Tax fairness???

The top 10% pay over half of all federal income taxes + the botton 45% pay no income tax = the rich need to pay their fair share. Did I add that up right?

Reasons for a vigilent Tea Party Movement

Some have wondered why the tea partiers are so worked up about taxes. Why, President Obama hasn't raised anyone's taxes. In fact, he lowered taxes for nearly everyone. This is baloney in its purest form. First of all, a tax rebate or tax credit is not lowering taxes. Only a reduction in rates can be considered lowering taxes. Rebates and credits are manipulations. Second, here is the short list of tax increases that are currently on the table.

1. Increase on stock dividends from 15% to 40% to take effect in 2011 (Senate Budget Committee). This would be a cyanide pill for the economy.

2. Increase in captial gains taxes due to the expiration of the Bush tax cuts.

3. Increase in the alternative minimum tax.

4. Increase in the inheritance tax (AKA the death tax).

5. The new "bank tax" promoted by Obama in his Cooper Union speech (4/22/10).

6. Last but not least (and not yet officially on the table), the European-style value-added tax (VAT). I might favor a VAT if it replaces income taxes, but if it's on top of the tax on income, then I'm adamantly against it.

These are six good reasons why the Tea Party Movement needs to remain vocal and vigilent.