BAILOUT: Yes or No?

[Koga No Goshi]

Pork is nothing new to get a bill passed. It's tradition going back to the beginning of the country. If we want to get angry about pork, don't get angry at the system. The system is just doing what the voters allow it to do. Blame the fact that 90% of people out there are far more concerned with American Idol and picking up a latte before work than checking the papers (past headlines) to see who's voting on what, and vote in or out the relevant Congresspeople accordingly. Most people don't know, and don't care. And wouldn't change how they live or think or vote even if they did know.

[Xiahou]

Pork is nothing new to get a bill passed.

Well, I think, in the US, the concept goes back to the 1800's, but if the people who were complaining about pork-barrel legislation then had an inkling of how blatant it would be today, I suspect they would've dropped dead on the spot.

[Koga No Goshi]

Well, I think, in the US, the concept goes back to the 1800's, but if the people who were complaining about pork-barrel legislation then had an inkling of how blatant it would be today, I suspect they would've dropped dead on the spot.

Well cutting pork is the cornerstone of McCain's economic plan. And he couldn't get the Reps on board to vote for a bill he stumped for, but they will vote if pork is added affecting the AMT tax and such.....

Does this pass the smell test? :)

[Don Corleone]

Well cutting pork is the cornerstone of McCain's economic plan. And he couldn't get the Reps on board to vote for a bill he stumped for, but they will vote if pork is added affecting the AMT tax and such.....

Does this pass the smell test? :)

Actually, no it doesn't. The AMT hasn't been adjusted for inflation in it's 38 years, so you listing it's adjustement as "pork" smells pretty bad. The original AMT only covered 155 households, BY DESIGN. Now approximately 20% of all households qualify. It's not supposed to be another "gouge the not-so-rich, but richer-than-me" kick to the groin.

The IRS themselves have identified it as the single worst thing about the U.S. tax code. Last year, the exemption was passed on 12/20/2007, requiring the IRS to reprint and redistribute the 2007 IRS tax forms, to the cost of about $40 million.

I will agree with you that it has nothing to do with the financial bailout bill, but it's not pork. Paying people $3.5million to study wool modification, that's pork. Silly me, i thought we had the spinning wheel nailed down, oh I don't know... 3000 years ago?????

[Koga No Goshi]

Actually, no it doesn't. The AMT hasn't been adjusted for inflation in it's 38 years, so you listing it's adjustement as "pork" smells pretty bad. The original AMT only covered 155 households, BY DESIGN. Now approximately 20% of all households qualify. It's not supposed to be another "gouge the not-so-rich, but richer-than-me" kick to the groin.

The IRS themselves have identified it as the single worst thing about the U.S. tax code. Last year, the exemption was passed on 12/20/2007, requiring the IRS to reprint and redistribute the 2007 IRS tax forms, to the cost of about $40 million.

I will agree with you that it has nothing to do with the financial bailout bill, but it's not pork. Paying people $3.5million to study wool modification, that's pork. Silly me, i thought we had the spinning wheel nailed down, oh I don't know... 3000 years ago?????

Well, if we're defining pork as just "things I don't like", then yes.

[Alexanderofmacedon]

Aren't there hyperpluralist provisions like "Tax breaks for people who buy BMW hybrid vehicles"? I know there are some rediculous ones.

[Rhyfelwyr]

I think its time we all followed this man's example.

[Gregoshi]

I think its time we all followed this man's example.

Yes, it could be the beginning of a new Fed monastery policy.