Don't you think Obama should appeal to the patriotism of the wealthy?

[Onlooker]

I read the other day that Hollande is raising taxes on the wealthy and appealing to their patriotism. I think Obama should do the same thing here. I think he should state that the United States needs the cooperation of its wealthiest citizens to survive through a global recession that we cannot control. He could even offer them the possibility that when the global economy is back on track, the taxes will be reduced. By appealing to patriotism, not only will he infuriate the Republicans, he'll expose them.

[MightyOkie]

1. Huh??

Trying to "shame" the rich into paying more taxes by essentially calling them "unpatriotic"? Has that ever worked? And who are the "rich" targeted in Holland?

[Onlooker]

4. Hollande of France

Hollande is the left-wing victor of the French presidency, defeating Sarkozy. He called for a tax rate of 75% (about the same as we had under Kennedy) for any income over $1.3 million. He said something like, "It's patriotic to help the country get back on its feet." He defeated the conservative Sarkozy about a month ago for the presidency, so it certainly worked in his case.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/french-election-blog-2012/2012/may/06/french-election-results-sarkozy-hollande

[MightyOkie]

14. I got lost with Hollande vs. Holland. D'Oh.

Still. Are the rich paying more in taxes out of patriotism in France now? Or, are you pointing out that since more people voted for Hollande over Sarkozy then paying more out of patriotism has been approved of by the rich? If it's the latter, more people voted for Obama than McCain in 2008, so the rich here must be patriotic and wanting to pay more in taxes.

[gregoire]

2. If you just pass the law...

you don't have to do any appealing or appeasing. You just take what is rightfully ours.

[MightyOkie]

6. What?

Money earned by someone else is "rightfully" someone else's? Personally, convincing others, if that is the point of this thread rather than seizure, is an intriguing approach to tax policy. More ideas please....

[annabanana]

10. We're not talking about money that is actually EARNED.. more like

"falls in the lap of:" with these guys.

And people with that kind of wealth do not really consider themselves American any more. The slightest whiff of being requred to pull their weight will sent them off to private islands with private roads, private water supply, private energy source, private security etc etc

[MightyOkie]

13. That is unfair.

First, I thought that raising taxes in this thread was on all the wealthy, not just the blue bloods. Also, there are plenty of shouting that at the "rich" who might respond to a positive message of helping out during tough times. As I recall, immediately after 9/11 when the idea of buying war bonds, a horrifically awful investment on a purely "money making" basis, I was ready to buy because I wanted to help. Your obvious "wealth envy" certainly will not encourage anyone.

[annabanana]

18. aw. . . hurt feelingd

[Laelth]

3. It couldn't hurt, but I doubt it would work. n/t

-Laelth

[MightyOkie]

7. Probably the truth.

But worth a shot I guess...Heck, if those TV charlatan preachers can coax money, certainly our government can find someone.

[gregoire]

8. Was that sarcasm?

You sound like a parody of common sense. They made that money by using our infrastructure. They're taking from us by not paying us back.

[MightyOkie]

11. Well that's certainly helpful to the discussion. nt

I know I am new and have no right to say this, but come on.

[Lasher]

16. As far as I am concerned you have as much right as anybody else to opine here.

Welcome aboard!

[Lasher]

12. You wouldn't understand logic if it jumped up and bit you in the ass, troll.

[Rowdyboy]

15. Smell the pepperoni in the air?

Gone gone gone....

[Lasher]

17. This one didn't smell nearly that good but I catch your drift.

Buh bye, troll!

[Rowdyboy]

21. Damn it! In my haste I left out 1 word..."smell the RANCID pepperoni in the air...."

Hopefully that is a bit more accurate. I like good pepperoni too!

[HooptieWagon]

9. The wealthy? Patriotic? Let's see...

They ship the jobs to China. The relocate corporate HQ to Bermuda to avoid taxes, they send their profits to Swiss banks, they buy their luxury cars and goods from Europe. Appeal to their patriotism? Yeah, right...

[Eastern Winds]

19. Rich never care

About any persons other than selves.

[Brigid]

20. The rich don't give a damn about this country.

They're almost done bleeding it dry, then it's on to the next one. What happens here after that is a matter of total indifference to them.