What is "The Bush Doctrine"?

[Khairan]

dreamdeferred said

Well to be clear....Obama is actually proposing more substantial cuts for 95% of the population than McCain is...while raising the taxes somewhat on the highest earners. I'm not sure I see the problem with taxing folks in the 600k-2mil at the same rate?

Well, I've never seen that kind of money in my entire life
so perhaps I am mired a bit too much in speculation here. However, I feel that after taxes and other living expenses (college for the kids, retirement funds, etc.) $600,000 -- while a very comfortable living at any rate -- can go away fairly quickly. Just think of how much property in any big city costs. Being a well-educated professional earning 600k in a place like NYC you will STILL find it very difficult to live in a nice house and a nice area, for instance.

Whereas, with 2 mil the amount of disposable income people have is much more significant after a similar percentage of taxes is taken away. But, like I said, I will concede that I am nitpicking on this issue. I don't think I'm a strong enough economist to have a really well-developed opinion on the finer points of taxation, and I usually look to other people to educate me on it.

[Khairan]

sumiyia said

why the heck are you guys even awake?

Because nobody loves me.

[dreamdeferred]

Khairan said

Eh, maybe I am nitpicking. Actually, I'll tell you one idea I do like, though I'm not sure how one could implement it realistically -- a flat income tax combined with a progressive consumption tax. The obvious criticism of this idea is that it encourages people to horde their money and not stimulate the economy by spending, but seriously, I think Americans could do with a little less consumption and also a little less personal debt all around.

Flat taxes come with a whole host of problems....as I'm sure you're aware since you suggested placing it alongside a consumption tax. As a combination though....I think it would still fall short. Taxing consumption and other hidden externalities as part of an overall plan that still includes some sort of tiered progressive income tax def seems like a good idea.

Khairan said

I don't think they do.
That's why I cry every day that this country won't take Ron Paul more seriously.

I don't think I'll be thrilled no matter who wins this election -- but I'll be nervous for different reasons. Beware the Ides of November!!

Hey....I'll definitely agree there, the fact that we don't have a truly viable third party candidate in 2008 is pretty depressing. Although as I've expressed many times on this forum....given that our only real choice in this election is between Obama and McCain....my choice is rather simple.

[dreamdeferred]

sumiyia said

why the heck are you guys even awake?

Why are you awake?

lol....sometimes when I'm up reaaaal late anyways, I figure..."what's the point of going to bed when fajr is right around the corner?"

Khairan said

Well, I've never seen that kind of money in my entire life
so perhaps I am mired a bit too much in speculation here. However, I feel that after taxes and other living expenses (college for the kids, retirement funds, etc.) $600,000 -- while a very comfortable living at any rate -- can go away fairly quickly. Just think of how much property in any big city costs. Being a well-educated professional earning 600k in a place like NYC you will STILL find it very difficult to live in a nice house and a nice area, for instance.

Whereas, with 2 mil the amount of disposable income people have is much more significant after a similar percentage of taxes is taken away. But, like I said, I will concede that I am nitpicking on this issue. I don't think I'm a strong enough economist to have a really well-developed opinion on the finer points of taxation, and I usually look to other people to educate me on it.

NYC is ridiculously expensive.....solution....get the heck out of NYC

Don't worry about nitpicking....when it comes to topics like this....we're all nitpicking lol

[sumi]

according to this website (not sure of its legitimacy), john mccain's net worth is 40.4 million, and obama's is 1.3 million.

Barack Obama's Net Worth - Average Celebrity Net Worth Statements & Net Worth Calculator

[Khairan]

Good discussion btw guys.

See? Islamicans CAN have serious conversations about big topics without absurd flamewars erupting everywhere.













Okay, it's getting late and I'm getting punchy. So sue me.

[sumi]

Khairan said

Good discussion btw guys.

See? Islamicans CAN have serious conversations about big topics without absurd flamewars erupting everywhere.


Okay, it's getting late and I'm getting punchy. So sue me.

for every penny your doctor self is worth.

[Jaysh]

Khairan said

Well, I've never seen that kind of money in my entire life

You will soon insha-Allah.

600k is easily doable for rads.

[Khairan]

sumiyia said

for every penny your doctor self is worth.

For every penny I'm worth, eh? I'll take that deal, considering as I'm a few hundred thousand in debt right now.

Here, take it! No, I insist.

Jaysh said

You will soon insha-Allah.

600k is easily doable for rads.

Inshallah. A lot depends on where you work and what you do, as I understand it. I'm considering interventional, but who knows how I'll feel in a few years.

[Jaysh]

Khairan said

Inshallah. A lot depends on where you work and what you do, as I understand it. I'm considering interventional, but who knows how I'll feel in a few years.

600 k not enough for you?

[sumi]

how much does an ophthalmologist from UCLA make?

[Khairan]

Jaysh said

600 k not enough for you?

It's not the money, it's the work. What they do is cool as hell -- I'm just not sure I am a. good at it and b. cut out for the lifestyle.

Only one way to find out, though.

[Jaysh]

sumiyia said

how much does an ophthalmologist from UCLA make?

Why would it matter that they are from UCLA?

[sumi]

Jaysh said

Why would it matter that they are from UCLA?

idunno.. thought it mattered for doctors the way it sometimes matters for lawyers?

[Khairan]

sumiyia said

how much does an ophthalmologist from UCLA make?

My understanding is that doctors at big academic centers actually make substantially less money. The positions are more prestigious and they have access to better resources, and that itself comes at a premium in payscale. Also, doctors who live in big cities make less than doctors elsewhere; medical income is actually frequently inversely proportional to cost of living.

Private practice in wealthy (and preferably more suburban/rural) areas is where the major money in medicine is at.