Hey! Anyone want to skew a poll with me?

[jenn&nelsonrego]

This is a link to my local newspaper... (Don't hold it against me)...

http://www.heraldnews.com/

There is a poll about halfway down the page about allowing same-sex couples to file joint tax returns. It only let me vote once, wanna help? :surfweb:

[ChrizJen]

Done! :thumbsup2

[npmommie]

I voted :thumbsup2

of course anyone who is married should be able to file joint tax return,

[Uncle Remus]

I voted, but please, educate me, you both live in MA and are not allowed to file joint state income tax? :confused:

Ooops, sorry, I sometimes assume everyone is gay. :teeth:

But gay couples aren't allowed to file jointly in MA, how strange.

[jenn&nelsonrego]

I voted, but please, educate me, you both live in MA and are not allowed to file joint state income tax? :confused:

I am straight and married, so I get to file any way I would like (well, except for single). I am not sure how it works in here in MA, I would assume that same sex couples who are married here would be able to file their taxes jointly, but do not know for sure.

I just saw the poll and decided it needed some help...

[I<3EvilQueen]

Done

I feel like a Bush Republican by skewing a vote :-)

[PrincessKsMom]

I voted, but it is only showing 113 votes counted thus far (60% yes, 40% no). Where are all the DISers? Hello? Votes needed people!

[Uncle Remus]

I am straight and married, so I get to file any way I would like (well, except for single). I am not sure how it works in here in MA, I would assume that same sex couples who are married here would be able to file their taxes jointly, but do not know for sure.

I just saw the poll and decided it needed some help...

I'm sorry, I'm just having the 2nd cup of coffee.
It takes me a while to get to full speed. :lmao:

That's crazy if MA couples, all of 'em, whatever flavor, can't file jointly. :confused:

Thanks for postin' the poll so we can all help. ;)

[Uncle Remus]

I voted, but it is only showing 113 votes counted thus far (60% yes, 40% no). Where are all the DISers? Hello? Votes needed people!

Well, we don't need all DISers, ever been to the CB? :lmao:

[PrincessKsMom]

Well, we don't need all DISers, ever been to the CB? :lmao:

Actually yes. I tend to get in trouble over there when I post on the political threads. :rotfl: :scared1: You're right, we want to stack the deck in our favor, not rile up the opposing team. :lmao:

[jenn&nelsonrego]

Done

I feel like a Bush Republican by skewing a vote :-)


ewwwww....


You're right, we want to stack the deck in our favor, not rile up the opposing team. :lmao:

That is why I came directly to all of you! ;)

[npmommie]

I was also wondering the same thing as Uncle Remus.
I would assume since same sex marriage is legal here that same sex couples can file their Massachusetts state income tax jointly.

but what about federal income tax? hmmmm interesting

and what about the W4 can they put married as the status on federal tax to get the lower withholding?

[wallyb]

Done.

I'm pretty sure Paul and I could file joint state income tax-
We don't because of I'm self-employed and my taxes are a lot more complicated than Paul's.

[NikkiPants]

Done!

[Uncle Remus]

I was also wondering the same thing as Uncle Remus.
I would assume since same sex marriage is legal here that same sex couples can file their Massachusetts state income tax jointly.

but what about federal income tax? hmmmm interesting

and what about the W4 can they put married as the status on federal tax to get the lower withholding?


No, gay married couples can't file federal income tax jointly as married, hopefully
Congress and the Prez will address that issue sometime during this administration.

[wallyb]

No, gay married couples can't file federal income tax jointly as married, hopefully
Congress and the Prez will address that issue sometime during this administration.

interestingly enough-
Married gays in Mass. sue US for federal benefits
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hSD8t7IgW23a2BIy7TJ9fL_0AajAD96MBJEO4

[Uncle Remus]

interestingly enough-
Married gays in Mass. sue US for federal benefits
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hSD8t7IgW23a2BIy7TJ9fL_0AajAD96MBJEO4


Mary Bonauto, GLAD's Civil Rights Project director, said the lawsuit is the first major challenge to the section of the law that denies same-sex couples access to more than 1,000 federal programs and legal protections in which marriage is a factor.

All the plaintiffs are from Massachusetts and have marriages that are recognized by the state. They include a U.S. Postal Service employee who wasn't allowed to add her spouse to her health insurance plan; a Social Security Administration retiree who was denied health insurance for his spouse; three widowers who were denied death benefits for funeral expenses; and a man who has been denied a passport bearing his married name.

"This law is an absolute intrusion into an area that states have governed for centuries — marriage," Bonauto said.


::yes::

Looks like a good SCOTUS case brewin', doesn't it? :teeth:

[wallyb]

::yes::

Looks like a good SCOTUS case brewin', doesn't it? :teeth:


... And Here We Go!popcorn::

[C&G'sMama]

1st to Kool Aid Moms - I know I'm at work, but you know I can't pass up a good tax discussion.:goodvibes

will post to poll when I get home tonight.

To echo what others have said about the taxes. State laws differ than the federal laws. Federal Tax code does not recognize same sex couples for Married filing joint. This is why if your DP gets benefits through your work the piece attributed to them that is paid by your work is added back to your taxable income. It stinks.

I am not familiar with Massachusetts tax law. It depends on how the tax code is written and the language of the law for legalization of marriage in Massachusetts.

[DVCajun]

voted! :thumbsup2

[Uncle Remus]

1st to Kool Aid Moms - I know I'm at work, but you know I can't pass up a good tax discussion.:goodvibes

will post to poll when I get home tonight.

To echo what others have said about the taxes. State laws differ than the federal laws. Federal Tax code does not recognize same sex couples for Married filing joint. This is why if your DP gets benefits through your work the piece attributed to them that is paid by your work is added back to your taxable income. It stinks.

I am not familiar with Massachusetts tax law. It depends on how the tax code is written and the language of the law for legalization of marriage in Massachusetts.

And yet, they (the folks opposed to national equal marriage) say gays have equal rights and benefits thru some corporations and municipalities that offer DP benefits.


... And Here We Go!popcorn::

Don't get me started. :lmao:

[npmommie]

from the link Wally posted

"Opponents of same-sex marriage say those who challenge DOMA are trying to impose gay marriage on the rest of the country."

I just can never get my brain to get why people think things like this. How does a person's tax status or the fact that their partner can share in job benefits, or the fact that they get married affect anyone else???:confused3
Do these people think that everyone will turn gay and get married for pete's sake just because it's legalized like it should be!!!!!!! good grief. ok im done.

[Uncle Remus]

from the link Wally posted

"Opponents of same-sex marriage say those who challenge DOMA are trying to impose gay marriage on the rest of the country."

I just can never get my brain to get why people think things like this. How does a person's tax status or the fact that their partner can share in job benefits, or the fact that they get married affect anyone else???:confused3
Do these people think that everyone will turn gay and get married for pete's sake just because it's legalized like it should be!!!!!!! good grief. ok im done.

I think I understand your sentiments, but equal marriage would reflect a
nation where all people are equal, so yes, it does affect and effect all of us.

[jenn&nelsonrego]

will post to poll when I get home tonight.



Do it once at work and once at home. Two IP addresses, two votes! :thumbsup2

[npmommie]

I think I understand your sentiments, but equal marriage would reflect a
nation where all people are equal, so yes, it does affect and effect all of us.

well that is not what I was saying.........
yes everyone treated equally does affect everyone,
but what I was saying is the opponents, saying gay marriage is being imposed on everyone.
how??
because YOU get married does not affect my life, and vice versa, your lifestyle does not intrude on mine, and to impose is to intrude, I don't get the thinking
am I saying it right?
that is why I get :confused3 when people talk about things being imposed on them

[wallyb]

Don't get me started. :lmao:

I like it. :)

You're a force to be recond with!

[Uncle Remus]

well that is not what I was saying.........
yes everyone treated equally does affect everyone,
but what I was saying is the opponents, saying gay marriage is being imposed on everyone.
how??
because YOU get married does not affect my life, and vice versa, your lifestyle does not intrude on mine, and to impose is to intrude, I don't get the thinking
am I saying it right?
that is why I get :confused3 when people talk about things being imposed on them

No, I understand what you're tryin' to say. :hug:

I don't mind tellin' bigots we're gonna impose equality for all on them. ;)

I like it. :)

You're a force to be recond with!

Thank you, I'm just passionate about this kinda stuff as I'm sure you are.
I just get in trouble for it. :lmao:

Do it once at work and once at home. Two IP addresses, two votes! :thumbsup2

:thumbsup2

:rotfl:

[rpmdfw]

I just get in trouble for it. :lmao:


Have you MET Wally?

I'd say "Trouble" is his middle name, but I think it might be his FIRST name!:rotfl2:

[npmommie]

No, I understand what you're tryin' to say. :hug:

I don't mind tellin' bigots we're gonna impose equality for all on them. ;)



LOL, see now I wasn't thinking about it like that...........that is good. I like it.
and it is a good response to the opponents

" yes we do want to impose on you, and the thing we are going to impose is equality!"

good:thumbsup2 :hug:

[wallyb]

Have you MET Wally?

I'd say "Trouble" is his middle name, but I think it might be his FIRST name!:rotfl2:

No I'm just going to go by Wally.
No middle. No last name.

Like Cher and Madonna ... and Prince :thumbsup2

[rpmdfw]

No I'm just going to go by Wally.
No middle. No last name.

Like Cher and Madonna ... and Prince :thumbsup2

And Meatloaf!

[rosiep]

Done! But with sadness that it's even a question....

[wallyb]

And Meatloaf!

Are you hinting at that time in the car...
"Paradise by the Dashboard Light" :thumbsup2

[ConcKahuna]

I voted, and just an FYI if you clear out your cookies you can vote again.. .:rolleyes1

[DVCajun]

I voted, and just an FYI if you clear out your cookies you can vote again.. .:rolleyes1
:rotfl:

[pixierella]

Voted!

[jenn&nelsonrego]

They moved the poll...

Here it is:

http://www.heraldnews.com/opinion/polls/x594733512/POLL-Equal-rights-03-04-09

If you look below the poll, you will see comments, feel free to register and blow them away! I post under "an ignored voter".

[PrincessKsMom]

I voted from home now!

[Timon-n-Pumbaa Fan]

I voted at work and at home. :thumbsup2

[C&G'sMama]

Do it once at work and once at home. Two IP addresses, two votes! :thumbsup2
I did. I just got home and found it by looking at the polls for the last few days. I don't know if I can look at the comments. I get on my local paper's discussion forum occassionally and most of the let's say, loudmouths (on all subjects), run the rest of us (people that want to have intelligent debate) off. Not because I'm afraid, but because it's thouroughly annoying.

[jenn&nelsonrego]

I did. I just got home and found it by looking at the polls for the last few days. I don't know if I can look at the comments. I get on my local paper's discussion forum occassionally and most of the let's say, loudmouths (on all subjects), run the rest of us (people that want to have intelligent debate) off. Not because I'm afraid, but because it's thouroughly annoying.

The comments on this one are not too bad b/c most people just take the poll and dont go near the comments. I just took a look and there are 3 comments... 2 are from me!

[PeterPan09]

Done! count me as another that is annoyed that this is even a question.

[NHdisneylover]

Also voted. Also annoyed it is even a question. I'll have to read those comments after dinner:goodvibes