'Why Can't You Just Answer Me?': John Kennedy Grills Dem Witness

At Tuesday's Senate Budget Committee hearing, Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) grilled witnesses about their views on the tax code.
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[@cathleenhamby4723]

Inheritance taxes should be abolished completely! What a family is able to earn and preserve for their heirs has already been taxed many times over. What remains should never be taxed!

[@scottb4579]

It's practically immoral, isn't it?

[@cheriwarren4524]

Agree

[@TheBlueFabbit]

I agree, except in the case if the inheriting family members sell the property rather than taking ownership. (I.E. if My Grandfather left me a house in his will, and I inherit it once he passes away. If I do not wish to live in said home and instead opt to sell the property...then I should be taxed on that asset.)

[@prybarknives]

​@TheBlueFabbit why should property that's already been taxed for its ownership (all previous property tax) and taxed before its ownership (income tax on the money originally used to buy it), and is still being taxed (current property tax)... Be taxed again, because it is sold?

[@opietwoep1247]

Because they want to destroy the Family

[@pbrooks2099]

Pre-pay unrealized gains tax? That is preposterous.

[@luggnutz]

I want to know, will the IRS pre-pay on the loss?

[@leslie6350]

We already are taxed to death, to the point that we can never own one God blessed thing ,if you by a house pay for it in full taxes paid when it is paid for we are still required to keep paying taxes,that Means you never own it and still can,t aford to keep maintained on it even a car You never own it ,pay the payments all your life ,it,s not yours give it to your kids They will never own it eighter.

[@Kevinm1025]

I was waiting for him to ask, what if those gains are never realized, do we pay back the taxes plus interest? Would lve to see them try to justify keeping it or not paying interest for money they took

[@travisfoster1071]

The Republican party is only about the rich, the poor man is left behind.

[@Joebethere7]

Is it fair for billionaires to pay less than people who make 80K? Because that is what you are saying is fair. Keep your billions in real estate and you never pay a dime. Your first home? yes. Owning whole city blocks? Nope

[@DrSkippy1]

I'm in my 60s. I don't know anybody leaving Texas for California.

[@jhonsoto6663]

Migrants😂😂😂

[@kurthandrews6206]

Texans don’t.

[@richbob9155]

They are referring to illegals. They all flock to California.

[@trollol_]

Try expanding your social circle.

[@DrSkippy1]

@@trollol_ You're kidding. That's your play? Grow up, junior.

[@jamesmehalick4777]

Never fails to amaze me. People always want someone else's money but won't give their own.

[@michaelegan6037]

Who makes the rich richer are the working class Kennedy is for the rich not the poor

[@Greghh1960]

Yep...people move to New York because of the free handouts. People leave NY because of the taxes to pay the free handouts.

[@joshdaniels5970]

California too !

[@NoJersey]

People don't move for the handouts 😢. The rent is too damn high for them and they can't get public housing unless they're already New Yorkers

[@WizzRacing]

Exactly.. As they never tell you whom it is moving there... The poor move in. The wealthy move out.. And all you have to do is look at the States that run Huge Deficits.. And they need to raise taxes on those that have money. To pay for their Salaries. Pension Funds. Premium Medical. Vacations etc... And it only gets worse as time goes by in those States...

[@WizzRacing]

@@NoJersey Like hell they can't.. You got 1 Million illegals that moved there this year. As they want the ID's and that gets them the free stuff.. You can even look at New York's budget every year...It shows where the money went..

[@jaylayland2867]

What about Al Sharpton did he ever pay his taxes which was in the millions of dollars? Have they confiscated any of his property?

[@meritocracyordeath]

That Kennedy is a treasure.

[@ceecee1951]

A voice of reason ❤

[@suzyq5675]

Kennedy doesn't want to pay taxes on his investments and his properties. LOL! www.disclosures.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/John-Neely-Kennedy-Annual-Financial-Disclosure-2016-1.pdf

[@user-ju4wy5no9m]

Amen!

[@richardkev3077]

It’s amusing listening to these people try to pretend that wealthy people do not flee high taxes.

[@alexgutierrez3477]

Abolish taxes 31 U.S. Code § 3123

[@freeman7296]

the threat isn't even hiding anymore - it's totally out in the open and this guy is the evidence.

[@jdlives8992]

yup. freakin scary. these people lord have mercy

[@MrYac-ie8ie]

it was never a a threat, it was always a promise from them.

[@mkrchnak5269]

@@MrYac-ie8ie .....yes sir, I could not agree more.

[@pauliamsocool]

Which guy? There’s several.

[@Schoolship.]

@@pauliamsocool probably, since he mentioned they're a threat, the first guy, the obvious communist who the first thing he said was dividing us up into "labor" and "capital".

[@1960shakey]

Just hearing “PRE TAX”…. It lets me know where they stand!

[@elizabethfirnschild8471]

Elizabeth Firnschild 0 seconds ago I pay quarterly estimated taxes. I stress estiamated not what I have earned but what the goverment has estimated that I will earn and some mouthsI go with out BECAUSE I did not earn what the goverment ESTIMATED. Tell me is that fair and how is this different that what we are discussing??? The billianaires will not wash their cloths for want of money why should I>

[@will-ob7pr]

It's like monetary Minority Report the movie. Pre-Crime now Pre-Tax .. gotta be communist like DEI , ESG and Cypto Currency. Nothing like a Trans Social Corporate Equality *Index* with a pre-tax, to give you that warm and fuzzy feeling for a CCP style Social Credit Score.

[@FarmingWithYahweh]

@@elizabethfirnschild8471 That's _NOT_ what is being discussed here. It's being taxed on gains before you make them. Do you think they should get a refund later on if they don't realize those gains?

[@hugoglenn9741]

@@elizabethfirnschild8471 you can underpay if you did not pay a lot taxes in the previous year and if you are not going to make money in the current year you don’t have to pay estimate taxes.

[@bobbyy.7762]

No. It doesn't. You really don't care what the witness says because you've already made up your mind. So admit it! You don't care what the witness says!!!

[@macnewman2588]

Mr Kennedy is always so polite and respectful Calm, cool and collected when grilling people - a real gentleman.

[@kathlake4009]

I hope you're being sarcastic. He is so rude and keeps interrupting as people are trying to answer.

[@ambicateiler3152]

No. He is very polite, but holds scoundrels‘ feet to the fire. He makes them answer the questions he asks, not the questions they might want him to ask. They try to worm out of answering his questions, and that‘s what makes them scoundrels. I guess you think scoundrels are ok because more Democrats per capita are scoundrels than are Republicans.

[@trollol_]

If he was on the internet he would be labeled a troll. Ask me how I know.

[@tomwickham8938]

The power of asking logical, simple questions!

[@carolynmacaluso4957]

He's like a southern "Columbo." (From the old TV series)

[@andreaf.6572]

Sen Kennedy is a national treasure!!!

[@michaelegan6037]

Why is not helping the working class.his bread is butter simple

[@BooDamnHoo]

NOBODY should pay taxes on unrealized income/gain. You don't actually have any wealth until you sell and convert something INTO wealth.

[@mattpoules9225]

common sense should be a required skill set in Government positions

[@jonathanconklin6351]

@@mattpoules9225 This is what we all voted for if you all are to be believed. No need for passports anymore, Gitmo waived that requirement.

[@StoryGordon]

He's offering an opinion. One person out of millions. Who among us thinks the same.

[@thegrandlevel313]

UNLESS, you could pay a flat rate on securities, equities, assets, or businesses, and when those gain are realized, you are paid in full.

[@thegrandlevel313]

@@mattpoules9225 I had a government official tell me recently they don’t have to follow state law, that a local gov has constitutional rights, and fingerprinting programs do not trigger the fourth amendment. We need people who ARE educated. Not people who THINK they’re educated.

[@mike13653]

Senator Kennedy is 71 years old and still kicking butt! One of my favorite in Congress for sure!

[@WellWisdom.]

Yeah he is a badxss.

[@cydpeace126]

Like the mind of a 5 year old he cannot see the complexity of the issue. Unlike you, I do not see taxing the rich at comparable rates as inherently unjust. Gross wealth is only a aquired by means of using others. They reaped all of the benefits our economy has to offer but don't want to pay their fair share of the cost.

[@mike13653]

@@cydpeace126 This whole thing isn't about taxing them comparably. It's about taxing them more because they can afford it. I don't think it's very fair that a business owner should pay astronomically more in taxes because on paper they're a "millionaire" when that person's business has contributed way more to the economy than the average person. Not to mention giving even more money to an out of control federal government that is $31.7 TRILLION in debt. If the fed wants more money they should start by not spending money they don't even have.

[@manmanny6462]

Another dipstick

[@jameshvernon]

@@WellWisdom. Yeah, his badass type lost the civil wah, ya'll

[@starshine5637]

No one should be paying tax on any owned property.

[@thrashmetal7588]

Her saying California has one of the best economies tells me all I need to know!

[@gymshoe8862]

CA is billions in the red--they are near collapse!

[@trollol_]

That's right you know nothing.

[@striker44]

Check California's GDP against other nations including USA - then you will know better.

[@mikey92362]

​@@striker44 move silicon valley to anywhere else and then check the numbers.

[@JosueSiordia-zc5li]

@@mikey92362are you saying California is a great economic state because it has Silicon Valley?

[@donmacadam2004]

Just listen to these people for a few minutes and you know longer wonder why our country is such a mess

[@davewhite3629]

It’s always been that way. it is just we became wiser

[@cloudoftime]

Exactly how?

[@TRUMP-2024-MAGA]

Let's go BRANDON

[@paldeusjaco9657]

The arrogance of today's generation. They have no clue what they are doing, they have never worked a day for anything. Equity can only be achieved by zeroing out everyone. Simple math the least common denominator. It's why biden has even shown for the house loans, those with good credit will be taxed extra, those with bad credit get a tax break. it makes more sense to be a worthless useless person than to help progress civilization.

[@TRUMP-2024-MAGA]

​@@cloudoftime well, stop listening to cnn...

[@fredericksharon7494]

John Kennedy is a National Treasure

[@MarieN8959]

I like the man so much. He is so funny and yet so serious 🤣 😂

[@sl4529]

WE ARE TAXED AT LEAST 8 TIMES ON A SINGLE $$. AND WE HAVE NO VALID REPRESENTATION

[@UISTMAN59]

Would you like to give one concrete example of that facetious claim? Of course you wouldn't and neither could you. It is not possible to be taxed 8 times on a single dollar.

[@francissmith3592]

​@@UISTMAN59taxed as income and then taxed when you spend it.. there is 2 right off the bat. Of course a dollar can be taxed multiple times while in your possession

[@robins265]

@@UISTMAN59let’s say I buy an item from another country. A trinket of some sort. There’s going to be a tariff on imports. That’s your first tax. Then there’s a tax when it’s sold to the distributor. Then again when it goes from distributor to retailer. The. Again when it’s sold to the consumer. The money the consumer used to pay for the item is taxed (income tax). The money the retailer used to buy it is taxed (income tax) and the money they used to pay their staff is taxed (payroll tax). The money the distributor used to buy it from the manufacturer is taxed (income) and the money they used to pay their staff to move it is taxed (payroll). The money the manufacturer used to produce the product was taxed (income) and the money they used to pay their staff was taxed (payroll). Even if we simplify it down to just the money from your pocket: it was taxed when your employer paid you (payroll tax), taxed as income to you (income tax), and you paid tax when you bought the item (sales tax). At the very least the money is being triple taxed.

[@tommykaji4414]

Not 8 but forever taxes on your dollar.

[@justinmadrid8712]

When you avoid a basic question, you lose all credibility with me. It’s not like this is a criminal trial where you have to worry about going to jail.

[@kurtdobson]

Government needs to prove they can live within a budget before they try to find new avenues to tax our citizens.

[@katblu8874]

Well, that'll never happen, with any government entity. 😂

[@cathleenhamby4723]

Amen!

[@jamessoares1563]

So well said. Please keep putting that out there. You hit it on the nose.. so post it all over the internet.🤔🙏🏽🙏🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏

[@pbr2805]

@@katblu8874 We need to start a new country some where else with no government.

[@Jimmy-Pie]

I agree with you 100percent!

[@workaholic5318]

Unrealized income tax is like paying tax on a slot machine jackpot that you are sitting at without winning the jackpot.

[@TheBDD1970]

When the debt ceiling is raised and the fed prints more money, all future values are taxed.

[@Kenny-bj2zq]

Just go to a flat tax get rid of so much Fat in the Govt.

[@Lightning613]

great analogy even a DEM might understand.

[@sfguidry1959]

He said the really wealthy who can afford to prepay their taxes.

[@skp8748]

​@@Lightning613 but you can get a loan against that asset... untaxed

[@3rdand105]

This is the first pleasant exchange of ideas and information I've seen on videos of this type (I've been binge-watching them for a couple of weeks now), and I found it to be quite refreshing.

[@ryland20]

Texas native here, 40 years old. I know of one family when I was in 7th grade who moved from Texas to California. The amount of California, Pennsylvania, New York and other blue state license plates I've seen transplant here, especially post Covid, is absolutely insane. Tell every one of them, don't vote blue. You fled your state to come to mine.

[@ChicagoGurl]

Awesome point and so true

[@StaceyMayer]

We left Seattle for Texas. We're thrilled to live in a state that's still proud to be American. God, family, and country! Plus, Texas food is awesome. ❤

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

If I moved from one of these disastrous states, I'd make sure to put out a Trump 2024 flag or other things that make it 100% clear to my neighbors that I am not "one of them". And by one of them, I mean a communist democrat.

[@SSchradle]

"Should we tax income you didn't receive?" You really have to have a screwed-up mindset to want to tax someone for something they didn't receive...

[@davidburns5374]

I believe Bill Clinton floated something like this. it had to do with home equity. It didn't fly so I'd forgotten about it until I saw this. Don't underestimate the Democrat's ability to work a long term plan. Once they get an idea they stick to it like a dog with a bone. And of course, it would only affect the ultra rich, for now.

[@elizabethfirnschild8471]

I pay quarterly estimated taxes. I stress estiamated not what I have earned but what the goverment has estimated that I will earn and some mounth I go with out BECAUSE I did not earn what the goverment ESTIMATED. Tell me is that fair and how is this different that what we are discussing???

[@jasonwiley798]

Have you heard of imputed income.?

[@SynthApprentice]

Then loans against property should also be taxed as realized gains. Loans shouldn't be used as a loophole to escape paying taxes.

[@nicholashodges201]

@@SynthApprentice there are already taxes on loans, they are added into the repayments. They are also collected on whatever the borrower uses that loan to pay for. Which is bunk. Loans are NOT income for the borrower they are DEBT. The only one that ultimately profits from the loan itself is the lender. You do not pay tax on debt. You also ignore the fact that it is unlawful to tax individual demographics under separate tax systems, which this would do, so it would have to be applied across the board. Which means that this would also impact those who could not afford the extra, speculative taxes as well as the "ultrawealthy".

[@davidbrattain1446]

This is the most asinine idea I have ever heard. The tax system has been bent into a Gordian knot that needs to be reduced to a single flat tax and a modest consumption tax.

[@adamnichols476]

flat tax yes, no consumption or vat tax.

[@megauser8512]

Exactly!

[@sleepete12]

I am right (and right) but I do understand lefties for taxing rich, there is a rich and RICH. The last few years we had a thing and it was economic downturn, many middle class people sunk into lower class and many "rich" feels like middle class again, but those who were RICH became even more RICH... transfer of wealth happens each time there is economic crisis - these RICH never became poorer they always profit of it, they have christmas when 2008 property bubble burst or when had a thing these last couple of years and the following global economic downturn will transfer even more wealth from middle class and "rich" to them... there must be balance, I believe in progressive property tax for example, pay low for your house, but buy a second property (investment or present for furture kid) and pay exponentially more with each, many low eye-cue people will argue: but then the dad will just sign the house on his wife and kids and they all will pay the low tax...yes...that is the point...each person has right to own something and pay little, but if the dad, or mom or any of the kid buy ANOTHER property then they will be taxxed heavily.... For companies owning office space for rental or sell or apartment buildings there would be flat tax but much much higher than for a non-legal person's first property... Taxes should not be flat and it can be balanced well enough, other thing to fix is to stop crony capitalism and capitalizing profits but socializing losses.... if blackrock owns stock in chayna properties then they should go absolutely bankrupt once that enormous bubble burst (chayna economy is in the toilet and they have astronomic internal debt). The same for any bank, no bailouts.... you risk, you win or lose....

[@astronautical1082]

No, the absurdly rich generate a far higher cost to infrastructure, government, and environment than those with modest incomes. That is the basis for increasing rates as a function of income. A flat tax shifts that burden to the vast majority of modest income earners.

[@warrencusick1140]

The consumption tax always grows. Europe has been down that road with their Value-Added Tax (VAT) and most are at 20% now. Not when they started the idea. That is on top of their income tax. So, NO, we don't want a "modest" consumption tax that the politicians will raise then redistribute to buy votes.

[@jbthesfm]

That witness has not worked a day in his life. Not a day in his life.

[@trishfischer4127]

Senator Kennedy. You are amazing. Thank you so much for common sense ❤❤❤

[@JERIGNUSS]

Could it be Senator Kennedy is just too practical & down to earth

[@elizabethfirnschild8471]

Elizabeth Firnschild 0 seconds ago I pay quarterly estimated taxes. I stress estiamated not what I have earned but what the goverment has estimated that I will earn and some mounth I go with out BECAUSE I did not earn what the goverment ESTIMATED. Tell me is that fair and how is this different that what we are discussing???

[@Kezoman1]

@@elizabethfirnschild8471 They are not talking about earned income. They are talking about INHERITANCE TAX. I understand exactly what that economist is saying. Why is that idiot Senator pretending that it’s too difficult to comprehend. EVERYONE (((WILL))) eventually have to pay at least at point of sale, but, if the Billionaire does have the cash up front, then that financially capable individual or entity SHOULD have to pay up front.

[@guitarken6446]

On behalf of Floridians, to the guy that said he would never move to Florida, thank you.

[@edprall5648]

Lots of people would never even want to visit that hole.

[@vicm6561]

Yet we get almost all our revenue from TOURIST 😀thanks

[@deanhauser6626]

@@edprall5648 then you best stay where you are most appreciated, I assume you are a hater of good

[@bmack2938]

@@edprall5648 LOL. How exactly is Florida a hole? Nearly the entire East coast of the US has vacationed there. Blue state residents are relocating there. Nobody moves away. So back up your claim. Or better yet try to book a Uhaul one way from California or NY. People vote in elections. They vote with their feet as well. And all the feet are voting against blue states in favor of Florida beach sand between their toes. The data doesn’t lie.

[@jameswright2974]

Only 10 % live In Florida Zelensky got a condo . In that area used to be run by a steroid junkie ???????????💪

[@EdmxndDantes]

Senator John Kennedy is a national treasure.

[@robertalcock1523]

Senator Kennedy, never stop "killing it and grilling it"!😂😂

[@JohnDeWeese-lq4pf]

“You can’t fix stupid, but you can put it in charge of the economy to come up with even more unconstitutional tax codes!”

[@CourageGraceandKickintheAss]

Absolutely!!! Unfortunately this applies to most Gov agencies.

[@elizabethfirnschild8471]

Elizabeth Firnschild 0 seconds ago I pay quarterly estimated taxes. I stress estiamated not what I have earned but what the goverment has estimated that I will earn and some mounth I go with out BECAUSE I did not earn what the goverment ESTIMATED. Tell me is that fair and how is this different that what we are discussing???

[@bertdiver3708]

Stupid is a relative term by that I mean you must think everyone is stupid if they don't agree with you

[@bertdiver3708]

Why are you concerned about wealthy are you trying to protect yourself Andrew wealthy friends. You sure sound pretty defensive

[@bertdiver3708]

Poor people will always be poor because they have no means to gain. Wealthy people are either beneficiaries or those who have employees. Either way it is the system of our country and the infrastructure built by taxpayers that makes it possible for them to do so.

[@piousminion7822]

common sense. If one place is going to take more of my money, I'm going to a place that will take less. Scary how some of these people got to be in the positions they are in today without common sense.

[@friggenbozo4495]

arguing with people to keep their paws off other peoples money.

[@colemanwolfe6404]

Awesome job as always Senator Kennedy

[@wolfpat]

If they pay a tax on an unrealized gain, can they get a refund or credit for an unrealized loss?

[@geraldritchey4822]

I bet not.

[@MrStewbee]

Loses are realized only when sold.I..and I believe only a small portion of it can be written off each year for like 10 years. Tax payer gets scrued

[@joeb1522]

Absolutely not.

[@robertbowman9108]

But what if they actually do sell a stock and the next day it goes up 500%. Seams about as logical to call that a loss as taxing them before they sell it as a gain. Since it has no value at all until someone actually pays money for it

[@doubleb8474]

Every dime spent by gov should be accounted for and be public if they can fallow my money and take my money why can’t they track there own money and provide that for citizens

[@maggiemay-ip8ls]

The time that I come to watch these kinds of hearings and someone actually answers a question, in English, and doesn't make a federal case out of a simple explanation... I think I would drop dead from sheer surprise. These so-called experts are word salad spreaders.

[@fmcg5364]

There are many smart people out there who do have a hard time expressing themselves and then to have to dumb down answers must be hard

[@surfersilver6610]

Mr. Kennedy can have a podcast or TV show if he ever gets out of politics. He's a real deal.

[@louisbabycos106]

I love the way he talks .

[@diapricea4888]

This man is an ICON!

[@diapricea4888]

Sen Kennedy is brilliant

[@jasonblackwell7855]

I don't understand why anyone would want to punish somebody for being successful.

[@ronwhitfield8356]

you mean by getting rich and hogging it all?

[@kimhuesman2887]

Only the Democrats do. Now Biden wants to punish people with good credit who wants to buy a new house at a higher interest rate. People with bad credit pay less APR. If this isn’t Discrimination I don’t know what is!! 11:44

[@sidoliveira3246]

This is the United States of America. The land of opportunity. People study. People work hard and are dedicated. Capitalism teaches us that hard work pays off. I used to watch CSPAN. A long time ago they said that when former president George Bush Jr was in office the federal income tax for the wealthy was about 28 percent. Afterward it went up to 35 percent. The last time that I heard that the tax rate went up to 42 percent. Someone please check these figures. If someone makes a certain amount of money within a year that is considered wealthy they have to pay taxes. I was told years ago that people are encouraged to give to charity. Giving 10 percent to one charity is good. Giving a little more to others is good. Investments are wise and a person can write off some expenses. After that, that person is paying a very large amount of money in federal taxes alone. Then there are other taxes such as state. Then there are real estate taxes. Think of an American working hard. Academically. That same person knows what hard work in the labor force is like. Through struggles and challenges that person finally succeeds. Enables to create work for others to pay bills and put food on their table for the family. Now people are going to say that person is wealthy they should pay more taxes. How much more! Keep it fair.

[@gingerkloepfer1043]

​@@ronwhitfield8356 Its their money, they can hog it all if they want 🙄 Would you want somebody taking your money, because they thought you were hogging it ?

[@DCBChump]

@@ronwhitfield8356 Why do you want to punish someone for being successful?

[@bmg7763]

No more true state statement ever told, He is “always entertaining”

[@NatureLoverReturns]

I have only two words for how to fix the tax issues: Flat Tax.

[@81ghale]

That woman seriously tried to come up with some off the wall reason for people leaving NY just to avoid saying the obvious.

[@lindab1792]

Lots of reasons to leave NY, crime, high taxes, filth, crap public schools.

[@popeyethepirate5473]

She didn't even do that much

[@Andrew-wv7qp]

I was laughing at the members who were saying "people also move to California." That's like making 100k but spending 500k and thinking you're financially fine because of the money going in, when you're actually screwed because of the money going out.

[@RMCroft]

@@lindab1792 All Democrat constructs.

[@the_even_toed_ungulate.]

It's called 'fumfering' aka buying time to make up rhetoric and bullshit

[@Zero_2500]

These “economic advisors” couldn’t run a water fountain. No experience outside an air conditioned building. No experience around the working poor.

[@devonhughes3805]

No experience around the working ANYBODY!

[@flaggman1]

Indeed

[@kellymcclendon6601]

These economist could destroy a steel hammer beating a rubber ball

[@andrewspies1968]

why cant we just have a national sales tax and call it done? you buy ANYTHING, you pay a nominal tax on it. period. done.

[@prairiemark4084]

My brother has been retired for a while. There used to be a van hired by U-haul that would pick up 17 drivers with a CDL in Montana. He would ride with the van to Phoenix or to Texas and the 17 or so drivers would return empty moving vans that came from California. They would drive them back to California to help the next group of families who wanted to leave California. He did it time after time and made some money each time.

[@jarrodhollenbeck4284]

It's ridiculous that he has to talk to "experts" like they're three years old and have a learning disability. And even once he gets around to making the full point they still want to try to act like that's not the case. We're watching this country meltdown in real time. Enjoy the show everyone 🎉

[@wenzdayneher8842]

Naw it’s freaking ridiculous how he talks to anyone that isn’t a GOP crony of his! His awe shucks I am a hick lawyer is a joke! He was educated at one of the most prestigious colleges in the world Oxford! They sure as hell don’t let some country bumpkin go to school there! PS he use to be wait for it…..A DEMOCRAT till he found out it paid more to be a GOP on the grift for lobbyist cash & NRA! Another guy who was on the right side then got sucked over to the dark side because it paid better!

[@elizabethfirnschild8471]

Elizabeth Firnschild 0 seconds ago I pay quarterly estimated taxes. I stress estiamated not what I have earned but what the goverment has estimated that I will earn and some months I go with out BECAUSE I did not earn what the goverment ESTIMATED. Tell me is that fair and how is this different that what we are discussing???

[@jarrodhollenbeck4284]

@@elizabethfirnschild8471 so start paying your taxes in April like an adult. I work for myself and I save thirty percent of everything that I make so I have enough to pay at the end. Stop guestimating and you'll be fine. And to answer your question, even though I didn't bring it up originally, it makes no sense to tax someone on unrealized gains because THEY AREN'T REALIZED! So let's say you tax them on some kind of valuation today but the price goes down tomorrow? Does he then get money back? It only gets taxed once for a reason, it's at the conclusion of the transaction. You and your estimated taxes aren't even the same sport

[@olliefoxx7165]

@@jarrodhollenbeck4284 So, you clearly voted for Biden and you come from a privileged background. The enormous corruption, grift, mismanagement and incompetence of those in Washington DC doesn't bother you bc you are benefitting in some way from the policies and agenda pushed by those in power. Taxes don't bother you bc you have plenty of money. I may be wrong but people that write the things you do are usually 2 dimensional.

[@johnjohnon8767]

I would say this country is done. First, we have a national debt we can never pay off. Second , we have several generations of brain washed marxist turning this country into europe. Third, we depend on countries that hate us for oil, computer chips , and money/ loans. I think we still haven't paid off our debts for ww2. I hope I'm wrong.

[@revonda5204]

Yes, always entertaining, but more than that, he's right! He's a very smart man.

[@elizabethfirnschild8471]

Elizabeth Firnschild 0 seconds ago I pay quarterly estimated taxes. I stress estiamated not what I have earned but what the goverment has estimated that I will earn and some months I go with out BECAUSE I did not earn what the goverment ESTIMATED. Tell me is that fair and how is this different that what we are discussing???

[@user-rc2xs5ti2w]

Justice obstruction must be punished.

[@MAB1907]

BS !!! On these tax people, I’m poor and understand how these is so bad….

[@biggestnate3]

Let's throw more money down the bottomless hole of debt.

[@elizabethfirnschild8471]

Elizabeth Firnschild 0 seconds ago I pay quarterly estimated taxes. I stress estiamated not what I have earned but what the goverment has estimated that I will earn and some mounth I go with out BECAUSE I did not earn what the goverment ESTIMATED. Tell me is that fair and how is this different that what we are discussing???

[@rogerwright1902]

It amazes me that, when two or more Doctors of Philosophy in Economics are gathered in one spot, the IQ of the entire group drops like a rock.

[@russlawrencerjbrk]

Ask those 2 PhDs the same question and you'll 4 different answers.

[@mrjim12miller]

I am for doing away with all income taxes.

[@LordThomasRoy-wy8lf]

That little boy is scary. Is this a circus?

[@pokeymjt]

I've often wondered, just why do corrupt politicians believe that they have a right to my income to "run government" yet their ill-gotten money is untouchable?

[@cheyennealvis8284]

I might be really really poor now but I'm glad that when I'm a baliginineer politicians like this guy will be there to help me. God Bless America.

[@PorterPickUp]

The rationale is that the people who became rich based on the support of government back bone which helped to enable it. Things like roads, internet, utilities. Currently our ultra wealthy are undertaxed. Other countries have gone too harshly in the other direction like all the former European nobility who had to sell off estates over the decades to pay their taxes. Its a fine balance, but right now its decidedly unbalanced.

[@Dakarn]

@@PorterPickUp But the people calling on the "ultra-wealthy" to be taxed into oblivion are the same people that think it's PROPER that the nobility had to sell estates to pay their taxes. Who owns those estates now? The governments who forced their sale. Same thing happening here. "Nobody should own a Lamborghini... unless I have one, then it's fine."

[@Tank50us]

@@Dakarn The other thing to consider is that roughly 40% of the countries working population pays 0 taxes at all. And despite this, many people consider such an idea to be 'racist' if that 40% had to pay even so much as a dollar in taxes. The Feds could easily say "ok, everyone pays 10%", and be done with it. It's an easy calculation to make how much you'll pay in (move the decimal one spot to the right), and you never have to guess how much you actually owe or get refunded at the end of the year. But again, doing so would be decied as racist or whateverphobic the left wants to push, and are instead pushing for the super wealthy, who already pay more in taxes than everyone else, to pay even more.

[@naturalPaths]

Uhm, you pretty much said it yourself: corrupt.

[@adr3ns]

Equal protection under the law... except tax law

[@striker44]

Pre-pay tax on unrealized gains??? Can I get unemployment checks and take tax deductions for every dependent I plan to have in my household? Some are yet to be born.

[@tdebisschop1432]

If I'm understanding right, they want to tax us for monies we haven't even made yet or might never make.

[@dennisdean7433]

It appear so. And true? Senator Kennedy is absolutely right. And yes he(Senator Kennedy is always entertaining) as Mr speaker flipping relied.

[@joeb1522]

You are understanding correctly.

[@Zoofactory]

I sure like watching Kennedy work.

[@samurai_jack_1]

This lady is in complete denial

[@TheSilentprayer]

When they talked about taxes (wealth taxes, using France as an example), Thomas Sowell just crossed my mind. Despite all empirical evidence on what works and never works, some so called intellectuals want to still push for what never works.

[@paulenterline3107]

Always remember, for them it's not about fixing the system. It's about tearing it all down and starting anew without individual freedoms and autonomy.

[@Pincuishin]

because its always about control and oppressing and drawing wealth from the people.

[@hutch13133]

@Paul Enterline They are trying to fix the system just like a fixed boxing match.

[@martinnielsen5851]

​@@paulenterline3107 No. They are trying to rewrite the laws so that they can keep control. They are really just trying to gain more of an edge, while they try to cover up their true crimes. These people are the only really evil ones i know of.

[@silentwitness536]

France doesnt have the natural resources, the large population and a massive GDP the USA does.

[@johnathansaegal3156]

Taxing unrealized gains is like telling a college student working part-time at a pizza place, "Well, you WILL be making ten times your current wage when you graduate, so we are just going to start taxing you NOW on the higher value of your future work".

[@rizzodefrank]

Aptly stated

[@laurencezemlick1979]

Not even close to a good analogy. The very point is that we are talking about taxing assets, not labor.

[@nicolesmith8872]

​@@laurencezemlick1979🙄

[@pattygreen8064]

@@laurencezemlick1979 unrealized profits , you mean . as in profits that don't exist yet . hows this for a better analogy: the corner store by my house has to pay property taxes like its a 10 story apartment building, it isn't but its in an area where it would be allowed to go up another 8 floors. do you think thats fair? (this is a true story by the way.)

[@KJ-od8wq]

@@pattygreen8064 A better way to ask it is “should property taxes be at the rate at which the property is currently valued (but unsold so it is unrealized).” In most places, the answer is yes.

[@profenew9640]

If you earn less than $100,000 a year single, $200k family, you shouldn't have to file/pay taxes...... Government can make money on sales tax on items not made in America.....

[@MichaelDelaware]

These economists are making the same argument Detroit was making 20 years ago. Detroit went from 1 Million people in 1990 to 600K in present day.

[@Savetheworldfirebidennow]

Their paid for lying

[@elvisjerrylee]

Yeah....I'm surprised his nose isn't a lot bigger!!!!!

[@RobARug]

@@elvisjerrylee It is. His ethnicity made it big enough.

[@rosemarydoletzky2343]

​@@elvisjerrylee we have moved from liberal Michigan to free red state Florida!! Life and freedom and low taxes are much better!

[@williamcarlile4590]

They're not answering anything because they've completely lost their minds!

[@think2invest]

No they haven't. Politicians are the ones that get to redistribute were the tax money goes. If you can decide what to do with it, it can go to the person/company that gives you the bigest kickback.

[@jimr5285]

@@think2invest For sure, look at their boss!!!!

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

Tax, tax, tax, tax, tax, tax, tax, tax, tax, tax, tax.... Never "We spend too much."

[@dustymiller65]

"No taxation without representation!" (Why the hell do i still feel as if I'm still fighting against this principle today??) ⚖️

[@brianpine2355]

Thanks Mr Kennedy. You are a breath of fresh air. The people speaking are not worried about taxes because they're wealthy enough to survive where as middle class people can not

[@cloudoftime]

They're talking about taxing wealthy people. It's like you didn't listen.

[@mcvet57103]

@@cloudoftime And who owns the factories and businesses who hire the middle class, and sell their products to them? Do you actually think the business person will just absorb the high taxes? If you do, you are a fool.

[@cloudoftime]

@@mcvet57103 That's why the policy doesn't end there. You Do realize that economic policy can't be thoroughly and comprehensively explained in 10 seconds especially while you're being cut off, right? There's a reason for minimum wage, unions, and worker rights which have been fought for hard throughout time and protect the lower middle class workers from the corporate elites. It's because corporations are not moral entities. Wealthy people are not going to make sure that us lower class and middle class people have comfortable lives if they're left unchecked. And they are more capable of being taxed at a higher rate, which is why we have progressive tax systems in the first place. But the point is, wealthy people are not just going to provide to everyone else from the kindness of their own hearts. That's a fantasy. It's time to get real.

[@barrykime5580]

So very true.

[@MikeTidman]

See that's the thing. No one survives what's coming. ESPECIALLY the wealthy. They'll be dragged out of their castles and dealt with as quickly as anyone.

[@mattycreek384]

These economists sound like the marketing team at Budweiser

[@elizabethfirnschild8471]

Elizabeth Firnschild 0 seconds ago I pay quarterly estimated taxes. I stress estiamated not what I have earned but what the goverment has estimated that I will earn and some mounth I go with out BECAUSE I did not earn what the goverment ESTIMATED. Tell me is that fair and how is this different that what we are discussing???

[@mattycreek384]

@@elizabethfirnschild8471 Taxing unrealized gains is garbage and will cause a war

[@DaveZaniboni]

"People vote with their feet." I love Senator John Kennedy.

[@pcraft8785]

Checked these jews for sure.

[@claudiobasile6113]

Worse ... Many vote with their butts!

[@patdriver5696]

What's he going to do about the treason of the Biden group, except talk about it?

[@lewisbenzie845]

Did she just admit the income tax is biased?

[@hellogoodbye4728]

Well said senator, well said

[@JohnDoe69X]

The fact that this is even being discussed gives me the willies.

[@bt9704]

People worth over $100M actually paying taxes gives you the willies? Let me guess you are going to strike it rich any day now

[@JohnDoe69X]

@@bt9704 Now, that's funny. Reminds me of the income tax law, which was passed in the early-20th century. It was _supposed_ to be temporary, and affect only the very richest. Now look where we are. The same thing will happen with a 'wealth' tax. Today it will affect only billionaires, and eventually, it will trickle down to the rest of us. That's why I'm against it.

[@grizzlygrizzle]

So if the IRS wants pre-payment on unrealized gain, will they pay the person back if the property declines in value? With interest? This whole scheme sets a disturbing precedent. There are better ways to collect from the very wealthy. Tightening up the loopholes for tax shelters would be one way. But in any case, income should only be taxed once, and there are several ways in which it is taxed twice.

[@davenoejoe]

Describe the Willie's please

[@valerieshive9160]

Twice? I think they tax the dollars more than twice! Stunning they would even consider especially with real examples of it having been “tried” in France and it being a disaster that they repealed. Too bad when we “try” something in our country, it sticks hard. Like Obama Care. How audacious of them to consider taxing on unrealized gains when they know inflation is soaring and so property values are on a trend down and not upward! This cannot happen.

[@auskip07]

Some of these people are so well educated that they lack the ability to understand simple questions.

[@abcaabca6364]

They understand. They are refusing to answer truthfully. A complex response to a Yes or No question is a lie.

[@markmccullough5873]

They are used to giving some convoluted answer to a simple yes or no question. That's what they learned in grad school lol.

[@timsgarage1861]

It messes with their brainwashed mind. Their politics get in front of them. Then they say they wouldn't move to a no tax state. Thats when educated people reveal their ignorance.

[@lincolnyaco5626]

How unlike you.

[@auskip07]

@@lincolnyaco5626 i would be willing to bet money my education trumps your liberal arts degree.

[@anainasen]

This is a good discussion, I love democracy, being able to discuss different opinions in a civilised manner and may the best arguments win.

[@davecody5997]

Punishing people ...because ...they are rich.... not because they are not contributing!!!!

[@richardmmasliah3130]

Senator Kennedy is not just a national treasure, a top tier / exceptional law maker but also a rational, down to earth, honest and very appreciated American soul 🙏🏻

[@KrazyIndeed]

And term limits would ensure he didn't last long.

[@ZKrinny]

i think hes actually brilliant he luls these high intellect people in with the way he speaks right before he just blows up their arguement

[@heynow01]

But, he just show boats and always ends up voting in favor of so many idiot nominee's. It's like he gets credit for making these fools expose themselves, but then no criticism for voting for idiots.

[@fmcg5364]

But why is he on the senate budget committee when he doesn't not understand anything about the subject?

[@CowgirlUpTrucking]

These people are out of their freaking minds. We are so overtaxed now we can’t handle anymore. They need to try cutting expenses and the outrageous budget.

[@PegManning]

Overtaxed? What is the right level of tax?

[@SynthApprentice]

Hands-down, the biggest item on the budget is defense. We have the largest defense budget in the world. If we're cutting down on any part of the budget, we need to start with the military.

[@jasonwiley798]

We aren't overtaxed. We have some of the lower taxes of developed world why do you think we have so much debt?

[@CowgirlUpTrucking]

So all of you think it just fine for an Owner Op Truck Driver making $75k a year is ok paying 23k in taxes this year and over 30k next year. We need to increase the Defense Budget when what’s going on in Ukraine, North Korea and China. We have Billions of BS in the Budget. Let’s start with help our own Country before we send Billions Overseas and Billion More for Fake Climate Change. Our Government has been wasting money for Decades.

[@SynthApprentice]

@Ah Stuttgart Just because I'm not pro-military?

[@bigcahuna42366]

I'm skeptical over a "doctor" who doesn't have any patients

[@jeromebarrett8016]

Will somebody please let the Congressman know that,To whom much is given much is expected . Thanks for sharing.

[@mr.perfect1er933]

These "economists" are insane

[@33greenleaf]

Evil

[@claydupuy7327]

Haha! Kennedy’s last statement was absolutely brilliant! 😂

[@seankennedy1377]

95% of taxes need to go away. Period!

[@FUYT888]

Why does everyone of these people sound like their boss when they answer a question?

[@HadToChangeMyName_YoutubeSucks]

Any land owner knows how this "prepay on unrealiszed gains" will work. My house is taxed on a value the county assessed which is far more than I could actually sell my house for.

[@justinbiondi]

Sue them. You will win

[@mattpoules9225]

it's legalized thievery

[@hydrolito]

If they wanted to build a road through your property they might claim it is less valuable to pay you less for it.

[@hydrolito]

Also, when you do sell it usually get less than it's value as realtor that advertises it for you gets some of the money.

[@navalnationalguard534]

Property Taxes that are based on "Assessed Value" are Taxes on "UNREALIZED GAINS". This type of "Shell Game" is UNCONSTITUTIONAL !!!

[@sketchartist1964]

So he's fresh out of college and thinks he has all the answers?

[@Texas75023]

All that he has been indoctrinated to parrot . . . Thinking? That's not taught at Un-versities any more.

[@afhostie]

He's at least got the neo socialist talking points

[@randytim512]

He's more than just entertaining, he gets right to heart of it and points out the flaws of the wealth tax. Taxing unrealized capital gains is an unfair policy and ultimately fails to generate the revenue they so greedily want.

[@Ashphinchtersayswhat]

Just find them in contempt and move on. Waisting time and money.

[@joe.oneill]

John Kennedy is a National Treasure. We need a few hundred more of him in Washington.

[@mycdoc]

If Republicans would get behind a statesman like John Kennedy, and not an orange clownish criminal, they would be in control of the federal government.

[@ryanp6999]

Quit throwing around "national treasure" so carelessly. He's a great lawyer and senate member. He's not a "national treasure"....

[@kevinmacisaac4856]

I think John Kennedy is a brilliant man , maybe president one day

[@Conflict_Boardgaming]

Mr. Kennedy should be put on Mount Rushmore!

[@dcsteve7869]

@@ryanp6999 well in a day and time when so many people who are supposed to do the peoples work have stopped doing so, stopped being civilized, stopped making rational arguments and instead substitute their duty to the nation for duty to keep getting themselves elected I'd say the rare few like Kennedy become treasures. He's an example of what and how our representatives should be, regardless of their party affiliation and if I was a jr senator of either party I would look to him for that example of how to conduct myself.

[@aaronstasel8292]

Senator Kennedy is a master of the art of letting a fool talk themselves around in a circle until they find a corner.

[@gigi6374]

He's like a cobra, mesmerizing it's prey, lulling it into a false sense of safety before it strikes. It is breathtaking to watch.

[@bobmitchell2123]

That was genius.

[@monsieur-le-chupacabra]

Sounds to me like all he’s doing is interrupting them.

[@aaronstasel8292]

@@monsieur-le-chupacabra Well, then, maybe you found your corner?

[@monsieur-le-chupacabra]

@@aaronstasel8292 What does that even mean?

[@MarkMassie-dc6kk]

Empty seats supposed to be filled by OUR representatives. Empty seats = Empty Minds

[@beckyjones6375]

They have lost their minds

[@Shadewe]

John Kennedy is a national treasure.

[@dennisdean7433]

Absolutely he is(John Kennedy of Louisiana) is a national treasure.This man would be a excellent choice from many in the GOP as a Vice President running mate for 2024.

[@TheHarberHangar]

Senator: "What three things would you change in our tax system?" Me: "I only need one: Make it flat 9% for everyone, no loopholes or write-offs whatsoever."

[@kennyfrew9994]

Bingo

[@tylerjames329]

you wouldn't give a deduction for children?

[@goated313]

A flat 5 percent! i dont agree with anything the government spends the money on. That means no sales tax. Death tax etc

[@TimParker-Chambers]

@@tylerjames329Absolutely not: It's a person's choice to have children. If the person can't afford the expense of having a child without getting tax breaks, or child support benefits, then IMHuO, they shouldn't be planning on having a child...

[@thedopplereffect00]

Make it 0%. Go back to tariffs

[@patrickthibault8119]

Those in power want to maintain their power. Money is still the best way to do it. Look at Kennsington, Pennsylvania. They have no power because they have no money.

[@annboykin7446]

There should not be an unrealized gain tax. Nobody can predict the future.

[@jeffw5263]

“There are no solutions, only trade-offs.” -Dr. Thomas Sowell

[@Ineden774]

It’s fascinating the way they’ve made an art form out of ways to dodge answering questions.

[@loreicmaster]

Democrat Government Employees only answer when paid by foreign nations sorry America.

[@glennhatley2010]

Democrats either lie or just dodge questions

[@edwalker2169]

Which question did he dodge?

[@loreicmaster]

@@edwalker2169 pretty much every single one of them...... liberals cant see truth cause they know they support the liars.

[@lennykravitz4107]

@@edwalker2169ask a 5th grader if it’s raining outside. They will tell you. Ask one of these goons in front of congress and they will waste 5 minutes discussing if it’s even possible for rain to have a benefit to us