[ LETTER ]
The Difference Between Liberal and Conservative Logic on Taxation
Published: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at 12:01 a.m.
Last Modified: Monday, October 15, 2012 at 11:58 p.m.
Jim Posmer's letter ["An Anecdote About Fairness and Paying One's Fair Share," Oct. 7] represents a simplified view. If reality matched his black-or-white version — one brother works hard while the other sits in a bar every night — then judging what is fair would be a simple matter.
Study after study shows that conservatives try to create coherence between their factual interpretations and moral beliefs. Conservatives are better at aligning their judgments with their emotional reactions, which makes for a happier existence.
Liberals try to incorporate dissonance, often overriding gut reactions with intellectual judgment. I am by no way inferring any intellectual superiority here; merely stating that liberals more often let their minds overrule emotions.
Some facts that I try to incorporate into my view of reality:
Of the 46 percent households not paying federal taxes, 28 percent work and still pay payroll taxes, state, local and sales taxes. (It should be noted that the taxes they do pay are percentage-wise more of their income than paid by higher earners.) Of the remaining 18 percent, the elderly make up 10 percent. Then there are the combat active, disabled, students (who will eventually pay FIT) and the unemployed.
Here are some interesting statistics:
The highest percentage not paying federal taxes live in conservative states with high poverty, mostly the South.
We spend $59 billion on social welfare. But we spend $95 billion on corporate subsidies with fossil fuel industries receiving the bulk.
All societies have freeloaders. That has to be conceded and minimized. But we also have to empower those who want to live decent lives.
Rather than blast low-income workers, why don't we raise the minimum wage to a livable wage? This would cut welfare, motivate people and give them income to reinvest into our economy. But then, you need a certain worldview to see the common sense of this.
Reader comments posted to this article may be published in our print edition. All rights reserved. This copyrighted material may not be re-published without permission. Links are encouraged.