At some point in the very near future the "Tax" straw that will break the Country's back will be too late to avoid (if it isn't alread).
>> Pat Eddu Wednesday, July 15, 2009 4:27 PM

Please go to IBDeditorials.com and read "It's Not an Option" article on coming mandatory public care on p.16! Brought to you by Ovomit, Pelousy, Taxman & Malarkey!
>> sandyinohio Thursday, July 16, 2009 12:37 AM

Based on the obscene spending by Congress, plus the details of this bill, I'd say it's time we the citizens of the United States rebel against this "taxation without representation". Every one of us should let our senators and representatives know that if they support this bill, and others such as cap and trade, they will be voted out of office. There is an electoral reckoning coming in 2010; they ignore our ishes at their peril. JD
>> Jim Dixey Thursday, July 16, 2009 10:12 AM

Most Americans do not realize that they are double taxed on their Social Security income. You and your employer pay a sizable chunk of change into the Social Security tax annually. You are not able to adjust your gross income therefore you pay federal income tax on social security tax.
>> Jeffrey Kelly Thursday, July 16, 2009 10:20 AM

This disgraceful, lying dirtbag in the White House (I can't even bring myself to call him pres) has already gone too far. When will the mainstream media start calling them as they occur & make this weasel accountable? No more free passes.....No more Lies. Go back to community agitating & stop wrecking this great country. I do not care that you have a chip on your shoulder & you feel you have to correct some great injustice. What's next....1 Million dollars to all of Black ancestry? Many people have suffered injustice. They get over it, move on & become productive members of society.
>> Jack McGuinn Thursday, July 16, 2009 11:17 AM

ok look im pretty sure none of us make over350,000 nor do I have investments that come anywhere close to that. Im all for it. 1% of 350,000 dollars cmon thats not much stop being greedy.
>> markus Thursday, July 16, 2009 11:58 AM

It's an interesting mentality that thinks that everyone else (the rich and the large companies) will be the only ones who get taxed. In reality, even the poor will be paying more for all goods and services and they will be paying for their "free" health care" every time they go to town to purchase everything. Businesses will complain, but they'll just hire fewer workers and raise their prices. The result in all areas will be poor service and higher prices. Wouldn't you think Americans would be smarter than this?
>> John Van't Land Thursday, July 16, 2009 12:32 PM

"ok look im pretty sure none of us make over350,000 nor do I have investments that come anywhere close to that. Im all for it. 1% of 350,000 dollars cmon thats not much stop being greedy. >> markus" I don't even make close to that much either but I am smart enough to realize that this is not just 1% so they should stop being greedy. This is an ADDITIONAL tax. Do you not understand that potentially half of what they earn (through their own efforts as this is INCOME not net worth) would be taken from them and given to others in the name of "fairness". How is that "fair"? Only the greedy people that would be receiving that money think it is fair. Stop being so greedy for something that you have not earned.
>> Toby Thursday, July 16, 2009 1:17 PM

You got to love this bill. I know that my nursing home does provide a health care plan that is 8% of payroll so either we increase our cost or pay a penalty. Since 88% of our money comes from MaineCare or Medicare, we are going to need increases in our reimbursement to pay for it...oh but part of the plan calls for billions to be cut from the Medicare program as savings......great plan
>> Peter Thursday, July 16, 2009 1:18 PM

In comment to Markus...I am not currently making over 350,000 dollars a year but will be soon unless obamacare takes away my ability to. Most, not all, of american citizens earning over this amount have worked hard and continue to work hard in order to make their money. I do not agree that they should be required to pay for the people who have elected not to do so. This country was not built on hand-outs and if america was what it use to be people would not be asking for them. We have migrated from a society where people worked to achieve the American Dream to a society that believes just b/c they are an American they deserve to be taken care of.
>> Nic Thursday, July 16, 2009 2:22 PM

Toby you don't get it, sure alot of people don't make that money. But you boss and his company may make that much or more if he is taxed 50 % how long do you think he is going to be able to keep you employed.
>> revoluton Thursday, July 16, 2009 3:32 PM

Screw Obama!!!!
>> Big Poppa Thursday, July 16, 2009 4:47 PM

Judgement Day is coming. These tax and spend liberals are out of control idiots who have not "earned" a dollar in their lives. How in the world would they ever know how to run a business let alone a country. Vote them out!
>> Daniel Thursday, July 16, 2009 4:48 PM

Response to "Marcus" above and anyone else who doesn't see anything wrong with this train wreck: I work for what I earn (and no, it's not $350,000) but I resent having my taxes raised to pay for free education and health care for people who don't work or aren't here legally, although "legal" is sure getting easier and easier! We used to be a Nation whose people took care of themselves and their families. We've become helpless victims who want Fatter Gummit to take care of them. How pathetic!
>> Linda Thursday, July 16, 2009 5:07 PM

Yikes!! Jimmy Carter couldn't hold a candle to this piece of work.
>> Zac Thursday, July 16, 2009 5:30 PM

I have a correction to one of your points. You state, "a tax on individuals failing to sign up for health care equal to the lesser of 2.5% of adjusted gross income (AGI) or the average individual premium amount". The limit is the average family coverage premium amount if the individual has dependents. Later in the document they state that persons are exempt if they "could" be claimed as a dependent for tax purposes. I haven't found it yet but this leaves me thinking that individuals are responsible for the healthcare coverage of anyone that they "could" claim as a dependent for tax purposes.
>> Thersites Thursday, July 16, 2009 5:43 PM

How much more of this can we really take. I work hard- IVe paid my way, I own 2 businesses- I took great risk, worked hard and took out a ton of debt to make this work. If this joker in the 'white' house thinks that Im taking this hit than he is crazy. My staff will be taking a pay cut ( oh thats good for the economy) and if they have a problem with it- there are hundreds of thousands of people that would love thier jobs. this angers me because I have worked hard to keep every ones pay the same through this recession, Ive even added more staff... I pay for my own families coverage. I say to the loosers looking for me to pay for your coverage! Shame on you. You make me sick.
>> mark Thursday, July 16, 2009 9:27 PM