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JJ Ramberg

JJ Ramberg is the anchor of “Your Business,” MSNBC’s weekly show on small business. In addition to her extensive television reporting experience, Ramberg has a background as an entrepreneur and co-founded GoodSearch.com. She has an MBA from Stanford Business School.



Some businesses changing for Obama

Posted: Tuesday, November 18, 2008 1:56 PM by Eve Tahmincioglu
Filed Under: , ,

Before the election, a small business owner named Paul sent me an e-mail. He said he planned to immediately fire one of his two employees if Barack Obama won because he feared tax increases.

"Guess which one it might be?" he asked. "The one with the Obama bumper sticker and who voted for the tax increases, or the one who voted for no tax increase?"

His answer:

"Plain and simple – I will keep the one who wants my small business to be successful and not the one who's looking for a free ride on the Obama unemployed express," he wrote.

The way Paul saw it, Obama would usher in tax increases for business owners like him.

I've emailed Paul a few times since Obama was elected to find out if he plans to follow through on his promise, but I haven't heard back yet.

So I figured I'd put out a call to small business owners who bring in over $250,000 -- the figure Obama gave as the tax-no-tax threshold -- to find out if they had any plans to change business in any way once he takes office.

Here's a sampling of what I got:

One thing I plan on doing is deferring some business expenses until 2009 so that I can reduce my income tax liability under an Obama administration. That is, I'll show more profit this year, and show less profit next year.

--Scott Tucker, Tucker Marketing Systems, Inc.
 
As a small business owner of a successful ecommerce company that has been in business for 12 years, I do have concerns with the potential policies of Barack Obama towards small businesses. Specifically, I'm concerned with capital gains rates going up.

Capital gains rates are up to 15%. Accordingly, if Obama strongly suggests raising that rate to 20% or 25% that would create a strong financial incentive for small business owners who have been working hard to build up their businesses for many years to cash-out. Businesses will be immediately be worth less if capital gains taxes go up, as the future owners will have a smaller percentage of income to take home at the end of the year. In sum, the plans are to keep my company's books in order and update my company's business valuation using current national data regarding transactions in my industry, as well as closely watch interest rates, tax rates, discussions regarding capital gains rates, and explore all unsolicited interest from serious prospective buyers.

--Oren Milgram, StudentMarket.com Inc.

I'm not worried about higher taxes. If I make a lot of money, it probably means I can afford to pay higher taxes for the benefit of those who need the help!

I am actually pretty positive about the future of the economy, and just hired a full-time Creative Director to develop several new products I've had in mind, and reintroduce our best-selling game, Loaded Questions (over one million sold), in a new packaging
 
--Eric Poses, All Things Equal Inc.

Yes, we anticipate higher taxes. We've considered the facts and deliberately do not plan to change a darn thing as it relates to our business operations.

It's like if there were a $10 tax on Olympic Gold Medals. What are you going to do, deliberately aim for Silver to avoid the tax?  

The way I see it, a tax on applies when you've successfully made a profit. We plan to be as financially successful as possible, tax or no tax.

--Victor Cheng, Bookmercial

Regarding taxes -- we are always on guard about shouldering a higher percentage of the tax burden. Who isn't? But when the economy turns around and we are continuing to grow our business, it will be a privilege to pay our share of taxes towards the betterment of America.

--Mitch Frankenberg, The Paw House Inns and Resorts
 


How about you? Do you have any plans to change your business?

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Comments

The few people who said they would fire a person for voting for Obama, just show how much they really don't care for those people anyway!!  Using taxes as an excuse is no excuse; hone up to the truth!!

KJ, GULFPORT, FL (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:06 PM)

I'm sorry, but speaking as a business owner myself, Paul does not know how to properly deal with his employees.  Who his employees vote for is none of his business, nor should he care even if he does know.  Such a vindictive attitude towards those that contribute their time and effort to one's business is indicative of someone that is destined to be much less successful than they might otherwise be.  The number one rule is that you always treat your employees and customers with respect.  You may not agree with them, but you should always be the better person and be completely above personal issues like politics.

Tim Young, North Tonawanda, NY (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:09 PM)

I'm curious as to where this fear is coming from.  What precise information have they heard from the President-Elect to substantiate such fears?  

David Taylor, Lady Lake, FL (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:11 PM)

Yup.  I was talking with the owner of a small restaurant that I eat at frequently.  He told me in no uncertain terms that if Obama enacts nationalized health-care and/or raises taxes he will have to close his doors.  He will no longer be able to make payroll.

As it is his restaurant is a very popular one in Deland, FL - a very steady flow and many regular customers (including myself).  His story tells me just how close to the edge we as a nation have been running financially.  It's not likely to get any better now that the Democrats have control.

Max Peck, DeLand, FL (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:15 PM)

So I figured I'd put out a call to small business owners who bring in over $250,000 -- the figure Obama gave as the tax-no-tax threshold -- to find out if they had any plans to change business in any way once he takes office.
+++++++++++++++++++++++=
Obama is planning on raising Employment Tax (SS and Medicare) for all workers making over 90K. He calls this a "contribution..not a tax." but whatever he wants to call it, it is an increased expense. I don't know how he gets away with the 250K comment by calling a tax a contribution but I guess you can do that when you control the media.

Dan (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:16 PM)

I don't understand the reaction. No company will make less operating profit under Obama's plan. Companies with operating profits greater than 250k will see higher income taxes and lower net income, but the idea that it will lower employment is nonsense. If anything, it will give people higher disposable income and they will buy more and increase operating and net income.

Mar, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:16 PM)

As small business owners, we were pleased to see Charlie Rangel's comments recently in regard to lowering top corp. rate.  We'd like to see a distinction between passive income and active income.  In other words, businesses that are putting people to work deserve an advantage over high-income individuals who would be buying estates or yaughts.  But overall; we're thrilled to see an administration that would value intellect and truly value free enterprise over the current one which practices corporate socialism for big business.

dave renfrow, columbia falls montana (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:17 PM)

My father, who lived through the Great Depression, always said he didn't mind paying taxes as long as he was earning money. I feel the same way.

I suspect multi-trillion dollar deficits will cost us a lot more in affluence than an extra 5-10% on Capital Gains.  I urge other small business owners to ask themselves:  are we better off now than we were 8 years ago?  I'm certainly not.

We were all better off, though, when we could depend on the Democrats to promote fairness and the Republicans to promote economic sanity.  

John Henson, Austin, TX (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:31 PM)

There will be less incentive to grow our business beyond a $250,000 adjusted income. In other words, we'll have to decide what's more important: business growth or quality of life. If many small business owners decide to back off, there will be many negative consequences to the economy.

Ed Snopse (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:33 PM)

fire the obama supporter?.....nice very mature thinking....hard to imagine how this person became a businessman to begin with.... thankfully obama supporters don't cling to their guns, otherwise who knows the ex-employee using the same logic might just return to shoot up the place....LOL!!!

Jonny Mackin (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:35 PM)

Frankly I don't understand these arguments. If the small business is a Sole Proprietorship,  Partnership or S Corp, there would have to be a $250,000 profit (including owner's salary/draw) before taxes go up. I don't know any small businessmen who makes that kind of profit. We tend to reinvest money into our companies. But if an owner is stuck with a huge profit, then he/she doesn't really comprehend and should spend time with a competent CPA to do some tax planning.

Peter Brown, Oakland CA (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:36 PM)

Dear small business owners: PLEASE READ OBAMA'S PROPOSALS.  As business owners, it's the responsible thing to do.  He offers numerous tax breaks and incentives to small business owners.  Stop reacting without proper knowledge and educate yourselves. Everything will be alright.

B. Harris, Carlsbad, CA (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:44 PM)

Our understanding is that the taxes would not kick in unless our net profit exceeded $250k. If this is then correct, we'd take more money out of the company via salaries and bonuses, increase spending into company profit centers to keep profits under $250k

Ted Rheingold (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 4:56 PM)

ire the obama supporter?.....nice very mature thinking....hard to imagine how this person became a businessman to begin with.... thankfully obama supporters don't cling to their guns, otherwise who knows the ex-employee using the same logic might just return to shoot up the place....LOL!!!

and you harp on mature thinking, while making a comment like this?  

me, right here (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 5:19 PM)

Oh my God! Do these people have a brain at all? Do they not listen and read? How could there still be this much ignorance?

Is this Paul guy a plumber by any chance?

Mary Stein, Tucson, AZ (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 5:20 PM)

If we pay more in taxes, including a significant increase in payroll taxes , then it will become increasingly more difficult to accumulate a cash reserve from profits.  Without a significant cash reserve, how can a small business owner afford to keep paying employees through difficult times (like now).  I see Pauls point.  If I begin to run low on cash and have had to send more to the government, then I may have to cut expenses including laying off some employees.  If I do, then they can go get that same cash after it has been filtered through government and sent to the local unemploymnent office.  I would rather keep the cash and pay those who are the best qualified to continue working in our business.  Plain and simple: taxes are an expense for business.  They are virtually like having a partner taking a percentage of your profits.  I don't need a partner who continues to take more from me and do less for our business.

R. Garner, Memphis, TN (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 5:45 PM)

During the debates Obama said you will not pay any higher taxes than you did under Reagan. The serpents tongue strikes again. I like this line because, he gets to compare himself to Reagan and he also gets to raise taxes because currently, taxes are lower than they were under Reagan for all income levels. Regarding the 250k threshold, I hope everyone is not so foolish to believe that you will not pay any higher taxes. Maybe "Income" tax will not increase, but there are plenty of ways they are going to raise revenue. There is already talk of taxing all profits from S Corps for Social Security for service professionals. Don't think you qualify? Here's a glimpse of who are hit: accountants, lawyers, medicine, architects, engineers, and the big catchall net of consultants. Another way to think about it, if we have such a large deficit now, how are they going to pay for all the freebies Obama promised?  Remember, next year's deficit is forecast to be near $1 Tril at the current rate. I am glad everyone is comfortable assuming the rich will continue to carry the load. Its time to wake up people. Its time to take responsibility for your own life and stop expecting the government to change your diaper. Or we can become a socialist state and give up all our rights. Whatever.

Bryan (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 5:49 PM)

"Plain and simple – I will keep the one who wants my small business to be successful and not the one who's looking for a free ride on the Obama unemployed express," he wrote.


This is priceless.   Why would Paul need to fire someone if he is making $250,000 in PROFIT?     The fear and mis-information is unbelievable.  250K in profit for any small business is pretty rare as owners usually re-invest into their business.  If you happen to be "cursed" with too much profit, a good accountant can help you get around the system.

Gregory Smith (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 5:56 PM)

After talking to our accountant he cleared up the worry for us that we would fall into that category. I think the tax will be based on your adjusted gross income after all expenses, and we have alot, have been subtracted. I don't know why Obama didn't make that clearer during his speaches. Anyway he definately should not be raising other taxes such as Capital Gains right now and maybe his new team will tell him the same thing. I hope so.

Susan (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 5:57 PM)

If it is possible this "small business owner" is dumber than Joe the Plumber.  I own a small business and welcome the Obama plan and hopefully some tax relief for us middle income folks. Regardless, Bush and his Republican henchmen have looted and bankrupted the nation.  And guys like this are screaming for more- taking their talking points from such known economic wizards as Hannity and Limbaugh.  for all of the dinosaurs harkening back to the Nixon -Reagan era - shut up already - your time has passed.

Eric V., Prescott, AZ (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 6:15 PM)

I think many people are really more concerned with the Obama plan to take money from some Americans and "gift" it directly to other Americans in the form of a check.  I have no problem paying taxes to cover the expenses of the government, but I have a major problem with that money going directly to someone else.  That money represents time I spent working that I could have spent with my children, or reading a book.  As for Mary Stein - your post contained nothing but a diatribe against other people's opinions, and contained nothing in the way of intelligent discussion.  I agree with Paul - if I had two equal employees and one voted for Obama's tax increases and those increases necessitated firing one - I would fire the one that chose the tax increases.  You reap what you sow/

Juan Lobo, Chicago, IL (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 6:19 PM)

I guess it's a big assumption that people know how taxes work.  We have a marginal tax bracket.  That means that if you made $249,999 of profit, versus 250,001 of profit, you'd pay a higher amount (let's say 10 cents) on the 2 additional dollars you netted, and not a penny more on the first $249,999.  The comment someone made about keeping their business under $250k is hillarious.   You run with that business plan buddy... it's a winner...haha.

Chris Kurtis, Crown Point, IN (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 6:19 PM)

My family owns a small business of which I own a third.  As the bookkeeper, it is simple math.  If our expenses grow in the form of more taxes, we will have to lay off employees.  My Dad has already said he will not work to support those who do not want to work.  He has enough money to just close the doors, which is exactly what he has said he will do should the taxes increase as expected.  Yes, more people will be without jobs, but that's what the majority of America obviously wants - something for nothing.  

businessman79, Baton Rouge, LA (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 6:29 PM)

It just amazes me how so many people who reap benifits from this country and economy, that dont want to give back to the country that allowed them to get to where they are today....why dont yall just move to another country.....I applaud those who say they will hire more to lower their profits, thats what needs to be done, also pay those who work for you now a decent wage to lower your profits.....after all a company aint nothing if not for its employees...the employees is the reason a business makes it or go's under..all I can say is the gravy train has reached the depote and yall have to finaly get off. Try living on less than 50 grand a year in todays economy like most Americans do because of greddy business owners who dont pay enough plus offer no benifits....then come here and cry about making over 250 grand..sheesh...

John Blue Ridge, Georgia (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 6:49 PM)

The fact is that we have a very expensive government with the war in Iraq eating away at us and now the big bailout plans.  We have to pay for that somehow.  So you can take a higher tax bill on your PROFIT or you can reinvest that money in your business and grow it instead.  If you're at or over $250k, why not hire another employee?  That will push down your profit and give your business more resources.  Part (only a part) of our economic problems are that we stopped investing in infrastructure of companies and of the country and started just pulling the cash out.  It makes sense to incentivize growth over profit.  You have choices, so talk to a CPA and make some don't panic.

teacher52, Seattle, WA (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 6:54 PM)

So much common sense here... for those of you who say you are going to close up your business if the tax rates change then please stick to your word and close up shop!!! For every business that closes, there will be one to take its place if the business was truly successful in the first place. Someone else will open a business, provide jobs and reap the rewards instead of those who closed up shop because of stupidity and stubbornness.

Hal Fitzgerald (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 7:01 PM)

All these business owners who threaten to close the doors or fire employees are clearly not seeing the big picture. If the "majority" do not have disposible income to purchase your goods or services, than what's the point? You're going down anyway. Have you not noticed the current economic trend? People are holding on to their money and scaling back on things they can live without.......period. How's your business doing today?

Jeff, San Diego (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 7:02 PM)

I love it when people think that everyone who is not working, dont want to work. Bush and coperate america put most of those out of a job. so hell tell pops to close shop....maybe he will get lucky on Wall Street "snicker"

john, Blue Ridge Georgia (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 7:07 PM)

Chris Kurtis,
Maybe you, sir, do not understand how tax brackets work. If you make over $250k per year vs. $249,999 per year you're in an entirely different bracket and pay more on the ENTIRE amount. Why else would business owners fear making more money? Yeah, I'm sure businesses are afraid of 10 cents. Because more is taken away in the form of taxes (or as the Obama administration will enforce, welfare checks) and if companies have less capital, employees are laid off. We already have an employment rate of about 6%, why would people agree to vote someone into office who will only exacerbate this problem?

SAM, Arizona (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 7:10 PM)

I find it amazing how stupid some small business owners can be.  American businesses are the 2nd highest taxed in the world.  I was so amused reading how most of you responding were like blind, mindless, drones.  It's as if you all are saying "I love being screwed!"  well most of don't.  So wake up and being so docel.

William James, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 7:11 PM)

As an average blue collar worker....durring the so called Wonerfull Regan years and I voted for him the first time...well I saw a whole 2 bucks more bring home in my paycheck (basicaly a 6 pack of beer back then), and durring the so called Terrible Clinton Years....I only lost those 2 bucks Regan gave me, but we had oportunity, Jobs, surplus. So yea if Obama can bring the same economy we had under Clinton back.....its worth it..even if I have to pay a bit more out of my paycheck to help others

john, Blue Ridge Georgia (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 7:30 PM)

Why would anyone vote for someone like Obama, Hmm unemployment of 6%...well how about this answer....your party is the reason why unemplomenmt is where its at today. Look at how far in debt we are because of Bush.....so you dont have to think about it very hard to see why people voted Obama over the current party. We all could see mcCain didnt have any type of plan for the economy.

john, Blue Ridge Georgia (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 7:44 PM)

I think some folks underestimate the potential positive impact of a change to a competent, steady, thoughtful government headed by Barack Obama. The thing the economy needs most of all is hope and improvement (even if the improvement is modest at first). Let's get things going in a positive direction, and America will recover and prosper in time.

Smugjerk, Washington DC (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 8:15 PM)

We Americans work and sweat for the things we own or want.  When we are paid for our effort, we think it is our money.  That is wrong.  The government takes from our money before we ever see it.  Payroll deductions of all sorts going to the government can total 25% or higher of what we have earned.

What has the government done for us to merit 25% of our pay?  What right does the government have at all to confiscate our private property (i.e. our money)?  

Well, there are several things that we have agreed to permit local, state and the federal governments to do for us.  We like having the security of a local police force and a standing federal army for our protection.  We like having paved roads to drive on and we like to see potholes filled.  We like having a court system where we can sue the crap out of those dastardly evil people who have wronged us.  We like getting a "free" education all the way through high school.  And we like countless other services provided by our tax dollars.

What we don't like are people we perceive to be welfare loafers, those people that the government generously doles out our money to for doing nothing in return.  We don't like living in Topeka and paying for an unnecessary nudist park in San Francisco.  We positively can't stand paying medical services costs for people who have entered our country illegally.  We think entitlement programs are out of control and we have grown tired of footing the bill for someone who refuses to help themselves.

The above scenario describes how a lot of individuals in our country feel.  But what's that got to do with businesses?  It has everything to do with businesses because businesses are owned by individuals.  

Who makes up a sole-proprietorship? A partnership? A Corporation?  It is people.  And it is people that have become fed up with government intrusion into their lives and government hands snaking deeper into their pocketbooks.

When will individuals and businesses in this country finally stand up and say Enough! Enough! Enough!

James Lee Chatsworth, GA (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 8:22 PM)

This is going to be good, get your popcorn. For the next 2 years, the Dems are going to control be in complete control. This will get a big swing right in 2010. You Obaminators think he is the answer to your slacker life style, just wait. You will see that business pays the bills in this country. Don't bite the hand the feeds you.

Repub, Colorado (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 8:46 PM)

Is everyone listening to themselves?  Why panic and get worried over something that may or may not happen.  
My Dad grew up on a farm during the depression and was a farmer through the 70's and 80's and I heard him say repeatedly (the last few years before he retired) "Boy, I wish I could pay taxes".  
My wife has been a small business owner for over 30 years and I would love for her to make a $250,000 profit.  I figure we would have to have at least $2 million in sales before that would happen; a long way from the $100,000 sales we now have.

Jim, Central Missouri (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 8:47 PM)

"Guess which one it might be?" he asked. "The one with the Obama bumper sticker and who voted for the tax increases, or the one who voted for no tax increase?"

Poor management always effect the bottom line whether it's a small or large business. I hope the employee finds a better job and a raise.

Antonio, Beaufort, SC (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 8:59 PM)

Firing an employee for his or her political beliefs is flat out unethical.  The small business owner quoted in this article seems to take for granted the privilege he has to live in a country that has awarded him the opportunity to operate a successful small business.  I'm sure he would say he "loves this country" whole-heartedly if asked, but seems to care not about the first amendment rights of those equal citizens that hold views conflicting with his own.

Forget getting fired, I can't believe someone would want to work for an individual that runs their business in this manner.

Cal, Madison, Wi (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:01 PM)

I am hopeful and positive for the future of our country and the economy as I am for my own business.  We have had a steady growth for three years, including this year despite the downturn.  I did not vote for Obama, but I am also hopeful and confident that he will be the leader that we all want him to be.

My question is where is my bailout assistance.  My business could really turn the corner and thrive with a relatively small cash injection of $50,000 - $150,000, support mutiple families who are employed with the business, continue to prosper and pay more taxes.  Why do the big boys get all the attention when us small business owners, who are always touted as the backbone of the US economy, could use a shot in the arm too.

I think Obama and the Treasury should consider some increases and liberal requirements for small business assistance too.

IDman (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:04 PM)

 I have retail stores and income in excess of $250K.  My immediate thought was to eliminate 1 to 2 positions at each store after the election.  I will still do this but will wait until after Obama takes office.  I am not going to wait until the tax bill arrives though.  Business owners need to be proactive in this situation and not reactive.  As for the employees let go, the "wealth will be spread", just coming to them in a different kind of check with someone's signature on it other than mine.  

TM, St. Louis, MO (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:38 PM)

Remember, discrimination is defined as sex, national oragins, religion, age... but is says nothing about terminating someone for the way they voted... if you have an Obama bumper sticker on your car... and I have taken note, when its time to let people go I'm letting the Obama voters go and I'm going to be forward about it. you vote for welfare handout express, then I'll send you to the handout lines myself

Guy Rheen, Portland Oregon (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:38 PM)

i know i'm tired of working my rear end off to benefit those who don't work that can, i'm tired of paying taxes when illegals are coming into our country and living tax free off the hard earned american tax dollars. america should, now a days, use the slogan, land of the free(to all those except americans) and home of the brave(americans who fought for this country so that our government can keep making it harder on americans and easier on illegal immigrants). i'm with you james!

true proud american york PA (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:44 PM)

Shame shame on Eve. Did you intentionally stir this up or was it just your lack of knowledge. The Over $250,000 plan is not the money you take in but the money you make after all expenses are paid including your employees and including yourself. And that is all expenses. And the proposed increase for profit over $250,000 is just three per cent more. So if I made a profit of $300,000, I would pay $1500 more in tax. So let me think...I made in profit $50,000 more so I pay $1500 more. Seems ok with me. But with not all the knuckle-heads.

Mike D, Las Vegas, Nevada (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:53 PM)

The "no tax increase" folks fail to realize one true fact: it didn't matter whether Obama or McCain won the election.  SOMEONE is going to have to pay off this massive national debt (if not our generation, then the next one), and increasing taxes is one way of doing that. No one wants to pay more taxes, true, but I can't imagine a small business owner with $250,000 in PROFIT (after paying employees and after all the other business expenses) is going to say "I can't afford to pay more taxes or I have to close my business." Are you seriously telling us that you could afford to pay income tax on the $249,000 you bring home each year, but not on $250,000??? Do the math.

Patricia, Philadelphia, PA (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:54 PM)

Firing one employee because he vote for a certain canadite,I think that they call that discriminating,the owner might be the one that wind up looking for a job from the fired employee.

This person probley do not even net $40,000 per year, if he did he would have a better knowledge of how the system works,not to many small outfits net $250,000 per year to pay taxes on,taxes are paid on net not gross.

John Nettles (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 9:59 PM)

I love America, we all have an opinion.  If I still had a business, I would love to be able to make a profit of $250K!  How much money do we all need.  Share the wealth!!  My father said, money is like manure, its not good unless you spread it around.

Caroline Sederbaum West Palm Beach, FL (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 10:12 PM)

Guess what... we are 7 trillion dollars in debt.. Everyone is going to be paying for that including our children and childrens' children.  The last 8 years has condemned all of us to be paying higher taxes for the next umpteen years.  

How we are going to balance that with getting our economy going and creating jobs.  I don't know. That's why I elected Obama.  He will surround himself with the best advisors; and while I will hate to see him break any of his campaign promises, I know he will if it is in the best interest of the country.

BTW... now-a-days a lot of those people collecting government assistance are people who want to work but have been laid off.  They're looking for a helping hand not a hand out.  And be careful what you say about the unemployed.  Ask one of our republican friends who currently got laid off.  He's quite happy to collect unemployment and other "socialist" government assistance for his family.

Liz, St. Louis, MO (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 10:21 PM)

Seriously, as an investigative reporter that's the best email quote for a civil debate about Obama's tax plan that you could muster up?  Clearly Paul's comment would only insight ridiculous accusations about how nuts Republicans are...and yes, Paul's position is extreme.  But the fact remains, punishing success is not a great idea when we need small business to invest...Republican's and Democrats alike want prosperity (although I wonder sometimes), we have very different ideas of how to get there.

If you think taxing a gold medalist wouldn't change the outcome of who gets there, then you need a lesson in economics.  If it makes you feel more socially moral to pay more taxes, then you need to know that creating wealth does more for the poor than spreading it...again another econ 101 lesson is needed.  A good economy requires rich people, w/o them we all starve.

And don't think I'm happy with corporate corruption, I'm not, and we all want something done about it.  I'm worried about the Dentist down the street that stops spending his money around town, or the local contractor that no longer hires out the things he doesn't want to do...Obama's tax plan will impact us all, and not in the best way...unless you don't work for anything anyway...then you'll love him and be rewarded for doing nothing...and keep doing nothing for the rest of your life.  How will perpetuating poverty help our country?

Either way, it's going to be an interesting 4 years.  Buckle up.

Al, Tulsa, OK (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 10:23 PM)

Mr Obama has absolutely no business experience. We owned a small retail store prior to retirement. If we were still in business, I woulod already be cutting back anticipating the incoming administration. Hang on folks, we're in for a rough ride! The pres-elect is just a green young senator with no business management or executive experience. But, we hired him on as our CEO, and we will be watching to see if his job performance will match all the bluster and bravado.

JaneK (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 11:07 PM)

I have a small ranch (cattle) in west texas, horse property in Arizona (horses)and two small business operations towing & trucking which cover Texas to California and between them all I employee 12 personnel. Two years ago I bought a small ranch in Hermosillo Mexico. The day after the election I fired all of my american employees and began moving my trucks and breeder livestock into mexico and I will run them there with mexican drivers and semi retire and live there for the next four years with most of my living money transfered to Banomex Banks.
I may return in four years if there is an Amaerica to come home to, but I would rather pile my money up and set it on fire before I see barry get his hands on it.
TWL-Tucson Az.

TW Tucson Arizona (Sent Wednesday, November 19, 2008 11:21 PM)



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