Joe the Plumber is a distraction

[varwoche]

Hmmm. Methinks we need to exchange phone #s for some serious conversation regarding running a business. I have got more questions on that than I do answers.

As a software nerd who became a businessman kicking and screaming, Odin help the person who relies on me for advice in this area! (Not that I wouldn't be more than willing mind you.)

No idea. Not my tax system apart from anything else.

Ah yes, some members actually use location to identify where they're located.

 

[Puppycow]

Roadtoad: Your OP doesn't sound very reasonable to me. On the one hand you say you don't want the "wealth spread around," you want to "earn" yours. OTOH, it sounds like you want the government to help you out with your health care. I assume you also want things like roads paid for, right?

If it's so hard to earn a living as a trucker, why not go into another line of work? Become an accountant, say.

 

[Roadtoad]

Roadtoad: Your OP doesn't sound very reasonable to me. On the one hand you say you don't want the "wealth spread around," you want to "earn" yours. OTOH, it sounds like you want the government to help you out with your health care. I assume you also want things like roads paid for, right?

If it's so hard to earn a living as a trucker, why not go into another line of work? Become an accountant, say.

No, Puppycow, I want to pay for my own healthcare. Ideally, if I can't, it should be provided through an employer, as part of my compensation package. My health care is ultimately my responsibility, not yours.

Roads, on the other hand, benefit the entire community, not just one or two of us. So, yes, taxes should go for that.

And, while you mention it, I AM looking for another gig.

I'm willing to admit I don't have it all together on this. That's why I am discussing it openly, in hopes of getting it all sorted out. Frankly, I am faced with two choices, and neither one appeals to me.

 

[Puppycow]

No, Puppycow, I want to pay for my own healthcare. Ideally, if I can't, it should be provided through an employer, as part of my compensation package. My health care is ultimately my responsibility, not yours.

OK, but the world's a tough place. Some people are lucky enough to go through life without major health problems until the end, and others are not. Here in Japan we have a national system that is pretty affordable. Other countries, like Singapore, have even more efficient systems. They pay less and have better health outcomes on average (some of this is probably not the system, but cultural lifestyle factors).

And, while you mention it, I AM looking for another gig.

I'm willing to admit I don't have it all together on this. That's why I am discussing it openly, in hopes of getting it all sorted out. Frankly, I am faced with two choices, and neither one appeals to me.

Maybe you should try this:
http://www.monster.com/

 

[Roadtoad]

Tried Monster. And whole host of others. If one more insurance company asks me to come to work for them, I'm going to start busting heads.

As to the world being a tough place, part of what makes a society civilized is its willingness to make it a little less tough. Ideally, (and I mean that in all its iterations), it happens because we are willing as individuals to work towards making that happen, rather than waiting for the Government to step in and make it happen. The first preserves our rights, the second reduces them. I'm not saying it's perfect, but there's a lot more to be said for Catholic charities opening non-profit hospitals, (which have now become a cash cow for the Roman Catholic Church, needed since they're paying out so much for court settlements), than for what is appearing more and more likely in the coming years with an inefficient, government run health care program. Considering how well the Pentagon budgets for something as simple as bullets and armored vests, I'd be real surprised if this comes in anywhere near what Obama's saying it can. In fact, if it comes in at half again what he says, I'll buy you the first beer when we meet.