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Cain: Poor Would Get '9-0-9'

He clarifies plan, unveils 'opportunity zones'

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 21, 2011 2:16 PM CDT

(Newser) – Herman Cain clarified and amended his 9-9-9 tax plan today, addressing concerns that it would raise taxes on the poor, who currently pay no income tax. Cain said he wouldn’t change that. “If you are at or below the poverty level, your plan isn’t 9-9-9, it is 9-0-9,” Cain told a crowd in Detroit, according to CNN. “Say amen y’all. 9-0-9.”

Of course, the poor would still face a new 9% national sales tax under Cain’s plan, almost certainly increasing the total amount they would pay. Cain also used the address to add a new wrinkle to the program: “Opportunity Zones.” In certain places with high unemployment, like Detroit, businesses would be able to deduct some amount of payroll expenses from their taxes, in addition to the spending the plan already allows them to deduct.

Herman Cain speaks while unveiling his 'Opportunity Zone' economic plan in front of the Michigan Central Station, an abandoned train depot, October 21, 2011 in Detroit.
Herman Cain speaks while unveiling his 'Opportunity Zone' economic plan in front of the Michigan Central Station, an abandoned train depot, October 21, 2011 in Detroit.   (Getty Images)
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Some of my opponents in this race have said 'Why do you want to give government another mechanism to tax us?' My response is: I want to take away the 10 million other ways they have now. - Herman Cain

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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 50 comments
JackNelsonSteward
Oct 22, 2011 10:59 AM CDT
Herman ... the reason so many folks don't pay those income taxes NOW is because they don't make enough money ... and you folks are ALWAYS yammering about it ... So ... you leave them out of THIS tax scheme, too ... except you impose a 9% national sales tax on their purchases. They still end up paying MORE, Herman, on incomes so low they don't reach the level of being required to pay income tax. and this is a "break" for them ... how?
Charles Ulysses Feney
Oct 22, 2011 1:06 AM CDT
Cain Ain't Able  A Federal Reserve stooge named Herman  Tried givin' American po'folk a sermon "If you ain't rich Then you one lazy beotch!" He's about as subtle as General Sherman. Now where does Uncle Tom get the nerve After working for the Federal Reserve, The biggest thieves on the earth, To question anyone's worth When unemployment's on an exponential curve? Herman says "Lift yourself by your laces! They's plenty jobs around for all races!" But there's no factories,' Cause with Fed subsidies, They vanished overseas, leaving no traces! But Herman's Fed prints out trillions for euro banks, Then hands the bill to taxpayers, without thanks! Man, it's as good as it can get When you've got a license to counterfeit, And now Herman wants to join the Presidential ranks! Yes, this former pizza peddler named Cain Says God told him to get into the campaign With his 9-9-9 tax plan But turn it over and scan And the "Mark of the Beast" becomes plain! When Herman's tax plan is laid on the table It's apparent that it's a tax increase fable. It's austerity in disguise Which Herman vehemently denies, But when asked to prove it, CAIN AIN'T ABLE! But Cain says he's a foreign policy man Who knows he'll need an international plan, But when put on the spot Herman had just one thought: It was "Ubeki-beki-beki-beki-stan-stan"! So if you want to see America thrive Instead of just barely survive Learn all the facts About Cains V.A.T. tax, And don't fall for Herman's ol' Shuck and Jive! ___________________________ Charles Ulysses Feney
Fondue
Oct 22, 2011 12:32 AM CDT
Herman Cain's tax policy should be more like his abortion policy. When it rapes you, you can choose to abort it. Only thing is...abortion will not be legal.

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