6th District hopefuls spar
Harrelson agrees to debate at last minute
Sixth Congressional District challenger Nancy Harrelson had said she wouldn't debate incumbent Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn on statewide TV but changed her mind Monday, just in time for them to have a lively hour-long exchange.
Clyburn (left), Harrelson (right)
They disagreed most pointedly on the Fair Tax, a plan to replace the federal income tax with a national sales tax.
Harrelson, 54, a Republican political newcomer who works as a construction manager in Marion, supports the Fair Tax, which she said would stop jobs from leaving the United States.
"There are only so many people who can work at McDonald's and Hardee's, but without other jobs, people won't be able to afford to eat at McDonald's and Hardee's," she said.
Clyburn, 68, who is seeking his ninth term, said the Fair Tax would result in people paying a 30 percent tax whenever they bought something. He noted that anyone making less than $200,000 a year would be hurt by the change.
"It is anything but fair," he said. "You'll be paying an extra dollar for every gallon of gas you buy."
Previous story
Clyburn likes his chances; Challenger Harrelson opts out of TV forum, travels back roads to meet voters, published 10/27/08
As is increasingly common in 21st century debates, they pointed to dueling Web sites. She recommended www.fairtax.org, while Clyburn advised voters to research the tax idea on factcheck.org.
Clyburn said a federal infrastructure bank or capital budget could help increase investment in infrastructure and new jobs, while Harrelson was more skeptical.
"We've got to have other industries other than government paying people," she said. "The government can hire only so many people and somebody has got to be paying the taxes."
Clyburn replied, "You build bridges out of steel, and that's what creates markets for the steel."
Harrelson voiced more enthusiastic support for a proposed coal plant near Florence, while Clyburn said the nation needs to look at a smorgasbord of energy alternatives, including wind, solar, biofuels and nuclear.
Harrelson also said she favored offshore drilling, but Clyburn replied, "That erects a big threat to our No. 1 industry, and that is tourism. Nobody can guarantee that you won't have spillage."
Clyburn pointed out his work to secure earmarks that helped build infrastructure in the district, an investment that has helped create jobs.
At the very end of the debate, he noted that he currently holds the majority whip post, the No. 3 ranking position in the Democratic leadership.
Harrelson painted herself as the political outsider she is, taking general jabs at the Republican president and Democratic Congress.
"I don't trust any politician, Democrat or Republican, right now," she said. "Why should we trust them to make the right decisions on our behalf when Wall Street time and again has not watched out for the little man but watched out for themselves?"
Despite their partisan differences, the debate was largely cordial.
At one point, Clyburn said, "I'm not mad at anybody," and Harrelson added, "Neither am I. I'm an easy person to get along with."
Political observers were puzzled about why Harrelson did not commit to the debate earlier, given the drastic difference in what she has to spend — which is very little — versus Clyburn, who has raised almost $3 million. But she changed her mind just in time.
The 6th District covers 15 counties, including several around the Interstate 95 corridor and parts of the Charleston and Columbia metro areas.
The first black congressman elected from South Carolina since Reconstruction, Clyburn has held the seat ever since the district was drawn to have a majority black electorate.
'Cosby' actress to attend Dem rally
Actress Phylicia Rashad, a star of the "Cosby Show," will join U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn and others today for a Democratic rally aimed at turning out the vote.
They will appear at noon along with 1st Congressional District hopeful Linda Ketner, S.C. Democratic Party Chairwoman Carol Fowler and former State Superintendent of Education Inez Tenenbaum at Trident Technical College at 7000 Rivers Ave.
The rally is free and open to the public.
Rashad played Clair Huxtable, wife of Bill Cosby's Cliff Huxtable.
Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or rbehre@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
This article has 55 comment(s)
Posted by justjerry on October 28, 2008 at 1:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Clyburn will unfortunately get reelected and continue to do the horrible job that he has been doing already.
Posted by moonpie on October 28, 2008 at 6:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
YEP the blind follow the blind no matter what. The fair tax would HELP so many of his constituents but it would also give the power back to the people and lord knows the democrats don't want that.
Posted by flyingopinion on October 28, 2008 at 6:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Washington doesn't want to give up the political power. The FairTax provide the greatest shift of political power possible. Politicians have learned to manipulate behavior via the tax code! That is unacceptable. Learn the facts. SUPPORT THE FAIRTAX, vote Nancy Harrelson.
Posted by sixcar on October 28, 2008 at 7 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"It is anything but fair," he said. "You'll be paying an extra dollar for every gallon of gas you buy."
Clyburn pulls this talking point out of thin air. There is no basis in fact that the fairtax will add a dollar to any gallon of gas you buy. The proposal has nothing to do with excise taxes, and Clyburn knows it.
It would have also been nice to see Harrelson counter Clyburn's "factcheck" comment that "fairtax.org has also debunked factcheck's claim of what the fairtax will actually do.
The truth to the matter is this...Clyburn is a career politician who understands the importance of protecting the inherent power of the current tax code. To lose that power would be detrimental to their legislative ability to manipulate the current tax code to favor initiatives that help keep them in power. In other words... a dog rarely bites the hand that feeds it.
Finally...to claim the fairtax will add 30% to the price of anything you buy is a complete an utter denial of the embedded taxation the fairtax will eliminate and replace. I have this conversation with people all the time. The average voter has little understanding of the embedded taxation they already pay. Most, don't know that it actually exists. I contribute that mainly to the wonderful government education they have received.
Posted by berthelot on October 28, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Factcheck.org is owned by the Annenburg Group. Read this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Factcheck.o...
Posted by sixcar on October 28, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)
spankerbuns,
What has Clyburn's education done for you lately?
and...I thought left-wingers were opposed to litmus testing? (Maybe it just depends on who is being tested).
Posted by charlestonpride on October 28, 2008 at 8:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
spankerbuns, Is there any democrat that you don't like? And if there is, who is it?
Posted by charleston1960 on October 28, 2008 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)
9th term?
Can you see the need for 'CHANGE'? He is just another one of the problems associated with lowest approval rated congress in history! It is a shame that Democrats support change, but refuse to back change when it impacts a stagnant incumbent congressional seat.
Change would be to replace any person in Washington that is part of the ‘lowest rated congress in history’
Offshore drilling may damage tourism due to a spillage? Clyburn is so out of touch with reality. There have been several major hurricanes that ripped through the gulf. How many oil spillages were there?
I cannot believe that people continue to buy into Clyburn’s backwards way of thinking. If you are going to back the spillage issues, we should ban all container ships from entering Charleston. We should close the storage facilities in North Charleston. We should stop transporting fuel oil around the area. After all, there is no guarantee that they could not result in a spillage and damage our tourism.
How symbolic for the party that says they want to reduce spending is spending the most during an economic crisis. Will Clyburn be attending the 2 million dollar party in Chicago if ‘the messiah’ is elected?
How anyone could vote to hand TOTAL control of our government to one party is downright frightening.
Vote for Socialism! Vote for Spending! Vote Democrat!
Posted by charlestonpride on October 28, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
spankerbuns.....just like a democrat.....don't answer the question.......just ramble on.........
Posted by Edwin435 on October 28, 2008 at 9:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There will be no changing of the guard in that election. The only way Clyburn will not get re elected is if he decides not to run. Its the same old same old. The sweeping changes that were predicted when Pelosi became speaker and the democrats took control of congress has not happened. Nothing has changed at all ...just like when the republican had control...nothing changed at all. Wake up and smell the coffee....as long as we have no term limits then it will be the same kiss butt politics and there will be no true change for US...the people that they serve. Politics should not be a career...2 terms and done. Force them to work together and not have a you scratch my back and I will scratch yours. Have you ever seen a poor politician? .......
Posted by charlestonpride on October 28, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Evil, I heard that story yesterday. It spoke volumes.
Posted by guidedbystewart on October 28, 2008 at 9:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't like Conley or Clyburn that much either, though I am even less of a fan of bible thumping libertarians. Yep, the type of candidate that wants to legislate my morality, but allow businesses to pollute, exploit and do what ever they like in the name of the all mighty dollar. Then, there is also the implementing of a regressive tax code based on consumption (boy that would help the economy, not!). Nope, they are not getting my vote.
BTW, most local politician are idiots, democrat or republican, but look at the constituents they are representing.
Posted by charleston1960 on October 28, 2008 at 9:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Last I checked, the Democrats were in power the last 2 years. So why is it that the Democrats keep saying 8 years of Republican control? There is enough blame for both parties but if you listen to the bleeding heart liberals, you would think the Democrats have not been a part of the Washington process in the last 8 years. So Barney Frank and Chris Dodd are just a figment of your imagination? If you are going to sound pathetic at least do it with facts.
If you honestly think that Obama is going to give the middle class a break, then let me talk to you about the beach front property in the Sahara. Someone has to pay for the 900 billion in new spending he is proposing! If the 5% are paying for the current spending, who is going to pay for the new? Let me guess, the 40% that do not pay taxes. You know the 40% that he includes in his 95% of working people! If he raises the tax on the 5%, who pays then? You can take it to the bank that they will pass the higher tax of to the consumer.
You cannot see facts because Obama’s prophetic revivals style speeches have you wrapped in misguided information much like the followers of socialist Jim Jones were wrapped up in. Why else does Obama refuse to give interviews to people that will ask him real questions? West proved that with Biden. Obama’s ONLY talking point is a McCain-Bush association. He has nothing else to give to this country. The Democrats are establishing a new religion with the trilogy being: Pelosi, Reid and Obama. Now you have to fall in line with Obama or be targeted as a racist! Is that not right Murtha and Lewis? I wonder if they will be invited to Obama's 2 million dollar shin-dig? It is going to be funny when the cameras pick up Ayers and Wright at the party! Tony Rezko may get a good behavior sign from the courts to attend too. The party could prove to be the Who's who in Socialism event of the year!
Vote for Socialism! Vote for Spending! Vote for Obama!
Posted by bigwhip on October 28, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Spanky, you are suicidal in your remarks. Have you checked the educational background on any congressmen/women? Further, the measure of common sense is pitifully low in DC.
Clyburn's comments on the fair tax is from too much kool-aid and not enough common sense.
Posted by eyfigueroa on October 28, 2008 at 10:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Guidedbystewart: "bible thumping libertarians"
That erroneous statement right there negated anything point you were trying to make. If you can do so little research about Libertarians and then deign to make such a comment only serves to reinforce my opinion that you are not very politically astute and are only regurgitating the ‘talking points’ of extreme politics of either far left Liberals or über-Conservatives.
Posted by Larz13 on October 28, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Nobama will be another Jimmy Carter and for those not alive when that tragedy transpired--there is the example of the "worst presidency in American history". A big tax hike will make this economy seem like a vacation.
My economic background gives the following advice in advance of a Nobama presidency and a Dem controlled Congress:
1.) If you have an adjustable rate mortgage or any loan that is indexed--refinance it to fixed ASAP (that is, if you can get a loan with a decent credit score). Interest rates will be a-rising soon--COUNT ON IT!
2.) Unfortunately, a career in the Military will be devalued in a Nobama administration. Morale will turn sour and many quality people will leave.
3.) The media will still not critique Nobama for fear of being labeled racist.
4.) The tax increase will result in LESS tax revenue coming into the government. The wealthy will hire lawyers and accountants to make it appear that they are not making a ton a $$ and the result will be less money for the government.
5.) Illegal aliens will come in droves to get free Obamacare and streamlined naturalization.
There are probably more but I have to get back to work (unlike some posters--you know who you are). I will check back later to see that I will be labeled a racist bigot but...consider the source.
Posted by guidedbystewart on October 28, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
eyfig,
Political ideologies vary. Yet, in this State, you have a lot of pseudo libertarians that love to legislate morality but little else. If you view the policies of this State this is easily observable. I could easily assume a candidate that went to a Baptist Bible college in Oklahoma, lives in a small town, but talks the fair tax game is one of these pseudo libertarians that are common in this State. I assure you that I do not have to be very astute politically to make that this type of observation. Concur with my observation or not, this is my opinion.
Posted by KidYendor on October 28, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Nancy Harrelson was good and unintimidated in the debate. Harrelson is right when countering Clyburn's mantra of government providing jobs by building roads and bridges. The private sector is what needs to flourish. I will sacrifice and joyfully pay any increase in taxes which might result from the fair tax to rid our country of the hated and despised IRS and their tax code. The underground economy and illegals will contribute with the fair tax. Clyburn is right in promoting energy alternatives and Harrelson is right to promote offshore drilling. After the discussion of offshore drilling commenced in late spring look how fast oil dropped. It needs to continue to fruition but please, when prices drop further, leave your crappy SUVs in the driveway and drive small, gas miser cars so we don't get in this $4 gas mess again. Harrelson is a good candidate and we need more people like her to run against incumbents.
Posted by eyfigueroa on October 28, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Guidedbystewart: There are also fly-by Dems and RINOs.
Also, I have no problem with those of various political party allegiances to subscribe to ideologies that may fall outside of the platform of their subscribed party.
There are a good number of Dems and Repubs that have researched The Fair Tax and have thrown their support behind its future implementation. I don’t consider them false Dems/Repubs/Libertarians for doing so. I consider them fiscally astute.
Anyone who believes that the Fair Tax movement is simply part of the Libertarian Party platform misses the point entirely.
The goal of those of us who support the implementation of the Fair Tax is to cross political ideological boundaries and reach out to ALL Americans as we feel the Fair Tax is the only FAIR way to ensure a strong American economy.
So, Ms. Harrelson supporting the Fair Tax does not make her a pseudo-Libertarian. It just makes her an über-conservative Republican who happens to understand and support the Fair Tax.
Nothing more nothing less.
To suggest anything else only insults us True Libertarians.
Posted by charleston1960 on October 28, 2008 at 11:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
'I bet Pee Wee could run away faster!'
But I bet PeeWee will not be able to run as fast as the Democrats when the taxpaying citizens of this country that voted for Obama wake up and realize what they did.
You have seen Joe the Plumber
Ed the Painter
Norm the beer drinker...
I would like to take this time to introduce you to:
Joe the runner
'from each according to his ability, to each according to his need.'
See Joe! See Joe Run! Run Joe Run!
Vote for Marxist Socialism! Vote for spending! Vote for Obama!
Posted by Missing_Home on October 28, 2008 at 11:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hello Room,
What has Jim Clyburn done for you?
Don't answer right away, take a few minutes and think about it. Very curious to see what your responses are.
Posted by Edwin435 on October 28, 2008 at 12:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Nothing..... No one has done anything... remember the banking bail out? Did any one get angry because the bail out had 100 million dollars added to it in riders? 100 million. That legislation should not have had ANYTHING attached to it. There is our do nothing congress in action. 100 million added. Wow....
Posted by SpiderJohn on October 28, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SHUT UP AND VOTE!
Come on November 5th....please!
At this point no one is changing anyone else's mind about the election. So give it up and vote!
THEN SHUT UP!
Posted by tc1 on October 28, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Edwin, not trying to push you over the edge, but I thought it was 150 BILLION added.
Posted by MP on October 28, 2008 at 1:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Clyburn doesn't want the freebies to end for his "constituents." Freebies that are funded by those of us who actually have jobs and support ourselves.
Posted by flinsc on October 28, 2008 at 1:27 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The Eagle flys at midnight over the 3rd moon. Remember 1776.
Posted by charleston1960 on October 28, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Spider says
'SHUT UP AND VOTE!
Come on November 5th....please!
At this point no one is changing anyone else's mind about the election. So give it up and vote!
THEN SHUT UP!'
You should rush to a hospital to get your arm looked at. IF your arm is broken, get someone to drive you. Shame on the thug who made you read stuff that bothers you so intensly. Twisting your arm. The thug who forced you to view the comments sections should be charged with aggravation assualt. If noone is responsible for you reading the comments that drive you so mad with aggravation, then why even viewing them? Self-mutilation? You should just take heed of your own advice and...you get the idea!
Besides, after it is over, then the 'I told you so' era begins!
Posted by SpiderJohn on October 28, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Please you old fart from 1960! You are as big a baiter as Jane and the (R.I.P) RW!
Partisan bickering, falsehoods and complete BS is all I've been reading for the last (what is it now?) a full year!
Listening to the muslim crap and the not an American citizen crap and the secretly hates America crap is just as old as you are and almost as old as McCain!
I will post whatever I want and you can choose to read it or not. Just like I am doing!
Now go get a depends, put on your slippers and cozy down into your warm rocking chair and fade away!
OR BETTER YET...............SHUT UP AND VOTE!
Posted by guidedbystewart on October 28, 2008 at 1:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"Besides, after it is over, then the 'I told you so' era begins!"
That is kind of ironic, I been telling people "I told you so" for the last eight years.
Posted by charleston1960 on October 28, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lol
You have never seen me call him a muslim or anti-american. I guess your a legend in your own mind.
If you have been on the PC comment sections long enough, you would have seen I put the blame on both parties.
If you could have read any of my other posts you would have seen I voted Dem in the past. Your ranting misled lies and accusations put your in with the far left and right as a blithering idiot.
So unwad your panties, get back on your medication and then SHUT UP.
Posted by Edwin435 on October 28, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
yep you are right it was 150 billion...lol its till crazy.
Posted by SpiderJohn on October 28, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Farts from 1960 stink!
And if you read carefully I did not say you were the one who said those things, but I did lump you in with the nimnuts. And I did that for good cause, you are a baiter!
I know it is difficult to comprehend at this stage in your life, but the times they are a changing and you better get on board or get left behind.
No need for meds, I'm high on life and the prospects of a Bush free administration.
And WOO HOO.....less republicans over all!
Now we can see what people with souls can do in office.....well should until the Washington machine sucks it from their bodies!
Posted by theronce on October 28, 2008 at 2:56 p.m. (Suggest removal)
All of this is cyclical. Since 1951, we've survived Johnson, Nixon, Ford, Carter, Clinton, and Bush Jr. Truman, Ike, Kennedy, Reagan, and Bush Sr. were good enough. Chances are that we will survive the only term of either of the current front-running losers. It will get worse before it gets better. Neither of these now running have what it takes. Times are changing, indeed...the names change.
Posted by ColdBud on October 28, 2008 at 3:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Well said theronce.
I see the P&C decided to delete the comment section from the article about the 15 year old Roberto Valdez playing with a gun and accidentally killing himself. I guess there are no lessons to be learned from that incident. No need for discussion...
Posted by charlestonpride on October 28, 2008 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)
SpiderJohn...What is the Washington machine?
Posted by charleston1960 on October 28, 2008 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
lol since when did Frank, Dodd, Pelosi or Reid get a soul?
Your intelligence pursues you.
I suppose you back Obama and the Democrats wanting to send out another 'stimulus' check that will cost the taxpayers another 150 billion plus within an already broke system. Of course, this idea was proposed by Republican appointed Bernanke and backed by Bush. So I guess Bush politics suit Obama when they suit his Socialist ideas. That is why I classified you with the far right and left idiots of this country.
If real life, if you do not have the money, (for the most)you do not buy it. I guess you could charge in the American way! But in Democrat and Republican life you just print more!
Posted by tc1 on October 28, 2008 at 3:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I heard that Biden said yesterday that if you make less then 150K now you won't see a tax increase. Let's see thats 250k,then 200k and now 150k. Hmmmm, can somebody graph this so we can tell if there is a trend here? Just curious, not worried, because I know that all the goodies will only cost other people not me. But I admit I will feel better once Obama makes the decision on the final definition of "rich".
Posted by eyfigueroa on October 28, 2008 at 3:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)
coldbud: as much as I hurt for the family, I still say the comments section isn't a forum for condolences. However family members seem to feel it is ‘their’ right to complain when the rest of us want to discuss the events that may have led up to and the aftermath of the subject matter.
Again, I feel for the family but people should take a lesson from lovelyone. She chose not to read or comment when an article about her cousin being murdered was published. She understood its purpose and she saved herself additional grief.
You’re right coldbud, it would seem as if the powers that be decided that a valuable lesson could not be learned from the tragic death of this young man.
Posted by abitskeptical on October 28, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)
good afternoon eyfig & everyone else
As it is being understood more & more, The Fair Tax is being supported by a wider range of politicos.
Repub turned Dem Bob Conely is in favor of it as well.
Clyburn's comments about the Fair Tax shows he does not know enough about it to discuss it. Best not to try to sound like you have an informed opinion when, in fact, you have just an opinion.
Posted by eyfigueroa on October 28, 2008 at 4:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)
hey abit!
I highly doubt that Congressman Clyburn has even read 'talking points' about the Fair Tax much less read the book or gone over the proposed law.
Instead of educating himself he seem quite content to frighten the unenlightened.
that way he can keep his job.
Posted by ColdBud on October 28, 2008 at 4:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm still up in the air about the fair tax. On the surface, I disagree that it's the way to go, but I'll admit I've done very little research on the subject and probably don't have all of the facts I need to make an informed decision. It's not one of the "big" issues I care about in this election. To me, the Fair Tax plan sounds as if it’s just shifting income tax to sales tax. Effectively, that would seem to shift the burden of paying for our Federal government to the “have-nots”… the people that still need to spend a lot of money. The young couples just starting out and the young adults moving out on their own. Those of us that have already purchased our houses and cars would only pay tax on what… groceries???
In all honesty, I think anything called a "fair tax" has to be a flat rate tax. Flat rate to everyone... people, businesses, churches, non-profits... no deductions, no loopholes.. just a flat rate tax on the amount of money you bring in. That's the only way I can see it being "fair".
There are probably pitfalls to a flat rate tax system too. As I said, while I agree we need tax reform, its not one of my biggest concerns right now so I haven’t put a whole lot of thought in to the subject.
Posted by eyfigueroa on October 28, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)
serialmooner: I respectfully suggest that you take your time and reread my post.
Doing so should help you seem less like someone who doesn't know what the heck they are talking about and more like someone who can comprehend what they read.
Posted by ColdBud on October 28, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. (Suggest removal)
serailmooner... what eyfigueroa actually said was "it would seem as if the powers that be decided that a valuable lesson could not be learned from the tragic death of this young man."
She was agreeing that the P&C should not have removed the comment section.
Posted by ColdBud on October 28, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I meant serialmooner... damn typos... my bad.
Posted by tc1 on October 28, 2008 at 5 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I'm not sure what the best tax method is either. I am sure that the complicated mess we have now is beyond redemption.
I also am certain that a rousing nationwide discussioin can be had one way. Eliminate the withholding law. Come the end of the year everyone has to write a REAL CHECK FOR REAL MONEY OUT OF THEIR OWN ACCOUNT and realizes the real money that they send to the government in taxes. Then everyone realizes that the difference between Gross and Net pay was Not play money. How many here can say what their refund was or the additional amount they had to send? (many hands go up) Now how many of you can say the Total Tax you actually paid last year? (maybe one hand raised)
Posted by woodrob12 on October 28, 2008 at 5:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Why are all of you so called "conservatives" concerned about the presidential election? You insist that the current economic crisis is the fault of the democratic congress and the surplus and economic well being during the Clinton years was due to the republican congress. In your minds, the Congress is the end all and be all of our woes and successes so don't even bother casting a presidential vote. Relax since it doesn't even matter.
Charleston 1960---your comments about spending are completely laughable. I guess you haven't noticed who's set up shop in the Oval Office over the past eight years. Oh, never mind, acording to you jokers the buck stops anywhere but with so called "conservatives".
Posted by abitskeptical on October 28, 2008 at 7:29 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We have the "income tax" so ingrained in our culture that most people have a very hard time thinking outside the box.
What we have given up, & what has been taken away, for the sake of the income tax has been done so incrementally over the last century that most people cannot imagine a world without it. This includes those within the government as well (or even most especially!)
So, in order to see the advantage & fairness for all, one must think "outside the box", to use a very overused cliche.
The flat tax is a non-starter to begin with because it is a flat income tax & it won't be even one legislative cycle before they start dickering w/ it - in a very short time we'll be right back to the monstrosity we now have. They just won't be able to leave it alone.
AND we will still have the horribly wasteful & all too powerful IRS bureaucracy, & privacy rights will still suffer.
The "Fair Tax" is just that - fair. We all pay something pretty close to our fair share. The more we spend the more we pay.
For those of you who adhere to the philosophy that the rich should pay more taxes than the not so rich, the "Fair Tax" does just that.
Ever notice that the rich person who makes a lot of money spends more? And its obvious that the low income person spends less.
Under the "Fair Tax" guess who pays a higher tax? The thing is though, the citizen actually can control the numbers to a certain extent by controlling spending.
Now how is the problem of a low income person spending a higher % of his income on life's necessities handled?
Simple: eliminate the tax on groceries & medicine.
Also whereas the low income person now gets no tax deduction for rent he pays, under the "Fair Tax" it would be simple to eliminate the tax on rent just as the home interest can be exempt from tax now.
Additionally, there is a provision in the "Fair Tax" as now proposed allowing the low income person to fill out a form if he wishes to get a rebate to offset what he has paid in sales tax-- regardless of what he has bought.
I could go on& on.
The "Fair Tax" plan has addressed many facets of this issue.
Remember this:
Our Government is supposed to be working for us, not the other way around.
As long as there is a "personal income" tax, there exists the mentality that what we earn really does not belong to us.
The 1st fruits "belong" to the government & is usually taken before it even passes through our hands. There is something inherently WRONG with this.
Posted by Adam_F_ogle on October 28, 2008 at 7:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
You know, my boss just paid the lady to run to make Jim spend some money. GO CLYBURN - You are my hero
Posted by yird on October 28, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)
spankerbuns;wrote
The only reason I really want Clyburn to remain in office is because it just eats you racists up
Hey super brain,
The only reason Clyburn gets reelected is because of racists like you.
If the half white, half whatever he really is, Obama did not appear to be similar to most people of African lineage he would still be just another agitator for slum clearance in Chicago or some other grimy northern city.
Not only are you a blatant racist but you are, with the exception maybe of MrPretty, the most ignorant and uninformed individual posting here.
You obviously have not figured out how to use the spell check yet or your just to lazy to bother.
I suggest you talk to the people at whatever clinic you frequent for your taxpayer funded medications and ask them to increase the dosages.
Posted by rollo on October 28, 2008 at 9:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Neither Clyburn nor factcheck.whatever is capable of understanding that most of the "Fairtax" is being paid by the end consumer now. That makes the Fairtax an inclusive tax de-facto.
Clyburn was quoted in the article as saying that building bridges takes steel, and that creates jobs.
He leaves out that taxing the steel manufacturer drives those jobs overseas.
When I was a kid, there was a boy in the neighborhood who was considered "slow". He played at the river with the rest of us, but he never seemed to grasp the relationship between tadpoles and frogs, the progression was too much for him to get his mind around.
CONGRESSMAN CLYBURN!!! TAXES ARE KILLING JOBS IN THIS COUNTRY! Can you see the progression????
Posted by Interested on October 28, 2008 at 9:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Spankerbuns, You said "No wonder this state is the laughing stock of this nation". It's racist like you who give people a reason to laugh at us. It's apparent you are a product of our great SC public school system. Hopefully, you had a chance to get your HS diploma without social promotion.
Posted by rollo on October 28, 2008 at 9:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)
OH!! Look!
Bill Cosbys' wife is going to appear at a rally for Clyburn and the local Dems!!!
I can't contain my excitement!!!
What do you mean she was already here and has already left?
How are us common folk supposed to greet our heroes if we don't find out they're here until they've already gone?
Oh, They are not wanting to meet us? They just want to meet the powerbrokers?
I see.
Posted by Interested on October 28, 2008 at 9:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Spankerbuns, One last thing. I'm glad you voted early because so did I. When I arrived the parking lot was full with AME church buses bringing the liberal voters to push that liberal ticket. Heck, standing in line I thought I was at Churches chicken waiting for a snack box. You're probably right in that your man (not boy) will get elected. We'll have to live with that. But before four years are up the liberals along with us conservatives will regret it.
Posted by abitskeptical on October 29, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Obama stood back and took all the insults and lies without resulting to the low road."
Not even close, but let's pretend that it is, just for kicks. Obama supporters, including the media, did most of the lying & threw most of the low blows for him. Cleaver, but underhanded & cowardly strategy.
I agree that he most likely will be the next President. However, only a very small % of the people voting for him understand what he stands for.
A local radio personality took a cue from Howard Stern(I don't care for him, but what he did was certainly enlightening)& went to a local strip mall & asked Obama supporters if they agreed w/ Obama's intent to repeal the 13th amendment & the supporters thought that was a grand idea!!!
Instead of asking "Now which amendment is that?" they had a knee jerk support of a person based on...WHAT?
Yep, yessireee--I know I'd be proud to be elected by such an electorate.
Posted by lillycollette on October 29, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)
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