Trumps budget

[LDAHL]

To be fair, the attitude has been tempered over the years but you still need a thick skin sometimes, especially if you're a white male, well-to-do, Republican. I think we're under-represented here because we spend all our time subjugating, moralizing, denying basic rights and celebrating when those beneath us die. That can often take all day.

Don't forget all that time in SAT prep courses and looking for tax loopholes.

[LDAHL]

But your time is coming to an end, my pretty.

And your little dog too.

[flowerseverywhere]

Many rich people do great things by giving most of their $ to charity. Think about Bill and Melinda Gates, Warren Buffett, many movie stars, etc.

you are right. Matt Damon and clean drinking water, Bono and African debt relief, Andre Agassi and his school in Las Vegas, the list goes on and on. And many middle class give lots of time and money to help others (think literacy volunteers, meals on wheels for example). Things that truly help people live better, ore productive lives.

And then hen there are families who spend huge amounts of money on clothes , like Melanie's 51,000 jacket (more than the US Median income)
http://www.cnbc.com/2017/05/27/melan...in-sicily.html

and tweet about making champagne pospicles to celebrate Memorial Day. Fun fun fun! http://www.cnn.com/2017/05/29/politi...-memorial-day/

it is is the latter group that stands out to most people especially since I have seen no evidence of Trump hospital wings, schools etc. like many super wealthy. And of course they have not released tax returns or evidence that they are philanthropic in any way. It must be hard for them to live in a dump like the White House with the opulence they are used to. It is their money and they are entitled to do with it what they wish, but it is incredibly sad to me and I cannot fathom how you would get satisfaction out of making yet another million to add to the coffers.

[Williamsmith]

My region benefitted more from the philanthropy of wealthy industrialists than it ever did from (corrupt)government. Many in this country and a few here have gotten too much of an appetite for socialism lately. Hatred for the wealthy fueled by hired typists of the left masquerading as investigative journalists is now the norm.

As a teen with a desire to learn through reading books, I visited libraries and each one had a common trait. They were called "Carnegie" libraries because without Andrew Carnegie's financial backing, they wouldn't have existed. He was once the wealthiest person on the planet. And after he retired at age 66.... he gave away 90% of his fortune. Carnegie funded scientific research and set up a pension fund for teachers with a 10 million dollar donation. He built more that 2000 public libraries and donated over $125 million dollars to colleges.

I imagine that some would have rather 90% of Carnegie's wealth were seized from him and placed into the coffers of politicians so that they could efficiently and fairly distribute it to the deserving masses. But an examination of the fairness and efficiency of Congress and D.C. should be enough to cure you of the willingness to accept this fairytale.

[iris lilies]

And your little dog too.

I'll bet Moose and Squirrel would give those flying monkeys a run for the money.

[Lainey]

I imagine that those living in the democratic socialist countries would disagree with you, Williamsmith.

Count me as another one who does not want to rely solely on the largesse of the billionaire class; likewise I do not want to see political candidates elected thanks to their donations of multi millions of dollars to install their chosen politicians who will continue to let them escape their fair share of taxes.

And, once again, the "hatred" for the wealthy? That's a hatred of their outsize influence which damages our democracy.

[creaker]

My region benefitted more from the philanthropy of wealthy industrialists than it ever did from (corrupt)government. Many in this country and a few here have gotten too much of an appetite for socialism lately. Hatred for the wealthy fueled by hired typists of the left masquerading as investigative journalists is now the norm.

As a teen with a desire to learn through reading books, I visited libraries and each one had a common trait. They were called "Carnegie" libraries because without Andrew Carnegie's financial backing, they wouldn't have existed. He was once the wealthiest person on the planet. And after he retired at age 66.... he gave away 90% of his fortune. Carnegie funded scientific research and set up a pension fund for teachers with a 10 million dollar donation. He built more that 2000 public libraries and donated over $125 million dollars to colleges.

I imagine that some would have rather 90% of Carnegie's wealth were seized from him and placed into the coffers of politicians so that they could efficiently and fairly distribute it to the deserving masses. But an examination of the fairness and efficiency of Congress and D.C. should be enough to cure you of the willingness to accept this fairytale.

Didn't folks like Carnegie leverage "corrupt government" to help build their wealth in the first place?

[LDAHL]

I'll bet Moose and Squirrel would give those flying monkeys a run for the money.

I hear Trump's son-in-law is tight with Boris Badenov.

[LDAHL]

And, once again, the "hatred" for the wealthy? That's a hatred of their outsize influence which damages our democracy.

If money conquers all, why did Clinton lose to Trump despite spending twice as much?

[Alan]

I'll bet Moose and Squirrel would give those flying monkeys a run for the money.

Moose suffered a stroke two years ago and had to be put down. Squirrel would yap them to distraction though.