Why democrats are the lesser of two evils

[blackhawk]

Same talking points different day.

Yep...
Your side is the worst...no yours is...well my side is better...no mine is...well your side hates everything...well your side hates worser...well...

Fart in the wind.
All a colossal waste of time and does nothing but distract everyone from realizing that this country is on a very bad path, has been for several decades - and getting worse.
It isn't Obama that did it, it wasn't Bush, it wasn't even Reagan. It wasn't the Republican majority in the 90's or the Democrat majority of the 2000's..... IT WAS ALL OF THEM.
Our entire federal system is DEEEEEPLY corrupt and in complete collusion with super corporations, the central banks and special interest. PERIOD.
And that is why since 2009 the top 7% have basked in a 35% earnings increase while the 93% rest of us have sucked on a 5% decrease in earnings. Actual cash decrease.
Obama didn't fix jack shit. Just like Bush.

Thinking republicans and democrats are equally evil is just as dumb as saying one isn't evil at all.

saying you will take Dracula over Satan is pretty dumb too Billy...

I take Dracula vampires get the hot women.

i bet Satan does too.....

Maybe can't recall ever seeing Satan with hot women though vampires I have.

 

[AntiParty]

Look, I'm no democrat. They are pussies and are certainly not above partisan politics. They sometimes lie and distort the truth. I'm no fan of Nancy I'll tell you that. They certainly dragged their feet when they had full control prior to the Nov 2010 election.

However, there is good reason to like them a hell of a lot more than republicans.

1) THEY HAVE POLICIES THAT HELP THE POOR AND CREATE JOBS.


When 8 million people lost their jobs against their will from the Great Recession, it was democrats that realized the importance of extending unemployment benefits. The Great Recession needed a government solution and democrats were mature enough to realize that. Republicans did not. They said basically said "fuck those people. Let's cut taxes for the corporations because it's the CEOs who are the true victims derp, derp, derp."

Oh and guess what? Extending unemployment benefits helps the economy. It creates jobs. Why? Because millions of people who would otherwise not be spending money were spending money. Consumer spending spiked significantly therefoe businesses did better so they created more jobs and laid off less people. Simple economics. 19,000 jobs per billion dollar in benefits to be exact.

Extended Federal Unemployment Benefits and the Economy

They also support raising the mininum wage. If it was raised to 10.10 an hour, it would lift 16.5 million people out of poverty. The price increase would be very slight. Only 500,000 jobs would be lost and the economy would eventually regain all of those jobs and more from the increase in consumer spending. Shocking i know!

Oh and let's not forget the stimulus saved us from another Great Depression because of the close to 3 million jobs that were created during that terrifying free fall of the Great Recession.

Was the Obama Stimulus a Success or a Failure - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

2) REPUBLICANS LIE A HELL OF A LOT MORE THAN DEMOCRATS DO.

This study from PolitFact shows that republicans in our government lie way more than democrats do:

Study PolitiFact says Republicans lie more - POLITICO.com

Now of course some of you are gonna say "PolitiFact has a liberal bias!" Hmm may I remind you all PolitiFact is responsible for declaring Obama's claim about ObamaCare the "Lie of the Year"? Hmmmmmmm. I'm sure you all had no problem with that ruling.

Here's another non partisan study confirming the same thing:

New Study Republicans Lie More Than Democrats Americans Against the Tea Party

3) REPUBLICAN ECONOMIC POLICIES ONLY HELP THE WEALTY.

How do we know? Well if cutting taxes for the wealthy worked so well, why was job growth under Bush so pathetic?

Why is the state of Kansas in an economic black hole because of their terrible governor tried supply side economics?

4) THEY PUSH POLICIES THAT THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS FAVOR

Background checks for buying guns
Higher taxes on the wealthy
Raising the minimum wage
Extending unemployment benefits
Gay marriage

5) REPUBLICANS ARE THE PARTY OF NO.

I've always agreed dems went too far with the "war on women" talk, but that doesn't mean that republicans give a shit about women's rights. They are against any kind of abortion. They block equal pay for women legislation. They decide women issues with out women included in fact.

Oh and of course gay marriage. Gay marriage has no negative effect on society but because republicans are bigots by and large, they claim it does without evidence to support such a claim.

NO PARTY is the lesser of 2+ evils. Parties are full of people, not Corporations, which is why the people need to learn more and type less.

The only distinct difference in parties is who donates to the party. That's all. Some say, "Why vote. They are all bought by the same people/organizations/Corporations".

Because you can easily predict what they will do by balancing the $ spent to certain politicians.

If Lockheed Martin is your politicians biggest donor, you better believe we are going to find a reason for war.

If a Casino is a "Christian politicians" biggest donor. You better believe he/she won't ban gambling.

If Wind energy is one of the biggest donors. You better believe there will be a push for Wind energy.

If Coal is one of the biggest donors. You better believe there will be a push for Coal energy.

If you haven't figured this out yet in 2014, WELCOME TO POLITICS.

 

[Billy000]

Look, I'm no democrat. They are pussies and are certainly not above partisan politics. They sometimes lie and distort the truth. I'm no fan of Nancy I'll tell you that. They certainly dragged their feet when they had full control prior to the Nov 2010 election.

However, there is good reason to like them a hell of a lot more than republicans.

1) THEY HAVE POLICIES THAT HELP THE POOR AND CREATE JOBS.


When 8 million people lost their jobs against their will from the Great Recession, it was democrats that realized the importance of extending unemployment benefits. The Great Recession needed a government solution and democrats were mature enough to realize that. Republicans did not. They said basically said "fuck those people. Let's cut taxes for the corporations because it's the CEOs who are the true victims derp, derp, derp."

Oh and guess what? Extending unemployment benefits helps the economy. It creates jobs. Why? Because millions of people who would otherwise not be spending money were spending money. Consumer spending spiked significantly therefoe businesses did better so they created more jobs and laid off less people. Simple economics. 19,000 jobs per billion dollar in benefits to be exact.

Extended Federal Unemployment Benefits and the Economy

They also support raising the mininum wage. If it was raised to 10.10 an hour, it would lift 16.5 million people out of poverty. The price increase would be very slight. Only 500,000 jobs would be lost and the economy would eventually regain all of those jobs and more from the increase in consumer spending. Shocking i know!

Oh and let's not forget the stimulus saved us from another Great Depression because of the close to 3 million jobs that were created during that terrifying free fall of the Great Recession.

Was the Obama Stimulus a Success or a Failure - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

2) REPUBLICANS LIE A HELL OF A LOT MORE THAN DEMOCRATS DO.

This study from PolitFact shows that republicans in our government lie way more than democrats do:

Study PolitiFact says Republicans lie more - POLITICO.com

Now of course some of you are gonna say "PolitiFact has a liberal bias!" Hmm may I remind you all PolitiFact is responsible for declaring Obama's claim about ObamaCare the "Lie of the Year"? Hmmmmmmm. I'm sure you all had no problem with that ruling.

Here's another non partisan study confirming the same thing:

New Study Republicans Lie More Than Democrats Americans Against the Tea Party

3) REPUBLICAN ECONOMIC POLICIES ONLY HELP THE WEALTY.

How do we know? Well if cutting taxes for the wealthy worked so well, why was job growth under Bush so pathetic?

Why is the state of Kansas in an economic black hole because of their terrible governor tried supply side economics?

4) THEY PUSH POLICIES THAT THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS FAVOR

Background checks for buying guns
Higher taxes on the wealthy
Raising the minimum wage
Extending unemployment benefits
Gay marriage

5) REPUBLICANS ARE THE PARTY OF NO.

I've always agreed dems went too far with the "war on women" talk, but that doesn't mean that republicans give a shit about women's rights. They are against any kind of abortion. They block equal pay for women legislation. They decide women issues with out women included in fact.

Oh and of course gay marriage. Gay marriage has no negative effect on society but because republicans are bigots by and large, they claim it does without evidence to support such a claim.

NO PARTY is the lesser of 2+ evils. Parties are full of people, not Corporations, which is why the people need to learn more and type less.

The only distinct difference in parties is who donates to the party. That's all. Some say, "Why vote. They are all bought by the same people/organizations/Corporations".

Because you can easily predict what they will do by balancing the $ spent to certain politicians.

If Lockheed Martin is your politicians biggest donor, you better believe we are going to find a reason for war.

If a Casino is a "Christian politicians" biggest donor. You better believe he/she won't ban gambling.

If Wind energy is one of the biggest donors. You better believe there will be a push for Wind energy.

If Coal is one of the biggest donors. You better believe there will be a push for Coal energy.

If you haven't figured this out yet in 2014, WELCOME TO POLITICS.

You definitely raise an important point. That is something you see in both parties, however come on, you see more of that in the Republican Party. That is another example of it being the greater evil.

I'm curious though. Do you think big money from corporations will ever remove itself from politics with a big enough movement? Obviously it would take a decade or two, but is it possible with enough awareness of the issue?

 

[AntiParty]

Look, I'm no democrat. They are pussies and are certainly not above partisan politics. They sometimes lie and distort the truth. I'm no fan of Nancy I'll tell you that. They certainly dragged their feet when they had full control prior to the Nov 2010 election.

However, there is good reason to like them a hell of a lot more than republicans.

1) THEY HAVE POLICIES THAT HELP THE POOR AND CREATE JOBS.


When 8 million people lost their jobs against their will from the Great Recession, it was democrats that realized the importance of extending unemployment benefits. The Great Recession needed a government solution and democrats were mature enough to realize that. Republicans did not. They said basically said "fuck those people. Let's cut taxes for the corporations because it's the CEOs who are the true victims derp, derp, derp."

Oh and guess what? Extending unemployment benefits helps the economy. It creates jobs. Why? Because millions of people who would otherwise not be spending money were spending money. Consumer spending spiked significantly therefoe businesses did better so they created more jobs and laid off less people. Simple economics. 19,000 jobs per billion dollar in benefits to be exact.

Extended Federal Unemployment Benefits and the Economy

They also support raising the mininum wage. If it was raised to 10.10 an hour, it would lift 16.5 million people out of poverty. The price increase would be very slight. Only 500,000 jobs would be lost and the economy would eventually regain all of those jobs and more from the increase in consumer spending. Shocking i know!

Oh and let's not forget the stimulus saved us from another Great Depression because of the close to 3 million jobs that were created during that terrifying free fall of the Great Recession.

Was the Obama Stimulus a Success or a Failure - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

2) REPUBLICANS LIE A HELL OF A LOT MORE THAN DEMOCRATS DO.

This study from PolitFact shows that republicans in our government lie way more than democrats do:

Study PolitiFact says Republicans lie more - POLITICO.com

Now of course some of you are gonna say "PolitiFact has a liberal bias!" Hmm may I remind you all PolitiFact is responsible for declaring Obama's claim about ObamaCare the "Lie of the Year"? Hmmmmmmm. I'm sure you all had no problem with that ruling.

Here's another non partisan study confirming the same thing:

New Study Republicans Lie More Than Democrats Americans Against the Tea Party

3) REPUBLICAN ECONOMIC POLICIES ONLY HELP THE WEALTY.

How do we know? Well if cutting taxes for the wealthy worked so well, why was job growth under Bush so pathetic?

Why is the state of Kansas in an economic black hole because of their terrible governor tried supply side economics?

4) THEY PUSH POLICIES THAT THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS FAVOR

Background checks for buying guns
Higher taxes on the wealthy
Raising the minimum wage
Extending unemployment benefits
Gay marriage

5) REPUBLICANS ARE THE PARTY OF NO.

I've always agreed dems went too far with the "war on women" talk, but that doesn't mean that republicans give a shit about women's rights. They are against any kind of abortion. They block equal pay for women legislation. They decide women issues with out women included in fact.

Oh and of course gay marriage. Gay marriage has no negative effect on society but because republicans are bigots by and large, they claim it does without evidence to support such a claim.

NO PARTY is the lesser of 2+ evils. Parties are full of people, not Corporations, which is why the people need to learn more and type less.

The only distinct difference in parties is who donates to the party. That's all. Some say, "Why vote. They are all bought by the same people/organizations/Corporations".

Because you can easily predict what they will do by balancing the $ spent to certain politicians.

If Lockheed Martin is your politicians biggest donor, you better believe we are going to find a reason for war.

If a Casino is a "Christian politicians" biggest donor. You better believe he/she won't ban gambling.

If Wind energy is one of the biggest donors. You better believe there will be a push for Wind energy.

If Coal is one of the biggest donors. You better believe there will be a push for Coal energy.

If you haven't figured this out yet in 2014, WELCOME TO POLITICS.

You definitely raise an important point. That is something you see in both parties, however come on, you see more of that in the Republican Party. That is another example of it being the greater evil.

I'm curious though. Do you think big money from corporations will ever remove itself from politics with a big enough movement? Obviously it would take a decade or two, but is it possible with enough awareness of the issue?

"you see more of that in the Republican Party" ~ Wrong.

All politicians need the $ to keep their campaign alive. But you are right that you CAN find the lesser of two evils by determining what Corporation is donating to the Politicians.

Romney was; Military weapons, Oil, Coal, Gambling, His own business, toxic waste dumping, banks ETC

Obama was; Education, Banks, Military weapons, gays, wind energy, healthcare, media and Government.

The $ comes from somewhere on all parties. And have we seen Obama act out on any of the things he was purchased to do?

I totally agree. Obama was the lesser of two evils, on that base.

 

[AntiParty]

I typed too much information, people don't like to read.

The Left is ran by $ also. It's important to follow the $. Short and Sweet.

 

[JoeNormal]

Same talking points different day.

Yep...
Your side is the worst...no yours is...well my side is better...no mine is...well your side hates everything...well your side hates worser...well...

Fart in the wind.
All a colossal waste of time and does nothing but distract everyone from realizing that this country is on a very bad path, has been for several decades - and getting worse.
It isn't Obama that did it, it wasn't Bush, it wasn't even Reagan. It wasn't the Republican majority in the 90's or the Democrat majority of the 2000's..... IT WAS ALL OF THEM.
Our entire federal system is DEEEEEPLY corrupt and in complete collusion with super corporations, the central banks and special interest. PERIOD.
And that is why since 2009 the top 7% have basked in a 35% earnings increase while the 93% rest of us have sucked on a 5% decrease in earnings. Actual cash decrease.
Obama didn't fix jack shit. Just like Bush.

Thinking republicans and democrats are equally evil is just as dumb as saying one isn't evil at all.

I'm not exactly sure that's what he's saying. The way I see it, it's a big game of good cop, bad cop. It's all kabuki theater designed to give the public someone to root for but the overlords are the same for both sides.

 

[M14 Shooter]

Democrats support state-enforced involuntary servitude.
A vote for a Democrat is a vote for state-enforced involuntary servitude.

 

[JoeNormal]

Democrats support state-enforced involuntary servitude.
A vote for a Democrat is a vote for state-enforced involuntary servitude.

And the republicans support corporate-enforced involuntary servitude. Take your pick.

 

[M14 Shooter]

Democrats support state-enforced involuntary servitude.
A vote for a Democrat is a vote for state-enforced involuntary servitude.

And the republicans support corporate-enforced involuntary servitude. Take your pick.

Difference:
My statement is true, yours is not.

 

[M14 Shooter]

Americans should be thankful for socialism.

Like you, the author of your article is a mindless, partisan bigot and clearly does not know what socialism is.

 

[Harry Dresden]

And no, you don't do shit to criticize far righties.
i dont?.....talk to Katz and Shootspeeders just 2 that i can think of now,and go into the threads about the topics i mentioned....now give me 2 lefties you have criticized....whoops brick wall?....

Believe what you want dude. I don't care
and we all know why that is....right Billy?.....

Show me a RW on this board who agrees with any liberal policies. You can't
did i ever say they did?.....you think im a RW yet i have been in quite a few threads here agreeing with the Liberals....how many threads have you been in agreeing with a Conservative idea?...

In my opinion a true far left is a socialist
in my opinion its a Lefty/Liberal/Democrat who has the attitude of...."if you dont agree with us or want what we want ...FUCK you".....and there are quite a few of them around here......they have the same attitude as their cousins on the far right.....and you are right ...there are a bunch of them around here too....

Okay let me ask you this: what specific liberal POLICIES do you agree with?

Oh' the praising of the violent black thugs for trashing entire cities....For one.
Another is lying about the crime rate and who does it.
Another is telling men that we shouldn't have any say in our families

I agree with your first two points but I'm not sure what you mean by your third.

Come on, Matthew. I know you're intelligent. It is evidenced by the spot on thread you made about the importance of government a few months back. I just don't understand some of the stuff you say sometimes. It's so off the wall partisan. I think deep down you don't want to identify as republican. You're a pro government liberal like me. Ditch these nutters.

you agree with those Billy?.....

For the most part yes. I think the black community needs to take a good long look in the mirror and people like Al Sharpton need to recognize that. However, racism does a play a role in this. To me it's become a bit of a chicken or the egg situation with the black community and the police. Both sides need to admit fault.

Here's a bonus for you Harry. I completely agree with Bill Maher's view of Islam. Mull that over.

wait a minute Billy....you asked ...." what specific liberal POLICIES do you agree with?"

so you agree with...the praising of the violent black thugs for trashing entire cities?.....
and..... lying about the crime rate and who does it?......clear this up for me....

 

[Harry Dresden]

And no, you don't do shit to criticize far righties.
i dont?.....talk to Katz and Shootspeeders just 2 that i can think of now,and go into the threads about the topics i mentioned....now give me 2 lefties you have criticized....whoops brick wall?....

Believe what you want dude. I don't care
and we all know why that is....right Billy?.....

Show me a RW on this board who agrees with any liberal policies. You can't
did i ever say they did?.....you think im a RW yet i have been in quite a few threads here agreeing with the Liberals....how many threads have you been in agreeing with a Conservative idea?...

In my opinion a true far left is a socialist
in my opinion its a Lefty/Liberal/Democrat who has the attitude of...."if you dont agree with us or want what we want ...FUCK you".....and there are quite a few of them around here......they have the same attitude as their cousins on the far right.....and you are right ...there are a bunch of them around here too....

Okay let me ask you this: what specific liberal POLICIES do you agree with?

Oh' the praising of the violent black thugs for trashing entire cities....For one.
Another is lying about the crime rate and who does it.
Another is telling men that we shouldn't have any say in our families

I agree with your first two points but I'm not sure what you mean by your third.

Come on, Matthew. I know you're intelligent. It is evidenced by the spot on thread you made about the importance of government a few months back. I just don't understand some of the stuff you say sometimes. It's so off the wall partisan. I think deep down you don't want to identify as republican. You're a pro government liberal like me. Ditch these nutters.

you agree with those Billy?.....

For the most part yes. I think the black community needs to take a good long look in the mirror and people like Al Sharpton need to recognize that. However, racism does a play a role in this. To me it's become a bit of a chicken or the egg situation with the black community and the police. Both sides need to admit fault.

Here's a bonus for you Harry. I completely agree with Bill Maher's view of Islam. Mull that over.

what read about it in a thread on this....i agree with him too....

 

[Soggy in NOLA]

Whatever.... you and Jake Starkey must be lovers.

 

[Harry Dresden]

Yep...
Your side is the worst...no yours is...well my side is better...no mine is...well your side hates everything...well your side hates worser...well...

Fart in the wind.
All a colossal waste of time and does nothing but distract everyone from realizing that this country is on a very bad path, has been for several decades - and getting worse.
It isn't Obama that did it, it wasn't Bush, it wasn't even Reagan. It wasn't the Republican majority in the 90's or the Democrat majority of the 2000's..... IT WAS ALL OF THEM.
Our entire federal system is DEEEEEPLY corrupt and in complete collusion with super corporations, the central banks and special interest. PERIOD.
And that is why since 2009 the top 7% have basked in a 35% earnings increase while the 93% rest of us have sucked on a 5% decrease in earnings. Actual cash decrease.
Obama didn't fix jack shit. Just like Bush.

Thinking republicans and democrats are equally evil is just as dumb as saying one isn't evil at all.

saying you will take Dracula over Satan is pretty dumb too Billy...

I take Dracula vampires get the hot women.

i bet Satan does too.....

Maybe can't recall ever seeing Satan with hot women though vampires I have.

im sure there have been many hot woman condemned to hell....

 

[Harry Dresden]

Democrats support state-enforced involuntary servitude.
A vote for a Democrat is a vote for state-enforced involuntary servitude.

and republicans dont?......

 

[Soggy in NOLA]

Well when I got to the parts about taxing wealthy and raising the minimum wage, I realized you have absolutely Zero business intelligence and are one of those tit sucking, ass sitting morons who should have been swallowed at birth .......... those are some of the good points ......

So how are we supposed to pay for our gov expenses without revenue?

We have no revenue today?

really?

Not to mention he obviously doesn't even know the difference between revenue and receipts. These libs are stupid beyond belief.

 

[Billy000]

Okay let me ask you this: what specific liberal POLICIES do you agree with?

Oh' the praising of the violent black thugs for trashing entire cities....For one.
Another is lying about the crime rate and who does it.
Another is telling men that we shouldn't have any say in our families

I agree with your first two points but I'm not sure what you mean by your third.

Come on, Matthew. I know you're intelligent. It is evidenced by the spot on thread you made about the importance of government a few months back. I just don't understand some of the stuff you say sometimes. It's so off the wall partisan. I think deep down you don't want to identify as republican. You're a pro government liberal like me. Ditch these nutters.

you agree with those Billy?.....

For the most part yes. I think the black community needs to take a good long look in the mirror and people like Al Sharpton need to recognize that. However, racism does a play a role in this. To me it's become a bit of a chicken or the egg situation with the black community and the police. Both sides need to admit fault.

Here's a bonus for you Harry. I completely agree with Bill Maher's view of Islam. Mull that over.

wait a minute Billy....you asked ...." what specific liberal POLICIES do you agree with?"

so you agree with...the praising of the violent black thugs for trashing entire cities?.....
and..... lying about the crime rate and who does it?......clear this up for me....

I don't understand why you got that impression. No. I am saying the "thug" problem is a complex one. I agree with the rightwing that the black community can be self destructive and poses a crime problem beyond that of any other race. However I don't subscribe to the rightwing belief that they alone need to make reforms. It isn't that cut and dry. I think racism against them does play a role in this as well. When it comes to improving relations between the "thugs" and police, both sides need to make changes on how they interact.

It's a psychological issue. Meaning, their thug behavior puts the police in an understandably defensive and overly cautious position. However by that same token, the police often treat innocent black people unfairly because of their extreme cautiousness and bias, which in turn fuels the "fuck the police" mentality that the thug community has. It's a chicken or the egg argument about whose fault it is. What it needs to come down to is both sides changing their behavior to improve relations.

 

[Billy000]

Well when I got to the parts about taxing wealthy and raising the minimum wage, I realized you have absolutely Zero business intelligence and are one of those tit sucking, ass sitting morons who should have been swallowed at birth .......... those are some of the good points ......

So how are we supposed to pay for our gov expenses without revenue?

We have no revenue today?

really?

Not to mention he obviously doesn't even know the difference between revenue and receipts. These libs are stupid beyond belief.

No what you people don't understand is the proper way to measure revenue. You people tout that the receipts are at an all time high but that doesn't mean revenue is at a place where it needs to be. Receipts only measure raw dollars. It doesn't take into account the size of the economy and inflation. The only way to accurately measure revenue is by computing it as a percentage of GDP. Right now it is at 16% which is near a historic low. In 2000, it was at 20%. Since 2000, the economy (GDP) has grown significantly. That means the economy can afford higher taxes then it has now.

 

[M14 Shooter]

Democrats support state-enforced involuntary servitude.
A vote for a Democrat is a vote for state-enforced involuntary servitude.

and republicans dont?......

According to the Dems, the GOP would get rid of every program that does this -- so, apparently not.

 

[M14 Shooter]

Well when I got to the parts about taxing wealthy and raising the minimum wage, I realized you have absolutely Zero business intelligence and are one of those tit sucking, ass sitting morons who should have been swallowed at birth .......... those are some of the good points ......

So how are we supposed to pay for our gov expenses without revenue?

We have no revenue today?

really?

Not to mention he obviously doesn't even know the difference between revenue and receipts. These libs are stupid beyond belief.

No what you people don't understand is the proper way to measure revenue. You people tout that the receipts are at an all time high but that doesn't mean revenue is at a place where it needs to be. Receipts only measure raw dollars. It doesn't take into account the size of the economy and inflation. The only way to accurately measure revenue is by computing it as a percentage of GDP. Right now it is at 16% which is near a historic low. In 2000, it was at 20%. Since 2000, the economy (GDP) has grown significantly. That means the economy can afford higher taxes then it has now.

How does the fact that revenue was a at a higher % of the GDP in the past mean that higher taxes can be afforded now?
How does the fact that more taxes might be affordable now support an argument that taxes should be higher?