In college one of my professors likened government to sausage making. No body likes watching the sausage being made, but they like the end out come (most of the time). I’m not sure its going to be the case with the current round of Health Care Reform being pushed on the people. I’m not arguing that nothing needs to be done. The opposite is true. We do need to do something about health insurance and the rising costs. But it needs to be done right.

Using the method of reconciliation to pass reform or laws of this nature can only have a bad outcome. Can you imagine if the founding fathers voted to approve the Constitution of the United States and signed it before it was written? What if your professor gave you a grade before you took the test based on past performances?

In either of those cases, you’d be unhappy. We wouldn’t have the country we have today and you probably wouldn’t get that B you needed to keep your passing grade would you?

According to Jamie Dupree the bill they’re trying to pass in the house this week is little more then a place holder. Text that says, we’re going to do something about Health Care, but we need to make it look like we’re taking action on this now.

That doesn’t fly to me. Its amazing that MORE THEN HALF of the people polled this past weekend oppose the current form of Health Care Reform thats being attempted in the House and Senate, yet the people WE CHOSE TO REPRESENT US don’t seem to care and are plowing ahead with their plans.

Let your Representatives know that they NEED TO REPRESENT YOU! and not pass a bill simply because its what they (or the President) want to do. Let them know that what you think matters and that they are acting on your behalf, not whats best for them.

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Ok, so I haven’t written about politics in a while (have I?) as the current state of everything seems to be speaking volumes for itself. However, several (ok a lot) of the people I follow on twitter were going on and on and on last night and even this morning about Demon Sheep. I had to find out what was up, so I googled it this morning.

Imagine my surprise when I came across a youtube video (you can see it below) of some sheep, and a guy name Tom Campbell from California. The ad itself was apparently put out by the Carly Fiorina campaign in an effort to offend sheep. Why else would the sheep who rose on the pedistial fall so far amidst the storm? Also, whats with the creepy guy dressed like a sheep? Did california loosen their laws regarding animal love?

Its hard to imagine that those responsible on the campaign sat around a table and came up with this ad and NO ONE had the guts to say “hey, this ad sucks” or even, “maybe we want to rethink this ad”. It certainly isn’t the kind of ad I would want my candidate to run, nor would I support anyone who ran this ad. Unfortunately, the press Fiorina has received from the Demon Sheep has been nothing but bad for her so far as even hard core conservatives are mocking the Demon Sheep…

Check the ad out and let me know what you think….

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Here’s a little background… Yesterday evening, the Marietta City Council voted to ban smoking in the city square which is a public park. While I don’t particularly like ciggarett smoke, it doesn’t bother me when people do it in an open space such as A PARK. What does bother me is the fact that the city council feels the need to protect the guests to the park to this extent. Apparently, its more smokey at the square then I thought. Anyways, here’s a letter I wrote to the Council and Mayor this morning. It’s not as good as I had hoped, but I think it gets the job done…

Dear Marietta City Council,

I’m afraid you have failed the citizens of Marietta, GA, by enacting what is possibly the most inane piece of legislation possible. A smoking ban in a Public Park? Are you serious? Don’t get me wrong, smoking is a nuisance, and it should be banned in public places such as buildings, or other CONFINED areas where there isn’t an abundance of fresh air to replace the foul odor created, but in an outdoor atmosphere, such as the one at the Square, it’s just plain ridiculous to ban smoking. While you’re at it, you may want to consider banning driving around the square, mowing lawns near public parks, and walking dogs on the square as well as each of those contribute just as much harm to a person’s well being as smoking.

It’s this kind of encroachment in to the lives of individuals that causes a sour taste in the mouths of your constituents, and it’s one step closer to the socialist regimes that the United States used to stand against.

It might make sense that instead of a BLANKET ban on smoking in the park, you limit it to certain areas of the park. During expected high traffic times (such as the 4th of July, summer concerts or the taste of Marietta) traffic may in fact be lower now that you’ve banned smoking in that area. Was the “smoking ban” a rash decision or did the city council take time to think of and consider all the effects that such a ban would have on future activities?

As a frequent visitor of the square, my wife and I love to bring the kids to play on the train, to hear the music and to see Santa Claus, I was severely disappointed to hear that the city council was taking steps to further encroach on the liberties of their constituents. What’s next? Banning the selling of cigarettes inside City Limits?

Sincerely,

Mark Angeli

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Yes, I tuned in to Mr. Doom and Gloom last night to see what he had to say. I quickly turned the channel to the Disney Channel (they were showing Twitches last night and who doesn’t like Teen Witches?) when El Presidente started talking about the Private Sector being the Enemy and the only true cure for the “worst economic crisis since the Great Depression” is the Government. Its as if they know how to spend my money better then I know how to spend my money. Which apparently they do and apparently I want to help supply condoms to people who won’t use them anyways.

Apparently I wasn’t alone in my feelings that he painted a bleak outlook. One that wasn’t very promising from a man who just months ago was promising change and Hope. Of course, his first three weeks have been rather lackluster. From cabinet appointments that don’t pay their taxes and are pretty much Politics as Usual players (so much for change huh?) to a “stimulus” package worth over 8 billion dollars that probably won’t do too much to stimulate the economy he hasn’t fared that well. Of course, thats what happens when the only thing you’ve governed before is the local HOA.

Unfortunately, I fear that the package that passed the senate today (narrowly) will do little to benefit home businesses and local companies and more to benefit those who depend on the government for their lively hood. Unfortunately it looks like the people who are going to be responsible for fixing the current problems are those that helped create it.

If you were Obama, what would you do differently??

Related External Links

• Commentary » Blog Archive » Who Said Anything About Change?
• WHITE SOX FANS SHOULD HAVE HOPE | Zoner Sports
• Balloon Juice » Blog Archive » Obama’s Impossible Position

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My Status on facebook generated a lot of comments last night and for good reason apparently. I merely commented that “(I) Wanted to know what’s different today that’s made everyone suddenly proud of their country”. I suppose it stems back to the campaign and the now (in)famous quote of Michelle Obama saying that for the first time in her life she was proud of her country. Yesterday and last night, the media was full of sound bites of people claiming to be proud of their country.

What I want to know is really what has changed that suddenly makes everyone so proud? Its as if the last 250 years of American History aren’t anything to be proud of. Yes, the fact that as a country we have elected and installed our first Black (I refuse to call him African American as he is as American as I am) President and while that was unthinkable 50 years ago, its not all that uncommon of a thing in todays global society. Does it speak well of the country? Yes, but so does the fact that we continually strap a rocket to the six people and launch them in to space, or the fact that we some how managed to cross breed a fish with Michael Phelps to produce the worlds fastest water animal.

America has always been a country where anyone with the will to succeed could and yesterday was just another example of that. I can understand how witnessing yesterday’s events could make someone happy to be an American or even reinstill the sense of hope that many felt was lost, but pride in one’s country? If you had lost your pride in the United States of America in the first place then something bigger is amiss.

As for me, I woke up on January 20th with as much pride in the United States as I had the day before, just a little more reassured about the advances we’ve made.

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I didn’t vote for him. I don’t agree with most of his ideologies (both economic and social) nor the policies he promotes. I’m not sure that even he knows what he means when he says “Change for America” (it became clear during the election that most of his supporters had no idea. I will however, support President Obama and his decisions because like it or not, he is the leader of our Country. The Hawg says it best today though as he writes about the double standard displayed by many Obama supporters who are calling for the Country to support our new president while they “scraping the ‘Bush is not MY president’ stickers off their bumpers”. And I do agree with him.

While our country is founded with the idea of Freedom of Speech that so many misuse, its hard for us to take ourselves seriously when we drive around with bumper stickers that say “Don’t Blame Me, I Voted for the Other Guy” or “F (and in really small letters) The President”. Yes, we have the right to make those statements, but just because we have the right doesn’t mean that we should.

Barack Obama was sworn in today as our 44th President and as the 43 men before him he deserves our respect. If we, as a country cannot show him the respect he deserves, then we certainly cannot hope that the world will and if thats the case, then we’re in a heap of hurt.

Besides we do it all over again in 4 years anyways.

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Well, we’re rounding the final bend in the 2008 presidential race (finally) and the race is getting closer and closer. With four days to go, I’m beyond ready for this cycle to be over. This race has gone on forever it seems and I’m willing to bet that its going to start up again just as soon as January 20th rolls around no matter who is elected.

I wanted to add a couple more articles worth reading and then call it quits. I will do a short post on Tuesday about my election experience (as I am waiting to vote) but otherwise this is the last one from me this year on the election. I ask that before you vote you look seriously at both candidates. Both where they say they stand on the issues and where they have stood in the past. Its important to vote, its your privilage and civic duty, but its also important to make an informed decision.

First, I want you to read an article from Wendy Button. Wendy has worked as a speechwriter for several political campaigns on the Democratic side and has finally decided that The Democrats have belittled the working class and women this political season. I’m glad someone else noticed it. For all the talk they do about supporting the working class, they sure seemed to make an awful lot of fun of Joe. Didn’t they?

Also, Charles Krauthammer takes an even more indepth look at why McCain is a better choice. He lays it out pretty clearly.

All I ask is you think for yourself before you vote and you don’t believe the hype about either candidate.

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For those among you who have more money than you will ever need, save your
time and delete this email.

For the rest of us who are still working with mortgages, children and grandchildren or retired living on a pension and or Social Security perhaps you will take a couple of minutes to read the proposed changes in the American tax system.

Sharing this email with others can make a difference on November 4, 2008; for our citizens and our country.

INTERESTING DATA JUST RECEIVED ON TAXES

This is something you should be aware of so you don’t get blind-sided. This is really going to catch a lot of families off guard. It should make you worry.

Proposed changes in taxes after 2008 General election:

CAPITAL GAINS TAX

MCCAIN
0% on home sales up to $500,000 per home (couples) McCain does not propose any change in existing home sales income tax.

OBAMA
28% on profit from ALL home sales

How does this affect you? If you sell your home and make a profit, you will pay 28% of your gain on taxes. If you are heading toward retirement and would like to down-size your home or move into a retirement community, 28% of the money you make from your home will go to taxes. This proposal will adversely affect the elderly who are counting on the income from their homes as part of their retirement income.

DIVIDEND TAX

MCCAIN 15% (no change)

OBAMA 39.6%

How will this affect you? If you have any money invested in stock market, IRA, mutual funds, college funds, life insurance, retirement accounts, or anything that pays or reinvests dividends, you will now be paying nearly 40% of the money earned on taxes if Obama become president. The experts predict that higher tax rates on dividends and capital gains would crash the stock market yet do absolutely nothing to cut the deficit.

INCOME TAX (OBAMA CLAIMS NO INCREASE IN TAXES….. AFTER BUSH CUTS ARE ELIMINATED!)

MCCAIN (no changes)

• Single making 30K – tax $4,500
• Single making 50K – tax $12,500
• Single making 75K – tax $18,750
• Married making 60K- tax $9,000
• Married making 75K – tax $18,750
• Married making 125K – tax $31,250

OBAMA
(Reversion to pre-Bush tax cuts)

• Single making 30K – tax $8,400
• Single making 50K – tax $14,000
• Single making 75K – tax $23,250
• Married making 60K – tax $16,800
• Married making 75K – tax $21,000
• Married making 125K – tax $38,750

Under Obama your taxes will more than double! How does this affect you? No explanation needed. This is pretty straight forward.

INHERITANCE TAX

MCCAIN 0% (No change, Bush repealed this tax)

OBAMA Restore the inheritance tax

How does this affect you? Many families have lost businesses, farms and ranches, and homes that have been in their families for generations because they could not afford the inheritance tax. Those willing their assets to loved ones will not only lose them to these taxes.

NEW TAXES BEING PROPOSED BY OBAMA

• New government taxes proposed on homes that are more than 2400 square feet
• New gasoline taxes (as if gas weren’t high enough already)
• New taxes on natural resources consumption (heating gas, water, electricity)
• New taxes on retirement accounts and last but not least….
• New taxes to pay for socialized medicine so we can receive the same level
  of medical care as other third-world countries!!!

Thank You

Ed note This was passed to me in an email and was written by a VP level person with one of the larger investment firms….

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This isn’t so much a normal post as a post of some of the stuff i’ve seen online today that I wanted to share. First, in the spirit of Halloween, I wanted to share with you some head candy from the Chicago Tribune. Thats right, if you were wondering what to go as for Halloween this year, fret no more. You can go as one of the Big Four. Imagine the fright on your Liberal Neighbor’s face when you show up as Sarah Palin on his doorstep. Or maybe you want to frighten your ultraconservative friends by wearing the face of the most liberal senator in the senate. Either way, you’re bound to collect your fair share of candy this Halloween.

If anything has happened this season its that you cannot possibly make a comment about Obama with out it some how being a reference to his skin color (no matter what you think). The latest move is that by some editor in Kansas City to claim that socialism is a code word for black. That’s right, if you call Obama a Socialist, what what you’re really saying is that he’s Black!

Lastly, everyone’s favorite blowhard Neal Boortz has written a letter to those Undecided Voters of America in which he asks you to take a good look at Obama the Man before voting. If you haven’t made up your mind yet, its a good read that like it or not, brings a lot of things in to question.

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I did not write this, it came to me in an email, but I thought it fitting!

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100.
If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:

• The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
• The fifth would pay $1.
• The sixth would pay $3.
• The seventh would pay $7.
• The eighth would pay $12.
• The ninth would pay $18.
• The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that’s what they decided to do.

The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve.

“Since you are all such good customers,” he said, “I’m going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20.” Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes. So the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men? The paying customers?

How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his ‘fair share?’
They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody’s share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer.

So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man’s bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.

And so the fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings)

The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33% savings).

The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28% savings).

The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).

The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 ( 22% savings).

The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.

“I only got a dollar out of the $ 20,”declared the sixth man. He pointed to the tenth man,” but he got $10!”

“Yeah, that’s right,” exclaimed the fifth man. “I only saved a Dollar, too. It’s unfair that he got ten times more than I!”

“That’s true!!” shouted the seventh man. “Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!”

“Wait a minute,” yelled the first four men in unison. “We didn’t get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!”

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn’t show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn’t have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!

And that, boys and girls, journalists and college professors, this is how our tax system works.
The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D.

Professor of Economics

University of Georgia

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