Did the Amish have to pay taxes on the $40 an hour that they made?  I am amost sure they are tax exempt which helps them during the crunch.  

Maybe we can all learn from the Amish........

How did you know I spend all my money on shiny cars and beer you ignorant bastard!

AMISH ARE SUBJECT TO THE SAME INCOME TAX AS EVERYONE ELSE, BUT WITH 10-13 CHILDREN???  THEY DO NOT PAY SOCIAL SECURITY TAXES NOR DO THEY COLLECT SSI.  UNFORTUNATELY, WE PAY SSI, AND MAY NOT COLLECT EITHER.

The Amish communities are self sufficient - which means they never collect social security, unemployment or welfare.......They do however pay property, income & sales tax.....

Talk about some major misconceptions: I grew up in the heart of Ohio Amish country: Just a couple of things to set the record straight: (1) Amish pay taxes just like everyone else. All pay property taxes for public schools that most don't use past the eighth grade (Some go to private amish schools, and pay tax public schools that they "never use"). Amish never used welfare or any kind of public assistance. (2) Contrary to popular rumor, Amish boy's must, in fact, sign up for selective service. They are all concientious objectors, but this does not exclude them from a possible draft and subsequent service, but only from direct combat rolls where they have to kill. This does not exempt them from serving in other hazardous locations or dangerous duty. In WW II, thousands of Amish served as medics on the front line, as well as in the graves division (Removing dead bodies from the battlefield). I could go on, but I think I've made my point. Amish are excellent neighbors due to their inherent integrity/honesty. They put far more back into the system than the use or take out. All said, Amish are - undoubtedly - exceptionally decent people with high moral standards who contribut greatly to American society.

Al, Don't sweat it - POOR Paul Weibel can't spell "THEIR"

Hey Theron Foote in Mouth -

Aren't there enough stereotypes and disparaging remarks being made without you adding fuel to the fire? Don't you think there are members of other ethnic groups who have difficulty prioritizing their money (go to a horse-racing track and see how many people of White European descent have fallen into a bottomless pit of gambling addiction, for example).

Your response is a prime example of the dark underbelly of blogging that gives a voice to people who have nothing constructive to offer the world, and resort to blaming others for the world's ills, rather than taking responsibility for themselves and actually making a contribution to society.

As for the Amish, much as I empathize with anyone suffering financially right now, I truly believe they are better off with sticking with their tradition of being self-supportive. And Bethany is right, we could all learn from the Amish and embrace a life of simpliciity.

Thank you for your excellent post 'Harry', giving some worthwhile information.

Thanks  Dave - we are all in this Recession together.....