aubiefifty 16,858 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 1 minute ago, SocialCircle said: Are you saying the Clintons and the Obamas didn't get rich and Biden's family hasn't gotten rich, etc.? How much again of their tax payer paid salaries have they donated back? i am not butting heads with you all day because you never concede a point. ever. i stand by what i said. and that is one of those what a bouts and a deflection all tied up......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SocialCircle 570 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 13 minutes ago, aubiefifty said: i am not butting heads with you all day because you never concede a point. ever. i stand by what i said. and that is one of those what a bouts and a deflection all tied up......... John Adams provided one of my favorite quotes for such an occasion as this: "Thanks be to God, that he gave me Stubborness, when I know I am right." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RunInRed 16,454 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 37 minutes ago, SocialCircle said: Amount of tax payer paid salary donated back: Biden, Harris, Sanders, Warren= little if any Trump = All Trump would probably argue (privately, of course), that's the best $400K he's ever spent ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homersapien 11,416 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 3 hours ago, SocialCircle said: Are you saying the Clintons and the Obamas didn't get rich and Biden's family hasn't gotten rich, etc.? How much again of their tax payer paid salaries have they donated back? Well, if they were making millions off the government in direct violation of the Emoluments Act, it would be a pretty shrewd PR move - worthy of a con man. Don't be so gullible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homersapien 11,416 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 16 hours ago, Grumps said: Do we know how the New York Times got this info? Does anyone even care how they got it? Ain't a free press great! It's a foundation of our freedom. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homersapien 11,416 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 17 minutes ago, SocialCircle said: John Adams provided one of my favorite quotes for such an occasion as this: "Thanks be to God, that he gave me Stubborness, when I know I am right." You sir, are no John Adams. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homersapien 11,416 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 51 minutes ago, SocialCircle said: Do we know the tax returns are legit? Let's say they are for the purpose of my next comments. Trump can ask why are you attacking me for being smart? And I didn't create these tax laws, but by virtue of your 47 years in DC Mr. Biden you have helped create these tax laws. Also, I'd like to remind you that I have donated my entire salary as President to these causes (and Trump can list them). And I challenge you to donate the salary our tax payers are currently paying you as well Mr. Biden. Also, let me point out in addition I have given this amount (Trump names the amount) to charity and to help my fellow citizens during this period in question. Trump is being investigated for tax fraud even as we speak. (And that incident is just the tip of the iceberg.) But never fear, Trump is going to drain the swamp, he said so. You are obviously one of those MAGAs that would rationalize and forgive him for murdering someone on fifth avenue. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homersapien 11,416 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 Trump’s long-hidden tax returns make him look like a terrible businessman, or a cheat. Probably both. Opinion by Catherine Rampell Columnist September 28, 2020 Richard Nixon famously said, “People have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I’m not a crook.” That comment was not about the Watergate break-in, but rather, some funny business in his tax returns. Under public pressure, Nixon ultimately released those returns, revealing a major underpayment on his income taxes and creating a new norm for at least partial tax disclosure that all his successors complied with. Until President Trump, that is. And now it may be clear why. Bombshell reporting Sunday from the New York Times — based on the examination of thousands of personal and business tax records — suggests that Trump, like his disgraced predecessor, engaged in a lot of financial activity that also looks pretty crooked. Trump reportedly paid only $750 in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017, and none at all in 10 of the previous 15 years. Remember when Mitt Romney was caught on tape condemning the moochers of America, the 47 percent who pay no income taxes? Turns out he was talking about Trump. Trump claimed no tax liability for so many years because, according to the documents reviewed by the Times, he sustained mindbogglingly huge, chronic losses. The magnitude of these reported losses suggests he has been a thoroughly incompetent businessman or has been cheating Uncle Sam. Most likely both. Alan Garten, an attorney for the Trump Organization, said the Times report was inaccurate, and that Trump has paid “tens of millions of dollars in personal taxes to the federal government,” a characterization that appears to conflate income tax payments with other kinds of taxes (such as those for Social Security). For his part, Trump has previously argued that shirking his tax obligations made him “smart.” He suggested that he merely took advantage of legal loopholes, the kind available to deep-pocketed Americans who can afford top-notch tax preparation advice. And as I’ve written before, the real estate industry enjoys tons of loopholes and other opportunities for legally minimizing tax obligations, most notably through depreciation deductions. But per the Times, Trump’s “three European golf courses, the Washington hotel, Doral and Trump Corporation reported losing a total of $150.3 million from 2010 through 2018, without including depreciation as an expense.” That is: They were money pits. Additionally, Times reporters Russ Buettner, Susanne Craig and Mike McIntire include details of tax practices that were, at best, extraordinarily aggressive and, at worst, suggest possible fraud on a massive scale. These include deducting lifestyle expenses, such as the cost of haircuts, as if they were business expenses. Or appearing to pay Ivanka Trump consulting fees on the same hotel deals that she helped manage as part of her job at her father’s business, an arrangement that may have been a way to transfer assets without paying gift taxes. Or, writing off $2.2 million in property taxes as a business expense supposedly on an investment property that appears to instead be a vacation residence. According to the Times: The tax records reveal another way Seven Springs has generated substantial tax savings. In 2014, Mr. Trump classified the estate as an investment property, as distinct from a personal residence. Since then, he has written off $2.2 million in property taxes as a business expense — even as his 2017 tax law allowed individuals to write off only $10,000 in property taxes a year. Courts have held that to treat residences as businesses for tax purposes, owners must show that they have “an actual and honest objective of making a profit,” typically by making substantial efforts to rent the property and eventually generating income. Whether or not Seven Springs fits those criteria, the Trumps have described the property somewhat differently. In 2014, Eric Trump told Forbes that “this is really our compound.” Growing up, he and his brother Donald Jr. spent many summers there, riding all-terrain vehicles and fishing on a nearby lake. At one point, the brothers took up residence in a carriage house on the property. “It was home base for us for a long, long time,” Eric told Forbes. Now, it’s unclear whether voters will care, after all this time, that Trump has apparently paid less in taxes than the typical teacher, waitress, retail clerk or whoever else was usually cast as “moochers” and “takers.” Trump supporters seem willing to forgive almost anything; and taxes may seem too arcane for the general public to care about, especially if voters believe Trump’s spin that he practiced “smart” tax avoidance rather than illegal tax evasion. But a few other points are worth considering. Even Trump joined Romney once upon a time in demonizing Americans who didn’t contribute adequately to Treasury coffers: HALF of Americans don't pay income tax despite crippling govt debt...http://t.co/gDAUj0Kt — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 23, 2012 And when asked what really bothers them about the tax system, Americans’ top complaints aren’t that the poor are shirking, or that the tax code is too complicated, or even that their own tax bills are too big. They’re mad that corporations and the wealthy aren’t paying their “fair share,” legally or otherwise. via Pew Research Center, 2019. (Pew Research Center) Let’s consider Trump’s tax bill in another context: Trump spent 87 times as much to allegedly pay off his porn-star mistress as he paid in federal income taxes in 2016 and 2017, combined. Those taxes fund our military, roads, health-care system, etc. It’s hard to imagine such numbers sitting well with most Americans. Whatever the optics surrounding fairness, the reason the public should care most, as I have long argued, involves conflicts of interest. These financial entanglements — whom the president is getting money from, owes money to and on what terms — are likely influencing executive-branch policy, presumably rigging it in favor of cronies and creditors and against the public welfare. The Times report documents conflicts of interest up the wazoo. Previous reporting has revealed as much, though not with such precise dollar figures. Hordes of people and corporations have bought access to the president by patronizing Trump properties, such as Mar-a-Lago (his Palm Beach social club) or Trump National Doral (a golf resort near Miami): Profits [at Mar-a-Lago] rose sharply after Mr. Trump declared his candidacy, as courtiers eagerly joining up brought a tenfold rise in cash from initiation fees — from $664,000 in 2014 to just under $6 million in 2016, even before Mr. Trump doubled the cost of initiation in January 2017. Some of the largest payments from business groups for events or conferences at Mar-a-Lago and other Trump properties have come since Mr. Trump became president, the tax records show. At Doral, Mr. Trump collected a total of at least $7 million in 2015 and 2016 from Bank of America, and at least $1.2 million in 2017 and 2018 from a trade association representing food retailers and wholesalers. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce paid Doral at least $406,599 in 2018. Those buying access, and presumably hoping for favors, included executives, lobbyists and foreign nationals. Exactly how much their patronage to Trump businesses might be influencing policy is unclear, though there have been plenty of hints. Additionally, the Times reports that Trump is personally responsible for loans and other debts totaling $421 million, most of which comes due within four years. If Trump were still in the White House during that time, this creates some bad incentives. (The article does not provide details, alas, on the identity of all those lenders; hopefully, more reporting is forthcoming.) Further, an Internal Revenue Service audit over the legitimacy of a $72.9 million tax refund he received a decade ago has taken an unusually long time to resolve, possibly indicating it has stalled or been paused while Trump remains in office; an adverse ruling could cost him more than $100 million, the Times estimates, inclusive of interest and possible penalties. One might reasonably wonder why Trump, who appears to tweet, watch TV and golf more than he exercises his duties as president, has ever wanted a second term. Well, in addition to his desire to finally build his border wall or continue dodging potential indictments, we now know that Trump has about a half-billion dollars’ worth of motivation to stay in office four more years. As Nixon advised decades ago, Americans have a right to know whether their president is a crook. As Trump’s tax returns illustrate, Americans should know whether their president is governing in the people’s interests, or his own. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/09/28/trumps-long-hidden-tax-returns-make-him-look-like-terrible-businessman-or-cheat/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DKW 86 7,437 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 1 hour ago, Brad_ATX said: Oh I promise I paid A LOT more than $750 last year. DITTO.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DKW 86 7,437 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 1 hour ago, SocialCircle said: Are you saying the Clintons and the Obamas didn't get rich and Biden's family hasn't gotten rich, etc.? How much again of their tax payer paid salaries have they donated back? Social, you are the one still buying that Trump went to drain the DC Swamp. I am telling you that the man was so corrupt for the last 30+ years he is actually skinny dipping in the DC Swamp. He is not draining it at all. He is indulging himself in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SocialCircle 570 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 9 minutes ago, DKW 86 said: Social, you are the one still buying that Trump went to drain the DC Swamp. I am telling you that the man was so corrupt for the last 30+ years he is actually skinny dipping in the DC Swamp. He is not draining it at all. He is indulging himself in it. I am not a fan of Trump although I like many of his actions since he took office. I understand what he is and isn’t and believe he is still a better choice for our country than today’s Democrat Party including their nominee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grumps 3,704 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 1 hour ago, homersapien said: Ain't a free press great! It's a foundation of our freedom. I love a free press! It's the politicians and their cronies who leak information to the press that are the enemy of the people. If Trump broke the law I hope that he is punished appropriately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad_ATX 13,654 Posted September 28, 2020 Author Share Posted September 28, 2020 22 minutes ago, Grumps said: I love a free press! It's the politicians and their cronies who leak information to the press that are the enemy of the people. If Trump broke the law I hope that he is punished appropriately. What a horse **** take. If information is legit and is a public concern, then leaking NEEDS to happen. Example: Was the person that leaked the Pentagon Papers an enemy of the people or a hero? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdefromtx 3,159 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 This really isn't new news, we already knew he has not paid in taxes for many years. In fact I think I remember him saying in 2016 it is smart to play the laws to get out of taxes. Are people upset he didn't hardly pay anything or that people are worried it is hiding whoever he owes money to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad_ATX 13,654 Posted September 28, 2020 Author Share Posted September 28, 2020 28 minutes ago, wdefromtx said: This really isn't new news, we already knew he has not paid in taxes for many years. In fact I think I remember him saying in 2016 it is smart to play the laws to get out of taxes. Are people upset he didn't hardly pay anything or that people are worried it is hiding whoever he owes money to? I'm honestly more concerned about the latter. If he's this leveraged with debt, then we need to know who owns that debt. There's legit concerns to be considered with that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdefromtx 3,159 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 Just now, Brad_ATX said: I'm honestly more concerned about the latter. If he's this leveraged with debt, then we need to know who owns that debt. There's legit concerns to be considered with that. Yeah, I’m more concerned with that. His taxes as far as paying as little as possible isn’t exactly groundbreaking, and the rich and corporations do it all the time. Doesn’t make it right, but it is just what it is. In the meantime I’m trying to figure out how to write off my wife’s hairstyling costs on my taxes. That would make my burden go down tremendously!! lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
homersapien 11,416 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 1 hour ago, Grumps said: I love a free press! It's the politicians and their cronies who leak information to the press that are the enemy of the people. If Trump broke the law I hope that he is punished appropriately. Do you even realize how stupid that sounds? That's the bread and butter of a free press. It's the very reason that makes a free press relevant. For example, look at what we just learned about Trump and his taxes. And there are even greater historical examples. The "Pentagon Papers" come to mind. And then there's Watergate. Both in my lifetime. That you can describe leakers as "enemies of the people" is more evidence you live in Bizzaro World - it's exactly the opposite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TitanTiger 20,508 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 2 hours ago, Grumps said: I love a free press! It's the politicians and their cronies who leak information to the press that are the enemy of the people. If Trump broke the law I hope that he is punished appropriately. This is ridiculous. Without leaking information, we don't find out about Watergate. There's nothing inherently wrong about the press getting information that we the American people have the right to know from leaks or unnamed sources. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TitanTiger 20,508 Posted September 28, 2020 Share Posted September 28, 2020 Who's gonna tell DJT about Financial Peace University? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUFAN78 3,926 Posted September 29, 2020 Share Posted September 29, 2020 5 hours ago, DKW 86 said: DITTO.... Fine no problem, but I guarantee you didn't make millions. The reality is simple, this isn't about Trump, but rather the tax system. Been that way for as long as I can remember. Lets shoot straight here please. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUFAN78 3,926 Posted September 29, 2020 Share Posted September 29, 2020 2 hours ago, Brad_ATX said: I'm honestly more concerned about the latter. If he's this leveraged with debt, then we need to know who owns that debt. There's legit concerns to be considered with that. No offense Brad, but when you start making millions each year you'll see things differently. IIWII Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUFAN78 3,926 Posted September 29, 2020 Share Posted September 29, 2020 3 hours ago, TitanTiger said: This is ridiculous. Without leaking information, we don't find out about Watergate. There's nothing inherently wrong about the press getting information that we the American people have the right to know from leaks or unnamed sources. We can agree, as long as it is accurate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brad_ATX 13,654 Posted September 29, 2020 Author Share Posted September 29, 2020 59 minutes ago, AUFAN78 said: No offense Brad, but when you start making millions each year you'll see things differently. IIWII No offense 78, but this is a dumb ass take that doesn't address the issue at hand. IIWII Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AUFAN78 3,926 Posted September 29, 2020 Share Posted September 29, 2020 7 minutes ago, Brad_ATX said: No offense 78, but this is a dumb ass take that doesn't address the issue at hand. IIWII Trust me Brad, I understand your point and your position. I stated it from the start. IIWII Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grumps 3,704 Posted September 29, 2020 Share Posted September 29, 2020 5 hours ago, Brad_ATX said: What a horse **** take. If information is legit and is a public concern, then leaking NEEDS to happen. Example: Was the person that leaked the Pentagon Papers an enemy of the people or a hero? Are you saying that you think it is ok for the NYT to publish a person's tax returns if they were obtained illegally? That is my problem with this situation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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