Congressman John Fleming (R-LA) appeared on MSNBC to talk about Obama’s new deficit reduction plan. Or rather, to argue against Obama’s plan to make the rich pay as much in taxes as the middle class do (Fleming is a multi-millionaire business owner). Fleming actually complained that after paying expenses and feeding his family “I have maybe $400,000 left over”.
He repeated several times the Republican talking point that it is the rich who create jobs, and that “class warfare has never created a job”. But when asked if he would have to lay off any of his employees if his taxes were raised, he changed the subject.
Oh, and in a separate interview with the Wall Street Journal, Fleming said that “he spends very little time on day-to-day management” of his businesses, which I guess is what leaves him the time to also pull in a salary as a US Representative.
Some people really need to get over themselves.
8 Comments
Saw this when I was doing my news rounds this morning on television and was astounded to see a Louisianian on the news rounds. Then he said it takes him $200k to feed his family. And my jaw dropped.
I make 10k a year part time as a college student, and I can feed myself just fine on that. Even if I spent 100% of my net income on groceries (which I don’t obviously), and multiplied that by the number of people in his household (4 kids, wife). that’s $60k. Maybe if he was buying lobster and steak every night, I could see his concern. But seriously? Where is he shopping that he’s spending $200k on groceries each year? Whole Foods Fresh-Cut section?
A PR disaster for sure, but you can bet that everyone in the Shreveport-Bossier area that would be voting for him doesn’t understand basic math enough to know that the $40k median salary in that area is 10 times less than Fleming would be making anyway.
Here’s the link if you want to embed it in the post
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=HW2VW-Z1M94
http://capitalgainsandgames.com/blog/bruce-bartlett/2368/updated-tax-polls
It’s hard being rich and great being poor. Rinse and repeat until true.
I have no sympathy for persons who cannot manage their own budget and more to the point their wants vs needs.
I second 1032s prescription.
On the issue of taxes, more then raise rates, which I don’t think will produce the desired result (they’ll just find or create more looholes) we need to reform the code and do away with loopholes. Go to a lower but progressive flat tax. Same thing for corporations.
In fairness, the $400,000 mentioned here, he says, will be re-invested in the business, it’s the $200,000 to “feed his family” that should be the real number pointed out here. If he’s really putting $400,000 back into the business then it wouldn’t be counted as profit, but as more business expenses. Which really begs the question of why did he call it profit in the first place.
Also, he should have been asked how many new jobs would be created with that $400,000.
I could lead a much more productive life if I had $200,000 to spend on household expenses. I could have a housekeeper who made a living wage. I could eat out several times a week. Or even better, have one of those fresh and healthy meal services cook all my meals. Even in Boston, which is the second or third highest cost of living area in the country. Then I could spend all my time doing research, writing, teaching, consulting, and all of the other things I prefer to spend my time doing. I can’t even imagine what life could be like in a place like LA.
Starluna’s comment got me to thinking. I remember my first full time job, I was making 13k year. Doing alright, but I remember thinking man if I just made 20k things would be so much better. Then that day came and I could afford Ball Park Franks instead of generic; shop at the Gap instead of Woolworth’s and thought if I just made 30k things would be better. So on and so on till I find myself making a 6 figure income, enjoy many luxeries, still do alot for my self, but think…. If I just made…things would be so much better.
I guess many of us could do with a little less if needed, but would always think about if only..