"you're retarded, because Trump didn't get his way"

That's what happens when you lose a Presidential election.

"you're reduced to using a hypothetical to defend your opinion on the economy."

What a riot.

Never took statistics, did you? No idea what a Macro Dial is, right?

"But I'm not. I'm asking because to remove payroll taxes always skews the % paid by the wealthiest up significantly."

So...you ARE.

"folks who make less than the median line pay in total income taxes."

When we were kids, if a family paid $1000 in income taxes over the year via their W-2, they were scored as "paying taxes". If they got $100/month in welfare because they had three kids, that would be paid to them separately, and the family would still be scored as "paying taxes". Why? BECAUSE THEY PAID INCOME TAXES.

Now, a half-dozen child-rearing subsidies later, that SAME SCENARIO would be scored as "NOT paying (income) taxes"...which is A LIE. The subsidies are simply on the 1040 BY DESIGN, for the sole purpose of the talking point.

"Payroll taxes are regressive. "

Medicare is regressive, but Social Security is actually super-regressive, since it disappears entirely over ~$200,000.

"Almost
nearly
could've"

Wow

Now you've been reduced to fantasy. You have to pretend a newly re-elected Trump wouldn't have gotten his way.

You also have to pretend the inflation under Biden wouldn't have happened with a 42% larger stimulus.

That's MAJOR math moron territory!

Nice werk, Brownie!

" I'm asking because to remove payroll taxes always skews the % paid by the wealthiest up significantly."

Excellent, Sherlock!

Let's have Boaz put up a thread that only counts payroll taxes!

" I'll take $1M"

Apologies; I meant I'd TAKE your money for 2%.

Still in?

" You haven't mentioned payroll taxes"

Because I don't need to; folks like you are doing it for me.

But go ahead: explain to Boaz the actual equation. Let him know the vast majority of workers pay more in payroll taxes over their lifetimes than income taxes. Point out the chasm of value between a 25 yr 2% bond, and upfront cash tax cuts.

Or, you could stay silent and keep letting him get away with it.

Whatever floats your boat.

" one can accept the financial reality yet agree it's still just"

Not even close.

Top incomes have spiked, and the marginal rates haven't kept up.

Now, add GRATs, and inheritances at a stepped-up basis.

The tax code has not kept up.

" Facts aside......does this mean the wealthiest don't pay enough?"

Depends ... Are you claiming you're paying them all, or not?

But anyone who actually believes that, I'm more than willing to loan you money for 25 years at 2%.

Anyone interested? Or would you rather have upfront tax cuts where the money can be assumed to grow 8 to 9% per year?

" Still think the rich arent paying their fair share?"

If they're stating they pay all the taxes, and we're running massive deficits ... they're not paying enough.

" Trump may be wrong on this but he's not doing anything the others haven't done."

Not true.

Trump wanted a third stimulus 42% larger than Biden's.

Inflation would've been WORSE under Trump.

" I'm paying for your lunch, I might remind of you of that free lunch."

In that case ... you're welcome.

I'm proud to help subsidize your family. Just don't pretend the equation doesn't show childless taxpayers help pay for your kids' upbringing.

" When she breaks the law? What did I win!?!?"

Hopefully, some reading comprehension classes.

Or are you such an idiot you believe in the "Einstein" claim?

Let's not forget, our entire adulthood Republicans have been working to put child rearing subsidies onto the 1040.

The EITC, CTC, ACTC, AOC, and CCC are all subsidies going to parents.

They literally passed something on a Tuesday, so that on a Wednesday they could complain that "less people are paying taxes".

And math morons fell for it.