The UK has similar tax rates to the US?! That's news to me. Maybe if you don't include VAT (or sales tax, at 17.5%), the tax on petrol/gas (I don't even know what the rate is, but it's safe to say it's a lot more in the UK than in the US given relative gas prices), other taxes on cigarettes (fags!) and booze...

I don't know about the rates of business taxation, but Britain having a lower tax rate than the US in any area just doesn't sound right.

On to the healthcare system, I'd say that the other major cost factor for health insurance is the cost of medical care and pharmaceuticals, brought about in large part by excessive regulation.
Eion | 05.29.07 - 9:40 pm | #

43 million americans lack health care? You are using the socialists vocabulary. 43 million might be without insurance, but they certainly have access to health care, it's not the same thing by any stretch.
z | 05.30.07 - 12:29 am | #

No, I don't think Obama's plan will work. It MIGHT not make things any worse, but I doubt it will make things any better.

However, I have to admit that I gained some respect for Obama when I heard about this. It's so relieving to hear a candidate of either party actually propose something!

I'd like to hear some feedback from Leonardo or anyone else on this. Am I crazy for being far more willing to vote for someone who proposes action that I'm completely against than for someone just rattling off the usual political babble like Hillary or Edwards?

Are concrete policy proposals SO rare to where I have to be relieved to hear one at all, even if it is one that I oppose?
NateKuhl | 05.30.07 - 3:22 pm | #

Nate, Here is my feedback. I would love healthcare reform. FYI I am self-employed and have to insure myself, with no tax benefit that most people have. Plus, my insurance is bare-bones so I am well aware of drug prices. I would very much welcome reform and think that it is a huge issue. I just don't like Obama's plan as it does nothing to reduce the minimum coverage burdens that make insurance so expensive. I would rather have national health like the UK does.

Eion, every European country, even France and Sweden, have lower corporate tax rates than does the US. From Heritage: "The United States now has the world’s second highest corporate tax rate, second only to Japan’s. America’s corporate tax rate is higher than the rate in every European nation—even socialist welfare states like France and Sweden." You can read it on their web site. In terms of personal income tax rates, the US in close to the top in terms of federal taxes. If you live in DC add another 9.3%. In terms of the US not having a VAT, DC has a 10% tax on all sales that includes a "gross receipts" tax which means that DC residents also pay 10% on their phone bills, gas, etc. Throw in property taxes and deduct the value of the UK's national health and the US in indeed a tax offender with little to show for it.
Leonardo | 05.31.07 - 8:40 pm | #