I need help with this attack on Mrs. Kerry....

[SoonerShankle]

TERESA PAID 11% IN TAX


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May 12, 2004 --
WASHINGTON - Democrat John Kerry's wife, Teresa - one of America's richest women - had over $5 million in income last year, but paid a lower tax rate than an ordinary person earning $50,000, according to a campaign statement released yesterday.

The campaign said Mrs. Kerry, who files her returns separately from her husband, had $5.1 million in income and paid at least $587,000 in federal taxes - a rate of 11.5 percent.

But the campaign didn't release any actual tax returns and provided little details on her holdings, capital gains, dividends or any tax shelters that the ketchup heiress, worth an estimated $500 million, may use to reduce taxes.

"Based on the latest available IRS data, the average person earning about $50,000 is paying taxes at a higher effective rate - 13.8 percent - than does," said Bill Allison of the nonpartisan Center for Public Integrity, a watchdog group.


My friend maintains that this is typical of democrats and bemoans that poor people vote democratic....I would laugh out loud if I thought people would take this as the joke it is...but alas, many will say this very thing.:-(

[JI7]

1. Kerry wants to change tax laws so his wife has to pay more

[JI7]

2. of course, current laws benefit the rich

tell them that. what the democrats say about taxes is true and this is a good example of it.

[AnnitaR]

3. "We have a pResident who loves giving tax breaks to the rich!"

That will shut them up real quick!

[coda]

4. She didn't write the tax laws.

If they don't like the tax laws, vote somebody new in.

If they aren't willing to do that, then call it by its real name:

[Democat]

5. She paid her taxes per the law - what is the argument?

If their argument is that rich people don't pay enough taxes, then tell them to vote for Kerry.

If their argument is that rich people pay too much in taxes, then ask them why they are unhappy with Kerry's wife?

Just point out the idiocy of whatever they are trying to imply by asking them direct and specific questions.

[saracat]

6. My God!

The women is one of the most lauded philanthropists in the USA and gives millions to environmental , women's rights , developmental, medical and artistic causes and no one can figure out what she did to lower her tax rate? Her charitable causes, which she calls her "work" alone should have left her with a negative tax if she claimed all her deductions.I think she paid too much.And I am talking about her personal contributions not just those associated with the Heinz Foundation.What a truly stupid article. The author is a partisan who exercised no due diligence!

[Zorra]

7. One of the reasons

One reason for the first-lady wannabe's low tax rate is that more than half her income - $2,777,000 - came from tax-exempt bonds, according to the campaign

http://www.nypost.com/news/nationalnews/20705.htm

[exDinosoar]

8. Any person making millions and having millions in petty cash

does not need my defense for anything. They can buy whatever defense or comforts they want. Millionaires can take care of themselves.

[newyawker99]

9. Hi exDinosoar!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[blm]

10. A link to the article? Did it mention her over 4 mil to charities?

.

[Feanorcurufinwe]

11. I don't understand what she is being accused of - paying her taxes?

If someone thinks taxes should be higher on the rich, they should vote for Kerry.... how is this an attack?