off work to only gain for yourself as being successful. to me that is being a loser.
# 42. 5/30/12 2:37 PM by JJ
with so many homeless on the street in our nation, I find it hard to believe we are not becoming like India with their corrupt government or maybe we are more corrupt with over one million in prison that we are paying for much more that welfare.
# 43. 5/30/12 5:24 PM
How about the 99% pay 99% of the bill. Seems fair.
# 44. 5/30/12 6:32 PM by rochester escapee
Does this 49% include public sector workers? Retired public sector workers? If not, we are really screwed. We all know how public unions vote.
I see a lot of coming divides in America: Poor vs rich, women vs men, homos vs straights, young vs old, black vs white, everybody in general vs white men, deadbeats vs working class, and the new big one is public employees vs private sector workers who actually pay the freight. Nipping at the heels of the last productive persons will be the scum-bag lawyers.
At least the political ruling class will be above the fray enjoying their little junkets, free air travels and limo service.
# 45. 6/1/12 7:14 AM by syracusegal - syracuse ny
@ Tony Greene from Syracuse IF that is your real town. . .typical commie demonrat. Go straight for the ad hominem (i'm sure you'll have to look that up)
We love you in Syracuse, Bob!!!
# 46. 6/3/12 11:01 AM by Tom Dey - Springwater, NY
I was 11 when Khrushchev said that. When Reagan accelerated their implosion, I celebrated with reserve, knowing we were on the same path. Now here we are --- on the brink of implosion. Ponzi schemes and chain letters don't work. They're illegal in the U.S. - except for the government itself. We're screwed by the very people sworn to put the Constitution and people above their own self interest. Well over 50% of them are crooks.
Editor's Note: amen
# 47. 6/4/12 10:38 AM by Tony - Fort Polk, Louisiana
#4. It doesn't just stand to reason. The 10th Amendment to the Constitution actually spells it out: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."
# 48. 6/4/12 2:11 PM by Jeff - Arlington, TN
The 10th amendment should have been the 1st.
Editor's Note: how about third? i'd move it up that far.
# 49. 6/6/12 9:20 PM by Galen - Rochester
I hope most people vote for principles they have thought out and not for personal gain.
Would you like to:
add your own comment? or
send this story to a friend?