US government gives Americans $$ to buy Macs!!

[shoulin333]

[Bah thread got moved]

Hehe, well sort of...

in June-July we can expect to recieve a $600 - $1200 and up "bonus" tax refund.

The refund is suppost to help the economy get moving again, by providing people money to spend. ... what better way to spend that money then towards a new Macbook of some sort.

Full Story: Click Here (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080124/ap_on_go_co/economy_stimulus)

[MarlboroLite]

May/June??

Just in time for the next Macbook revision....

[Sdashiki]

So, as a taxpayer I am getting $600 just for being American?

Or did I miss something?

[tennisplaayer11]

Yeah, but unfortunately it will be too late to prevent a recession.

[heatmiser]

These macs will really come in handy when we're strapped for gas and heating cash!

[jackc]

They should have made it in Apple bucks, to be spent only on apple.com. It's the only way to revive the economy.

[Brianstorm91]

Why to Americans constantly talk about getting tax refunds when I get bugger all?

[odinsride]

Don't forget this income will be taxed in Tax Year 2008 :rolleyes:

[motomullet]

yeah perfect timing to counter this recession they think we are going into.

[Sky Blue]

Don't forget this income will be taxed in Tax Year 2008 :rolleyes:

Yeah, a forced loan, how nice!

[FJ218700]

These macs will really come in handy when we're strapped for gas and heating cash!

good reason to stay home next winter with a MBP on your lap.

[QCassidy352]

Don't forget this income will be taxed in Tax Year 2008 :rolleyes:

depends on how they phrase it. If they just hand you money, then yes, it's income. But if it's a tax refund, then no, you don't pay taxes on that because the government is basically saying "this is money that you paid as tax on prior income, but we shouldn't have taken it."

[clayj]

Why to Americans constantly talk about getting tax refunds when I get bugger all?You need to go throw some chests full of tea into the nearest harbor first. ;)

[BklynKid]

May/June??

Just in time for the next Macbook revision....

Nooooooo..!!!

[greenmeanie]

How nice of them to allow me some of my money back ;)

[djinn]

To bad I'll get nothing since the wife and I make to much money. Maybe having my son will help.

[rdowns]

I don't get anything either, I make too much.

Still buying a new computer when I move. I have to do my part to stimulate the economy.

[Brianstorm91]

You need to go throw some chests full of tea into the nearest harbo[u]r first. ;)

I'm not wasting any of my tea!
:eek:
Tea > Tax return

[clayj]

I'm not wasting any of my tea!
:eek:
Tea > Tax returnYou did get that I was referencing the Boston Tea Party, right? ;)

[Thomas Davie]

Don't forget an additional 300$ for each kid under 18. So I figure I'm going to adopt about 30 kids age 17 11/12, catch myself beaucoup $$, and then kick the lazy freeloaders out on their a$$e$.

In all seriousnous though, this Canadian wonders why our politicians can't do something like that? However, ew do have some odd perks, such as a 1:1 rebate on public transportation, the ability to do double dedeductions on RRSPs (if you work creatively).

But what better way to spends tax refunds than on new Macs?

Tom

[heatmiser]

In all seriousnous though, this Canadian wonders why our politicians can't do something like that?

Our (American) economy is going downhill, and the current administration is throwing x hundred dollar checks at the people to keep their minds off changes that will, on average, cost the average citizen several thousand dollars in price hikes and job shortages over the next few years. It's the fiscal equivalent of throwing sponges at a flash flood. But people think short-term (money!) instead of long term (decrease military budgets, regulate corporations, reform spending, etc), so they think it's a good idea. The administration knows this, so they take advantage of it. Simple math.

In other words, be thankful your government isn't this willing to deceive you. Believe me; this is going to cost us a lot more than we'll ever see in government rebate checks. :D

[ahaxton]

To all the people who are in the same boat about not getting this tax rebate. Now come on lol. You know they don't need to give us a little sum of money. We contribute plenty to the economy. Just be thankful that we are in the situation we are in as a group who doesn't qualify.

[ahaxton]

Our (American) economy is going downhill, and the current administration is throwing x hundred dollar checks at the people to keep their minds off changes that will, on average, cost the average citizen several thousand dollars in price hikes and job shortages over the next few years. It's the fiscal equivalent of throwing sponges at a flash flood. But people think short-term (money!) instead of long term (decrease military budgets, regulate corporations, reform spending, etc), so they think it's a good idea. The administration knows this, so they take advantage of it. Simple math.

In other words, be thankful your government isn't this willing to deceive you. Believe me; this is going to cost us a lot more than we'll ever see in government rebate checks. :D

Change the word administration to government.

[bijou]

I see some more Apple stock in my future (not much, hehe).:D

[Anderson3133]

Don't forget an additional 300$ for each kid under 18. So I figure I'm going to adopt about 30 kids age 17 11/12, catch myself beaucoup $$, and then kick the lazy freeloaders out on their a$$e$.

In all seriousnous though, this Canadian wonders why our politicians can't do something like that? However, ew do have some odd perks, such as a 1:1 rebate on public transportation, the ability to do double dedeductions on RRSPs (if you work creatively).

But what better way to spends tax refunds than on new Macs?

Tom

We have absolutely no need for a $600 refund. Think about it. We get free health care, our dollar is higher than theirs because their economy is weakening, our minimum wage is rediculously higher than theirs. I heard waitresses in Florida and areas around there make like $3 an hour without tips. CRAZY!

[heatmiser]

We have absolutely no need for a $600 refund. Think about it. We get free health care, our dollar is higher than theirs because their economy is weakening, our minimum wage is rediculously higher than theirs. I heard waitresses in Florida and areas around there make like $3 an hour without tips. CRAZY!

Exactly. Think long-term, not short-term. People in the UK/Canada looking in on the US and wishing you got a measly $600 should get on your knees and thank whatever you believe in that you're somewhere where the people you elected reinforce a "we" ethic, and not a "me" ethic. Bump this thread in a year and see if you still envy things here. :cool:

Anyway, it'll be interesting to see what changes summer brings for the Macbooks and Pros.

[ahaxton]

Being the outspoken Capitalist that I am, I hope we are never like Canada or other "socialized" countries. I'll just pass out if we get socialized medicine and become a welfare state.

[jeff3221]

Since I am in a family with two kids we get $1800.

[noodle654]

Yeah my parents make to much so we don't apply really.

[Collin973]

my favorite part of the plan is that people who don't even pay in to taxes get a check and i don't! awesome! way to go, US Government!

And even this helps, it's going to be too little too late. May/June isn't going to help spending NOW.

Too bad they didn't do something supply side, like reduce the federal tax on gasoline or something. Would have been smarter, but then again, look at our lead senators and congress(wo)men.

[FJ218700]

Since I am in a family with two kids we get $1800.

I'm making my wife quit her job so that we too fall below the threshold :D

[nzoMD]

We don't even know if this bill will even pass... most likely it will be denied by greedy politicians who plan on increasing their own salaries (again) with that money instead.

However, if the bill is passed then it would only count for tax year 2008 (if u buy anytime this year).... so it would have no effect on the revision date for MBP.

[SteveSparks]

I'm making my wife quit her job so that we too fall below the threshold :D

You should adopt 3 kids now that she is going to have a lot of extra free time.

[SystemZERO]

I just wonder how much that "free $600" is going to cost said taxpayers later on in interest on our deficit:(

[SteveSparks]

I just wonder how much that "free $600" is going to cost said taxpayers later on in interest on our deficit:(

$600 @ 10% x10 Years = $600 simple interest

See its break even. :rolleyes:

[greenmeanie]

LOL free health care DUH
You and others pay for it from taxes.

We have absolutely no need for a $600 refund. Think about it. We get free health care, our dollar is higher than theirs because their economy is weakening, our minimum wage is rediculously higher than theirs. I heard waitresses in Florida and areas around there make like $3 an hour without tips. CRAZY!

[solvs]

Up to $600. Likely less, or nothing at all. And no, it won't help anything. We've already discussed this here, how pretty much everyone in the non-partisan economic community is calling this too little too late. Of course, the deficit is so high, this will only be a drop in the bucket on that. What's a hundred billion or so among friends.

Me, I'd rather we just had better economic policies and actually got something for our tax money, rather than a few hundred extra dollars that isn't going to do a thing to stop the recession we're already in.

LOL free health care DUH
You and others pay for it from taxes.
We pay for it with our tax dollars too. More actually. But get less.

[MikeTheC]

So, as a taxpayer I am getting $600 just for being American?

Or did I miss something?

No, you're getting back money the Government should never have tried to take from you in the first place.

[yg17]

So, if you meet all of the requirements, but are claimed as a dependent by your parents, do you receive anything?


Horrible idea anyways. If this helps at all, it will be very short term. And since we're all going to rush out and buy crap thats made in China, how exactly is this helping our economy?

[MikeTheC]

Why to Americans constantly talk about getting tax refunds when I get bugger all?

Um, because you live in a Socialist country which thinks confiscatory taxation is the way to prosperity.

But that's just a guess on my part.

[MikeTheC]

We have absolutely no need for a $600 refund. Think about it. We get free health care, our dollar is higher than theirs because their economy is weakening, our minimum wage is rediculously higher than theirs. I heard waitresses in Florida and areas around there make like $3 an hour without tips. CRAZY!
Waiters/Waitresses typically have a base pay rate of $3.65 per hour, the remainder of which is then made up for with tips.

For what it's worth, Ron Paul (during the interim when the IRS still continues to exist) wants to make tip-based wages tax exempt.

Excluding the above, and any other uniquely exempted types of workers, the U.S. Federal Minimum Wage was $5.15/hr. until July 24th of this past year, where it was then bumped to $5.85/hr. On July 24th of 2008, it is scheduled to increase to $6.55/hr, and then on July 24th of 2009, it will be at $7.25/hr.

Do I think these wage levels are wrong? Well...

Based solely on prima facia (or in this case "knee-jerk reactionary"): Yes, absolutely. No question nobody can survive for long, nor put any money aside, nor contribute productively to the U.S. economy on $7.25 an hour.

However, if you dig deeper:

We need money which is (contrary to Ugg and others) based on something valuable, instead of being highly super-inflated valueless currency. We need to end the WalMartization of America. We need to end the culture which says in effect to major corporations, "Sure, go ahead and import everything and then get rid of domestic labor. We didn't really want jobs anyhow."

I mean, what's the point of having even $15 or $20/hr minimum wage standards, but a country with no employment because Corporate America completely sold this country out and took the jobs with 'em? Hmm? What point indeed...

[it5five]

Um, because you live in a Socialist country which thinks confiscatory taxation is the way to prosperity.

But that's just a guess on my part.

Oh please. Canada and the UK are just as capitalist as the US. The only difference is that they actually make a distinction between things that are necessary to life (health and education) and the US thinks that everyone should pay for everything, and if you're poor, too bad.

I hated to take the thread in this direction, but you really need to read about Socialism and know what it actually is before you go around using the word.

[Brianstorm91]

You did get that I was referencing the Boston Tea Party, right? ;)

What the heck is that?

[Ugg]

What the heck is that?

The near mythical event that supposedly jump started the American Revolution. The septics were upset about having to pay too much tax on their tea so they dumped it in Boston Harbour. Can't stand the stuff myself so I don't really blame them.

[themadchemist]

This only works in the face of a sound federal budget, and it only works humanely and compassionately and reasonably when it isn't just a massive subsidy for the wealthy.

I'm tired of the welfare state the Bush administration is running. All these rich people should stop asking for government handouts. :mad:

[synth3tik]

The stimulus package is coming too late to offset any degree of recession. The bush admin should have been thinking this up at the start of the mortgage crisis.

There is no official state based recession, but when looking at the economy Minnesota is in a recession.

[gkarris]

The stimulus package is coming too late to offset any degree of recession. The bush admin should have been thinking this up at the start of the mortgage crisis.

There is no official state based recession, but when looking at the economy Minnesota is in a recession.


Yea, but it seems that the blame keeps getting put on banks handing out bad mortgages, rather than large corporations sending jobs overseas. How can unemployed/under-employed people afford houses?

[furcalchick]

Horrible idea anyways. If this helps at all, it will be very short term. And since we're all going to rush out and buy crap thats made in China, how exactly is this helping our economy?

that's my question too. why should we be solely responsible for lining some ceo's pockets, when these companies are likely to screw us over with cutbacks, outsourcing and the such. sometimes i wonder if always having economic growth all the time is a good goal for nations to have. i read a book recently, affluenza, talking about over-consumption of goods in general isn't helping anyone or anything. i heard bush has done this a bunch, tell people to spend and over-consume to 'help the economy'. i think it's time we stop consuming for the sake of consuming, etc. but i have little knowledge of this in economic terms, i would love for someone who's better at this to elaborate.

We need money which is (contrary to Ugg and others) based on something valuable, instead of being highly super-inflated valueless currency. We need to end the WalMartization of America. We need to end the culture which says in effect to major corporations, "Sure, go ahead and import everything and then get rid of domestic labor. We didn't really want jobs anyhow."

I mean, what's the point of having even $15 or $20/hr minimum wage standards, but a country with no employment because Corporate America completely sold this country out and took the jobs with 'em? Hmm? What point indeed...

that's something else too, way too often in recent history, the corrupted multi nationals have gotten their way, for the quest for more money. they don't care for anything else, and that is possibly the biggest flaw of capitalism. this is exactly why companies are charging more, paying less and in some ways, destroying america's foundation.

and credit is out of control too.

but i don't know too much about economics, i'm just pointing things out.

[solvs]

Um, because you live in a Socialist country which thinks confiscatory taxation is the way to prosperity.
Socialist? Really? You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.