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Bernie Sanders: 1 in 4 Profitable Corporations In America Pay 0 Federal Taxes
Bernie Sanders has a message for America. The battle over getting the wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share will continue as long as 1 in 4 corporations in America pay 0 federal taxes.
Here is the video:
During his Brunch With Bernie segment on Thom Harmann’s radio show, Sen. Sanders said,
Mitch McConnell was on the floor of the Senate saying the revenue discussion is over. Well, not for me. The truth of the matter is that right now you have one out of four profitable corporations in America paying zero in federal taxes. The percentage of revenue that we get compared to GDP today in corporate taxes is much much lower than it used to be. As I mentioned many times, we’re losing one hundred billion dollars a year from corporations and wealthy individuals who stash their money in the Cayman Islands and other tax havens. We have just enormous loopholes that corporations and wealthy people continue to take advantage of.
So where we are at Tom, right now is a huge and very very significant philosophical debate. And that is whether or not we cut programs that working families and lower income people desperately depend upon, or whether we ask the wealthiest people and largest corporations all of whom are doing very very well to start paying their fair share of taxes. And I would remind every listener, and this is not talked about too much in Congress or certainly not in the media, that the United States not only has the most unequal distribution of wealth and income of any major country on Earth. But also it is as bad today as it was, it is worse today than at any time since the late 1920s. Please remember that the top one percent in America owns forty two percent of the wealth. The bottom sixty percent own 2.3%
Sen. Sanders provided a huge reminder that the fight to get wealthy and corporations to pay their fair share didn’t end with the fiscal cliff deal. As President Obama said, the fiscal cliff deal was just a down payment on getting the wealthy to pay their fair share. Republicans like McConnell tried to sell the fiscal cliff bill as a one time dose of bitter medicine that they Republicans had to swallow, but this isn’t how Obama and the left see it.
At the heart of the political struggle is a philosophical battle over who should pay more. The left won the first victory with the fiscal cliff deal, but Republicans are gearing up to fight a war over the debt ceiling. Democrats and the left need to dig in their heels, because Republicans are coming after the series of beloved and essential programs that they refer to as “entitlements.”
Only through continued struggle will that first victory be translated into a real shift in policy that will result in the wealthy and big corporations paying their full fair share.
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32 Responses to Bernie Sanders: 1 in 4 Profitable Corporations In America Pay 0 Federal Taxes
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sponge blob
Jan. 4th, 2013 at 10:11 pm
i nominate sen. sanders for king of the united states. long shall his reign last…. now back to your regular programming………
why is there only one sane person out of the klown show, in the house and senate… just sayin…
Frank Puopolo
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 5:40 am
Why not have an alternative minimum tax for corporations? After all “corporations are people too”. RIGHT?
charlie
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 9:36 am
Hmmm…the Republicans offered to close tax loopholes, cap deductions etc. during the fiscal cliff talks and Mr. Obama turned it down because he wanted the increase in tax rates. Makes me wonder if the president is really interested in the issue. We’ll see.
Anyway, when the good Senator from the Great State of Vermont starts talking about how the other three out of four corporations don’t pay any taxes either…let me know. That I’d like to see.
Shiva (Moderator)
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 9:56 am
Yet the republicans refused to mention at least 1 of what those loopholes were. The same as the romney tax plan. Nothing in context except the title
charlie
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 11:00 am
Good morning…
Did they actually refuse? I understood the offer to be merely their opening position in negotiations…and it’s not that uncommon for opening positions to lack details. I felt confident the Dems would have nailed the Republicans down to some specifics if they were interested in the subject. No?
knight4444
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 11:27 am
The republican party is about three basic things! protect their sugar daddys (the corporations and the millionaires) destroy the government!!! because if you destroy government the corporations can ran buck wild destroying the planet by ANY means necessary in the name of profit! and destroy Obama! they would sell this nation to China for a dollar fifty to destroy him!! it’s political but it’s Very personal!! only the dim witted republican brain get see that!!! They don’t really care about this country! they only care about what they can rape it for!! Greed is a mental illnesses and these so called ”patriots” care about POWER!! nothing else!!!!
Cari
Jan. 6th, 2013 at 2:47 am
@knight4444–what you’re describing is already happening (yes, even on Obama’s watch) and has been happening for decades. It’s just getting worse, now. Democrats are just as guilty as Republicans (although I admit the GOP is worse, even blatantly shameless about it, while Democrats still try to put on a “for the little guy” show–which is becoming a farce these days.) Wall St. bailouts and more corporate welfare came from Obama. The DC dog-and-pony show is nothing more than grandstanding and entertainment for political junkies, while our *representatives* milk this for all it’s worth. It’s time to take off the rose-colored glasses–and the blinders, too! (And I’m a former Democrat who woke up to the fact that there’s not a whole lot of difference between the two parties these days–especially since Clinton. The Dems just throw out enough crumbs to ensure continued votes and to keep the masses from revolting–and it’s not working too well anymore, hence the Occupy movement. I vote Independent or Green Party now.)
Shiva (Moderator)
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 11:27 am
Worst excuse on record. All through the year they said they would do this but never once mentioned one single actual area or specific loopholes.
charlie
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 12:39 pm
I think the Republicans way of tackling the issue is more through the tax code, right?…but I couldn’t say if they ever actually accomplished anything towards that, I would have to do some research on it and I’m just feeling lazy at the moment. But if I’m not mistaken, I think there is actually a bi-partisan consensus for tax reform. The two parties might actually have something in common there…imagine that!
knight4444
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 10:20 pm
Oh btw @charlie stop giving me ”thumbs down” votes lol I know that’s you take care man
charlie
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 11:52 pm
knight4444-
Lol…I just saw your 10:20 post…I swear it’s not me…the only time I give anyone a thumbs down is when the commenter starts wishing for death to others…otherwise I don’t mess with the rating thing much. Heck, I even gave Shiva a thumbs up on the other thread!
knight4444
Jan. 6th, 2013 at 2:22 am
excellent points @charlie I’m going to say something that may anger some of my liberal friends but Obama to a certain point has been Bush jr. ”like” first off those criminals! those war crime criminals involed in torture should have been prosecuted!! when Obama started that crazy nonsense about ”lets not look back those things were in the past” I almost had a stroke!! Obama isn’t a liberal he’s a democrat!! theres a HUGE difference! no true liberal would even bluff, joke, play three dimensional chess or whatever on SOCIAL SECURITY!! and those Afghanistan drones killing innocent women and children leaves me very disgusted! Obama is in the mold of Bill Clinton sorry folks the truth is the truth
charlie
Jan. 6th, 2013 at 3:34 pm
I didn’t know that once I replied to your comment I couldn’t reply off the same comment again. I’m posting this to your 2:22am comment.
Here’s the link I mentioned. I think it kinda explains where I’m coming from.
voices.yahoo.com/who-wors...
knight4444
Jan. 6th, 2013 at 12:39 pm
@charlie I’m going to disagree with you on another thing you’ve been treated here with respect and nobody here insulted you RIGHT? but going to a conservative site those people can’t go two post without the typical “ODUMBER” tag or flat out calling Obama a NIG*ER! no theres a huge difference between liberals and conservatives civility! lets be honest! your side has been filled with so much HATE and RACISM from FUX and conservative radio period! So please don’t act like it’s 50/50 the conservative side is over the top ugly!!! I’m probably the quote unquote “RUDEST person here! but my style on a conservative website would be considered extremely polite if not too soft!
Shiva (Moderator)
Jan. 6th, 2013 at 12:42 pm
You dont have to go to a conservative site, just a look in our rejected trash bin if you want to see the words you describe and more.
charlie
Jan. 6th, 2013 at 3:26 pm
Good afternoon knight4444-
I’ll agree that commenters here leave me be, other than all the “thumbs down” ratings I usually get!… which of course is harmless. And I will also agree that you can find genuine ugliness on the Republican side…and of course it’s inexcusable.(I’m unaffiliated but definitely have been leaning right more recently) I think the majority of folks on both sides are good and decent people, yet both parties have their kooks to contend with. You and I could probably go back and forth all day long with true examples of less than civil behavior that we have witnessed from each side. But in the end, what will it prove?….only that both sides engage in it.
I’m going to put up a link in a minute…
knight4444
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 1:39 pm
@charlie you’ve O.D. on republican fantasy talking points! the republican haven’t offered ONE damn thing to close any tax LOOPHOLES for corporations!! I think you’ve got you’re websites confused! this isn’t a alternate universe republican world friend! Now why don’t you show a link where republicans have negotiated in good faith with Obama? don’t worry! I won’t hold my breath waiting for YOUR proof!
charlie
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 4:06 pm
Hi, knight4444…
No, I don’t have my sites confused. I just pop in here and there to see what you guys have to say, and sometimes offer a little of my own perspective. Trust me, I know I’m the oddball here.
Now, as far as Republicans closing loopholes, I did not say that Republicans actually took any action in that area…my comment was that I did not know and I would have to try to research the answer. Maybe you’re right…but the issue isn’t a big concern to me. I would much rather our government spend their time figuring out how to live within their means rather than always look for another way to scrounge for more money. If the feds can’t learn how to live within a budget, they’ll eventually get around to picking our pockets too. My 2 cents.
PatG
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 8:43 pm
Best place to cut our deficits and cut our spending is in the sprawling Empire we have created of military bases encroaching on other nations and trampling on their sovereignty, creating animosity towards the U.S. I would also tax ALL war profiteers 100% of their profits. Remember when war profiteers were prosecuted for their crimes? Yes, war profiteering was once considered a federal crime-as it well should be. Tax them and.or prosecute.
I would also cut at the knees all spending on drones- one of the most tyrannical inventions of the modern age- now being used for untrammeled surveillance of the American people, for unjustified immoral extra-judicial assassinations, and in the future to threaten anyone those in control wish to decimate.
Do nothing about these abusers, and we will all be slaves in our own nation soon.
Inez
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 9:54 pm
The idea of closing military bases in Japan. Germany and dozens of other countries may be conceptually correct to save those expenses. My questions to you 1) Howmany military personnel are we talking about? 2) When they ALL return to the good old USA will there be jobs forthem?3) Many military outpost have facilities for them and their spouses and children. Where is the housing for them? Better yet, stop thesubsidies for those corporations that show millions in profits with CEOs getting millions in bonuses. Like the b.ank in Switzerland where tax free accounts were maintained,,CLOSED!!!!! Too many tax benefits/write-offs for the millionaires,,,,,,,too few for John Q Public..
charlie
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 11:08 pm
for PatG -
Well, I’m tired of wars and debt…that’s for sure. I think Ron Paul’s ideas about less intervention all across the globe are looking more appealing. I want our military to stay strong and state of the art, but I sure wouldn’t mind using it alot less.
Now…about the drones…you’re certainly right that there is waaaay too much potential for the technology to be abused. In a military capacity…they have a place, but the domestic use of them is another matter entirely. We should all be making a major stink about it.
knight4444
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 10:17 pm
@charlie don’t feel like the odd ball here I welcome you’re thoughts but lets be honest put party lines completely to the curb republicans haven’t dealth with Obama since day ONE!!! what did Jim Dermint senate S.C say in 2009?? something about Obama’s ”waterloo” and @charlie tell everybody about the historic level of filibusters were caused by republicans against Obama? 134 from 2009 to 2010! or how about congressman Joe Wilson of the wonderful state of S.C. calling Obama a liar on national television!! boy S.C really aren’t feeling Obama huh?? so with all due respect @charlie only in the delusional insane oxycontin love fest reasoning called conservative media would think that republicans have played nice with Obama! get serious ok @charlie it’s 60% political and 40% personal!! just keeping it real!
charlie
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 11:38 pm
Hello again, knight4444 -
I agree that the rhetoric has gotten out of control…but I think it’s from both sides. They’re all making matters worse, if you ask me. The left hates the right and the right hates the left and I hate all of it. We need our leaders to unite us and they’re not doing it and it tees me off. We have some big problems to solve, but we shouldn’t all end up hating each other over them…I dunno…I find our government to be very disappointing lately.
Anyway, thanks for being open minded to my thoughts. I think we need alot more of that from everyone in both parties.
tommympt
Jan. 10th, 2013 at 8:11 pm
It takes money to be a great nation. Taxes raise revenue. Less tax equal stagnation. George Bush proved it.
knight4444
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 11:13 am
Whats truly pathetic and utterly mind blowing is your typical republican always whines and cries about poor people on welfare! some woman with three children getting 8 or 9 thousand a year to raise a family they hit the streets with torches and pitchfolks screaming “WELFARE IS UNGODLY!!” but let multibillion dollar corporations pay ZERO taxes and their jaw dropping silent!! Conservative media has deceived these people so badly!! Heres my point how ignorant can a human being be??? my God how can the human brain be so useless!!??? doesn’t common sense and critical thinking ever enter their thought process???!!
WilliamHouse
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 12:45 pm
Corporations that make Billions in profits need their own Higher minimum wage.
Employees before Stock Holders!
Retail’s Hidden Potential for Wages
www.facebook.com/photo.ph...
Jeffrey Olah
Jan. 5th, 2013 at 1:38 pm
General Electric and Jeffrey Immelt
nicomp
Jan. 6th, 2013 at 4:18 am
Corporations shouldn’t pay any taxes. Corporate Profits are rolled back into the company, remitted to shareholders as dividends, or put in the bank for future use. Dividends are already taxed. Capital improvements create jobs. Bank accounts are loaned to borrowers for mortgages.
Government loves corporate taxes because they are hidden: taxpaying humans have no idea what corporate tax rates are and how much is actually being vacuumed from their paychecks because of it.
fedded-up
Jan. 6th, 2013 at 5:34 pm
Corporations shouldn’t pay any taxes? I thought they were just proven to be people???? You can’t have it both ways.
On the day it can be shown that corporations:
-do not cost the city, county, state, etc buttloads of money;
-do not offload millions of obligations and costs onto the city, county, state, etc paying for healthcare for their underpaid-with-zero-healthcare-coverage workers;
-do not consider pumping toxic wastes into rivers or the air or the ground a reasonable way of reducing costs;
-do not work like little demon-dogs to put every local business out of business;
-actually demonstrate they give a flying shiite about their workers, customers, and community;
-actually attempt to figure out what the term “living wage” or “cost of living” actually mean and pay their workers accordingly, essentially reversing >30 years of gradually increasing austerity measures ONLY for the nation’s middle and lower classes;
-actually figure out how to STFU and do their jobs instead of trying their best to completely upend 200 years of democracy by buying elections; AND
-actually figure out that what they are doing is morally and ethically bankrupt and will eventually destroy themselves along with this country –
THEN, and only THEN, should anyone consider cancelling corporate taxation.
piperj5a
Jan. 6th, 2013 at 10:05 am
What we’re doing simply doesn’t work
www.imdb.com/title/tt1462...
phooeyrat
Jan. 6th, 2013 at 9:49 pm
Just be glad that King Mitt and Queen Ann(Corporate-Royalty) weren’t Elected. WE All “Might-Have” actually AVOIDED another CIVIL-WAR and a vast amount of this Country’s Citizen’s (98%} from being “TURNED” into “MODERN-DAY” SLAVES AND SERFS WORKING FROM “CRADLE to GRAVE” AND FIGHTING WARS FOR OUR NEW MODERN CORPORATE PLANTATION “OWNERS” AND OUR MASTERS(GOVT.LEADERS). THIS IS ALREADY HAPPENING TODAY).”WE THE PEOPLE”NEED TO PUT OUR “PUBLIC-SERVANT’S ON NOTICE THAT “WE” PAY “THEIR” SALARY AND WILL HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE TO THEIR OATH OF OFFICE. President Obama can’t do it ALL by himself; These Corporate Elite’s play hard. Lincoln and JFK ARE EXAMPLES; HELP OUR PRESIDENT! CALL OUR ELECTED OFFICIAL’S AND LET THEM KNOW WHAT YOU EXPECT FROM THEM NOW!!! AND VOTE THEM OUT OF OFFICE AND INTO JAIL IF THEY MEET THE CRITERIA…do it now. In my opinion.
MTinMO
Jan. 12th, 2013 at 11:48 pm
Tax breaks/rates for business and corporations should be directly tied to how much they pay their employees. Those who keep their lowest paid employees at minimum wage should pay taxes at a higher rate than those who pay their lowest wage employees a living wage and provide benefits. The WalMart Walton’s have employees who qualify for food stamps and other assistance programs while the Walton’s get richer and richer. So we taxpayers are subsidizing the employees while the Walton’s laugh all the way to the bank. There are many other companies that are even worse. Their goods are shipped on interstate highways, their customers travel on them. They use water and waste water infrastructure and make demands on electric systems. They call the police and fire. They need to do more to pay for their footprint on this country and in this world.