Save the taxpayers money. Go on welfare.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091031/ap_on_bi_ge/us_stimulus_jobs_40

So let me get this straight:

650,000 jobs were “saved or created” in the stimulus package. Even if you assume those numbers are accurate (ha… stop laughing). The stimulus bill was $787 billion.

I wasn’t a math major, but 787,000,000,000 divided by 650,000 is about $1,210,769 per job “saved or created.” So if the average wage in America is around $40,000 (45K for men, 35K for women), the annual cost for the those 650,000 people would be about $26 billion.

So why didn’t we just let them get fired, and put them all on welfare for the next 30 years (yes, that’s 787 billion divided by the annual 26 billion)? I know. I know. That doesn’t include the interest savings of paying that out over 30 years, but let’s assume we provide a COLA (cost of living adjustment) that balances that out. I know. I know. COLAs aren’t guaranteed anymore. Of course, if you don’t get a COLA, you’ll get a $250 check instead. Because, gee, we wouldn’t want you to have to go without a raise now would we?

If we were to ask those 650,000 people which they would have preferred, which do you think they would want? Their job? Or early retirement with full pay for the next 30 years?

Once again, the government does things so inefficiently.

Bankers, Politicans, and Fear…oh my!

I am still recovering from my hanging at the Tree of Liberty this fall, but I had a couple of quick points I wanted to make this morning….

#1: http://uk.reuters.com/article/ousiv/idUKTRE5125WS20090203

Barney Frank says: “As I’ve said to a couple of bankers … people really hate you and they’re starting to hate us just for hanging out with you”.

If I were in the bankers’ position I would point out to the good Congressman that, in truth, it’s just the opposite.  People are starting to hate bankers (and other businesses) for spending so much time with their hands out on Capitol Hill next to the Apex of Hate: politicians.  Birds of a feather generally flock together.  Turkeys, perhaps.

#2: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090204/ap_on_go_pr_wh/obama_stimulus_3

“President Barack Obama says the recession will turn into a “catastrophe” if the economic stimulus is not passed quickly.”

Forgive my naivety, but isn’t this just more of the “Politics of Fear” that Obama promised to deliver us from?  What exactly is a “catastrophe”?  15% unemployment?  30%?  $20T bailouts?  Record low approval ratings?  Loss of a little of more of that Holy Glow the People love to bask in?

Capitalism has existed since the early days of barter and trade (“I’ll give you a pretty stone for some of your mammoth meat”)….it’s not going anywhere (unless, or course, it gets systematically replaced by another form of a government enforced and regulated economic system).  Hmmm.  I think the real fear is that given a long enough time-line, the markets will correct themselves and the truth that all this government regulation is not only unnecessary, but also detrimental, would be revealed to the masses.  No more excuses for growing the Government.

There is no part of the administration of government that requires extensive information and a thorough knowledge of the principles of political economy, so much as the business of taxation. The man who understands those principles best will be least likely to resort to oppressive expedients, or sacrifice any particular class of citizens to the procurement of revenue. It might be demonstrated that the most productive system of finance will always be the least burdensome.
Alexander Hamilton

Obama Runs out the clock in the 2nd and 3rd Debate.

Well, as the last debate comes to a close I must say I am disappointed. Time and time again McCain had Obama against the cage ready to take him down and just backed off. Even more frustrating was Obama’s lack of commitment to engage or go out on a limb, choosing instead to continually pander to the 95%, tie Bush to McCain, Obama’s refusal to debate McCain’s points, instead treating them as if they were not worthy discussion and doing whatever possible to steer clear of real debate.

I understand that Obama is favored in the polls but to just wade through these debates with memorized responses and repeated statements is in my view a disservice to the spirit of the debate. In all he pulled it off as if he were walking down Easy St flipping a coin. On the flip side McCains choice not to deliver the last blow made it that much easier for him to slip away.

I am of the opinion that McCain drawed the 1st and was dominant in the others. Obama’s message of “Vote Democrat, we can’t do any worse”, “Bush is running for a 3rd term” and “I’ll punish the rich” did not wash with me. Unfortunately I am in the minority.

Socialist views are gaining strength in our nation, and it gives me great pause. Come January we face the reality of a Democratic House, Senate, and President. Where will the voice of balance come from, and will it be heard? It will come from Republicans and Blue Dogs to be sure, but most importantly that voice must be ours. So get out and vote November 4th!

Obama…The Robin Hood of our Times?

By now I’m sure we all have heard Obama’s plans on tax’s. I am sure to many most of his proposals sound great because it means less out of their pockets, or in some cases putting some in if your one of those who fall within the 40% who don’t pay tax’s at all (sounds like tax welfare to me). Those in the top 5% will have to give up tax breaks given in the past in an effort to give the rest of us po’ folk a tax break. Is it fair to dump the majority of the tax burden on those who make a good living because they are few while we the little people are many? What makes people think the “Rich” don’t pay more than their fair share of tax’s now?

I think if everybody did their own tax’s most would realize the fact that indeed many folks in the +250K range pay quite a bit more than let’s say those in the 75k area when it comes to tax’s, not just in dollars, but % of income! To suggest that they are getting away with something in regards to tax’s is ridiculous. When discussing the issue at BBQ’s and such the one thing I hear the most is “Well, they can afford it, so what’s the big deal?”. The big deal is that it is not right to in essence “Punish” those who are financially successful in an effort to re-distribute that wealth to those who are not. That is unfair, and in my opinion un-American, not to mention it being the cornerstone of socialism.

Time and time again both Obama and Biden have made this election about class warfare, in all it’s various shapes and sizes. Tax’s, Health Care, Education, Economy, Poverty or whatever the subject may be, it’s those evil rich folks against us defenseless victimized poor ones. It’s insulting to the intelligence of the American people, and pure rubbish.

Let’s take the now popular conversation between Joe the plumber and Obama. I went to the New York Times websight and was only able to locate this pathetic little tidbit regarding the incedent http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/obama-knocks-on-doors-in-ohio/?scp=4&sq=plumber&st=cse . Spectacular journalism… Fox on the other hand had the incedent a little more flushed out http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/13/obama-plumber-plan-spread-wealth/ and in my opinion explained the plumbers plight in much greater detail.

Here is a guy who supposedly wants to grow and expand his business to achieve financial success. We are not talking about some mortgage broker, attorney or some white collar job, but a plumber. And for his efforts he is being taxed ever more and would suffer greater financial hardship under Obama’s new and improved tax plan for America. So when he tells Obama he will pay even more tax’s to achieve this success the response he gets speaks volumes about Obamas doctrine, which simply put is to take more of his hard earned well deserved money and spread it to those who don’t.  Why does Obama feel that dollars earned by the “Rich” should be taken and given to the “Poor”? Just ask those at ACORN and I’m sure they could give you a dozen answers to that query. That my friends is re-distribution of wealth and socialist dogma through and through.

When I go to Obama’s website and read his plans the one thing that presents itself again and again is bigger government and crippling tax’s. Does anybody really think that if he lowers tax’s on 95% of the populace and guts the other 5% he can pay for all the government oversight and spending he is presenting? It’s pandering for votes via class warfare and it’s not balanced at all. We all know Biden’s view on taxing the wealthy minority, as if they finally are getting what’s coming to them and its now their “Patriotic Duty” to sit back, shut up, while they take more because after all they can afford it andothers less fortunate have a right to those dollars anyways. Rich people spend lot’s of money and pay alot of salary’s in the process lest anybody forget, and do there part to drive this economy.

Is business the bad guy here? Are big corporations evil? Some may be, but the vast majority are not. Wanting to turn a profit for investors or in the case of the small business for oneself is as natural and normal as breathing. Why not lower the corporate tax as some have suggested? We are in  a global market now and America needs to aggressively compete once again in it to keep and grow skilled high paid labor. Over time cheap labor will disappear overseas and we will be in a much better position to capitalize on it if we act now to get the ball rolling in that direction. By raising taxes especially on business in any form is cutting off the lifeblood of this nation in this rough economy. Tax’s and the Economy, there never is one without the other.

To get back on point is it sound economic policy to take from the rich and give to the middle and lower class? Absolutely not, but it is a good way to try andget elected by pandering to the majority. It destroys the entrepreneurial spirit on which this nation was founded, not to mention socialist ideology. May I remind those out there we still are a capitalist nation(for the moment). I am reminded by politicians of the old west offering bribes on election day to crowds in exchange for votes. Obama offers tax cuts to the vast majority and the rumor of a 2nd stimulus plan if elected. Cigar anybody?

Look at the economic and tax proposals of the Democratic and Republican candidates. One is a proponent of higher tax’s, big government, increased spending and increased oversight. The other supports smaller government, fiscal discipline, personal responsibility and keeping tax’s low for all Americans. One wants to cut spending, the other increase it. The choice is yours in November, so get involved, be a part of the solution and cast your vote!

Afterthought:

With the world economy in bad shape(we are not alone mind you), the housing market in tatters, unemployment rates increasing and centers of wealth folding weekly how do you think Obama’s going to pay for his proposed $1,000,000,000,000 in new government spending? History bares witness to the results of raising taxes in poor economic times, or are those enamoured with Obama’s celebrity status so blind they would follow him right off a cliff like lemmings on the march? My opinion is if elected he will inevitably  lower his annual income bar to achieve his overall goals.

Fannie, Ayers and Acorn, oh my!

Everybody in Washington has skeletons in their closet, andhave done things that I am sure given a second chance would do differently, take Senator Kennedy for instance. But they move on and some bounce back, andsomedon’t depending on what way the political wind is blowing. Take McCains involvement in the Keating 5. Though he was later exonerated of any wrongdoing something of that nature can be disastrous to ones political aspirations regardless of the outcome.

Only now after over a year of campaigning we finally begin to see the liberal mainstream press give scant attention to a few of Obama’s skeletons, and only after Conservatives have been screaming it from every rooftop in the country for some time. Fair and balanced journalism my ass, it’s a sad fact to be sure. But is it to little to late?

Where to start…I am amazed for a man in the Senate for barely 4 years has adjusted so well to acting and spending like an old Washington pro. His pork-barrel/earmark spending totaled $932,000,000 in just 3 years of his 1st term. He only suspended it when he began his “Official” run for the White House. He solves problems or gets favors by throwing taxpayer dollars at it. McCain only told you half of the story regarding the Planetarium projector to be sure. It seems the original request was for 300k, but after the Chairman and two of the Vice Chairman of the Adler Planetarium Board of Trustees raised a total of almost $250,000 for Senator Obama’s 2008 Presidential campaign they were awarded a cool $3,000,000 earmark instead. That’s not all, take a look at an earmark to his wifes employer, and then her salary shortly thereafter. A voice for change and reformer he is not.

James Johnson and Franklin Raines. Don’t know who they are? They are former CEO’s of Fannie Mae and are in large part the cause for what has gone wrong in our economy. Did I mention they advised Obama? Google both of them, I dare you Liberals who read this, then try and defend them. These two are as slimy as the day is long. Johnson was appointed to head Obama’s vice-presidential selection committee, but he was forced to step down when a controversy surfaced in June concerning alleged millions in questionable real estate loans he had received on favorable terms from Countrywide that were outside the normal business channels. Raines at that time was playing a role advising the Obama presidential campaign on mortgage and housing policy. Are you kidding me? Both these guys walked away with millions upon millions of dollars for what, cooking the books, lying to everybody, grabbing as much money for themselves and lining politicians pockets to keep them fat, happy and stupid? So I guess Obama needed their advise in how to screw, mislead and cheat those around him? Which reminds me….

Obama received, lets see here, oh yea, $126,349 in campaign contributions from the before mentioned company in a scant 3 years in office, only 2nd to Christopher Dodd in overall $. You remember him, that’s one of the the windbag’s who spearheaded saving America to to try and cover up his own stupidity. So anyways, Obama received big money while our economy was sliding into the abyss. Talk about getting caught with your hand in the cookie jar.

Another shining star in Obama’s circle of friends is Tony Rezko. This guy has a rap sheet longer than my arm and is a certifiable scumbag. He was a political fundraiser convicted on several counts of fraud and bribery in 2008. Rezko has been involved in fund-raising for local Illinois Democratic and Republican politicians since the 1980s. In turn Rezkowas able to have business associates appointed onto several state boards. Rezko andseveral others were indicted on federal charges in October 2006 for using their connections to the state boards to demand kickbacks from businesses that wanted to do business with the state. While the others pleaded guilty to the charges, Rezko pleaded not guilty andwas found guilty of 16 of the 24 charges filed against him. These activities before charges were filed seemed to go unnoticed by those he aided in the Illinois government, including one Barrack Obama who landed a $250,000 donation from the man while running for the Senate. Kind of worked out like the Freddie deal.

Let’s not forget the man who helped Obama launch his political career. This man for some reason is looked upon by the liberal minded as a folk hero who stood up to the American government in turbulent times. I speak of the infamous domestic terrorist Bill Ayers of the Anti-Vietnam War group Weather Underground. Just to be clear, there is a difference between a protester practicing civil disobedience and a terrorist, well, blowing stuff up. Now many in the Obama camp have given conflicting reports on his relationship with Ayers but it is obvious that it’s just more than a guy he knew in the hood. They worked closely together on various projects and boards where BIG money was about including the Chicago Annenberg Challenge. Stanley Kurtz of the National Review Online wrote an in depth article regarding the issue surrounding the Ayers/Obama relationship  http://article.nationalreview.com/?q=MTgwZTVmN2QyNzk2MmUxMzA5OTg0ODZlM2Y2OGI0NDM=&w=MA== that I found very informative.

How a man could gain such prominence in the Illinois educational system just floors me. This just goes to show just how liberal/radical minded our centers of higher learning are becoming and their willingness to accept and hold folks like Ayers in such high regards. It’s completely unacceptable. University of Illinois at Chicago (UCI) should never have let such a despicable character on the grounds let alone teach. It’s a discrace and a sham. Is this the type of radical “Education” that Obama buys into and has in mind for my kid if elected? Not no, but HELL NO. Funny thing that the vast $ recieved from the Chicago AnnenbergChallenge never went to the public schools directly, but instead went to “External Partners”. Proposals from groups focused on math/science achievement were turned down. Instead money  found it’s way to various far-left community organizers, such as the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (or Acorn). ACORN? Naw, that’s just coincidance and must be an attempted smear campaign by Conservatives to distort the truth about the Senator from Illinois. He would never want to push political beliefs on children that Ayers thought was appropriate and Obama agreed with instead of a real education. He would never take money meant for public schools and funnel it into radical political groups. Well folks, he did.

Last I bring ACORN to the table. This group last time I checked was under investigation in 11 states for voter registration fraud. Obama has given large sums of money ($800,000) to this organization and has waded hip deep with them for many years to reach his political goals. These people lie, cheat, mislead, commit fraud and make a mockery of our election system, and Obama has been with them every step of the way. I have two words for ACORN, POST OFFICE. Look, if you want to vote just go to your local post office and register! It’s that simple! You don’t need to deal with ACORN or any politically driven group when registering to vote. I wonder how many of the 1,315,037 people they “registered” are fraudulent? It’s a disgrace on so many levels, I can’t begin to express my disgust for this organization.

So in my ranting I can only come to one conclusion. These relationships and choices seriously call into question the Democratic nominee’s character, judgment and I for one do not agree with his liberal views or socialists policies. What might be accepted by those in Illinois is not acceptable to myself and many Conservative and Independent Americans. So go do your own research and homework on the issues, educate yourself, register at your local Post Office and make your voice heard!

1st round of the Presidential Debate. A Draw?

As I watched the debate I found myself yelling at the TV expressing my displeasure at what either candidate may have been stating, or not stating to be sure.

Cool and calm as always Obama seemed to get out the gate more in the first part sounding much as a college professor would, with a smooth opening statement followed by bullet point precision on his take of the situation, it’s effects, and the economic bailout. He then stated Bush with McCains support was responsible for the present financial crisis due to gross mismanagement on the current administrations part. In closing he began pandering to the middle as being the benchmark of the countries financial success.

Obama is truly a gifted orator and debater. Throughout the debate he engaged an audience he could not see as well as those who watched from home. He continually used body language that kept your attention and used it to reference his opponent when speaking in a negative manner on multiple occasions. His a matter of fact attitude, confidence of voice and dimeanor gave what some may view as a level of experience and understanding he possesses that make him a good candidate for President.

McCains opening though not as well spoken or delivered was very simple and to the point. He spoke of the several economic and political issues our country is dealing with, sympathized with those who were ”facing challenges”, praised government for working together on a solution, explained his involvement and understood the seriousness of the situation. When speaking he named no names (other than Kennedy) and showed real sincerity when expressing his concern and wanting to solve the issues at hand. In closing he stated that this is only the beginning, and we as Americans have allot of work to do together to solve our problems here at home.

What I saw was a man who did not relish the podium and wished it was not there. He was stiff and uncomfortable in my opinion because he could not make a connection with those he was speaking to. He chose instead to focus on Lehrer pretty much the whole time, and rarely if at all faced his opponent, which to tell you the truth bothered me. One can only speculate why he clung on to that podium for dear life. I have seen this man many times on senate committee’s rip into those he was questioning and shown no fear or quarter whatsoever when it came to the task at hand. I am of the opinion that he went out of his way to control his sometimes quarrelsome nature and chose not to directly engage in the beginning as to not get drawn into an argument, kind of like dipping his toe in the pool to see how warm it is. Have no doubt he is a scrapper at heart.

As the Debate progressed McCain began to come into his own and started a counter-offensive and began pressing and pounding the issues being discussed. When answering questions and rebuking accusations you saw and heard a man who spoke from a place of real life experience, was crisp and to the point, gave specifics, gave direct answers, and though not the greatest orator, you knew the truth of his words. Whether it was the economy, tax’s, government spending, accountability, national security, or energy independence, he was as raw, real and unrehearsed, displaying honesty and true grit. He challenged his opponents experience, understanding and ability to successfully lead our country out of it’s various issues by reminding those of his vast experience as an independent public servant.  

Obama, like a man born to debate, waltzed in and out of the fray at will. In just about every response and rebuttal he wove in class warfare, McCain’s ties to the present administration and various other feel good political popsicles. He spoke of our children on more than one occasion(with the intention of getting an emotional reaction) as well as continuing to refer and pander to the middle class by also offering tax cuts to 95% of working Americans. He wants America to once again become the once respected shining beacon of the world.

He is extremely intelligent and chooses his words carefully for maximum emotional impact. When this man speaks he draws you in and it comes accross like your attending a political science or theory class, because it’s rehearsed or read from a book due to very little political capital or experience to pull from. He relies on casting his opponent as a continuation of the present unpopular administration, which he vows to change, a change that will bring about American prosperity. I think somebody needs to let him know that Bush is not running for re-election and to debate McCain going forward. To be honest Obama’s been running for President since he’s been elected to the Senate.

Obama’s ability to charm and hold an audience helped him stay on equal ground with McCain. In my opinion it was a draw, for the simple fact McCain could and should have challenged more of Obama’s miss-represented statements on the spot, as well as pressing the points he had in mind going into the debate. McCain let him off the hook and that hurt. He needs to relax, be himself, hold Obama accountable for his words, and not let him control the flow of the debate. If McCain was on point and willing to aggressively engage Obama out the gate he would have made much more of an impact.

The one silver lining in all this is that this is as good as Obama will ever get. Words will only get you so far, no matter how eloquent. He can’t directly attack McCain without tying him to Bush, plain and simple. He preaches Marxism tied up in a pretty red, white and blue bow, and McCain needs to expose him for the Socialist that he is.  McCain needs to learn from this, focus on the issues and remember why the American people grudgingly admire him.

I eagerly await round 2.

Senator McCain, a moment of your time if you please…

As I watch our financial(credit) system take a pummeling I see those in office not miss an opportunity to once again take up the mud and fling it forth upon their foe’s in whatever branch of office. I enjoy the sport as much as the next guy but this is really starting to border on the absurd and take away from what is indeed a very trying time in our nations history. As I watch the media tear the McCain/Palin ticket to pieces daily and leave the Obama/(…what’s his name….OH!)Biden ticket mildly bruised never ceases to amaze me. Then again, not much to dig up on a 1st term Senator with very little experience compared to a man such as McCain.

Both the Obama AND McCain camps for some time now have entered in a tit for tat spit balling match that has sent the media into a feeding frenzy. I for one am tired of it, and I believe the American people are as well. The spin is so strong nobody knows what to believe. Even as our nation teeters on the edge of a razor as some have suggested Democrats have taken the opportunity to blame Mccain for the bailout plan being delayed in Washington. http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/25/dems-blast-mccain-after-bailout-negotiations-go-sour/ 

Though I have my views regarding big government I find this a very typical reaction from a Democraticly controlled Senate who in many ways has the ball regarding this matter, and with the big chair at stake will not pass up the opportunity to mislead the American people as to why the bill was held up. Why blame Bush or Republicans when McCain’s the real threat now. It’s ridicules and beyond contempt.

I would challenge the the McCain campaign to see beyond this finger pointing and name calling and focus on the substantial issues that need attention in this election. Have faith that the American people will hopefully see in time that actions speak louder than words, and that Obama is a spirited Senator with a gift for public speech but lacks the true grit one needs to hold the most powerful office in the land. 

And to you Senator McCain:

I value you as a public servant for the very reasons that your critics dislike you. You believe in a smaller Federal Government, swear, get mad, drive a gas hog (Caddy), speak your mind, and have continually blazed your own trail of service to our nation regardless of party lines or affiliations. I value your life experience as a Naval Line Officer, P.O.W. and Senator. You and a select few know the true horrors war can bring and the price to be paid in human dignity and life. You have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that you posses the understanding, fortitude and conviction to carry the heavy mantle/Office of the President of the United States.

And lastly take your argument to the people, don’t back out of ANY debate or chance to challenge your opponent face to face on any subject matter or forum. That is the only way you are going to be able to convince those on the fence or the other side that YOU have the right vision and are the man for the job.

                 Thank you for your time!  Patrick

Freedom of speech is a wonderful thing. Here I am bashing and giving my advice to Senators, and I can because I am an American. More than ever our country needs a leader who has the tools to turn this country around. Hold your government officials accountable, make your voice heard, and vote! I look forward to the debates!

$700 Billion Bailout? Are you F-ing Kidding Me?

Look man, I am no Economist and I lack a PhD, so could somebody please explain to me (preferably somebody with a MBA or higher in Business or Economics) why the hell our government is bailing out Wall St? Tom Paine some time ago wrote a little ditty (Obama’s Fantasy World) explaining his concerns about government continually getting involved and bailing out the economy for fear of it’s citizen’s becoming uncomfortable, and moreover us demanding that they do so. Why is it when something happens it’s the governments job to handle it?

The US government (taxpayer) owns 80% of AIG and is now in the insurance business. Let’s not forget Fannie and Freddie. Now they want to give Washington broad authority to purchase bad mortgage-related assets from U.S. financial institutions for the next two years?http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080920/ap_on_bi_ge/financial_meltdown

These institutions made horrible irresponsible short term investments in the mortgage market betting on the rising value of homes to cover their ass! Literally! Let’s all make a quick buck! There WAS a reason why it was difficult to get a home-loan. Credit checks, background checks, salary confirmations, length of employment, and a chunk of $ to prove your commitment in holding your end of the agreement. Well, not anymore! Sub-Prime anybody? No $, no credit, no problem! And don’t worry about if you make enough, we won’t verify it!

I have very little pity for those who lost their homes under such circumstances, for they are just as culpable as the lenders. You know what you can afford, and if you closed your eyes believing the lenders and realitors had your best interests in mind you are a sucker. Nobody wants to take personal responsibility for their actions, it’s somebody else’s fault and job to fix.  

Oh, let’s not forget big brothers part by bullying financial institutions to give home loans to those who fell into the low income/high-risk/minority profile bracket. If I were a bank president I would have told Uncle Sam to get bent. The government demanding business to make bad investments is a crock.

Obama of course is right there to promote his dream of bigger government http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/20/obama-casts-mccain-as-gambler/ as well as taking a swipe at Mccain who is concerned about government meddling to much in the market. Words such as “Curb some of the Risk Taking” and “Enthusiastically Backing” send chills up my spine. 

I agree that there needs to be complete transparency in regards to publicly owned business financial’s for shareholders and potential shareholders. The problem lies with the board of directers cooking the books, misleading shareholders, and getting the golden parachute regardless what happens to the company.

Is it truly the lesser of two evils for our government to buy back all this bad debt and allow business to pass go and collect $200?  Is it truly nessesary for our government to take taxpayer money and try and fix this problem? Is this just delaying the inevitable? I truly don’t know, and neither do the experts in my opinion.

What I do know is if this passes our national debt will crack the 11 trillion mark, and that gives me great pause. All those in this country, from the ultra rich to the piss poor, should be concerned right now, because this effects all of us as Americans. This indeed will surpass National Security as the main issue of Election ‘08, and we the people need to get off the couch, get involved in our system, and tell Washington what we want at the polls!

S/C.RE.W. YOU!

SCREW YOU (Social/Communist REdistribution of Wealth for YOU)

The IRS has announced that they will lose $681 Million answering your questions. See http://www.webcpa.com/article.cfm?articleid=27085&pg=ros. To say the least, that is pretty pathetic.

But let’s think about this. There are approximately 304 million people in the US now according to the US Census bureau (http://www.census.gov/population/www/popclockus.html). So not only is the government going to pass out money to the (“non-wealthy”) people, the people who are receiving this money are going to demand an additional $5 for each of the 130 million stimulus payments that will be issued by calling the IRS.

Firstly, the government is giving you “free” money. Why do you need to call about it? Just take it.

Secondly, even if everybody called, do we really need to spend $681 million answering phones? Perhaps we can have people wait on hold for 4 hours to get their question answered. It would reduce call volume and increase the stock price of the mobile carriers who would collect on the 240 additional anytime minutes being used. Mobile carriers are part of the economy right? They deserve stimulation too right?

Thirdly, perhaps we can offer the callers an option to use email instead. It’s cheaper and we can have spam bots answer them. Better yet, let’s get the IRS website to be sponsored by Google Adwords and have people visit the website to call via a free internet phone service. This way, the IRS can recoup some of the lost $681 million from Google while simultaneously getting sponsorship from Yahoo Voice or Skype for promoting use of their voice services. In any case, do something. That’s $681 million you shouldn’t be spending in the first place. Add that to the wasted $168 billion in the first place and I realize that it’s trivial. But our national $9.4 trillion debt isn’t. Imagine if we used the $168 billion to pay down our national debt. Just think about it… We could go from ~$9,381,000,000,000.00 to ~$9,213,000,000,000.00. Not bad huh? On a per capita basis, that’s a significant dent in the $30,894 each one of us owes.

Or perhaps we should just tell people not to call and that if they don’t get their checks, tough luck. The preposterous idea of taxing people only to then hand the money out in virtually equal amounts based upon the taxable income that the IRS collected the money on in the first place is simply ridiculous. What a waste of $168 billion. Well, actually, $168.681 billion to be more accurate.

If we’re in an economic correction, let it happen. It’s called a cycle because the economy goes up, and the economy goes down. Stop trying to fix something that isn’t broken.

What kind of crazy government run economic system would S/C.RE.W. YOU like this? Oh yeah, that one.

My personal Goal

OK, as we start out on this new endeavor it’s a good opportunity to state any goals that we might have for this space. My goal is very simple at this point; to be linked to from The Drudge Report. I’ve read that it’s one of the most visited political/news sites on the net. So anyone who knows Matt Drudge or finds something here that they think is Drudge worthy, please pass it along and help my dreams come true.