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Finance

Fed-Up Phil: Popular Golfer Mickelson Says High Taxes Are Going to Force Him Into ‘Drastic Changes’ (Could He Retire?)

Jan. 21, 2013 8:13am Jonathon M. Seidl

Phil Mickelson Promises Drastic Changes Due to High Taxes | Retirement?

LA QUINTA, CA – JANUARY 20: Phil Mickelson hits out of a bunker on the 12th hole during the final round of the Humana Challenge In Partnership With The Clinton Foundation on the Palmer Private Course at PGA West on January 20, 2013 in La Quinta, California. Credit: Getty Images

LA QUINTA, Calif. (TheBlaze/AP) — Phil Mickelson said he will make “drastic changes” because of federal and California state tax increases.

“It’s been an interesting offseason,” Mickelson said Sunday after the final round of the Humana Challenge. “And I’m going to have to make some drastic changes. I’m not going to jump the gun and do it right away, but I will be making some drastic changes.”

The 42-year-old golfer said he would talk in more detail about his plans – possibly moving away from California or even retiring from golf – before his hometown Farmers Insurance Open, the San Diego-area event that starts Thursday at Torrey Pines.

“I’m not sure what exactly, you know, I’m going to do yet,” Mickelson said. “I’ll probably talk about it more in depth next week. I’m not going to jump the gun, but there are going to be some. There are going to be some drastic changes for me because I happen to be in that zone that has been targeted both federally and by the state and, you know, it doesn’t work for me right now. So I’m going to have to make some changes.”

In November, California voters approved Proposition 30, the first statewide tax increase since 2004. Mickelson lives in Rancho Santa Fe.

“If you add up all the federal and you look at the disability and the unemployment and the Social Security and the state, my tax rate’s 62, 63 percent,” Mickelson said. “So I’ve got to make some decisions on what I’m going to do.”

Last year, Mickelson flirted with becoming a part owner of the San Diego Padres, the baseball team that sold for $800 million in August. He was asked Sunday if there was a correlation between the tax increases and what happened to the Padres’ deal.

“Absolutely,” Mickelson said.

He later explained why he was waiting to provide more details.

“I’ll probably be in the media center and I’ll probably be a little more open to it because San Diego is where a lot more things, it’s where I live, it’s where the Padre thing was a possibility, and it’s where my family is,” Mickelson said. “And it just seems like a better fit than right here off of 18 on Palm Springs.”

Mickelson closed with a 66 on Sunday to tie for 37th at 17 under in his season debut.

“I was rusty starting the year,” Mickelson said. “I had a great four days here where I can work on my game with perfect weather and wonderful golf courses, where I could build some momentum. Heading into San Diego, I feel a lot more confident.”

The tournament was his first since the HSBC Champions in early November in China. The Hall of Famer has 40 PGA Tour victories.

USA Today has the full press conference exchange below:

Q. When you’re asked about Stricker’s semi retirement, with the political situation the last couple months, blah, blah, blah, what did you mean by that? Do you find it an unsettling time in a way?

PHIL MICKELSON: Well, it’s been an interesting offseason. And I’m going to have to make some drastic changes. I’m not going to jump the gun and do it right away, but I will be making some drastic changes.

Q. Meaning leaving from California?

PHIL MICKELSON: I’m not sure.

Q. Moving to Canada?

PHIL MICKELSON: I’m not sure what exactly, you know, I’m going to do yet. I’ll probably talk about it more in depth next week. I’m not going to jump the gun, but there are going to be some. There are going to be some drastic changes for me because I happen to be in that zone that has been targeted both federally and by the state and, you know, it doesn’t work for me right now. So I’m going to have to make some changes.

Q. Is that a correlation between that and what happened to the Padres?

PHIL MICKELSON: Yeah.

Q. With you?

PHIL MICKELSON: Absolutely.

Q. So why do you say next week? What is going to happen so drastic next week?

PHIL MICKELSON: No, but I’ll probably be in the media center and I’ll probably be a little more open to it because San Diego is where a lot more things, it’s where I live, it’s where the Padre thing was a possibility, and it’s where my family is. And it just seems like a better fit than right here off of 18 on Palm Springs.

Q. Is it a stance that you are taking because on the one hand, you’ve made a lot of money, and no matter how much they take out, you are left with a lot of money?

PHIL MICKELSON: Yeah. I’ll probably go into it more next year or next week. But if you add up, if you add up all the federal and you look at the disability and the unemployment and the Social Security and the state, my tax rate’s 62, 63 percent. So I’ve got to make some decisions on what I’m going to do.

Q. How do you balance that against the TOUR’s retirement plan which by all standards is the best retirement plan in sports?

PHIL MICKELSON: I don’t understand. What do you mean?

Q. Well, I mean I understand the 60 percent part of the equation, but in the TOUR’s plan, you guys put about as much money aside as you want. It’s treated differently under tax laws than most anybody else’s tax plans. Where most people can only put away $45,000 or $50,000, you guys can put as much away as you want. And so at the end you guys end up with a much larger pot of gold than most people can.

PHIL MICKELSON: But when it comes out, it’s still taxed at the same 62 percent rate.

Q. Well, you’re still making that kind of money. That’s if you’re still in that bracket.

PHIL MICKELSON: (No response.)

While it’s unclear what drastic changes he’ll make, plenty in the golf world have suggested retirement is on the table.

Forbes writes: “To be honest, it’s hard to blame Mickelson – who has compiled a net worth approaching $180 million by repeatedly striking a tiny white ball until it falls into a hole — for putting all options on the table, which according to some, include the possibility of prematurely shutting down his career to avoid his rising tax burden.”

The link goes to a Twitchy story that quotes a tweet from golf blogger Scott Michaux:

That tweet, however, appears to have been replaced by this one:

I should clarify that “shutting down” spec was reference to cryptic Stricker semi-retirement question. We’ll see what “drastic change” means

— Scott Michaux (@ScottMichaux) January 21, 2013

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Comments (157)

TreeTrimmerJim
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 10:12am
Our voter education level over the last 100 years has voted for our current situation.

If we keep doing what we are doing and expect an improvement, we are nuts. We must improve our education system. We must employ millions of minds solving the problem instead of the tens of minds driving our current system.

Our national debt is growing because we are trying to feed and care for a growing list of people not sufficiently educated to feed and care for themselves.

Our low productivity is measured by shrinking rural communities, growing slums and falling education standing worldwide.

Our education system is built on the back of Mandatory Public School Attendance. Which removes competition from the privilege of assisting parents in educating their children.

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- RANGER1965
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 10:24am
  “I happen to be in that zone that has been targeted both federally and by the state and, you know, it doesn’t work for me right now.”
  
  Does outright theft ever work for anyone, at anytime?
  
  Report this comment
- redfish52
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 10:46am
  Phil…how dare you even think like this much less say it…so you have spent hundreds of hours crafting your game, won Majors, have a wonderful family and a wife that beat cancer and the government didn’t help you with one thing along the way…no swing tips, no club selection…no nothing. Oh but you did drive on Federally funded highways so in their eye’s your paying insane taxes is something you should see as a privilege. I recommend you do a little PR backtracking and just say your arthritis was acting up or you stubbed your toe…something….anything before the Left Media Machine puts you in the same category as Lance Armstrong.
  
  Report this comment
- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 11:05am
  When theft becomes the law, expect many honest people to become lawbreakers by choice. There is no virtue in Rule of Law, if the law is constructed to destroy your life and confiscate the bread from your children’s mouths.
  
  I suggest alternative economies that work outside of the current bent system.
  
  Report this comment
- Choctaw25
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 11:18am
  Being good at what you do is a crime and will not be tolerated, making lots of money in the process is not fair either, everyone needs to pay their “Fair Share”.
  If everyone payes their “Fair Share”, then the LOSERS in Life will also be able to get wide screen TV’s, Cadillacs, Drugs, Expensive Tennis Shoes, Cash at ATM’s in strip clubs and everyone will be dragged down to their level of Welfare, Food Stamps, Public Housing, Free Medical, Free Dental, Free Eye Care, Free Barry phones, everyone will be able to dip from the Well of Plenty and won’t have to lift a finger in order to get them.
  Life is Great in the Welfare Hood.
  
  Report this comment
- girlnurse
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 11:38am
  It would help if our government was FOR us and not AGAINST us! Theyre so busy taxing, regulating, shipping off our jobs, and giving percs to foreigners…with friends like our government who needs enemies!
  
  Report this comment
- SavvyCowboy
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 1:14pm
  Absolutely right on @Treetrimmin-Jim!! The “Low Information Voters” put us into this situation of considering low achievement. If we don’t CRUSH this insanity soon, “The American Dream” will be DOA – and our country will soon follow. This has been the plan of the communist-left (read former demoncrat party) all along. Our goal must be to destroy them, their ideology, their rhetoric – nothing else will save this country, other than another civil war – something we should never dream of!!
  
  Report this comment
- DarkJello
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 2:00pm
  American culture is beyond weak thanks to regressive priorities.
  
  No worries though, AmeriKa is almost here. Gooberment will save us.
  
  Report this comment
- turkey13
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 2:56pm
  I can’t believe he is paying taxes. All the pro sports figures including Nascar racers have charitable trusts set up an then just write a check for what ever home are car they want. If they don’t want to go this route they can do like the kid that got his billion when Facebook went public. He was set up in advance to give up his citizenship and keep his billion. All he had to do was pay a small exit fee. Now when ever he wants to come to the USA he just comes as a tourist.
  
  Report this comment
- Mulder1
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 4:50pm
  Yes, Phil move away from the Socialist State of Kalifornia and move to a state with lower taxes.
  
  Report this comment
- Justthefactsmam
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 5:24pm
  This story clearly illustrates the “Law of Unintended Consequences” that the libs cannot ever understand. They look at it like “We will raise taxes this much and get this much more money.” When in fact Lefty is showing what happens…
  
  Report this comment
- Quester55
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 6:28pm
  You Know, I didn’t think about it before, But with these new Tax Increases & the Extremely High Wages these Sports nuts make, I wounder if we’ll see a Return to the Price of ” a 50 Cent Hot-dog, and 1.00 pop VS the Current $5.00 Hot-dog & $10.00 Drinks?
  These New Taxes may hold out a Big Surprise for the FAN’S of these Sports Shows.
  
  Report this comment
- AZindependent
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 6:33pm
  Hard to feel sorry for a guy with his and hers private jets, but 63% is a big bite. Maybe he can get some cash games in Galt’s Gulch?
  
  Report this comment
- Cottoneyed77
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 7:07pm
  It’s too late. The dye has already been cast. The low information voter reigns now, therefore, we must be allowed to live a separate existence. We cannot let them reign over us. It’s intolerable. Their governance will ultimately lead to disaster. Separate from them now. Divide the country. Give them over to their own indecent devises but the decent should not have to suffer their ignorance.
  
  Report this comment
- Keatonc333
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:02pm
  Quester… God I hope so! 10 dollar beers? ridiculous!
  
  Report this comment
- Keatonc333
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:07pm
  You have to feel for the poor guy! I mean now he might have to retire in his early 40s and might not be able to buy the san diego padres! Poor poor thing! Hint for the Blaze. If your going to try and stir up anger over how higher taxes hurt people. try not to use someone who’s made millions playing a game, and in position to own a major league baseball team!
  
  Report this comment
- Zipit
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 11:56pm
  Keaton! If he does retire in his 40s, it’ll be because of something that you will never know or understand! Talent and hard work!!!!!
  
  Report this comment
- missdagnytaggart
  Posted on January 22, 2013 at 12:01am
  Dare I say it, is Phil going John Galt?
  
  Report this comment
- TexasKnight
  Posted on January 22, 2013 at 4:10am
  I am willing to bet he:
  1) moves to Texas
  2) declares Texas or Florida to be his new home, but really stays most of the time in San.Deigo
  3) revokes his citizenship to a country with a much lower tax rate, takes his money and goes there. Only returning to play in tourneys.
  If I had the money/skill to do so, I sure would.
  
  Report this comment
- old white guy
  Posted on January 22, 2013 at 5:48am
  treetrim,,,, it does not matter what is done, america as it was, a free and prosperous country, is finished. the majority of people have become lazy socialists and until that generation suffers as a result of their stupidity there will be no changes.
  
  Report this comment
- BLACKDIAMONDSKIER
  Posted on January 22, 2013 at 7:36am
  A good philosophy is do unto others as you would have them do unto you. So for you envious dirtbags out there who think taking 62 percent of someones earnings is a good idea try taking 38 cents home for every dollar you earn. I wonder what your response would be.
  
  Nobody ever recognizes what must occur when the rich stop working because of oppressive tax burdens? What the govt was using to redistribute to others will not be there anymore. Think of the loss of revenue simply by one rich guy getting fed up? This is the most dangerous part of where we are headed. Eventually, the govt will have to force people to participate for the good of the country as a whole. Simply because people will not work under an oppressive tax rate on any level for very long.
  
  Report this comment
- redfish52
  Posted on January 22, 2013 at 10:46am
  I hate being right all the time….as I predicted the Left Media Machine jumped on Phil like a duck on a Junebug and now like a dummy he is backpedaling on his comments. What a big wuss…hey Phil take ten years off and then play the Senior Tour….you might win there.
  
  Report this comment
- FreeTheMarket
  Posted on January 22, 2013 at 11:41am
  Would it be too much to ask to require each eligible voter pass a basic civics test before being allowed to choose their leaders? Liberals thrive on ignorance and apathy. That is truly the only reason progressivism continues to flourish.
  
  Report this comment
circleDwagons
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 10:02am
His health might be an issue also. I would love to see him still play at a professinal level, It is an encouragement. GOD bless him and his family

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txjb
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:58am
Yes Phil , our politicians from D.C. to anytown ,do know how to ruin a good country . Tax and control.

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VetMike
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:45am
I don’t blame his one bit. Makers are seeing that they are seriously out-numbered by the takers and fakers. It is easy to feel that your efforts are being spent in supporting people who are simply a drag on society. I don’t mind giving a hand up but I’m sick and tired of giving handouts.

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paulwbrown
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:45am
Sixty-three percent tax rate. Still a ways to go for Obama and others to catch up with their model of France’s 75% tax rate. Russia’s is about not even half of that. World upside down!

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moreteaplease
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:44am
My question is, of all of the taxes that the governments are going to be putting us over the barrel for, how much is REALLY going to go to the “have-not’s” and how much is actually going into the government’s pocket? The government’s spending habits make them the neediest entitlement group there is in this country.

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- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 10:08am
  That’s easy to figure out. Take all of the entitlement programs in the budget (the last time we had a budget), and divide the money amongst all those considered at or below the poverty line. Last time I did that, I came out to about $160,000 per poverty stricken person (I believe, it may have been $110,000, I honestly don’t remember). Now, the numbers in poverty have remained nearly dead spot on the same as they were when LBJ foisted this notion of a giant welfare state on us. Where do you think that 95% of the money is actually going? ;)
  
  Report this comment
1HonestInjun
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:40am
Phil how dare you not pay your fair share. Here I thought you were an all American. You are nothing but an anti-socialist. (scarcastic)

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- honeydijon13
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 10:35am
  I say WHAT high taxes.
  At one time you paid 94%
  
  Report this comment
- GhostOfJefferson
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 11:28am
  60% is high taxation. Just because another generation was stupid enough to consent to more, doesn’t make this amount low.
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 1:44pm
  honeydijon13
  
  “Me thinks” honeydijon13 does not make much money because honeydijon13 did not want to work hard or study hard.
  
  So to disparage low tax rates is their way of saying “sour grapes”
  
  Report this comment
- honeydijon13
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 1:58pm
  Trickle Down is a hoax.
  We have had over 3 decades to learn that.
  
  Report this comment
- happ77
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 2:39pm
  Honey, 1) when the tax rates were “94%” there were so
  many loopholes the rich actually paid about what
  they do now. 2) you twitt, for trickle down to work
  the people on the bottom have to actually WORK.
  
  Report this comment
- Walkabout
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 2:57pm
  Shirt sleeves to shirt sleeves in 3 generations. Trickle down absolutely works.
  
  People make more, they spend more.
  
  Or we could do it the Liberal way
  People make more. They are tax more. They downshift. Progress comes slower.
  
  Report this comment
- Keatonc333
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:04pm
  Honey is right. Trickle down has never been proven to work. and we have had 3 decades to figure that out!
  
  Report this comment
- Zipit
  Posted on January 22, 2013 at 12:00am
  And you ended up on the bottom, didn’t ya Keaton?
  
  Report this comment
- missdagnytaggart
  Posted on January 22, 2013 at 12:03am
  Trickledown was responsible for the stellar economy of the late 80s and 90s.
  
  Report this comment
PA PATRIOT
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:39am
Is this vitriolic rhetoric ?.
Ooohhhh perhaps he will buy a gun.

Does he take medication… Why yes, he even advertises it on TV.

Following side effects

fever, night sweats, weight loss, tiredness;

changes in mood or personality (in children);

Will he be singled out because of his Enbrel use?

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perry1980
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:37am
First Move out of California. Move to a state with NO state income tax.
Then shut up and stop complaining about being a Multi Millionaire

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- PA PATRIOT
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:44am
  Agreed
  Would he accept an invitation to play golf with the POTUS?
  Cha Ching $$$$$$$$
  
  Report this comment
- whatsallthisthen
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 10:58am
  Mr Perry, I sure didn’t hear any complaining about him being wealthy. You are right about leaving Cal. I’d love to see the big money makers (job creators) head to states like TX or FL. I say get out now before CA and moonbeam start penalizing people for leaving. I know there are other states without income taxes and some that are moving to eliminate state income taxes. Pick a state with responsible leaders that know how to balance a budget. Moonbeam is already claiming a budget surplus based on faulty $figures from a big sell-off at the end of last year, so as far as he’s concerned it’s time to spend spend spend!!!
  
  Report this comment
- cantstandlibs
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 12:53pm
  He can try to move out, but Cali will likely force him to prove where he is each day of the year to avoid paying state taxes there. Of course tournaments played there will be subject to their income tax. You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.
  
  Report this comment
- Haasbola
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:54pm
  You all miss the point. 63%, means you go home with less than 40%, this is Socialism. Anyone in thier right mind no matter you make 50K or 50million if more of your money is taken by an ever growing government out of control you would want out too. Think of the money he generates for hundreds, maybe thousands of other people living on a medium income, advertising, all the merchandise companies, Coke, Nike, TV, auto makers. Funny Keaton333 or 33 which ever, says trickle down economics does not work. NO SYSTEM WORKS AS WELL AS CAPITALISM. MARXISM, SOCIALISM is proven not to work time and time again, show me where it has worked. The most prosperous country on this earth, the most generous in history 230 odd years is all it took, under capitalism.
  
  Report this comment
Mess23
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:27am
When the government becomes too greedy…how predictable

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- IndyGuy
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:35am
  Hey Obama…..FOOOOOORRRRRRe…
  
  Report this comment
- Mess23
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 10:05am
  Either that or Obama is playing thru…
  
  Just keep your head down America
  
  Report this comment
theBru
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:27am
I worked in Russia soon after the wall went down, and all of their people were rejoicing about freedom, something none of them ever experienced…it seems that their spirit was great but, they couldn’t seem to get their work habits to match that spirit…

The reason for that was the fact that they had grown up and were programmed to work in that communistic system where there are no rewards for doing a great job, being successful was not the “In” thing. No matter how hard they worked, no matter how smart they were, they were pigeon-holed to be whatever it was at that time…there was no advancement, no raises for doing good, there was no incentive to get ahead, everyone was equal in that particular field…it is a poisoned society, and that is exactly what is happening here, with oblameaux’s class warfare…he is making sure everyone of us becomes “Middle Class”, because in his world there are no more “poor” people…You have two classes, “Middle” and “elites”…Which class do you think you will be pigeon-holed into???

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- TEARS FOR AMERICA
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:39am
  In socialist/communist nations, there is the elite and there is the poor…there is no in between and that is what they are insuring right now, the destruction of the middle class in America.
  
  Report this comment
- Jeff Bassett
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:41am
  The American work ethic, as well as general principles are dying, spurred on by the governments policies. So it may not matter in the long run. The fact that such a socialist progressive person on Obama’s record could get re-elected proves the above point. Americans have lost their foundational values which is allowing such politicians to get elected and destroy the “American way”.
  
  The erosion of guaranteed constitutional rights and the lack of defense by those responsible over the years as well the apathy of the electorate is the downfall of this country.
  
  It is sad to see given my own personal values and appreciation of history. But those who do not know history, who do not understand or even value what they have are bound to repeat history and loose their freedom. Heartbreaking to see this great experiment end in this manner.
  
  Report this comment
- OneTermPresident
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 10:01am
  I disagree.. a bit. O’blamer wants there will be two classes. The very poor and a very poor middle class. In his first term he succeeded in putting more people in the cart than are pulling it. Look at the 1963 list of Communist goals…. he’s following it and checking them off as he goes. He said… “‘However many jobs might be generated by the Keystone Pipeline, they’re going to be a lot fewer than the jobs created by extending the payroll tax cut and extending unemployment insurance.’” So much for the payroll tax cut… GONE!
  
  Report this comment
- DebateMe
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 12:02pm
  @TEARS FOR AMERICA
  You’ve slightly mislabled the situation you get in communist countries. It’s not the ‘elite’ and ‘poor’ classes. They are better labled as the ‘politically connected’ and ‘everyone else’ classes.
  
  Report this comment
GrayPanther
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:27am
Typical A hole reporter who will never make much money. Just as capital travels around the world where it is safest and can make the most return, it goes also where the taxes are more favorable. Too bad reporters are absent common sense.

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@leftfighter
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:25am
Here’s the problem Phil faces:

He can leave California for an income tax free state if he likes, but every dime he makes there will be taxed anyway.

Perfect example: Limbaugh, who’s under audit by the NY State government every year so they can tax him on every day he’s in the state.

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Simonne
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:17am
I would move to because why give such a big percentage of your hard earn money to the government?

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bikerdogred1
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:17am
A dumb story,would have been better without story.

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- M13
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 10:01am
  Why did you read it and then comment on it if it is such a non story?
  
  Report this comment
HKS
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:15am
A lot of these successful folks, like a lot of business will be moving out of this country. The way things are going here the US is just a welfare state that’s about to loose it’s welfare.

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progressiveslayer
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:52am
Every time a POS lifetime politician promises to take in x amount of money through confiscastory taxation to perpetuate the welfare state they never take in the amount they claim they will. In the case of Mickelson he’s acting in his self interest and rightly so,he’ll do everything legally possible to reduce his tax burden. You’ll see more and more of the wealthy protecting their wealth because of confiscatory taxation,this is normal behavior and only a collectivist like BHO would think it isn’t,publically that is but he’ll be protecting his ill gotten gains of that I have no doubt.

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- JRook
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:07am
  Ok champ let’s see if you can follow this. SS and Medicare are not aspects of a welfare state as they are essentially forced savings for retirement and healthcare. Without them the majority of US citizens could not possibly survive through their retirement and certainly could not afford adequate healthcare. The fact that cowardly politicians did not fund them adequately, similar to State pension plans is a different issue and discussion. Now with those aside you will find that defense, IT and infrastructure spending are the largest segments of the federal budget. You will find that it is not the poor who lobby for food stamps but the food producers and suppliers. The federal government is used as an ATM by large corporations and the wealthy in virtually every industry. Case in point Bush’s bank bailouts. Try and get beyond the Fox News BS talking points and follow the money. You think Bush’s Medicare prescription benefit was adequately paid for and doesn’t benefit big pharma first and foremost. Stop being so lazy and see who lobbied for the Medicare drug benefit along with AARP. It was the pharmaceutical industry. The 15 year old, crack head mothers are not the people benefiting from federal spending and certainly not the people ripping off US citizens.
  
  Report this comment
- badswing
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:16am
  jrook, welcome to the tea party
  
  Report this comment
- SocialismSuxEveryday
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:41am
  jrook, both republicans and democrats are progressives. In other words both parties view the treasury as a cookie jar and keep emptying it for their buddies. Looting the treasury for political gain is abling the Reps. and Sen,s to get ‘deals’ on the side. if these jerks aren’t wealthy when they get into office they end up being wealthy when they leave. That ‘s why the likes of John Edwards and Anthony Weiner run for oraface.
  
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- progressiveslayer
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:49am
  Rookie You’re not teaching me anything about any topic and especially this,I know you think the corporations runs this country and I think the government does. Who writes the laws? Government AND corporations ie crony capitalism. You mention medicare part D,it’s just another unconstitutional program brought to you by GB. All forms of welfare should be abolished so that includes corporate and the government shouldn’t have bailed out the banks or GM,a corporation should succeed or fail based on it’s performance without government intervention.You have to get beyond the whole ‘corporations are evil’ concept and see what the root of the problem is,a collectivist government dictating every detail of our lives. A government that strangles business through draconian regulations and puts some businesses out of business.
  
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- Cavallo
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 10:11am
  @Jrook, SS and Medicare haven’t been a savings program for many decades. It’s a system of robbing Peter to pay Paul. This is why they keep referencing X number of workers to X number of retirees. The money is taken directly from the current workers, and given to the retirees. There is no savings account and those that have been told this have been told a monstrous lie. It IS welfare. In general no retiree takes out what they put in or less than what they put in (save those that die before they start to collect). Retirees on social security take a massive amount more out of the system than they ever contributed, even adjusting for inflation. Social Security and the other social welfare programs are over one hundred trillion in unfunded means. No amount of wealth on earth could properly fund the ponzi scheme the government has developed. It’s a house of cards, built on a hill of shifting sand, mortared together with twisted sick lies.
  
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- woodyee
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 10:18am
  @JROOK –
  
  Your boogeyman is the Big corporations? And you want to go around insulting people’s intelligence and ProgressiveSlayer’s intelligence because of YOUR boogeyman??!? My boogeyman is the federal government – they write the laws.
  
  In the first place, the FED has NO MONEY without first TAKING IT from the working man, stealing it with the stroke of a pen and calling it legal because they set the rules. If we rebel passively against this theft, we are put into high debt and jailed.
  
  The governments responsibility with the working man’s money is to provide a safe environment for the working man to work in (protecting our borders, providing nat’l security) and general welfare (ports, bridges, roads). To take from me to fund a project that inevitably produces government dependents is in fact money-laundering for buying votes.
  
  Even in theft, the government has a responsibility to spend our stolen money wisely; thus when a boogeyman lobby’s the government, it is UP TO THE GOVERNMENT TO SAY NO. Social Security was promoted as a 5-year program. The Great Society (welfare) was promoted as a 5-year program – LBJ is purported to have said, upon signing welfare into law “I’ll have those ‘n-words’ voting democrat for the next 200 yrs!”
  
  They know what they’re doing. If you’re going to teach – don’t insult, and know what you’re talking about.
  
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- girlnurse
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 10:56am
  JROOK is partly right. As you said Progressiveslayer…the gove is in bed with big corporations which is creating the environment we have. But it is the GOV first and foremost who are robbing us blind! But they know where their bread is buttered and they bend over backwards in the case of GM, Banks, pharma, etc. I get infuriated when I hear the fifth column blame the “welfare state” or the “freeloaders”, etc. etc. Gimme a break! The WOLVES are in the HENHOUSE…and enemy #1 is this evil, corrupt, government and her politicians. Just think how many pay into SS their entire lives and never collect a dime of it! The problem is in their SPENDING and looting the american people!
  
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- DefeatTheLeftistPlague
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 11:14am
  jrook First, you are about an assinine a poster as I’ve ever seen. S.S. was never meant to be a retirement savings program, like a state pension plan, and THANK GOODNESS FOR THAT as we’d all be completely brook (even more than we already are as a country). S.S was never meant to fully fund a person’s retirement, S.S. was only supposed to be a safety net, and a person was supposed to be able to make enough money where they could save/invest their leftover earnings into retirement savings. The problem is, the Leftitsts in this country have made it so we don’t have much in the way of disposable income that we can actually invest in retirement savings. Thas is the legacy of the last 50-60 years of ******** running our govt at all levels. They’ve managed to spend so much money the people have very little remaining. We’re turning into a European socialistic country where reliance on the govt is required as you can’t rely on the pittance of disposable income that you have leftover after taxes and basic necessities are paid for. Next, you try the same old tried/failed bash against G.W. Bush regarding the Medicare prescription drug benefit. Democrats AND G.B. Bush passed that. And that one program alone DID NOT put us in the financial condition we’re in. The Govt controls the playing field, and so overall Govt Spending and the Govt created sub-prime lending practice and the Govt-pushed housing boom is what got us (along with huge doses of leftist plundering) to th
  
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- DADDYWOREAWHITEHAT
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:55pm
  @jrook
  Okay let’s see if you can follow this champ. SS & Medicare are the part of the FICA tax where workers pay INTO the trust fund. Medicaid & SSI are programs where people take OUT of the trust fund.
  
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Imprimatur
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:50am
They’ll move where the tax climate is friendlier to continue their success leaving behind those who do not have the means to do the same. Possibly a new Texan in the making.

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- JRook
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:15am
  I’m sure the 2-3% difference in the state income tax won’t sway Phil. Consider this insightful statement “But when it comes out, it’s still taxed at the same 62 percent rate.” A) When he retires he won’t be paying SS or Medicare B) As pointed out he will only be paying the top rate if his taxable income is over $400K per year. Certainly a reasonable retirement income. Phil should focus more on his golf game and consider getting a new accountant and tax consultant. And let’s keep in mind that a good deal of his day to day expenses are business expenses and reduce his taxable income.
  
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- Letthebulletsfly
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:46am
  2 to 3%? Texas has no income tax, California is what, close to 10%? On the kind of money he makes thats a good
  
  chunk of change. And exactly who the hell are you to decide what is a reasonable retirement for anyone besides yourself?
  
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- M13
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 10:03am
  Jrook is a known liar and an idiot. What else would you expect the idiot to say?
  
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- Zipit
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 10:05am
  JROOK! You just don’t get! If Phil were to retire/move, everything and everyone that he is associated with could potentially feel the financial impact of his decision. I can’t tell that he will make less money, because he is a very smart person! But the likely result is that, “from golf”, he will make less money! His agent, accountant, assistant, travel agent, airline, PGA tour, sponsors, etc. etc. etc., will all be negatively affected. Both state and federal governments will make less on his income. Charities, will feel the impact through smaller donations, less appearances, decreased following at tournaments. If a lot of players follow this type of thinking, even cutting back a little on their efforts could easily take billions away from the game and our economy!
  
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- Al J Zira
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 11:20am
  Only an idiot would think a 62% tax rate is acceptable. But then, consider the source.
  
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Zipit
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:35am
As is going to be the case, not only in California, but across America, the local, state, and federal governments are going to be making less money off of guys like Mikelson, small businesses, entrepreneurs, and the rest of the hard working people in these tax brackets, that have been saddled with unreasonable regulations, and punative tax rates. They will relocate, scale back, not employ as many people, and cut back on the amount of time spent working. Why put fourth the kind of effort that it takes to be successful, when sixty percent of it it going to be confiscated by an out of controll, and irresponsible government!!!!!! It’s a lose-lose for everyone!

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- Dougral Supports Israel
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:50am
  Bingo! You got it.
  
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- poster
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:18am
  And a “lose for everyone” is a win for…. (c’mon.. everyone… all together now… )
  
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biohazard23
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:35am
Move to Florida! From what I understand, we have some pretty nice golf courses. Just ask Arnold Palmer. Isleworth would be right up his alley – or fairway. :)

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- Zipit
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:48am
  Lots of pros there Bio! Nice digs!!!!
  
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- biohazard23
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:00am
  Yeah, that place is GORGEOUS! I’ve been in there. Those homes are way beyond beautiful. You would never even know that that neighborhood is in the backyard of the Tragic Kingdom and EPCOT. Too bad I don’t golf. Kiddie clubs are almost too big for me. :)
  
  And to get your day started off with a little smile… I love this clip!
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pcnFbCCgTo4
  
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Landon410
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:33am
62%… what a sissy, thats not even you’re fair share! It should be higher, he can afford it!
(sarcasm)

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- badswing
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 9:18am
  and the tool on the golf channel said when its said and done mickelson will be left with 17 million a year anyway so what is he complaining about…talk about not getting it
  
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Rob
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:33am
I really am starting to think that liberalism is a mental disease. There is something in their brain, like there is with a psychopath or other mentally ill people, that forces them to think as a victim, I really don’t get it. They really think they are entitled to other people’s money and effort. NOTHING that can be said to them will fix it. I think we really are going to have to fight them. Maybe cutting off the money spigot like in Atlas Shrugged is the first step. Otherwise, they are going to have to be removed from the gene pool. That may happen naturally, when things get really bad, they are probably the ones that will die out first because they can’t take care of themselves….

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- progressiveslayer
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:42am
  That’s exactly what will happen when the dollar collapses,the parasites dependant on workers will die off because they don’t know how to take care of themselves. Technically we can’t go bankrupt because the fed can continue to print funny money but that’s the problem they’ll continue digitizing until it’s worthless. They’ll continue to receive money for nothing but it’ll have no value and that’s when the viloence starts.
  
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Eastinfection
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:22am
That’s funny…

“Lefty” is a righty.

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- Zipit
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:39am
  East! Good one!!!! I would venture to guess that at least 90% of professional golfers fall into the right way of thinking! Everyone out there is a small business!
  
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Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:21am
Welcome to the new reality of Obama taking hold, and consider that in the new Democratic budget coming down the line, there will be over a Trillion-dollar revenue proposal (read “taxes for the middle class”) which will make it more difficult for anyone to survive.

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- progressiveslayer
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:36am
  Obama care is a tax on everyone except of course those on welfare and medicaid they never pay anything they just consume wealth. Taxes going up and add in inflation and we’re in for some real tough times,we’ll all be made equally poor except of course the ruling class they’ll continue to get rich feeding off the host.
  
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redfish52
Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:20am
This is what we need to happen. High profile wealthy people who have worked hard to earn the money they have and not made it by being a career politician and stealing it that are saying enough is enough. I hope Phil say’s adios California, I’m taking my money to Texas….

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- Rob
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:33am
  But where really can we go? The whole nation is diseased.
  
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- Bullitt2008
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:56am
  Rob, it’s not only the tax situation, but the politics too. I’m a native who’s enjoyed living in So Cal most of my life but will be leaving after my wife retires in 3 years. The idiot citizens here voted in the bullet train debacle AND higher sales taxes (we pay 9% now). We will be moving to Arizona to continue boating on the Colorado River and traveling around America in a motorhome. May not be a whole lot better tax-wise, but at least there will be a big majority of Conservatives where we’re specifically going to live.
  
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- redfish52
  Posted on January 21, 2013 at 8:58am
  @ROB….good question…wish I had a good answer for you. I predict that the ultra wealthy like Phil will start cutting tax deals with state’s much like large company’s do when they want to build a new plant in that state…I.E.- Boeing in SC or Mercedes in Alabama. I mean basically Phil is a corporation as is Tiger Woods. Watch what the Left run media does to Phil…they will make him out to be an un-patriotic American for not wanting to pay his fare share. As for the rest of us poor slobs I suppose we just try to survive through the underground economy, fib a little more on our taxes and wait for the $%^& to hit the fan….
  
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