TAX CUT POLLS ARE MEANINGLESS

Now that the war in Iraq is essentially over and an overwhelming success for the United States and the people of Iraq, the media have turned their attention toward domestic issues. Particularly President Bush’s tax cut proposal. You have seen and will continue to see polls on the issue. And all of them show that a large percentage of Americans are against an income tax rate reduction. And why wouldn’t they be? Nearly 100% of income taxes paid in the U.S. are paid by less than 50% of wage earners. And the large majority of those taxes, 80%, are paid by 30% of wage earners. The remaining 70% are basically getting a free or reduced-fee ride.

Now ask yourself, if 50% of the population pays no income taxes why would they be in support of an income tax cut? They already don’t pay any income taxes! The other problem with these polls is the questions that are asked. Leading questions such as, “Do you favor the Presidents tax cut proposals which would mostly benefit the wealthiest Americans?” Or the ever popular, “Do you think the Congress should refuse to pass the President’s tax cut and spend that money on shoring up Social Security and Medicare instead?” These questions are worded with the express purpose of getting the desired result. Keep these facts in mind next time you see a talking head proclaim “the American people do not favor tax cuts.”