Here is one Econcomy that is Working

[Indy]

[eynon81]

[Professor]

As with most things, I'm realistic about this. And, I'll undoubtedly be assailed by both sides. But, here goes.

With respect to taxes, neither the GOP nor Dems have it right. The wealthiest 1% needs to pay higher taxes. Also, capital gains taxes should mirror personal income taxes if they are truly your income. Why? I'll get there in a minute.

But, taxes need to be lowered on things that actually create jobs and things of worth. For instance, corporate taxes should be lowered. Homestead exemptions raised. The costs to startup and run a business should be lowered. I'd say that regulations should be streamlined for businesses, but that'll never happen; instead, I'll say that they should be organized better, so that a small business doesn't have to devote substantial resources to investigating what the regulations are and complying.

So, why should the top 1% pay more? Because they can afford it, and that money should go towards paying for the reduction in the other taxes that benefit the middle class (small businesses, homestead exemptions, etc.).

Basically, you don't want the top earners "redistributing" their wealth to everyone. You want to make sure that it goes to purposes that will encourage more people to enter the middle class, thereby helping themselves.

[Professor]

[eynon81]

[eynon81]

[Professor]

Also, I think that Americans are simply more pessimistic by nature. I wonder what a poll would show if you asked immigrants to America (who grew up outside the US) if they were happy. I imagine they'd be happier than natural born citizens.

[eynon81]

[gla22]

[Divinity11]