Reloading the Political Armament

I saw two bobcats the night before last. Any idea how rare that is? I would say the site of two of these cats at once is akin to snow in August. Earlier that day, I was re-introduced to some folks that I hadn't really talked to since I was a kid. They acted as though I was a long lost grandchild. The kids and I played hide and seek after dinner, and I finished that night with a glass of wine they had made from their vineyard.

My dad had come down the day before, and I had a chance to put a few hundred rounds down range with him. Just a boy and his dad breaking sticks and making cans jump. I enjoyed it like I was ten again. The weather was warm for March, and we laughed and talked like the old days before I had a business and family. It seemed as if we had all the time in the world for a change.

I awoke this morning to raindrops drumming a pleasant tune on the roof, and fourteen Canada geese on our new pond. While I was watching them and waiting for my morning caffeine, a small group of blue winged teal landed amongst them. Yes, Teal in March, on our pond ,swimming with the geese. I warded off the primal desire to run for my shotgun, instead opting for a cup of the black stuff and a pair of binoculars. After allowing me to enjoy their seemingly random movements for nearly an hour, they were gone. The ducks first, followed by the the Canadas, slipping away over the western horizon.

I read Reverend Kenneth Blanchard's column tonight, and it made me think. We all walk our own walk. Each of us has a unique experience to share. Some of us have been and done, some simply dream about the "what ifs" in life, and others simply bury their heads in the sand.

I believe God gave me a few days to reflect. I hadn't planned on taking the time off, but it came to me. A little recharge before continuing the battle. It's important. Relive your "old days" and remember what's important. Play with the kids.

While I was busy not paying attention to the news, our leftist governor actually said NO to a new tax. How strange. He actually said that raising taxes in an already poor economic time would cause undue pressure on the local economy.

The republicans and few blue dogs that are left in the government are also holding up the bloated spending bill that would run the government the next few months. Wannabe Czar of Iowa, Harkin hasn't slowed down, but for a change, things aren't all negative. THERE IS HOPE! Now if we could just get ammo supplies back to normal so there could be more of those little relax and reflect times. I fear those days are gone for a while but let's all Hope the situation Changes.

Until next time, Keep your powder dry and your eyes open. And take a break whether you think you can or not. It's worth it..

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.