The damage from this year's taxes wern't too bad. Apparently, the difference between what was withheld from me through my employer and the sum taxes were just $135. Not fun, but not a disaster. My chosen provider for paying online, Taxact says that I'm in the top 30% of americans for gross income. From this can be concluded a few things. Most Americans don't make much money. In theory, I should be able to support a family on what I make. In practice, because I live in a city, and moreso because I live in an expensive part of the city, my actual disposable income is not all that great. This is a striking point -- I am presently living in the most expensive place I have ever lived since moving from my parents care. Slightly over a third of my post-tax income goes into it. Suckage!
I keep thinking of a conversation I had with Leon in Columbus on government and cost of living differences between areas. Is it meaningful to say that I make a lot more money than person X if they live somewhere where real estate is less expensive? Real estate costs vary widely all over the world, as do several other categories of expenses. How do these different costs vary as compared to exchange rates between currencies? Hmm.
Last night, PUSH came over and watched Saved at my place. The movie was spooky and interesting. Part of me was horrified all the way through.
I think I've come close to a conclusion, modifiable by circumstances and perhaps decisions/argument from certain people I know, regarding Qatar.
