Politics I-920 Update
Northwest Progressive Insititute’s Andrew Villeneuve was on KISW 99.9 FM (Seattle) this morning debating I-920 sponsor Dennis Falk and, evidently, the host.
I-920 would repeal the state’s estate tax, which affects about 250 families whose estates are valued at over $2 million. Among the arguments against repealing the tax: It would swipe about $40 million a year from public-school funding.
I’m guessing that’s what led to this bizarre exchange that Villeneuve exerpts on NPI’s blog.
Host: Well the bottom line is this: First of all, I think the reason the public schools system is the way it is is because we encourage people to continue to have babies ridiculously without any control - I would like to see something -Me: How does that factor in here? (Host tries to talk over me)
Host: Listen my friend - you know what, our population base is coming from idiots who just think they can pop out a baby without being ready to have a baby - which pretty much is almost every case that’s out there, Hispanic or not.
Me: Really.
Host: Oh yes!
Me:: That’s a gross mischaracterization.
Host: Not at all. We have more single mothers in the state of Washington per capita than any other place in the country, there genius. And you know why? Because women think they can pop out kids any time they want, and they’re a drain on our system. Let’s be honest here. You wanna - if you wanna really shrink school sizes, then teaching people how to have families responsibly is the way you go. Not taking money from the rich - again, to fund organizations and governmental agencies that will reward people for being idiots and not being responsible. Which is what you’re doing.
How can you tax people twice when we DON'T HAVE A STATE INCOME TAX?
Seriously, Logic 101.
There is no state income tax in Washington. You only pay sales tax when you BUY something. Money inherited by your Paris Hiltons has NEVER BEEN TAXED if you live here. If you had spent it, it would have been taxed - but you didn't so it hasn't been taxed.
That aside, I've actually paid estate taxes. Unless you're way too rich, you will never have to. Period.
I agree with Bill Gates and Warren Buffet on this issue.