Is America the greatest country in the world?

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  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,946
    PJ_Soul said:
    Just a note, for perspective: I literally pay less in annual income tax than most of you Americans pay just for your health insurance premiums annually. I never thought of it like that before, but wow, that's shocking, given that you guys also pay income tax (and all the other taxes) on top of that. Time for you folks to start insisting on a better system, seriously.
    You are probably right. But this is lacking some serious data. You could be benefiting from the system more than most where you live. 
    Why would I be? And no, quite the opposite. I don't even have kids or anything, and hardly ever go to the doctor, I'm on no social programs or anything like that, I earn an above average salary .... I don't think this comment really makes sense in any case. How much or how little I'm benefitting from the system has nothing at all to do with how much I pay in income tax.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,435
    PJ_Soul said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    Just a note, for perspective: I literally pay less in annual income tax than most of you Americans pay just for your health insurance premiums annually. I never thought of it like that before, but wow, that's shocking, given that you guys also pay income tax (and all the other taxes) on top of that. Time for you folks to start insisting on a better system, seriously.
    You are probably right. But this is lacking some serious data. You could be benefiting from the system more than most where you live. 
    Why would I be? And no, quite the opposite. I don't even have kids or anything, and hardly ever go to the doctor, I'm on no social programs or anything like that, I earn an above average salary .... I don't think this comment really makes sense in any case. How much or how little I'm benefitting from the system has nothing at all to do with how much I pay in income tax.
    I didn’t mean this to be negative or mean. Ok, I’ll ask a question:

    Does Canada have higher tax rates on higher earners? 
    hippiemom = goodness
  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,946
    edited November 2018
    PJ_Soul said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    Just a note, for perspective: I literally pay less in annual income tax than most of you Americans pay just for your health insurance premiums annually. I never thought of it like that before, but wow, that's shocking, given that you guys also pay income tax (and all the other taxes) on top of that. Time for you folks to start insisting on a better system, seriously.
    You are probably right. But this is lacking some serious data. You could be benefiting from the system more than most where you live. 
    Why would I be? And no, quite the opposite. I don't even have kids or anything, and hardly ever go to the doctor, I'm on no social programs or anything like that, I earn an above average salary .... I don't think this comment really makes sense in any case. How much or how little I'm benefitting from the system has nothing at all to do with how much I pay in income tax.
    I didn’t mean this to be negative or mean. Ok, I’ll ask a question:

    Does Canada have higher tax rates on higher earners? 
    No no, I didn't take it as negative or mean. It just didn't really make sense to me.
    Yes, we have tax brackets (fairly reasonable ones IMO, considering our healthcare system). This is what they were for 2018 federal taxes:

    • 15% on the first $46,605 of taxable income, +
    • 20.5% on the next $46,603 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income over 46,605 up to $93,208), +
    • 26% on the next $51,281 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income over $93,208 up to $144,489), +
    • 29% on the next $61,353 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income over 144,489 up to $205,842), +
    • 33% of taxable income over $205,842.
    And then there are provincial taxes too, on top of that, which vary by province. For BC they were:

    5.06% on the first $39,676 of taxable income, +
    7.7% on the next $39,677, +
    10.5% on the next $11,754, +
    12.29% on the next $19,523, +
    14.7% on the next $39,370, +
    16.8% on the amount over $150,000

    Post edited by PJ_Soul on
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,435
    edited November 2018
    PJ_Soul said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    PJ_Soul said:
    Just a note, for perspective: I literally pay less in annual income tax than most of you Americans pay just for your health insurance premiums annually. I never thought of it like that before, but wow, that's shocking, given that you guys also pay income tax (and all the other taxes) on top of that. Time for you folks to start insisting on a better system, seriously.
    You are probably right. But this is lacking some serious data. You could be benefiting from the system more than most where you live. 
    Why would I be? And no, quite the opposite. I don't even have kids or anything, and hardly ever go to the doctor, I'm on no social programs or anything like that, I earn an above average salary .... I don't think this comment really makes sense in any case. How much or how little I'm benefitting from the system has nothing at all to do with how much I pay in income tax.
    I didn’t mean this to be negative or mean. Ok, I’ll ask a question:

    Does Canada have higher tax rates on higher earners? 
    No no, I didn't take it as negative or mean. It just didn't really make sense to me.
    Yes, we have tax brackets (fairly reasonable ones IMO, considering our healthcare system). This is what they were for 2018 federal taxes:

    • 15% on the first $46,605 of taxable income, +
    • 20.5% on the next $46,603 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income over 46,605 up to $93,208), +
    • 26% on the next $51,281 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income over $93,208 up to $144,489), +
    • 29% on the next $61,353 of taxable income (on the portion of taxable income over 144,489 up to $205,842), +
    • 33% of taxable income over $205,842.
    And then there are provincial taxes too, on top of that, which vary by province. For BC they were:

    5.06% on the first $39,676 of taxable income, +
    7.7% on the next $39,677, +
    10.5% on the next $11,754, +
    12.29% on the next $19,523, +
    14.7% on the next $39,370, +
    16.8% on the amount over $150,000

    Thanks 

    That requires a piece of paper and pen for me to figure out ;)


    Post edited by cincybearcat on
    hippiemom = goodness
  • Meltdown99Meltdown99 Posts: 10,739
    edited November 2018
    Best states for happiness? WalletHub study ranks Hawaii first, West Virginia last

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/economy/2018/09/16/best-states-happiness-study-hawaii/1281617002/

    Of course, Hawaii is the farthest away...lol
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • mcgruff10mcgruff10 Posts: 28,478
    Best states for happiness? WalletHub study ranks Hawaii first, West Virginia last

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/economy/2018/09/16/best-states-happiness-study-hawaii/1281617002/

    Of course, Hawaii is the farthest away...lol
    I d move to Hawaii yesterday. I think it is my favorite spot on the globe. 

    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • PJ_SoulPJ_Soul Posts: 49,946
    mcgruff10 said:
    Best states for happiness? WalletHub study ranks Hawaii first, West Virginia last

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/economy/2018/09/16/best-states-happiness-study-hawaii/1281617002/

    Of course, Hawaii is the farthest away...lol
    I d move to Hawaii yesterday. I think it is my favorite spot on the globe. 

    Even I, the woman allergic to warm weather, like Hawaii, lol.
    With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy. ~ Desiderata
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,435
    mcgruff10 said:
    Best states for happiness? WalletHub study ranks Hawaii first, West Virginia last

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/economy/2018/09/16/best-states-happiness-study-hawaii/1281617002/

    Of course, Hawaii is the farthest away...lol
    I d move to Hawaii yesterday. I think it is my favorite spot on the globe. 

    Its mine. Lots of places I haven’t been but Kauai especially is my favorite so far.

    hippiemom = goodness
  • CM189191CM189191 Posts: 6,927
    mcgruff10 said:
    Best states for happiness? WalletHub study ranks Hawaii first, West Virginia last

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/economy/2018/09/16/best-states-happiness-study-hawaii/1281617002/

    Of course, Hawaii is the farthest away...lol
    I d move to Hawaii yesterday. I think it is my favorite spot on the globe. 

    Its mine. Lots of places I haven’t been but Kauai especially is my favorite so far.

    Kauai is beautiful

    I've hiked the Kalalau trail - wonderful camping.  Tomatoes, guava and mangoes all along the trail.
  • mcgruff10 said:
    Best states for happiness? WalletHub study ranks Hawaii first, West Virginia last

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/economy/2018/09/16/best-states-happiness-study-hawaii/1281617002/

    Of course, Hawaii is the farthest away...lol
    I d move to Hawaii yesterday. I think it is my favorite spot on the globe. 

    Its mine. Lots of places I haven’t been but Kauai especially is my favorite so far.

    Mine too! Princeville and in particular. Hanalei Bay.
    "My brain's a good brain!"
  • cincybearcatcincybearcat Posts: 16,435
    mcgruff10 said:
    Best states for happiness? WalletHub study ranks Hawaii first, West Virginia last

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/economy/2018/09/16/best-states-happiness-study-hawaii/1281617002/

    Of course, Hawaii is the farthest away...lol
    I d move to Hawaii yesterday. I think it is my favorite spot on the globe. 

    Its mine. Lots of places I haven’t been but Kauai especially is my favorite so far.

    Mine too! Princeville and in particular. Hanalei Bay.
    Exactly. My exact spot!
    hippiemom = goodness
  • PJ_Soul said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    What do my friends north of the border pay for healgh care a year?  Is it an itemized deduction on your pay Chevk?
    that's really hard to say.

    no, it is not, unless you are talking about private insurance coverage you get from your employer. 
    I've never heard of such specifics filtering through an employer like that at all. I'm pretty sure even with extended healthcare plans, that kind of thing is kept confidential. I.e. the employer provides the insurance plan, but you still go through the insurance broker as an individual. I.e. I send my prescription receipts directly to Blue Cross for reimbursement. It's none of my employer's business which prescriptions I got. Same for any other medical treatment covered by extended healthcare insurance.
    I wasn't referring to what care you get, I was referring to the deductions/employee contributions for your benefits package. I thought that's what mcgruff was asking. 
    new album "Cigarettes" out Spring 2025!

    www.headstonesband.com




  • HughFreakingDillonHughFreakingDillon Posts: 36,906
    edited November 2018
    stupid double post
    new album "Cigarettes" out Spring 2025!

    www.headstonesband.com




  • PJ_Soul said:
    mcgruff10 said:
    What do my friends north of the border pay for healgh care a year?  Is it an itemized deduction on your pay Chevk?

    In Ontario we have a health levy, it's not much ... its just extra tax.  You know what, even poor people get good treatment ... that's what matters.  I went to my doctor for a note last week, I was billed $0...
    I would like to go in for my annual dermatologist appointment, just to be looked over for any possible abnormalities, as I'm considered high risk for melanoma due to a strong family history with it. That will also cost me $0. Last time I went she gave me a quick surgery right then and there too, to remove a couple spots that she thought might cause trouble someday down the road. Skin cancer prevention surgery on same day of evaluation = $0.
    Do we have some waiting lists for hip and knee replacements, and non-emergency scans? And sometimes a wait at an ER when it's not life or death? Yep, in some places, anyway. Small price to pay IMHO.
    your hatred for the sun is starting to make some sense. lol
    new album "Cigarettes" out Spring 2025!

    www.headstonesband.com




  • Spiritual_ChaosSpiritual_Chaos Posts: 30,498
    edited November 2018
    So, we know that Sweden can be a bit more expensive than the US because of us trying to have a health care system that isn't sadistic and free education and such. Our flat 25 % VAT on most goods etc.

    Without getting into the discussion about the US leading the way on bacteria resistance against antibiotics because of the private US doctors are giving their "customers" what they want and over-subscripe antiobiotics compared to other countries...

    ... I had surgery and had to get some antiobiotics on subscription for a 7 day treatment. It cost me $28.



    What would it cost in the US?
    Post edited by Spiritual_Chaos on
    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
  • So, we know that Sweden can be a bit more expensive than the US because of us trying to have a health care system that isn't sadistic and free education and such. Our flat 25 % VAT on most goods etc.

    Without getting into the discussion about the US leading the way on bacteria resistance against antibiotics because of the private US doctors are giving their "customers" what they want and over-subscripe antiobiotics compared to other countries...

    ... I had surgery and had to get some antiobiotics on subscription for a 7 day treatment. It cost me $28.



    What would it cost in the US?

    Our friends need a day off, Spiritual.
    "My brain's a good brain!"
  • mcgruff10mcgruff10 Posts: 28,478
    edited November 2018
    So, we know that Sweden can be a bit more expensive than the US because of us trying to have a health care system that isn't sadistic and free education and such. Our flat 25 % VAT on most goods etc.

    Without getting into the discussion about the US leading the way on bacteria resistance against antibiotics because of the private US doctors are giving their "customers" what they want and over-subscripe antiobiotics compared to other countries...

    ... I had surgery and had to get some antiobiotics on subscription for a 7 day treatment. It cost me $28.



    What would it cost in the US?
    If it is generic it would cost me $3. Brand would be $20. 
    It all depends on your insurance. 
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • mcgruff10 said:
    So, we know that Sweden can be a bit more expensive than the US because of us trying to have a health care system that isn't sadistic and free education and such. Our flat 25 % VAT on most goods etc.

    Without getting into the discussion about the US leading the way on bacteria resistance against antibiotics because of the private US doctors are giving their "customers" what they want and over-subscripe antiobiotics compared to other countries...

    ... I had surgery and had to get some antiobiotics on subscription for a 7 day treatment. It cost me $28.



    What would it cost in the US?
    If it is generic it would cost me $3. Brand would be $20. 
    It all depends on your insurance. 
    someone without insurance?
    new album "Cigarettes" out Spring 2025!

    www.headstonesband.com




  • mcgruff10 said:
    So, we know that Sweden can be a bit more expensive than the US because of us trying to have a health care system that isn't sadistic and free education and such. Our flat 25 % VAT on most goods etc.

    Without getting into the discussion about the US leading the way on bacteria resistance against antibiotics because of the private US doctors are giving their "customers" what they want and over-subscripe antiobiotics compared to other countries...

    ... I had surgery and had to get some antiobiotics on subscription for a 7 day treatment. It cost me $28.



    What would it cost in the US?
    If it is generic it would cost me $3. Brand would be $20. 
    It all depends on your insurance. 

    Lol

    That settles it. The US is better than Sweden.
    "My brain's a good brain!"
  • Meltdown99Meltdown99 Posts: 10,739
    Maybe the Swedish dude should start a thread, Is Sweden better than the US???LOL
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • mcgruff10mcgruff10 Posts: 28,478
    mcgruff10 said:
    So, we know that Sweden can be a bit more expensive than the US because of us trying to have a health care system that isn't sadistic and free education and such. Our flat 25 % VAT on most goods etc.

    Without getting into the discussion about the US leading the way on bacteria resistance against antibiotics because of the private US doctors are giving their "customers" what they want and over-subscripe antiobiotics compared to other countries...

    ... I had surgery and had to get some antiobiotics on subscription for a 7 day treatment. It cost me $28.



    What would it cost in the US?
    If it is generic it would cost me $3. Brand would be $20. 
    It all depends on your insurance. 

    Lol

    That settles it. The US is better than Sweden.
    You know it.  I d rate Canada higher but it is just too damn cold up there. It is 15F here today, I can’t stand it. 
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • rgambsrgambs Posts: 13,576
    There is no doubt that if you were to consider health care a tax, America would have the highest taxe rates in the world.
    Monkey Driven, Call this Living?
  • Meltdown99Meltdown99 Posts: 10,739
    No doubt in my mind the US has the best Thanksgiving,  Turkey, and ham and all the trimmings followed by football...
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • No doubt in my mind the US has the best Thanksgiving,  Turkey, and ham and all the trimmings followed by football...
    and an extra day off called "The day after thanksgiving". LOL. that's awesome. 
    new album "Cigarettes" out Spring 2025!

    www.headstonesband.com




  • mcgruff10mcgruff10 Posts: 28,478
    No doubt in my mind the US has the best Thanksgiving,  Turkey, and ham and all the trimmings followed by football...
    and an extra day off called "The day after thanksgiving". LOL. that's awesome. 
    It is nIce having a four day weekend. 
    I'll ride the wave where it takes me......
  • Meltdown99Meltdown99 Posts: 10,739
    No doubt in my mind the US has the best Thanksgiving,  Turkey, and ham and all the trimmings followed by football...
    and an extra day off called "The day after thanksgiving". LOL. that's awesome. 
    Another great reason...
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • Meltdown99Meltdown99 Posts: 10,739
    In Canada, we usually get a couple CFL games.  Might as well watch US high school football over the CFL.
    Give Peas A Chance…
  • No doubt in my mind the US has the best Thanksgiving,  Turkey, and ham and all the trimmings followed by football...
    Well, Sweden has the best Midsommar.
    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
  • Maybe the Swedish dude should start a thread, Is Sweden better than the US???LOL
    Sweden is by pretty much every metric better than the US - from the treatment of its citiens to how it treats the planet.  So that would be a pretty short thread.
    "Mostly I think that people react sensitively because they know you’ve got a point"
  • Meltdown99Meltdown99 Posts: 10,739
    edited November 2018
    Maybe the Swedish dude should start a thread, Is Sweden better than the US???LOL
    Sweden is by pretty much every metric better than the US - from the treatment of its citiens to how it treats the planet.  So that would be a pretty short thread.
    LMFAO...Highly doubt it...
    Post edited by Meltdown99 on
    Give Peas A Chance…
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