here are some various news tidbits that I have come across today:
I LOVE THIS GUY! Anyone out there wishing their Primary vote would have been different?
Brits are Bartering
News from Russia Today courtesy of youtube.
News From Mexico Courtesy of NPR
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Politics: Making Everyone Mad
OK, this isn't what I was originally going to post about, but Saturday morning TV talk being what it is, they changed my mind...
Let's talk taxes. What really constitutes a fair tax plan?
OPTION ONE:
The way I see it, the most "fair" tax is the one that simply divides dollars needed (B) by population (P). It would look like this:
B/P= tax amount
Now, that's fair! You are a citizen of our country, so you must pay your share. Medicare and Social security are just as easy. B/P= Tax. You would get a card in the mail in January, and it would tell you what you owe. Don't pay and you get to choose where to work it off. Easy stuff. Choices for indentured labor would be amongst the many public service project now proposed. Welfare equals work. Refuse to work, live in the desert in a tent. We will provide a vitamin, water and rice every day. End of story. Would that make my personal taxes go up? OH YEAH. Would it make politicians accountable to constituents? 'Kin A!
OPTION TWO:
If we have to have a regressive tax (call it what it is) the simplest form would be a national sales tax. Make it a tax on EVERYTHING PURCHASED. No graduated rates based upon the "luxury rating" of the item. No way out. Just a flat rate on EVERYTHING. If you can't afford it, don't buy it. This would maintain the regressive nature of the current tax plan because the wealthier will always buy more than poorer. The rate may fluctuate a little the first few years, because poorer and more entrepreneurial folks would barter rather than go to the store if they have the opportunity. It would take a little adjusting just to see how much influence bartering had on revenue. Bartering would probably have a positive impact on society as well. The value of many items now taken for granted would change, and we would have to interact as members of society more often. Folks would get closer to their food supplies. That can't be bad.
There are many options similar to these two. I believe the most important thing is to make the citizen write the check. Far too many folks never realize what they pay because of automatic deductions. The second most important thing is to ensure NOBODY goes without paying. Of course that would be taken care of the minute people start writing those checks!
OK, these are "out there" examples, I know. They do however, solve the Octomom situation (14 kids (P) times the tax on each person would HURT. It would also make us more "green". 24% tax on a Suburban would SUCK. If you could afford these things, they would still be available to you. Everyone wins! Toss in a Constitutional ammendment for a balanced budget (accounting for debt and interest payments Mr. Clinton), and we may just have something.
Bottom line, we have to quit attempting to kick the can further down the road. We have to suck it up and make some tough decisions. The buck should stop here, today.
Post some thoughts and comments on this. Let's get a discussion going.
Till next time, keep your powder dry and your eyes open.
Let's talk taxes. What really constitutes a fair tax plan?
OPTION ONE:
The way I see it, the most "fair" tax is the one that simply divides dollars needed (B) by population (P). It would look like this:
B/P= tax amount
Now, that's fair! You are a citizen of our country, so you must pay your share. Medicare and Social security are just as easy. B/P= Tax. You would get a card in the mail in January, and it would tell you what you owe. Don't pay and you get to choose where to work it off. Easy stuff. Choices for indentured labor would be amongst the many public service project now proposed. Welfare equals work. Refuse to work, live in the desert in a tent. We will provide a vitamin, water and rice every day. End of story. Would that make my personal taxes go up? OH YEAH. Would it make politicians accountable to constituents? 'Kin A!
OPTION TWO:
If we have to have a regressive tax (call it what it is) the simplest form would be a national sales tax. Make it a tax on EVERYTHING PURCHASED. No graduated rates based upon the "luxury rating" of the item. No way out. Just a flat rate on EVERYTHING. If you can't afford it, don't buy it. This would maintain the regressive nature of the current tax plan because the wealthier will always buy more than poorer. The rate may fluctuate a little the first few years, because poorer and more entrepreneurial folks would barter rather than go to the store if they have the opportunity. It would take a little adjusting just to see how much influence bartering had on revenue. Bartering would probably have a positive impact on society as well. The value of many items now taken for granted would change, and we would have to interact as members of society more often. Folks would get closer to their food supplies. That can't be bad.
There are many options similar to these two. I believe the most important thing is to make the citizen write the check. Far too many folks never realize what they pay because of automatic deductions. The second most important thing is to ensure NOBODY goes without paying. Of course that would be taken care of the minute people start writing those checks!
OK, these are "out there" examples, I know. They do however, solve the Octomom situation (14 kids (P) times the tax on each person would HURT. It would also make us more "green". 24% tax on a Suburban would SUCK. If you could afford these things, they would still be available to you. Everyone wins! Toss in a Constitutional ammendment for a balanced budget (accounting for debt and interest payments Mr. Clinton), and we may just have something.
Bottom line, we have to quit attempting to kick the can further down the road. We have to suck it up and make some tough decisions. The buck should stop here, today.
Post some thoughts and comments on this. Let's get a discussion going.
Till next time, keep your powder dry and your eyes open.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Politics: Except I am sick, so I will see you tomorrow
No post today- Sick with a cold- My "you know what" hurts. Check back tomorrow. I plan a good one for the morning!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Politics: Guns: WTF
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=6960824&page=1
The Pres and his AG are promising to make good on another election promise. Reinstatement of the Clinton Gun Ban is on the agenda. This should be a VERY HIGH PRIORITY. We all know that gun crime has absolutely skyrocketed since he took office. You can't hardly leave your house!
There isn't anything else going on in the United States that might warrant any attention. The Dow hasn't lost a quarter of its value in two months or anything silly like that. We aren't fighting two wars and facing a complete hostile financial takeover by the Chinese. There aren't thousands of homes still in rubble from natural disasters, and drought victims to worry about in the south. The Russians aren't helping the Iranians make nukes, and the North Koreans aren't pointing ICBMs at our west coast.
Let's erode the freedoms of the people who follow the law.
I have a HUGE rant,.. I mean post coming on this subject. I have been reading a about it, on both sides of the arguement, and once my opinion is sufficiently formed (as if you can't tell where I stand now) I will get it up.
Until then, keep your powder dry and your eyes open.
The Pres and his AG are promising to make good on another election promise. Reinstatement of the Clinton Gun Ban is on the agenda. This should be a VERY HIGH PRIORITY. We all know that gun crime has absolutely skyrocketed since he took office. You can't hardly leave your house!
There isn't anything else going on in the United States that might warrant any attention. The Dow hasn't lost a quarter of its value in two months or anything silly like that. We aren't fighting two wars and facing a complete hostile financial takeover by the Chinese. There aren't thousands of homes still in rubble from natural disasters, and drought victims to worry about in the south. The Russians aren't helping the Iranians make nukes, and the North Koreans aren't pointing ICBMs at our west coast.
Let's erode the freedoms of the people who follow the law.
I have a HUGE rant,.. I mean post coming on this subject. I have been reading a about it, on both sides of the arguement, and once my opinion is sufficiently formed (as if you can't tell where I stand now) I will get it up.
Until then, keep your powder dry and your eyes open.
Politics: Stealing the Census? How's that possible?
"Section 2 - The House
......The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct......."
This Sentence, taken directly from the Constitution of the United States proves that our political system has NO IDEA what powers (checks and balances) belong to each branch of the Government. It makes me wonder when the last time was that they read the document they are sworn to protect and defend.
I keep hearing these supposed representatives complain that Maobama is attempting to steal the Census, and I can't help but think...... These IDIOTS have the power, but not the cajones! What is everyone afraid of? Why not just stand up and say "Mr. President, I know of a law on the books that says Only Congress can re-appoint the manner and reporting of the Census."
Is this as big of a deal as the right wingers are making it out to be? Who cares if it is?!? Right is Right, and wrong... Well, you get it. Power grabbing is wrong no matter if its former VP Cheney or President Obama.
By the way, kudos to Senator Byrd (never thought I'd say that) for publicly calling out the President on his appointment of Czar's. Here's a link to the story: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/25/ap/congress/main4826828.shtml
Till next time, keep your powder dry, and your eyes open.
......The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct......."
This Sentence, taken directly from the Constitution of the United States proves that our political system has NO IDEA what powers (checks and balances) belong to each branch of the Government. It makes me wonder when the last time was that they read the document they are sworn to protect and defend.
I keep hearing these supposed representatives complain that Maobama is attempting to steal the Census, and I can't help but think...... These IDIOTS have the power, but not the cajones! What is everyone afraid of? Why not just stand up and say "Mr. President, I know of a law on the books that says Only Congress can re-appoint the manner and reporting of the Census."
Is this as big of a deal as the right wingers are making it out to be? Who cares if it is?!? Right is Right, and wrong... Well, you get it. Power grabbing is wrong no matter if its former VP Cheney or President Obama.
By the way, kudos to Senator Byrd (never thought I'd say that) for publicly calling out the President on his appointment of Czar's. Here's a link to the story: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/02/25/ap/congress/main4826828.shtml
Till next time, keep your powder dry, and your eyes open.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Politics: Obama: Broken Fence
BROKEN FENCE AT THE WHITEHOUSE!
Three contractors are bidding to fix a broken fence at the White House. One is from Chicago , another is from Michigan , and the third is from Minnesota . All three go with a White House official to examine the fence.
The Minnesota contractor takes out a tape measure and does some measuring, then works some figures with a pencil. "Well," he says, "I figure the job will run about $900: $400 for materials, $400 for my crew and $100 profit for me."
The Michigan contractor also does some measuring and figuring, then says, "I can do this job for $700: $300 for materials, $300 for my crew and $100 profit for me."
The Chicago contractor doesn't measure or figure, but leans over to the White House official and whispers, "$2,700."
The official, incredulous, says, "You didn't even measure like the other guys! How did you come up with such a high figure?"
The Chicago contractor whispers back, "$1000 for me, $1000 for you, and we hire the guy from Michigan to fix the fence." "Done!" replies the government official.
And that, my friends, is how the new stimulus plan will work.
I apologize to whomever wrote this, because I received it in a forwarded e-mail. If you happen to know who the creator is, please let me know, so that I can give them proper credit.
I honestly believe this is what will happen more often than we care to admit. I don't believe it is a Chicago or Democrat thing either. I simply feel there is SOOO much corruption in our government that there is absolutely no difference between the parties.
It is high time that we have another party or three to choose from. There is historical precedent for more than the republicrat two party system that we have now.
Three contractors are bidding to fix a broken fence at the White House. One is from Chicago , another is from Michigan , and the third is from Minnesota . All three go with a White House official to examine the fence.
The Minnesota contractor takes out a tape measure and does some measuring, then works some figures with a pencil. "Well," he says, "I figure the job will run about $900: $400 for materials, $400 for my crew and $100 profit for me."
The Michigan contractor also does some measuring and figuring, then says, "I can do this job for $700: $300 for materials, $300 for my crew and $100 profit for me."
The Chicago contractor doesn't measure or figure, but leans over to the White House official and whispers, "$2,700."
The official, incredulous, says, "You didn't even measure like the other guys! How did you come up with such a high figure?"
The Chicago contractor whispers back, "$1000 for me, $1000 for you, and we hire the guy from Michigan to fix the fence." "Done!" replies the government official.
And that, my friends, is how the new stimulus plan will work.
I apologize to whomever wrote this, because I received it in a forwarded e-mail. If you happen to know who the creator is, please let me know, so that I can give them proper credit.
I honestly believe this is what will happen more often than we care to admit. I don't believe it is a Chicago or Democrat thing either. I simply feel there is SOOO much corruption in our government that there is absolutely no difference between the parties.
It is high time that we have another party or three to choose from. There is historical precedent for more than the republicrat two party system that we have now.
Politics and Social Views: Octomom
I have been watching the whole Octomom thing quite a bit on the news. It seems as though the whole world is against this woman, and it is probably justified. Folks are outraged that their tax dollars are supporting this kind of irresponsibility. What I don't see in the news however, is anywhere near the same rage against the Government spending the same tax dollars in far more inappropriate ways. Quite frankly, I believe this woman should have her kids taken into foster care, and she be committed. At the same time, I'd rather my hard earned dollars buy diapers than ING Bank.
Today the House is proposing we spend another 410 BILLION and increase spending by 8% across the board.
And... We are going to send 900 MILLION to Gaza for rebuilding.
Today the House is proposing we spend another 410 BILLION and increase spending by 8% across the board.
And... We are going to send 900 MILLION to Gaza for rebuilding.
Monday, February 23, 2009
politics: It's been a whole month!
Here we are, in the middle of a complete economic travesty, and we can't help but give away the farm. The president is giving away our childrens futures, and the American sheeple stand by with their hands out. Shame on us as a society.
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