Like prophets foretelling the coming of a great calamity, the TEA (Taxed Enough Already) partiers have vehemently decried the explosion in rate of government growth, if for nothing more, for issues of fiscal concerns. Now, just a month after a controversial, and unfundable, Healthcare law was signed by Obama, the issue of money is coming to the forefront.
Obama is reportedly keeping all options 'On The Table'... for those of you who don't know what the definition of 'IS' is, that is Obama-ese for 'Here come the taxes!'
In order to pay for the indulgent and pork laden federal government, Obama and Congress are considering a Value Added Tax in addition to all current forms of taxation on the people - the same tax that drives up the cost of consumer end items by as much as 17% in the UK. A tax, I might add, that directly impacts the poor and middle class of this country more than any other. The cost, the government will argue, will be captured at the manufacturing level, not at the consumer level. However, it is obvious to anyone who understands cost flowdown that any impact to the bottom line is flowed down to the end item - to the consumer. The consumers who will feel the impact more than anyone else are those with whom wealth does not dwell.
I have a few suggestions, if Obama really is putting ALL options on the table:
1. Cease funding all unconstitutional and unnecessary federal government agencies, programs, and organizations. Cut federal government spending across the board not by 2% or even 5%. Cut the spending by 80%. There is no reason why the federal government should have a budget of $3 - $4 Trillion annually... By dissecting the budget to under a trillion dollars, focus entirely on mandatory spending, and eliminating wealth redistribution the People of the United States will see an increase of $2 - $3 Trillion in the marketplace (not the federal government), and a return to state's authority of self governance.
2. End the dependence on the Federal Reserve, thus eliminating the federal government paying interest on it's own monies. by ending the federal reserve, the US government will spare hundreds of billions annually in simple interests on monies technically owned by the federal government to begin with. The responsibility of coining money lies with the Treasury - not a non-governmental conglomerate of banks known as the federal reserve. We are giving away money to 'big bad banks' - if they are the problem, STOP. Use the constitution to coin money that is NOT a Federal Reserve Note.
3. Scale back the length of session and the pay for federal employees. For the government to operate successfully, the Legislative session need be no more than 3 months a year and the day to day management of the countries can rest with the people and the states, and in case of emergency, the Executive. With a smaller government, less staff, less pay requirements, etc - the US can streamline and spread power to where it is constitutionally reserved - THE STATES AND THE PEOPLE!
None of these idealistic pipe dreams, however, will be discussed by Obama and his team... In fact, they are only concerned with INCREASING power at the federal level, taxing the proles into oblivion, and ensuring that the bridge between those with jobs and those with power is never breached...
So sit back, enjoy the ride... cause here come the taxes!
Showing posts with label raised taxes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label raised taxes. Show all posts
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Monday, April 12, 2010
WA State Dems: Cut School Funding, Tax Beer and Candy
Washington State Democratic leadership has held the state hostage for 30 days of a special session in order to address the state budget crisis. After threats of 20% across the board cuts (wouldn't that be nice), and thirty days at a cost to the state of nearly $20,000 a day, the Democratic leadership seems to be passing a budget aimed at cutting funding for the most necessary functions of Government - schools and prisons, while placing nearly $800 Million in new taxes on beer, candy, services and bottled water.
Come November, however, the Republicans will be blamed for funding cuts to the schools - mark my words...
Let's take a look at my main points of contention with the approach the Democrats are taking.
First - the tax increases.
The tax on beer is not across the board. As a matter of fact, it targets low cost/high production beers... the type of beer most likely to be consumed by the working poor - the Coors Light, Rainier, PBR, Budweiser, etc. Exempt are the high-end micro brews, resulting in a tax exemption for the Seattlites who flock to microbreweries after a long day in the office. The tax is on the order of ten cents per can/bottle. A sizable expense to the poor, where every penny counts.
Tax increases were also directed at candy, soda, bottled water, and service businesses - directly hitting the working elements of our state. A tax boycott of candy, bottled water, and soda would directly impact the working distributors of those items, placing further pressure on the working families of this state!
Budget cuts -
There were cuts to the budget, to the tune of slightly more than the expected tax increases. However, these cuts were directed at universities, schools, and corrections. The very fundamentals of our state, and of the state's responsibility to support, were cut - leaving the health care and bloated state employee union wages untouched. The cut to K-12 education relies on the lottery funds to pick up the slack, a crutch that uses a supplemental fund as a primary source of funding... never a strong move. The cuts to universities and corrections further shows the disregard for the people of the state of Washington.
Democrats have, in putting forward this partisan budget, revealed their priorities and allegiances. They have placed special interest and state labor unions above the education of our next generation, and placed the burden of taxation on the hard workers of this state. Each and every representative or senator who is voting in favor of these horrendous budgetary changes needs to be reminded of their failures come November.
Where they refused to cut union wages, we will remember in November. Where they refused to back education, we will remember in November. Where they refused to represent the working poor, we will remember in November.
We will return the favor and refuse to cast our votes for them... and perhaps, by doing so, we can return the government of the State of Washington back to the people... the hard working people of this great state!
Come November, however, the Republicans will be blamed for funding cuts to the schools - mark my words...
Let's take a look at my main points of contention with the approach the Democrats are taking.
First - the tax increases.
The tax on beer is not across the board. As a matter of fact, it targets low cost/high production beers... the type of beer most likely to be consumed by the working poor - the Coors Light, Rainier, PBR, Budweiser, etc. Exempt are the high-end micro brews, resulting in a tax exemption for the Seattlites who flock to microbreweries after a long day in the office. The tax is on the order of ten cents per can/bottle. A sizable expense to the poor, where every penny counts.
Tax increases were also directed at candy, soda, bottled water, and service businesses - directly hitting the working elements of our state. A tax boycott of candy, bottled water, and soda would directly impact the working distributors of those items, placing further pressure on the working families of this state!
Budget cuts -
There were cuts to the budget, to the tune of slightly more than the expected tax increases. However, these cuts were directed at universities, schools, and corrections. The very fundamentals of our state, and of the state's responsibility to support, were cut - leaving the health care and bloated state employee union wages untouched. The cut to K-12 education relies on the lottery funds to pick up the slack, a crutch that uses a supplemental fund as a primary source of funding... never a strong move. The cuts to universities and corrections further shows the disregard for the people of the state of Washington.
Democrats have, in putting forward this partisan budget, revealed their priorities and allegiances. They have placed special interest and state labor unions above the education of our next generation, and placed the burden of taxation on the hard workers of this state. Each and every representative or senator who is voting in favor of these horrendous budgetary changes needs to be reminded of their failures come November.
Where they refused to cut union wages, we will remember in November. Where they refused to back education, we will remember in November. Where they refused to represent the working poor, we will remember in November.
We will return the favor and refuse to cast our votes for them... and perhaps, by doing so, we can return the government of the State of Washington back to the people... the hard working people of this great state!
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Passing the Buck - Democrats approach at governing
Washington state democrats, who currently hold a majority in the state, have overturned the peoples initiative I-960, which required a super majority to implement new taxes. The Democratic Gov, Gregiore, will sign the nullification bill tomorrow opening the flood gates for new taxes. In fact, Democrats are already proposing a billion dollar tax increase ranging from cigarettes and bottled water to a sales tax across the board (with the obvious proposed rebate for 'working class' families).
In fact, tax increases of this nature are nothing more than the Democratic leadership passing the buck. Instead of refusing pressures from union bosses, cutting state employees, and otherwise curbing spending, they are passing off the cost of their unproductive government programs to the taxpayers. When they should be fixing the problem, they are reinforcing their habits by spending OUR money.
The democratic style of governing is bankrupting cities, states, and the union itself. It doesn't work, it won't work, and it is going to back fire come election day. If only 2010 were also a gubernatorial year in WA...
In fact, tax increases of this nature are nothing more than the Democratic leadership passing the buck. Instead of refusing pressures from union bosses, cutting state employees, and otherwise curbing spending, they are passing off the cost of their unproductive government programs to the taxpayers. When they should be fixing the problem, they are reinforcing their habits by spending OUR money.
The democratic style of governing is bankrupting cities, states, and the union itself. It doesn't work, it won't work, and it is going to back fire come election day. If only 2010 were also a gubernatorial year in WA...
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
WA Governor to raise taxes $600 Million?
Democratic governor of the state of Washington is looking to raise taxes by $605 Million as a way to bridge the $2.8 Billion deficit. The tax is mainly aimed at oil products (gas), pollution, cigarettes, and 'junk food'.
The portion of the taxes aimed at oil products and pollution are being openly embraced by radical environmentalists, while businesses and job creating industry, such as refineries) are opposed to a tax that would drive up costs to operate and drive down the ability to employ workers.
The tax increases are a proposed offset to cutting social welfare programs from the state's budget - programs that are over budget and under-performing, yet hold a special place in the hearts of liberal special interests.
Gov. Gregoire and the democrats in the state legislature first must repeal the people's initiative, I-960, passed in 2007 stating that a 2/3 majority is required to raise taxes in the legislature. Luckily Republicans are successfully stalling the bill to undermine the people's will in the state house (it passed easily in the state senate).
Democrats seem to misunderstand the role of government, the dangers of state sponsored welfare, and the impact that taxation has on the economy. Gregoire and the team of WA Democrats have spent the last two decades driving up regulation and taxes to the point where businesses are leaving the region, taking essential tech and higher education jobs, and thus driving up unemployment and negatively impacting any hope of a rebound in the regional housing market. Their recipe is one of disaster.
What is the answer?
Smarter government. Leaner government. simpler government.
Reduce the size and complexity of the state government to the bare essentials - education, defense, infrastructure. Everything else is negotiable, and will be allowed only if it is a proven and cost effective program with positive societal results. We cannot simply employ the standard practice of 'budgetary increase' on an annual basis and without review. This leads to an extraordinary amount of waste! We must operate smarter!
Just like any business that is in financially hard times, it is sometimes necessary to lay off workers. Unless you are the Washington state government - in which case your idea of 'economic growth' is creating government jobs - and thus increasing government spending and state deficit! The government should evaluate the committees, the regulatory boards, and every individual on the state payroll - an audit that will examine just what and who needs to be cut. By cutting overhead costs, the leaner governmental body can operate smarter and faster.
During the downsizing of the regulatory boards it is necessary to ensure that one agency, a NECESSARY agency, is the surviving keeper of the remaining regulatory items. There is no viable reason for many boards to hold jurisdiction over the same issue or concern. Simplify the government, streamline the regulation, and create a more business friendly environment in the meantime.
Washington state is, much like many other states of the union, in a very bad place... mainly because the state governments have followed the examples of the 'other' Washington and grown/spent beyond their useful means. These trends must not simply be stopped, but reversed... returning this state to one of productivity, ingenuity, and innovative solutions for our unique habitat.
The portion of the taxes aimed at oil products and pollution are being openly embraced by radical environmentalists, while businesses and job creating industry, such as refineries) are opposed to a tax that would drive up costs to operate and drive down the ability to employ workers.
The tax increases are a proposed offset to cutting social welfare programs from the state's budget - programs that are over budget and under-performing, yet hold a special place in the hearts of liberal special interests.
Gov. Gregoire and the democrats in the state legislature first must repeal the people's initiative, I-960, passed in 2007 stating that a 2/3 majority is required to raise taxes in the legislature. Luckily Republicans are successfully stalling the bill to undermine the people's will in the state house (it passed easily in the state senate).
Democrats seem to misunderstand the role of government, the dangers of state sponsored welfare, and the impact that taxation has on the economy. Gregoire and the team of WA Democrats have spent the last two decades driving up regulation and taxes to the point where businesses are leaving the region, taking essential tech and higher education jobs, and thus driving up unemployment and negatively impacting any hope of a rebound in the regional housing market. Their recipe is one of disaster.
What is the answer?
Smarter government. Leaner government. simpler government.
Reduce the size and complexity of the state government to the bare essentials - education, defense, infrastructure. Everything else is negotiable, and will be allowed only if it is a proven and cost effective program with positive societal results. We cannot simply employ the standard practice of 'budgetary increase' on an annual basis and without review. This leads to an extraordinary amount of waste! We must operate smarter!
Just like any business that is in financially hard times, it is sometimes necessary to lay off workers. Unless you are the Washington state government - in which case your idea of 'economic growth' is creating government jobs - and thus increasing government spending and state deficit! The government should evaluate the committees, the regulatory boards, and every individual on the state payroll - an audit that will examine just what and who needs to be cut. By cutting overhead costs, the leaner governmental body can operate smarter and faster.
During the downsizing of the regulatory boards it is necessary to ensure that one agency, a NECESSARY agency, is the surviving keeper of the remaining regulatory items. There is no viable reason for many boards to hold jurisdiction over the same issue or concern. Simplify the government, streamline the regulation, and create a more business friendly environment in the meantime.
Washington state is, much like many other states of the union, in a very bad place... mainly because the state governments have followed the examples of the 'other' Washington and grown/spent beyond their useful means. These trends must not simply be stopped, but reversed... returning this state to one of productivity, ingenuity, and innovative solutions for our unique habitat.
Friday, January 25, 2008
The Debate Whisperer
Last night, as I was watching the MSNBC Republican debate, I was shocked by the question to Mitt Romney about Reagan's response in 1983 to Social Security. Not because the question was bad, or inappropriate... rather, because I heard something that I couldn't explain.
I had to YouTube it today to make sure I wasn't alone... and sure enough:
At first, I thought it was McCain whispering something. Other folks have said it was an open mike in the sound booth.
What I find coincidental, and what made my jaw drop, is that it APPEARED as if Romney was responding to the whisper voice, which just said "He Raised Taxes"... Romney's immediate response seemed to react to that voice: "I'm not going to raise taxes"
Coincidence? Who knows... but it made me raise an eyebrow.
Theories I have seen so far include:
Picture of webpage before vanishing
And Free Republic captured the story, vowing that this is not going to be swept away any time soon!
Did anyone else hear it? What are your theories?
I had to YouTube it today to make sure I wasn't alone... and sure enough:
At first, I thought it was McCain whispering something. Other folks have said it was an open mike in the sound booth.
What I find coincidental, and what made my jaw drop, is that it APPEARED as if Romney was responding to the whisper voice, which just said "He Raised Taxes"... Romney's immediate response seemed to react to that voice: "I'm not going to raise taxes"
Coincidence? Who knows... but it made me raise an eyebrow.
Theories I have seen so far include:
- Capture of a radio transmission to a Romney Earpiece
- McCain whispering caught in his open mic (further theory is "they teamed up as a conspiracy to defeat Ron Paul")
- Sound booth operator with an open mic
- Romney being fed a scripted line, what was not heard was "I'm Not going", followed by what was heard "to raise taxes"... which is then exactly what Romney said: "I'm not going to raise taxes" - (the "Whisper" doesn't seem to wait for Tim to finish his question as much as Romney waits for the "Whisper" to finish)
- Brian Williams whispering to Tim Russert
- The signal could have been transmitted wirelessly and intended for a battery-operated earpiece worn by Romney, not unlike what people on talkshows and such wear, and picked up by receivers other than Romney's. It's kind of far-fetched but the timing of what is said in the whisper and what Romney seems just perfect for him to hear the whisper and react by repeating it.
Picture of webpage before vanishing
And Free Republic captured the story, vowing that this is not going to be swept away any time soon!
Did anyone else hear it? What are your theories?
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