Thursday, January 29, 2009
My Lord, Almighty...
Michael Bloomberg's gonna chop 23,000 heads tomorrow.0 comments
That's 23,000 jobs. Poof.
A great many NYC residents fervently hope that Mayor Wallet's name is at the top of that list.
Update:
We're here for you Mr. Mayor. So here are a couple of ideas. There are always one or two avenues available which you aren't mentioning.
The first is getting both the Mets and the Yankees to forego the bond issues they each just got, which we can't afford. Plus, ask them to return all the money the city plunked into those limestone and brick playgrounds, and pony up their own money or financing if they can find any. It's not like there will be NYers with any money left, who'll be willing go to the New Stadium or to Sub-Prime Field just to be gouged at every turn. MLB priced out the average baseball fan long before the economy tanked, so they really should be jake with this.
The other idea?
"That, which shall never be mentioned."
Taxes.
Big ones. For rich people. Starting with yourself. Mr. Mayor, as a billionaire who will easily drop $60 million to $100 million on your campaign to retain the use of Gracie Mansion, you obviously could pay taxes out the wazoo and still not see a dent in your daily lifestyle. At your wealth level? You'll never miss it. Nor will any of your Ultra-Mega-Stupid Rich friends and peers who will always call this city home.
That fireman who loses his job? He'll miss it. Along with the home he loses.
One thing is always true about New York City: There is always money to be had here. It may drop or rise considerably, but there will always be cash flowing through the streets here, and plenty of people who are here to rake it up, and stuff it in their pockets. This town is the world's center for Big Money. While thousands may soon start dying in the streets, there will still be plenty of folks both already here or heading here who are looking for that next big gala event, or new exclusive restaurant or shop, that next world-trotting getaway or exciting real estate venture. This town moves and shakes, so will always be THE magnet for movers and shakers.
That's great; that's as it should be. Now, tax them. Heavily. It's time they paid their fair share, anyway.
We're sure they'll want to do their fair share. Civic pride, and all that.
I know. Fat chance.
What makes one truly "elite" is the uncanny ability to whine until hoarse about their burdens being too heavy while dripping in privilege.
But you can do this, Mayor Wallet. They'll listen to you. You are best situated—as one of them, a peer, a mingler—to ease their transition into becoming fully paying members of society. Not Society; society. It'll be a whole new, fascinating world for them. Even better than Volunteering.
Do it for the city you profess to love and want to lead.
Start at the top. EEK! Close every loophole. Ouch! Then, a good 10% rise in income tax rates for every income over $1 million should get the ball rolling. Someone could even hold a Get The Ball Rolling Ball or Cotillion! Perhaps, a 5% bump would be appropriate for those of tighter means of only, say, over $500,000.
Then, create wealth and asset taxes for those who are just so friggin' rich that they haven't had to work in two or more generations—just so we don't miss anybody. Once this thing starts, none of these folks will want to be left behind. It'll obviously become the next "Thing"!
Anyone who bitches about any of this, of course, can simply forego using any city services, period, you can argue. That should prove a huge savings to the city, not having to offer police protection or fire response to those who are too rich to pay taxes. They most likely have friendly relations with Blackwater, in any event, so should be covered. We wouldn't have to pick up their garbage, either. Or fix the pothole in front of their townhouse. Or provide any other city service.
This is looking like a clear Win/Win here for all of us, Mr. Mayor.
You're welcome, sir; no problem. Every NYer wants to do their part.
posted by Gotham 9:55 PM
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