$$$$$$$ 136.00 And Rising $$$$$$$

**Sam Reeves** · 06-06-2008, 07:14 PM

Originally Posted by Rick

As for Capitalism, it is by definition an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods. So it's neither in decline nor facing death. It is, in fact, gaining ground. The bulk of employment is through small business. About 70% if I remember the numbers correctly. Look at any strip mall at all the mom and pop businesses and you'll see capitalism is very much alive. It's even gaining a foot hold in China of all places as a prospering middle class is starting to flourish based on privately owned business. Quite a change for a communist state.

http://www.america.gov/st/washfile-e...0.7271845.html

The problem with small businesses is that most of them are not even American owned. The foreign owners are usually tax exempt and send most a chunk of their profits to their native counties-robbing our economy.

American can't compete with the unfair advantages that are given to immigrants. I know this from experience.

**BraggSurvivor** · 06-06-2008, 07:20 PM

Originally Posted by Rick

Well, your first part is absolutely correct. Two reasons. 1. Individually and as a nation we've amassed towering debt while may other countries saved. 2. We have successfully transitioned into a service economy instead of a manufacturing economy. That translates into no product to sell overseas. Hence, our trade imbalance grows.

As for Capitalism, it is by definition an economic system based on the private ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods. So it's neither in decline nor facing death. It is, in fact, gaining ground. The bulk of employment is through small business. About 70% if I remember the numbers correctly. Look at any strip mall at all the mom and pop businesses and you'll see capitalism is very much alive. It's even gaining a foot hold in China of all places as a prospering middle class is starting to flourish based on privately owned business. Quite a change for a communist state.

Ill be a good boy now and be quite.......

**wareagle69** · 06-07-2008, 08:11 AM

like most things you say bragg it don't beleive your last comment either

**BraggSurvivor** · 06-07-2008, 08:33 AM

Now who crapped in their corn flakes this morning WE.

Personally, I could care less what you believed.

**Rick** · 06-07-2008, 08:45 AM

Sam - In order to own a business you generally need two things. A federal tax ID, known as a FID. In addition, most states also require a resellers certificate (if you resale items such as a grocery store or clothing store would. They don't make the product themselves). That means you have to pay taxes. The only way to avoid that is to charter yourself as tax exempt. Then you still have to file paper work proving you are whatever you say you are.

Immigrant does not equate to non-American. Most are naturalized citizens. That makes them American.

If you stop and think a moment, immigrants have always made up a large segment of private business. Often as sole proprietors. Stereotypically, laundries, delis, 711s, etc. They, of course, are much more diverse than that but it gets the point across. My early ancestors were immigrants to this country. I'm sure yours were, too. There have always been immigrants through every generation and they always made up a large portion of the private, retail environment. They receive no advantage over me in the business segment. They fill out the same forms that I do, pay the same quarterly taxes, and compete on equal terms.

As to where they send the money. They don't tell me which bank to use or which stocks to invest in and I don't tell them whether they should keep the money or send it home to relatives. It's their money, they can do with it what they want. But extend that and think of the long term results. Money sent to the third world increases their standard of living, enables them higher purchasing power, and often means more exports for us. That's a good thing.

Non-American corporations do own a huge chunk of US industry. But that doesn't mean they aren't American. Wait, what did he say? Many American corporations have restructured themselves by "moving" their company to foreign soil for greater tax benefits. 18 of the largest publicly traded companies have done just that to the tune of a $386 million tax loss. When the press talks about foreign ownership. These companies are included in that mix even though the were American corporations at one time but are now "headquartered" in some tax haven overseas.

**Sam Reeves** · 06-07-2008, 10:00 AM

Originally Posted by Rick

Sam - In order to own a business you generally need two things. A federal tax ID, known as a FID. In addition, most states also require a resellers certificate (if you resale items such as a grocery store or clothing store would. They don't make the product themselves). That means you have to pay taxes. The only way to avoid that is to charter yourself as tax exempt. Then you still have to file paper work proving you are whatever you say you are.

Immigrant does not equate to non-American. Most are naturalized citizens. That makes them American.

What they do and what they are supposed to do is usually two different things.

If you stop and think a moment, immigrants have always made up a large segment of private business. Often as sole proprietors. Stereotypically, laundries, delis, 711s, etc. They, of course, are much more diverse than that but it gets the point across. My early ancestors were immigrants to this country. I'm sure yours were, too. There have always been immigrants through every generation and they always made up a large portion of the private, retail environment.

You are comparing apples and oranges, Rick. Our folks came from Europe and already shared thousands of years of language, culture, heritage and religion when they got here. If it ain't broke why fix it.

They receive no advantage over me in the business segment. They fill out the same forms that I do, pay the same quarterly taxes, and compete on equal terms.

When is the last time you didn't have to contend with affirmative action for your mom and pop business and was allowed to check box # on your 1099? Those are just the legal ways we can't compete with them.

As to where they send the money. They don't tell me which bank to use or which stocks to invest in and I don't tell them whether they should keep the money or send it home to relatives. It's their money, they can do with it what they want.

Next to oil the American dollar is Mexico's biggest cash crop. Reason # 607,305,981 the American dollar is falling below other currencies. Our grandchildren will be the ones who ultimately pay for this.

But extend that and think of the long term results. Money sent to the third world increases their standard of living, enables them higher purchasing power, and often means more exports for us. That's a good thing.

Oh, that explains all the trade deficits, Rick. The fleecing of America part II is what it is.

Non-American corporations do own a huge chunk of US industry. But that doesn't mean they aren't American. Wait, what did he say? Many American corporations have restructured themselves by "moving" their company to foreign soil for greater tax benefits. 18 of the largest publicly traded companies have done just that to the tune of a $386 million tax loss. When the press talks about foreign ownership. These companies are included in that mix even though the were American corporations at one time but are now "headquartered" in some tax haven overseas.

Is this why we fought WWII? Globalism is nothing more than world wide communism. To betraying our own nation for the sake of profit was defined as treason not too long ago. Wasn't you just saying that Americans can compete with immigrants?

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American as applepie?

**Rick** · 06-07-2008, 12:30 PM

Sam, there is no educating you. You have some bigoted concepts that make you too blind to see what is in front of you. You're wrong. It's that simple. I tried once before to explain something to you and you let your bigoted views stand in the way of a learning opportunity. You've done it again and I won't go through this any more. Aristotle once said that a man has two ears and one tongue that he might listen twice as much as he speaks. You might heed that advice but I know you won't. You are welcome to respond with any rhetoric you choose because I will not respond to it.

Sad that you don't even know the story behind that picture but simply chose to use it to reinforce your bigoted beliefs.

**Sam Reeves** · 06-07-2008, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by Rick

Sam, there is no educating you. You have some bigoted concepts that make you too blind to see what is in front of you. You're wrong. It's that simple. I tried once before to explain something to you and you let your bigoted views stand in the way of a learning opportunity. You've done it again and I won't go through this any more. Aristotle once said that a man has two ears and one tongue that he might listen twice as much as he speaks. You might heed that advice but I know you won't. You are welcome to respond with any rhetoric you choose because I will not respond to it.

Sad that you don't even know the story behind that picture but simply chose to use it to reinforce your bigoted beliefs.

Rick, sadly you and most of your generation still live in some fairytale land that only existed in the 1950s. Things changes and are always changing but they do not always change for the better. Perhaps you should take noticed at what is going on in the world before you try to educate (professor priest?) anybody about reality.

As far as me being you bigot I am no more bigoted than the vast majority of the immigrants and minorities that live among us.