Are Americans Overtaxed? May 22, 2016

Americans are not overtaxed.  The United States of America is around the 50th highest taxed country in the world.  France, Belgium, and Italy are among the top three highest taxed countries.   A global perspective shows that the American people are not, in fact, over taxed, and compared to other countries American taxation is actually very moderate.  In addition to global comparisons, the progression of the American income tax is also compelling evidence that Americans are not overtaxed.  During the mid-20th century, income tax rates were outlandish.  The average American was paying around five percent more than they are now, and tax rates were not capped at the brackets they are now.  Wealthy individuals could have even payed out more than 70 percent of their incomes.

Many financial conservatives believe that Americans are overtaxed, while many liberals believe a progressive tax rate is the key to an equal and successful nation.  The issue of taxation has become an issue surrounded by partisan politics.  I believe that all Americans must investigate the history of American tax rates and global tax rates before claiming that they are overtaxed.

[All information retrieved from bibliography on power point]

Crash Course on Taxation: 

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=crash+course+taxation

Legalizing Corruption - 5/3/16

The SCOTUS (Scalia has since passed away)

The Citizen's United Case is a major precedent that is influencing court decision, and many believe it is influencing decisions in a negative way.  The initial case upturned campaign finance, and now it may be leading to political bribery.  It is acting as such in the case of the Governor of Virginia, Bob McDonnell.  McDonnell has been given (a supposed bribe) over one-hundred-thousand dollars from a Virginia businessman.  He also received a Rolex and Ferrari.  It poses the question: will the Supreme Court allow politicians to be bought out?

http://www.newyorker.com/news/daily-comment/the-supreme-court-gets-ready-to-legalize-corruption

A Citizens United Cartoon

The Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), a CONSTITUTIONAL COURT, is using the Citizens United Case as a PRECEDENT to lead them in new cases, such as Governor McDonnell's BRIEF.  The original Citizens United Case was an example of JUDICIAL ACTIVISM because the court entered into upturning the campaign restriction previously in place.  The court also impeded on their DOCTRINE OF POLITICAL QUESTION, for they involved themselves in law concerning itself with the Executive Branch.

I agree with the majority of people who believe that the bribery of McDonnell.  A politician is a public servant, and they must act as one.  If the wealthy are buying politicians, then the rich are running the country and not the elected officials.  I also disagree with the Citizens United decision.  Campaigns should be fair and equal; wealth should not dictate power.

McDonnell