Dem. NY Congressman Tonko: "We are Privileged and Should be Taxed More"

New York Democrat Congressman Paul Tonko, speaking to a crowd of around 100 in the small town of Schoharie, NY, stated yesterday that Americans were "privileged" and should be "taxed more" in order to balance our massive federal deficit.

The comment was made at the Schoharie Fire House, where Mr. Tonko was participating in a town hall-style meeting. Much of the discussion was on hydrofracking, but the Congressman also discussed the United States' debt at length.

Tonko Speaking at the Schoharie Fire House

At one point, Mr. Tonko stated that some people believe in gaining revenue by closing loopholes, while others believe in simply cutting spending in order to balance the debt.

Mr. Tonko then stated that many people have "said we are privileged and should be taxed more," his tone of voice implying that that method was the correct thing to do.

Some in the audience, mainly those wearing large "ban fracking now" stickers, started to clap and cheer at the prospect of tax increases. These people yelled, "yes" and "that's us" when Mr. Tonko stated that Americans were privileged and should therefore be taxed more.

Other members in the audience seemed stunned that others cheered the prospect of being taxed more.

After this, there was no major discussion on the deficit. The meeting ended later that night.

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