The discussion was specifically about charity and a particular type of tax, not taxation in general, and has nothing to do with the ridiculous notion of not paying taxes. When the stated goal of a specific tax is the "redistribution of wealth", I would say that falls outside the guidlines of the Constitution and is nothing more than social engineering. ... Not the role of Government.... So yes, taking from one group, and giving to another, simply to mollify some perceived social injustice is stealing. Or if you like, 'redistributing'. Sounds so much nicer doesn't it? Kind of like calling taxes 'contributions'. So taking this notion to it's logical conclusion; why not have everybody send their paycheck to the State and have them redistribute it, as they see fit, among everyone? Or do you only like the idea when it doesn't affect your income? ........

Event Horizon thinks people shouldn't have to pay taxes, because taxes are nothing more that the government "stealing."

Oh, and those roads and firemen and policemen and such? Those are the evil fruits of stealing. So Event Horizon doesn't avail himself of those things, because they are made possible by STEALING.

So you think taxation=stealing, eh?

Good luck with that approach to government.

Are there any trolls who've taken elementary school civics here?

This resonates of truth.

"don't you think you should....help others" Sure Allie, helping others is great just as long as it's not mandated by the government through the tax code. We call that 'CHARITY'. But if you'd like to stay on the 'Christian' theme; Jesus knew the difference between giving a man a meal, and teaching him how to fish. A lesson that seems to be lost on a huge segment of the population today, that seems to think they're entitled to something that's not theirs. That's called 'STEALING'. So the next time you think that someone with '"more than enough" should be forced to give it up, remember, there's always someone with less than you, that may think YOU have "more than enough" ...........Feel free to send me a check.

salon's own joan walsh showed one clip of joe wurtzelburger's infamous talk with barrack obama, in full length. the old "evil grandpa" Mc Jerko shows only PART of it. so, I'm convinced that the mc jerko campaign chose to edit much of that interview, obviously; so as to get their point across about how much mc cain is for cutting taxes on those whom, he feels, deserve it the most. did anyone say all those " joe the plumbers" on wall street and down in charlotte???

McCain is using the visage of Joe the Plumber as the American Dream. It is the ideal that nothing is out of reach for us. All of us can do better in our lives, perhaps buying our boss's business, or getting an additional degree. By using Joe the Plumber, John McCain is telling us that Obama wants to tax the American Dream: If we do well, make more money, then we are going to be punished. This is why his message connects.

But, it also proves that McCain and his campaign staff do not understand the American Dream. He is missing the part of the American Dream that says that as we become more prosperous, we have additional responsibilities, one of which is to pay more taxes as we get into the higher tax brackets. We have a greater responsibility to take care of this great nation so that persons who have not achieved the American Dream are lifted up (so to speak). McCain will never understand this. He sees this as wealth redistribution when in actuality it is merely leveling the playing field to a small (very small) degree. For example, a part of our taxes (not enough) goes toward education. Our education system makes it possible for everyone to have the chance at the American Dream. This is not a "give away." This simply makes our society better. You can't have public schools without taxes. This is not a socialistic idea.

Joe the Plumber is an empty symbol for the American Dream. He is the greed side (visualize Gollum "It'sh mine. My presshusss"). He is the same side that has created the economic crisis. And in reality, Joe falls well short of the symbol that McCain has created (not licensed as a plumber, owes taxes, etc.).

But McCain won't give up Joe. Only 13 more days of it though, and Joe can go away from our mindset. Good riddance.

Bluecatt

For stealing other people's central AC units and selling them as discounted upgrades to other people.

Joe aka Samuel the plumber donated to the McCain's campaign before he approached Senator Obama, he was prompted by republican conservative talk radio and told to ask the question he did, although he lied about the reason, and Joe the plumber use to live in Arizona.

Since McCain put him in the spotlight, Joe has enjoyed free first class travel for him and his family, he's been able to lay up in a free hotel suite, a new york shopping spree, freebies galore, and looking to get a reality show.

Joe's has finally paid his taxes.

Sounds like someone has been spreading the wealth around to Joe and his family, didn't Joe say that was socialism ??

or maybe Joe just accepted a handout, isn't that a form of welfare. Check the welfare, food stamp records of Joe and his family.

The plumber's union says that Joe is not a licensed plumber and the plumber's union has endorsed Obama.

and I want to make 10 times what you make and not pay any higher taxes, because I don't care about infrastructure, national security, the economy, or the environment. I'm just kind of a selfish bastard, and proud of it."

Would a little honesty kill them?

Does Joe the Plumber spend on clothes and make-up?

Aren't they the people who always said that if you have nothing to hide, there's no need to worry?

So Sam Wuerzelbacher has a few things to hide - his unlicensed (and therefore illegal) operation, his tax evasion, the fact that he was contacted in advance and is thus a plant - we're all supposed to overlook those things, because he's a "real American".

Well, I'm a real American too. And people like him, McCain, and Palin disgust me. They represent the basest aspect of humanity, distilled to its essence. And the stench of that essence is overpowering.