Channing Crowder says he puts the well-being of others before himself.
The former NFL star is getting real about taxes and politics. On an episode of I Am Athlete, Crowder says he is a Democrat because he believes the party’s policies will benefit his family and friends even if that means he has to pay more in taxes.
In a now viral clip, the star shares why he votes Democrat despite having millions of dollars.
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“People say, ‘why are you a Democrat because you have millions’ and I say I’m the only person I know that I grew up with that has millions,” says Crowder.
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There has been an ongoing discussion around taxes and who should pay more. Democrats are usually known for imposing higher taxes on the wealthy but Crowder says if raising his taxes means his family and friends who aren’t rich pay less he is willing to make the sacrifice.
“I would rather my family and my friends strive, I’d rather my family and friends get benefits, tax cuts as lower income people, than me as a millionaire gaining.”
The YouTube series stars Brandon Marshall, Chad Johnson, Fred Taylor, and Crowder per its description page. They describe the show as “the crew tackles important and controversial topics around sports, culture, and society.”
Crowder addresses his cohosts and says he thought it was a mistake when he received a check for $1 million that was reduced to around $600,000 when taxes were taken out. He says former President Barack Obama was taxing the rich but he was ok with it because he has more money than a lot of his friends and family and can afford it.
Fans on Twitter applauded the player for his comments.
“This is called empathy. What America is missing. Many millionaires see it this way and many others say “fuck it, it’s all about me.” Both are fine but empathy can save this country. When we learn to say “you AND me” more than we say “you OR me”, then we’ll heal,” one user wrote.
But everyone does not share Crowder’s sentiment. As reported by theGrio, rapper 50 Cent said he was voting for President Donald Trump because Joe Biden plans to impose higher taxes on the rich.
“WHAT THE F*CK! (VOTE ForTRUMP) IM OUT, Man — F*CK NEW YORK The KNICKS never win anyway. I don’t care Trump doesn’t like black people 62% are you out of ya [f***ing] mind,” he tweeted.
50 Cent has since changed his mind thanks to his ex-girlfriend Chelsea Handler.
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