By Odin's Beard! The Great Tax Skirmish: Who Gets the Spoils?

The Allfather's Coin: A Tale of Two Kingdoms (and a Tax Bill)

Hark my shield brothers and shield maidens! Ragnar Lothbrok here reporting from the front lines of a battle more treacherous than any fought against King Aelle: the Great Tax Skirmish of the United States! It appears these Republicans like Vikings raiding Lindisfarne are bickering over who gets to keep the treasure. This 'SALT deduction,' as they call it is a source of much consternation. It is said that 'Power is always dangerous. It attracts the worst and corrupts the best.' Perhaps this rings true here.

The $10,000 Question: Is That All There Is?

Before these people called 'filers' could deduct all their state and local taxes like a Viking taking all the silver he could carry. But now there's a limit of $10,000 a paltry sum that would barely buy you a decent longship! The Senate's proposed text echoes this limit down from a more generous $40,000. These politicians remind me of the Seer speaking in riddles and prophecies never quite clear on what fate they deliver. I ask you is this truly 'The best for everyone'?

High Tax Havens: Where the Wealthy Feast

Ah but here's the rub. This 'SALT' deduction is a hot potato for those in the high tax lands of New York New Jersey and California. These are the places where even a humble loaf of bread costs more than a slave in Hedeby! These states need the deduction or they will start raiding other states as Floki would probably suggest. We must remember: 'I believe our fate is not determined the moment we are born. I believe we create our own fate every single day.'

The Marriage Penalty: A Jarl's Dowry Gone Wrong

And what of married couples? It seems they face a 'marriage penalty,' unable to claim more than $10,000 even if they bring home more loot than a whole village! This is an insult! It's like offering a Jarl a measly handful of silver for his daughter's dowry. Truly the gods must be laughing. I recall once saying 'Life is about suffering,' and for these couples it seems that suffering comes in the form of tax forms.

The Rich Get Richer: A Familiar Saga

Of course raising the SALT deduction cap would mostly benefit the rich according to some 'experts.' Well isn't that always the way? It's like giving all the best weapons to the Earl while the rest of us fight with rusty axes. Ninety percent of these 'filers' don't even bother with itemizing deductions. They just take the standard deduction like peasants content with their lot. It seems 'We must prepare for the unexpected'. Prepare for the rich to stay rich!

Compromise or Combat? The Future of the Fiscal Fjord

So what's to be done? Senator Thune speaks of compromise but some House Republicans are already sharpening their swords. Representative Lawler calls the $10,000 cap 'DEAD ON ARRIVAL.' Representative Malliotakis calls it 'insulting.' It seems a storm is brewing. I Ragnar Lothbrok say let them fight it out! But remember in the end it is the common man who pays the price. Perhaps it is time for another voyage another raid... but this time against the taxman himself! As I always say 'I want something else. Something more.'