Email This Post
“Raising taxes on the wealthy” makes for a good liberal campaign promise. I imagine it gives many that are not wealthy a warm, fuzzy, feel-good feeling to stick it to the wealthy because they have enough money. Democratic legislators are counting on the unknowing masses to feed on this liberal fallacy. It’s what keeps millions locked into an entitlement state of mind that would otherwise allow many to become self-sufficient and get off the government dole. This dependency becomes the Democratic voter base when promoting the redistribution of wealth theory.
This reminds me of the movie “Back to the Future”. “Hello, Hello, anybody home McFly (as he’s being bopped on the head), Think! Think!”
Do you actually think that the wealthy are going to dig into their own pockets and come up with more money for taxes? No they’re not! Companies will just raise the prices on goods and services as well as maybe decrease hiring and increase firing of employees. That is where the tax revenue will come from – you, the hard-working Americans in this country.
Why is there not more emphasis on controlling the spending? What is the thought process that allows politicians to spend our country into trillions of dollars of debt? Billions of American dollars sent overseas so that countries will be our “friends” (aid to foreign countries). Billions of dollars wasted on pork barrel spending (Pig Book) and let’s not forget entitlement programs with little to no oversight.
Our expenditures have far surpassed our income. It is not a difficult concept and should be very easy to understand although difficult to except. We no longer have any money and are in exorbitant debt. Drastic measures are now necessary at the federal level as well as the state level to bring about a balanced budget throughout this country.
There is enough blame to go around from both sides of the aisle for how we got here. Maybe the American voter should be cast into that same net of blame, voting in the same financially irresponsible politicians squandering away the taxpayers money each and every election. We have now reached the point of having to contemplate raising the debt ceiling, the next big battle in Congress.
So here we are on tax day 2011. The current tax code is so inextricably complex that the majority of Americans require help, and pay for that help, when preparing their tax forms each year. Even the commissioner of the Internal Revenue Service, Douglas Shulmand admitted, “I find the tax code complex, so I use a preparer.” Treasury Secretary Timothy Geitner made mistakes when preparing his taxes and apologized to Congress.
It’s time to dispense with the mantra of raising taxes on the wealthy. In the end we all pay for that mindset. Maybe it’s time for a flat tax and level the playing field for all those that pay taxes.
Email This Post
No, the above title is not grammatically incorrect. It is purposeful. The Republican Party is facing an identity crisis. That crisis being who is the Republican’s face? The Republicans remind me of a lanky teenage boy with severe acne and no girlfriend. He goes to the gym and works out, yet still has skinny arms and no backbone to stand up to his bullies. He wipes he face furiously with acne pads and stringent solution but his face is no clearer. Lastly, no women (or anyone for that matter) really like him despite his best efforts. He is in need of a new identity.
Trying to show a diverse Republican field, the GOP nominated and elected Michael Steele as its party chairman in 2009. I think everyone can agree that was an utter failure. I watched in pain Steele’s latest “media” appearance on “Real Time with Bill Maher.” In defense of Steele, he was a lamb in a lion’s den. He definitely was no Daniel of biblical times. Flanked by Maher and MSNBC’s Ed O’Neil, Steele was torn limb from limb over every issue under the sun. Nervously chuckling at jokes made on his behalf, Steele looked helpless. I admit, I laughed at Steele’s expense, too.
So, now, here we are – partying like it’s 1996. There is no clear face to lead our party against the Obama war machine. Who can we call on? Let’s look in our bag of Republican tricks. Do we have a shot-up war veteran from World War II, Korea, or Vietnam? Nope. OK, let’s see. Do we have a trust fund baby (also a war hero) who made himself rich off oil and owned a baseball team? Nope. Hmm, let me dig further. Is another one of his sons in there? Yep, but that doesn’t work. Is Reagan still dead? Yep. Damn!
At last, I reach the bottom of the trick bag. Blowing off dust and picking off the lint, I find Newt Gingrich, Haley Barbour, and yes, even Mitt Romney. Haley will be the subject of my next article, so I’ll abstain from commenting until then. Newt Gingrich – ha – isn’t this the Speaker who led the charge against Clinton’s infidelities while he himself was getting oral sex from someone other than his wife? Need I go on? Lastly, Mitt Romney. While I do believe the Dems are afraid of him, and he is the best winnable candidate (notice I didn’t say overall best candidate), evangelical Christians distrust Mormons. Also remember RomneyCare? Sounds similar to ObamaCare to me.
Who do I have left in this bag? A toupee? Hmm…this must belong to someone. Oh, no way – it’s Donald Trump in here. How did he get in here? Oh, he was searching for Obama’s birth certificate and got lost. Look, do I believe Obama was born here? Can’t say for sure, I wasn’t there. I’m not even 100% sure if Obama’s own father was there. But the fact is the majority of Americans (and independents) believe he WAS born in Hawaii. Case closed. You’re fired! You now must be thinking, what about that other reality TV star, Sarah Palin? You betcha I won’t be voting for her.
The Grand Old Party will soon live up to its name -old – if it doesn’t find its face soon. As for me, I encourage my followers to research Rand Paul, the younger, more even-headed, son of Representative Ron Paul. One term Senator you say? Hmm…sounds like someone we know.
Email This Post
The bad news is official – Barack Obama will be running for a second term in office. Was there ever a doubt? There is nothing good about this announcement. He can set aside the Presidency for now and do what he does best – campaign. One might think that he never stopped campaigning and the Presidency was just a sideline.
‘We’re doing this now because the politics we believe in does not start with expensive TV ads or extravaganzas, but with you – with people organizing block-by-block, talking to neighbors, co-workers, and friends. And that kind of campaign takes time to build.’
~Obama statement in an e-mail to supporters
Under Obama’s leadership millions of people continue to be unemployed, he signed into law health care reform that the majority of Americans did not want, the housing market remains down, gas prices have skyrocketed, and he is directly responsible for this country being trillions of dollars in debt. Let’s face it, he’s done enough already. How much more can America bear of this burden or President? Maybe he will resurrect the “Blame Bush” mantra.
Barack Obama is a living, breathing, walking example of a good gift of gab does not a good leader make, just easier to cover up one’s incompetencies with flowery oratory. He has even disappointed his ardent supporters. A surge in Afghanistan, backtracking on a decision to try terror suspects in civilian court and Gitmo is still open for business.
No doubt we will soon be reminded that he must be re-elected otherwise a loss would indicate a racist conspiracy.
Email This Post
Obama’s speech lacked passion and was less than convincing when defending actions against Libya. There may have been good reason to attack the Gaddafi regime. While it appears that a potential slaughter was averted it’s still unclear as to ‘why there’? Why there and not Tunisia, Syria, Iran, North Korea, Dafur, the Congo or any number of other places throughout the world where people are slaughtered and oppressed?
And while we’re at it, just who are these rebel forces that are poised to overthrow Gaddafi? What kind of government will they bring to bear on Libya? Will it be the democracy that the White House administration is looking for?
There are many unanswered questions and Barack Obama fell short on making his case to the American people during last night’s speech.
Email This Post
Permits for future housing construction fell to a new all-time low in the month of February, steepest drop in 27 years. Where is the Obama recovery? Gas prices are rising unchecked, 3.3% for the fifth straight month. Where is the Obama solution? Significant increase in food prices up 3.9%, largest since 1974. Any response from Obama? Consumer Affairs
A no-fly zone over Libya is being contemplated. Where is the Obama decision?
Stocks fall amid Japan’s nuclear disaster. What is the Obama response?
Obama’s unions are under attack. How does he support the unions that helped put him in the White House and appease the taxpayers at the same time?
The U.S. deficit is in the trillions of dollars. What is the Obama plan for spending cuts and reducing the deficit?
We have a White House administration that appears to be unable to convey a message of confidence that apparently comes from a lack of previous leadership experience.
After a couple of weekends playing golf the President will soon be on his way to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Will this be a head clearing vacation? Clean out the ol’ cobwebs so maybe a decision making process can formulate.
But wait. There was a Presidential decision made today. Barack Obama completed his NCAA tournament bracket predictions.
Maybe there is some hope afterall. That would be a change.
Email This Post
In a stunning statement former President Bill Clinton said there are “ridiculous delays in permitting when our economy doesn’t need it.” As reported by Politico Clinton agreed with fellow speaker former President George W. Bush on many of his points concerning the oil and gas industry during the IHS CERAWeek conference held in Houston, Texas.
You could almost hear the collective gasp by the liberal left faithful who must be in a state of shock by this revelation coming from their Democratic iconic hero.
So what is the motive behind this change of policy by the former President? Maybe Bill is greasing the skids for a Presidential run by Hillary?
Obama cannot be amused by this turncoat admission on oil drilling. Could it be the end of the Bill Clinton proxy President reign?
Email This Post
Is there no end to the thugocracy of unions? Workers are already threatened with job loss if they refuse to have the union garnish their wages each payday in the name of “fair-share”. Let’s not forget there are many of these same workers that are strongly opposed to union organizations supporting Democratic candidates for office.
Wisconsin unions are now apparently threatening Wisconsin businesses with either supporting their efforts to denounce Governor Walker or face a boycott. You be the judge. Is this a threatening letter?
March 10, 2011
Mr. Tom Ellis, President
Marshall & Ilsley Corporation
770 N. Water Street
Milwaukee, WI 53202
SENT VIA FASCIMILE AND REGULAR MAIL
Dear Mr. Ellis:
As you undoubtedly know, Governor Walker recently proposed a “budget adjustment bill” to eviscerate public employees’ right to collectively bargain in Wisconsin. ..
As you also know, Scott Walker did not campaign on this issue when he ran for office. If he had, we are confident that you would not be listed among his largest contributors. As such, we are contacting you now to request your support.
The undersigned groups would like your company to publicly oppose Governor Walker’s efforts to virtually eliminate collective bargaining for public employees in Wisconsin. While we appreciate that you may need some time to consider this request, we ask for your response by March 17. In the event that you do not respond to this request by that date, we will assume that you stand with Governor Walker and against the teachers, nurses, police officers, fire fighters, and other dedicated public employees who serve our communities.
In the event that you cannot support this effort to save collective bargaining, please be advised that the undersigned will publicly and formally boycott the goods and services provided by your company. However, if you join us, we will do everything in our power to publicly celebrate your partnership in the fight to preserve the right of public employees to be heard at the bargaining table. Wisconsin’s public employee unions serve to protect and promote equality and fairness in the workplace. We hope you will stand with us and publicly share that
ideal.
In the event you would like to discuss this matter further, please contact the executive Director of the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, Jim Palmer, at 608.273.3840.
Thank you in advance for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
James L. Palmer, Executive Director
Wisconsin Professional Police Association
Mahlon Mitchell,President
Professional Professional Fire Fighters
Jim Conway, President
International Association of Fire Fighters Local 311
John Matthews, Execuctive Director
Madison Teachers, Inc.
Keith Patt, Executive Director
Green Bay Education Association
Bob Richardson, President
Dane County Deputy Sheriffs Association
Dan Frei, Prersident
Madison Professional Police Officers Association.
It bears repeating. If the unions were such a great deal then everyone would join without the arm-twisting, intimidation tactics that are currently used and all taxpayers would whole-heartedly support the union creed. This apparently is not the case and unions are in high-anxiety crisis mode creating a state of fear-mongering among its members who exhibit spittle-flecked rhetorical rage. The Obama civility message appears to be lost in the mayhem.
Has the end of the union stranglehold on this country begun? One can only hope.
Email This Post
Guantanamo Bay military prison – a home for suspected terrorist detainees. In a campaign pledge Obama was fervently committed to closing Guantanamo and during his first week in office issued an executive order closing the prison. If he issued an executive order then surely it must be closed by now.
**WAIT** **Hold The Presses** **NEWS FLASH**
Guantanamo Bay military prison is still open.
And in a reversal this past Monday, Barack Obama signed an executive order that will formally establish a system of indefinite detention at the Guantanamo military prison for detainees. Is this a sign of poor judgement or maybe poor leadership? He did in fact have the majority of Congress on his side. So what happened?
Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), a faithful civil liberties supporter was disappointed with the decision and called Guantanamo “a blot on our national honor.” Only in your mind Congressman.
Republican Rep. Peter King (NY), who happens to chair the House homeland security committee actually praised Obama’s move as “clearly another step in the right direction.”
“I commend the Obama Administration for issuing this Executive Order. The bottom line is that it affirms the Bush Administration policy that our government has the right to detain dangerous terrorists until the cessation of hostilities.”
~Rep. Peter King (R-NY)
The Obama reversal gives legitimacy to the George Bush decision of establishing this holding facility for the scourge of the earth that is hell-bent on killing all infidels. Much to the chagrin of the liberal left it vindicates the Gitmo policy of the former President.
The administration remains committed to closing the prison, whatever that means. Shouldn’t they also have the same committment to close every prison in the United States. That would be nice, as soon as all prisoners serve out their time and no one ever commits another crime.
Email This Post
Another day, another increase in the price of oil equating to ever increasing financial pain at the gas pump. As reported today, gas prices rose more than 30 cents in the past two weeks. This pain at the pump effects the general overall economy with many Americans having to cut back and tighten their belts.
So does George Bush continue to get the blame along with his so-called money hungry oil buddies as he was accused by the left while in office?
When oil prices fell after the last spike in 2008 Democrats felt smug with an attitude of “see, we don’t need to drill.” The fact remains that we do need to tap into our own resources, we do need to drill for our own oil, we do need to move forward on nuclear power plants, we definitely need to become energy independent. Wind, solar and other alternative means of energy should also continue but are nowhere near ready for primetime.
There is no significant increased demand for oil or decrease in oil production just a fear-driven theory that there is some conflict somewhere that will somehow impede the flow of oil. Energy analysts state there is no shortage of oil. To blame the turmoil in Libya is a flat-out lie, as in any excuse will do to raise the price on a barrel of oil. This just happens to be the convenient conflict du jour.
The Obama administration is currently considering tapping into the strategic petroleum reserve in an effort to lower oil prices. This is not a long term plan. Until this President gets serious about breaking our oil dependency it appears political leadership will consider it acceptable for Americans to be held hostage to the whims of every oil producing country on this planet.
Email This Post
Wisconsin is facing a $137 million budget deficit this year and a projected $3.6 billion deficit over the next two years. Action needs to be taken, inaction is no longer an option. Union members are staging massive protests against Governor Scott Walker’s proposed bill to help balance Wisconsin’s state budget.
This is a battle between the progressive state of unions and conservative fiscal responsibility. Unions love it when they work their minions up into a frothy frenzy. It’s the people doing the dirty work of the union thugs who are feeding the fear as they line their own pockets with membership fees.
Schools have closed due to a teacher “sick out.” Walking out on students is both morally and ethically reprehensible not to mention down right selfish. To make matters worse, Wisconsin Democratic leaders fled the state in a dispicable act of corwardice to avoid standing up to their responsibilites of floor debate over the union reform package. Hiding out and quivering in another state speaks volumes.
The White House added fuel to the fire by siding with union members.
“Some of what I’ve heard coming out of Wisconsin, where you’re just making it harder for public employees to collectively bargain generally seems like more of an assault on unions.”
~The President in an interview on Milwaukee’s WTMJ TV
House Speaker John Boehner responded to the President’s comments.
“Republicans in Congress and reform-minded GOP governors like Scott Walker are daring to speak the truth about the dire fiscal challenges Americans face at all levels of government, and daring to commit themselves to solutions that will liberate our economy and help put our citizens on a path to prosperity. I’m disappointed that instead of providing similar leadership from the White House, the president has chosen to attack leaders such as Gov. Walker, who are listening to the people and confronting problems that have been neglected for years at the expense of jobs and economic growth.”
~statement from Speaker of the House John Boehner
What is so difficult to understand? The money has to come from somewhere. Is it not better to cut back than to cut out? In other words if union employees do not agree to cut back then thousands of their members will be cut out of a job. Again, we’re back to selfish and not for the good of all. It is important to remember that Governor Walker inherited this problem and now has the unenviable responsibility of correcting it.
So where does this fight go from here? There are a number of states that appear to be facing similar instances of discourse resulting from huge state deficits that have gone unchecked for years. Those past governors that rode into office in the hip pockets of union leaders have always been reluctant to bite the hand that fed them. Republican majorities were voted into office during this past election with a mandate to cut costs.
Could this signify the beginning of the end of union strangleholds over state governments?
