Meg Speak

Issue

Thoughts/ Facts

Obama

McCain

Capital Gains Tax = the profit you make on your investment

Bush lowered Capital Gains tax from 25% to 15%

Obama wants to raise it back up to 25%

Leave it the same

Corporate Tax

Current rate: 34% Some conservatives believe that taxing the oil companies will not lower the price of gas, but increase it as the oil companies will reflect the extra tax they pay in the price of gas.

Fun Fact: Oil companies make $.07/ dollar while Pharmaceuticals make $.17/dollar.

Wants windfall profits tax on oil companies. The general belief is that oil companies make so ridiculous amounts of money, so they should pay extra taxes, which would benefit all.

Wants to reduce to 25%. General view is that would = more money for the companies, so they could hire more people and pay higher wages to employees and that an increase of tax would cause people to lose their jobs or lead to economic outsourcing.

School Vouchers

Each parent would receive x amount of money to use towards any school they choose. Whichever school their child attends gets the money.

Opposes. The Liberal view typically is that vouchers = inequality because public schools have to take everyone, but private schools can be selective about who they accept. Fear is that public schools will be ghetto-ized as all limited English speakers, trouble makers and special ED children will be forced to attend public school.

Supports. Republican view is that vouchers would create economic liberty for parents. If you would not be able to afford the $10k tuition for that private school, a voucher would help ease your financial burden. Also, vouchers would create competition among the schools so they would all strive to be better.

NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement)

Free trade among US, Mexico and Canada

While most Liberals oppose NAFTA, Obama is in favor of it… after minor tweaking.

In support of Free Trade.

Immigration: Bush Plan

Tighter border security and a pathway towards legalization for illegal immigrants.

Support

Support

Estate Tax

The tax on the items or money that you inherit. Bush eliminated estate tax. In 2010, $625k inherited could be taxed up to 55% unless congress extends Bush’s tax cut.

Most liberals believe that there should be an estate tax. Without tax there is economic instability.

Conservatives argue that people should be able to pass on the fruits of their labor without punishment. Also, the money was taxed while the person was alive, so why is it being taxed again once they are dead?

Single payer healthcare

Where everyone is covered equally under the same insurance.

Opposes. Believes that healthcare should be employer mandated.

Opposes. Sees single payer systems as terrible as most don’t receive the care they need.