The American Spectator

Poor Chick in Ohio| 10.16.08 @ 4:07PM

This plumber Joe is the epitome of greed! Maybe I am a little bias because I am still in college, working a crap job, and maintaining life by chowing down on nothing but Ramen noodles, but I am going to college so that I CAN make 250,000 dollars or more a year, I am spending ludacris amount of money out of hopes to some day even come close to that, and I am very aware that I will spend a good portion of my life trying to acheive that. This Joe is just a greedy man that has no desire in giving anymore than he has to. To this country that gives him the oppurtunity to make that kind of money and even indirectly giving back to those people that are his customers. It's just disgusting... What ever happend to give a little, get a little?

Scott| 10.16.08 @ 4:39PM

Who said going to College was the only path to a 250K job? You should read the book "The Millionaire Next door".

And at anyrate. "Giving" and being "Taxed" are not synonymous. Polar opposites really. Giving is well, giving. Being Taxed is someone else determining what they should take.

Also, Joe "gave" 4 years of his life back to his Country by serving in the U.S. Airforce.

Michael Pugliese | 10.16.08 @ 5:45PM

Leftist e-mailer sent me this, Joe “the Plumber” Wurzelbacher related to Charles “the Crook” Keating. Oops. October 15th, 2008 . by Marty http://www.eisenstadtgroup.com/2008/10/15/joe-the-plumber-wurzelbacher-related-to-charles-keating-oops/ October 15th, 2008 . by Marty

John McCain did great tonight in the debate. But every time John mentioned “Joe the Plumber,” some of us in the campaign banged our heads against the wall. If Steve Schmidt had any hair left, I hear he would have been pulling it out tonight. He reportedly screamed at John’s debate prep team tonight (out of earshot of reporters, of course). “You idiots - he’s related to Charles Keating… of the Keating Five scandal!” Is 'Joe the Plumber' related to Charles Keating? http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/10/16/02217/845

Anita Bonghit| 10.16.08 @ 5:53PM

Dear "Poor Chick in Ohio" are you a MORON? Joe the plumber worked for YEARS to get to the point where he could buy a business. He is no more greedy than you and has given far more than you have in terms of Taxes. Going to college does not make you some how more important than Joe. I dare say more people will be happy to pay Joe for his services than for yours. You are a PERFECT Example of elite left who considers spending on her "own" education giving to society.

ruth| 10.16.08 @ 6:59PM

College chick scares me more than Obama ever could. She is an example of many in our country who feel entitled to something she did not earn. Obama's vicious class warfare couldn't succeed without people like her.

Jim| 10.16.08 @ 10:05PM

If Joe The Plumber is such a great guy why does he owe back taxes. How was he going to get the money to buy the plumbing business when he has a lien on his house. He is a registered Republican looking for 15 minutes of fame. I am a registered Republican but voting Democrat this year for the first time.

R Cutchens| 10.17.08 @ 2:16PM

Yes. I'm quite sure "Poor Chick in Ohio" is exactly what her stereotypical statement portrays her to be - I fake poster trying to get people who don't seem to comprehend how many phony people with ulterior motives deliberately post contrary messages in an effort to get others all worked up. It's a classic example of "adverse psychology." Congratulations, you've fallen for it.

Question - if we, as a society, do not "owe" our children anything, then why do we work so hard to give them so much in life? Why are we constantly striving to ensure they have a "better life” than we had, for example? Seems like a real paradox to me that people would say our tax dollars should not be used to help build institutions and systems designed to develop our citizens and ensure our future; namely our children. After all, these are OUR tax dollars and they are OUR children.

It think people need to understand that “Joe the Plumber” that is so famous right now isn’t really in a viable position to purchase the business he works for – or at least he claims he’s not. Maybe one day he'll actually have enough cash and credit to purchase that plumbing business and maybe he won’t – who knows.

However, if people who need such services don't have extra money to pay for someone else to render them, it won’t matter much. It's amazing how much more frugal, self-sufficient and motivated people become when they don't have extra money to spend on services they could otherwise perform on their own with a few tools and a little knowledge. Major box hardware stores like Home Depot make tools easily accessible and very affordable and there's a treasure-trove of information available for FREE on the internet to anyone who takes the time and initiative to find it. I, myself, have learned a lot of new handyman skills over the past couple years this way and I’ve saved a ton of money doing it and, like “Joe the Plumber,” I don’t have license.

What people seem to forget when they start talking about "working hard" like one of the earlier posters noted that "Joe the Plumber" did is exactly that – when people don’t have extra money they tend to work harder themselves. Meaning they are less likely to employ a “Joe the Plumber” to do the work and it won’t matter much what his businesses tax rates are because he’ll have less business period.

In any case, I wish “Joe the Plumber” all the best in his newfound fame and hope he achieves his American Dream. But without “spreading the wealth around” that is simply not possible.

georgewgump| 10.18.08 @ 2:32AM

joe isn't a plumber. pool man at best.

grissie| 10.19.08 @ 12:50PM

Plumber, Poolman, Truckdriver who gives a Fat Rats Butt, he was the only one that got "The Great One" to make a tactical slip of the tongue and for once tell the truth. Joe happens to be my Hero ! I personally will donate to his 1200.00 income tax debt. Money well spent to expose the "Silver Tongued Devil."