Zeev's Turnips Talk Politics (ZTTP)

[aim hier]

Your point? I dropped out of corporate life years ago. Instead of criticizing me, I would have thought you'd be complimentary, I live the kind of life, I would have thought liberals would cheer.

I have no debt, and virtually no income or real estate taxes, so essentially all of my income is disposable. I live in a warm climate with abundant recreational opportunities that are gratis. The cost of living here is below that of the national averages. And while I own a car, that is free and clear, I don't actually put on a lot of mileage, not using it for more than 3 or 4 days a week. I live downtown, so it is possible to live without a car. Thus, I am far more green than Al Gore.

I have everything I need, and then some. So, if I'm not as materialistic as you, so be it. I am comfortable with my lifestyle. If it were a problem for me, I would get a job, and as you say, it would not be a problem. Now, I do benefit from the progressive taxation of incomes, the state homestead exemption and save our homes programs, I draw no government assistance, such as food stamps. Were I to become ambitious and desire a 'higher' standard of living, I would have to go out and seek employment. I could then buy a nicer house, car, boat, etc., and much of my income would then be consumed by taxes, insurance, maintenance, etc., as well as commuting costs.

I don't feel at all guilty about my lifestyle. It's not for everyone, but it suits me fine. There are actually quite a few of us here, living in paradise, following the same philosophy.

If this way of life, is truly undesirable, then liberals should change their view of taxation. Progressive taxes discourage productivity. Florida is considering changing it's real estate taxation methods, as it's too generous to the poor. However, the changes proposed do not affect me. If it's the duty of every citizen to be as productive as possible, then a flat tax might be preferable. Also, currently capital gains get favorable treatment, if we want people to work more, raise capital gains taxes, and lower payroll taxes. All I see from your desire to have everyone work more, is that we consume more, become less spiritual, more materialistic, and pollute more. And that is a liberal viewpoint?