The problem with facts based upon real evidence lies in said facts tending to undermine deep and strongly held beliefs.
Take this as an example. I dislike the idea of my federal income tax rates being raised because I believe that more money taken from my earnings and income will only hurt me and my American brethren. But how do I deal with this evidence recently provided to me by a friend?
During the eight years when America was led by President Clinton, our highest income tax bracket was raised to over 39%, and during those years, America and it’s middle class did very well. Our federal government saw fiscal surpluses after years of deficits and our wealthy and middle class groups saw a continuing rise in their financial status.
Move on to the eight years of President George W. Bush and we see a much different and more negative picture of our economy. The income tax rates for all Americans were reduced on the promise that our American economy would show more growth than had been seen under President Clinton. But what actually happened was the very opposite of what had been predicted. Government surpluses faded away and in their place came yearly deficits. A rising economy was replaced by a terrible recession. And while the wealthy continued to live well, the middle class saw a steep decline in their financial situation.
I want to believe that my taxes should be much much lower. I want the government to take much less from me. But it seems that when my dream comes true, I and too many around me wind up doing worse for ourselves and for our nation as a whole.
And here’s another annoying set of facts that hinder my dreams. In our American past, when the highest tax brackets saw numbers like 82% (during World War 2) and 91% (during the Eisenhower administration), the wealthy continued to live well and the middle class grew.
I don’t like the idea of higher tax rates for us all and especially for the upper middle class and the wealthy, but the evidence would seem to suggest that higher rates in the past have actually helped one and all to do better. I admit it. I face a conundrum with my belief.
Take this as an example. I dislike the idea of my federal income tax rates being raised because I believe that more money taken from my earnings and income will only hurt me and my American brethren. But how do I deal with this evidence recently provided to me by a friend?
During the eight years when America was led by President Clinton, our highest income tax bracket was raised to over 39%, and during those years, America and it’s middle class did very well. Our federal government saw fiscal surpluses after years of deficits and our wealthy and middle class groups saw a continuing rise in their financial status.
Move on to the eight years of President George W. Bush and we see a much different and more negative picture of our economy. The income tax rates for all Americans were reduced on the promise that our American economy would show more growth than had been seen under President Clinton. But what actually happened was the very opposite of what had been predicted. Government surpluses faded away and in their place came yearly deficits. A rising economy was replaced by a terrible recession. And while the wealthy continued to live well, the middle class saw a steep decline in their financial situation.
I want to believe that my taxes should be much much lower. I want the government to take much less from me. But it seems that when my dream comes true, I and too many around me wind up doing worse for ourselves and for our nation as a whole.
And here’s another annoying set of facts that hinder my dreams. In our American past, when the highest tax brackets saw numbers like 82% (during World War 2) and 91% (during the Eisenhower administration), the wealthy continued to live well and the middle class grew.
I don’t like the idea of higher tax rates for us all and especially for the upper middle class and the wealthy, but the evidence would seem to suggest that higher rates in the past have actually helped one and all to do better. I admit it. I face a conundrum with my belief.
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