From an AP wire report:
By almost a 2-1 ratio, Americans prefer balancing the nation's budget to cutting taxes, according to an Associated Press poll, even though many believe that their overall tax burden has risen despite federal tax cuts over the past three years.
About six in 10, 61 percent, chose balancing the budget, while 36 percent chose tax cuts when they were asked which was more important, according to a poll conducted for the AP by Ipsos Public Affairs.
As the nation's tax deadline of April 15 approaches, people's lukewarm feeling about tax cuts may be influenced by a belief that recent cuts haven't helped them personally.
Half in the poll, 49 percent said their overall tax burden, including federal, state, and local taxes had gone up over the past three years. That's almost four times the 13 percent in the poll that said their taxes had gone down.
"Every time you turn around, there's a new gasoline tax, more property taxes, a library tax -- because they don't have enough money," said Tom Artley, a 52-year-old supervisor at a a manufacturing plant in Williamsport, Pa. He was referring to increasing financial problems faced by many cities and states.
"I'd like to retire in the next five years," Artley said. "it's scary for people like me who are going to be living on a fixed income."
Even when it comes down to federal taxes, most in the public don't believe that their taxes have gone down over the past three years.
Hmmm, wonder who was saying exactly that during the primary? </snark>
I have always contended that Kerry's support of BushCo tax cuts and the idiotic "Benedict Arnold companies" throw-away line wouldn't resonate with average voters. So how would you suggest he reposition himself on this issue?
