The "Age of America" About to End?

[Guest monkeyhumper]

What makes you despise successful people? Greed? Envy?

There's a wide gap between success and excess. I do not despise the successful, I despise the disparity between the masses and the very few. I despise the myth of the American Dream (As it once was), and how it's nearly impossible for normal, hard-working people to live decent lives.

Carry more, because you can.

[Caster]

Robin Hood was a green tight wearing communist. Take from rich to give to the poor is good for only one thing, inciting riot and potential war.

There's a natural order to things, and the wealthy have the power. You're not going to change that. Who do the idiots of this world think they are to even fathom changing that?!!??!! You ever wonder why people like Bill Gates can do whatever they want? His whole anti-trust suit was a puppet show for the masses. He is NOT bound by the same laws as you and I and neither are any of the other elitists of the world. Riddle this bit of fiction out in your head if you don't agree. Gates gets attacked financially by the feds. He gets mad enough to get violent over it. He begins a massive liquidation of assets and moves what he has to China. Terminates ALL US employees and I will bet you million to one, China would welcome him with arms wide open. Him and all his technical assets.

Setting religion aside {sorry Lord} for just a second, The only real power in this world is "WANT" If you want it, you'll do what it takes to get it. If someone else has it and will give it to you, you'll do what they ask in return. Think about this; What if I were a billionaire and I decided to smuggle men from Sierra Leon to TN. I give these men all they can eat, clothes, homes, medical care and I provide ALL their families the same thing. Being a billionaire it's doable. Now I give the children an education, the women and weaker men a job in a factory and I tell the strong men, if you want the life I have put before you, this is what you have to do fill in the blank

What will they do? They'd likely kill everyone in their path if instructed to do so.

Go further, you and your family are in a very bad way. Your wife and kids have nothing because YOU have nothing. The feds give you a handout of (X) but since they took it from me [still pretending to be a rich guy here] I'm upset and it's no longer about the money. I offer you (X)(2). Twice as much and all you have to do be a part of ______________________

Don't mess with rich people. The truly wise and strong men of the world understand this and they will always side with them over some pathetic hippie peace and equality any day.

You have the right to survive and make your attempt at success, but if you poke the Taipan with a stick, you will get bit and you will expire. Sorry, that's real life in a real world. Waste your life trying to change it or just get busy living.

[Guest monkeyhumper]

Goliath is too big!

[Caster]

Goliath is too big!

Well, if it were just one...no, no man could be too big. It's not ONE goliath, but many. You can be a killer of giants and your reward will be a price on your head.

I understand that it sounds as though I advocate being on the right side of the devil as opposed to being in his path, but I AM NOT. The rich man is no the enemy. I have found from my dealings with the wealthy, that most wealthy people like to be treated a touch better than the rest but they understand that those beneath them are not being completely honest. They know we [poorer] talk about them behind their backs, they're not stupid, if they were stupid, they wouldn't be wealthy [or won't be for long] they just want recognition for they have and others don't. I worked for man like that once. He loved to be the only one around who had anything, had any common sense, or was generally worth anything. I played his game. He paid. And then paid some more. Was happy to. Paid me way more than I was worth. I just had to remember who he was. That's fine by me, because after I went home for the day, the facade was over and it was big smiles when I opened my wallet. If that's the game I have to play to scratch out a life here on earth, have bills paid, wife happy, beer cold and rifle barrel hot....I have no shame, I'm going to play that game. So will anyone else who isn't a fool.

[gregintenn]

There's a wide gap between success and excess. I do not despise the successful, I despise the disparity between the masses and the very few. I despise the myth of the American Dream (As it once was), and how it's nearly impossible for normal, hard-working people to live decent lives.

Carry more, because you can.

This is just hollow political rhetoric. We already have an unfair, progressive tax system. Even under a flat tax rate, the more you make, the more you'd pay. Almost everyone can physically contribute more than they do; especially the ones who contribute nothing. The problem is what we are contributing to; not how much we are contributing. My wife and I are what I'd consider "hard working" people, and we've been quite successful. I can't see why others aren't able to do the same. Oh yeah, it's easier just to hate those who do than it is to get off your can and do it for yourself, huh?

[Caster]

I can't see why others aren't able to do the same. Oh yeah, it's easier just to hate those who do than it is to get off your can and do it for yourself, huh?

...and the entire collective gasp from the ghettos could be heard as far as the Yukon.

[gregintenn]

To my knowledge, I've never been mistreated by a wealthy person. In fact, I've been helped several times by wealthy people for no apparent reason.

[Guest monkeyhumper]

This is just hollow political rhetoric.

Oh, is that a new topic in these parts?

I guess since it's only rhetoric, it doesn't matter that I said it's the disparity I hate.

Ok, I concede. It's the rich. I hate them. Personally. I think they're bad, and they smell funny.

1911's are crap for handguns. May as well throw that in there, too.

[Ebow1]

I smell a troll.

[gregintenn]

If you're so offended by disparity, find someone with less than you have and even things up. It isn't required that the government do it for you, you can solve that problem yourself.

[G27]

There's a wide gap between success and excess. I do not despise the successful, I despise the disparity between the masses and the very few. I despise the myth of the American Dream (As it once was), and how it's nearly impossible for normal, hard-working people to live decent lives.

Carry more, because you can.

We already do.

I pay both more in net dollars than 98% of Americans and I pay a higher percentage of my income.

The problem lies in those who idealize as you do and allow nearly half of our country to pay ZERO income tax.

If you wish to fix the problem with taxation, look to the freeloaders, not the ones who already pay huge sums.

[Guest monkeyhumper]

If you're so offended by disparity, find someone with less than you have and even things up. It isn't required that the government do it for you, you can solve that problem yourself.

The flip side of that token is for you to find the richest person you can, and give them a little something. Just a little token of thanks for all those people they just hired.

That would help America get back to its halcyon days, for sure.

[Guest monkeyhumper]

We already do.

I pay both more in net dollars than 98% of Americans and I pay a higher percentage of my income.

The problem lies in those who idealize as you do and allow nearly half of our country to pay ZERO income tax.

If you wish to fix the problem with taxation, look to the freeloaders, not the ones who already pay huge sums.

I don't believe in giving to the freeloaders OR those who pay no taxes.

[Guest monkeyhumper]

I smell a troll.

Nope.

[G27]

I don't believe in giving to the freeloaders OR those who pay no taxes.

I'm not talking about giving to anyone, i'm saying look tot he 45% of households in the US who pay zero federal income tax (freeloaders) if you wish to attack the tax problem.

I do my part already, and the part of several other people.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

I don't believe in giving to the freeloaders OR those who pay no taxes.

If you hate the man who gives you your job, quit, and see how much fun that is. His mind created his wealth, not some

utopian bastard who thinks everyone owns a part of him. more cake and eat it, too.

[Ebow1]

I still think so. Your answers to those who have challenged your opinion are controversial and illogical, and you randomly attack 1911s, a view certain to get some people riled up on this website.

[Guest 6.8 AR]

Once upon a time, people in this country valued achievement. I guess now it is misery they value because

if all you want is someone else's value you have earned and learned nothing.

[Guest monkeyhumper]

I'm not talking about giving to anyone, i'm saying look tot he 45% of households in the US who pay zero federal income tax (freeloaders) if you wish to attack the tax problem.

I do my part already, and the part of several other people.

I agree, if there are households that pay no tax, their holiday should end. I won't purport to know much about the 45% and why they aren't paying taxes.

[Guest monkeyhumper]

I still think so. Your answers to those who have challenged your opinion are controversial and illogical, and you randomly attack 1911s, a view certain to get some people riled up on this website.

(That was a joke.)

[G27]

I agree, if there are households that pay no tax, their holiday should end. I won't purport to know much about the 45% and why they aren't paying taxes.

Hey, I have an idea - why not do some flippin research to enlighten yourself instead of spouting ignorance that those of us who actually pay for all the stuff (that ~half the people of this country enjoy scott-free) should pony up more.

[Guest monkeyhumper]

Once upon a time, people in this country valued achievement. I guess now it is misery they value because

if all you want is someone else's value you have earned and learned nothing.

I don't want other people's money. I work hard, I deserve the living I earn, I am proud of awards I have won. I am quite comfortable with my little world, and I do help those in need, when I can.

I don't know how this turned into ME wanting something I didn't earn, but that's what I get for popping my head up.

[Caster]

, but that's what I get for popping my head up.

Well, in all fairness, this is a southern gun forum. It's ALWAYS going to be season for a good game of democrat whack-a-mole.

[Guest ab28]

I understand that it sounds as though I advocate being on the right side of the devil as opposed to being in his path, but I AM NOT. The rich man is no the enemy. I have found from my dealings with the wealthy, that most wealthy people like to be treated a touch better than the rest

Not sure why. I have no issues with wealthy people, and I will treat them the same way they treat me. If they are friendly and offer respect, I will do the same. That is true for anyone. I'll be respectful to a homeless guy unless he gives me reason to do otherwise. I don't see the point in giving someone respect just because they have a ton of stuff and money.

I am very frugal with the money I have, so I drive a beater and usually look like I am homeless, without the stench.

[Guest monkeyhumper]

Hey, I have an idea - why not do some flippin research to enlighten yourself instead of spouting ignorance that those of us who actually pay for all the stuff (that ~half the people of this country enjoy scott-free) should pony up more.

Ok, I've read the report on the 45% I've been hearing lately. I'm not moved. Sorry.

Why is it OK that CEOs are making more, while none of that gets transferred to the people that actually earn those dollars for them? I'm failing to see how a flat lined income for the many should equal such a huge spike for the few.

(After looking at some numbers, I'll concede that my disdain lies mostly with the 1%, not the 2%, so there's that.)