Just Who Are Those American Takers Anyway?

       Nicholas Kristof had an interesting editorial in the New York Times yesterday. The title was "A Nation Of Takers?" Yes, a (?) at the end. So this was another jumping on of the poor, right? Well, actually, no. He lists a group of takers such as, Jet plane owners, yacht owners, hedge fund and private equity income tax breaks, big banks that are too large to fail, and American corporations special tax breaks from states and municipalities.
       If you think poor people on welfare are takers, then compare the costs to America of these safetynets for the poor to the costs of the safetynets to these most wealthy. You'll find that the wealthiest folks get the biggest cash savings. And there's a lot fewer of them, compared to the poor. So if you hear somebody complain about the 47% followed by someone else complaining about the 1%, you can be fairly certain that the only thing that's trickling down is pain and hunger.
       Kristof goes on to explain what each special rich taker group means to America. For instance the banks are enjoying discounts on borrowing that cost taxpayers around $83 billion a year. The hedge fund and private equity managers save at least 16% on their taxes compared to you, and another $80 billion goes to those corporations, right out of your pocket.
       Here's the thing. If you're unhappy about your taxes, don't look to the poor for much help. Look at the rich who are picking your pocket and adding to your tax bills. Then look at your legislators who are all helping the wealthy to make more than just their normal income. Your Senators and Congressman are making it easier for these folks to empty your savings account. About the only way for the FED to loan money to these mega-banks cheaper, would be to pay them to take the money. And who knows, they may already be doing that. Oh yes, and those planes and yachts? There's mortgage interest deduction for the yachts and accelerated tax write-offs and personal tax avoidance for the plane owners. It's a tough life, but it's somewhat softer for the wealthy.