In what is an interesting rerun of events already taking place here in Belknap County, Fosters.com is reporting that the Strafford County Commissioners are proposing cuts of funding for most of the so-called "outside agencies" it presently supports. The county will cease funding several programs it has provided partial funding to for several years, including … Read more
The Dow Jones Industrial Average at 759. Less than 10% of its current value.
The unemployment rate around 7%. Almost 40% higher than today.
Inflation rate? 13%. Around triple of today’s.
A misery index of 20%. More than double today’s.
In the White House: Jimmy Carter. Hectoring America for its “malaise.”
Then what happened? We elected Ronald Reagan president.
Reagan cut the income tax rate 30% across the board. And stood behind Paul Volcker’s strengthening the dollar.
What happened next? Prosperity happened.
America took off and never looked back. Now, looking back, we remember the recipe for Prosperity. We appreciate the need to assist ordinary citizens in their time of hardship. The best way to do that is by using the bailout money to bring back Prosperity.
The $700 billion appropriated for bailouts more than covers the costs of A renewed 30% across-the-board tax rate cut. AND a payroll tax cut.
We know this works. We did it before. It worked. It will work.
Reagan 2.0: a 30% across-the board tax cut. And a payroll tax cut.
Sign this petition for Congress. Make your voice heard now. No bailouts! Tax rate cuts! Bring Prosperity Back.
The Petition To the Congress of the United States of America:
John McCain’s Weekly Radio Address (click here to download mp3):
Good morning, this is John McCain, speaking to you just days away from the time for choosing.
In a time of economic hardship and uncertainty, for many Americans the choice will turn on whether we raise federal taxes or reduce them. My opponent is committed to a massive new tax burden on our economy, even at the risk of bankrupting small businesses and destroying jobs. I am committed to tax relief for working families and tax incentives for businesses to create jobs.
Senator Obama has been very guarded about his tax plans, and it took a working man to finally pull the truth out of him. As he told Joe the Plumber back in Ohio, he wants to quote "spread the wealth around." To pay for nearly a trillion dollars in new government spending, Senator Obama’s tax increase would impact 50 percent of small business income in this country, and the jobs of 16 million middle class Americans who work for those small businesses.
Senator Obama assures us that he has a very clear target of just the top five percent of income earners. And anytime you hear talk of a targeted tax increase, you might want to double-check the skill of the marksman — the U.S. Congress has been known to fire wildly. Remember the Alternative Minimum Tax? You probably do if you’re one of the more than 30 million Americans currently threatened by it. That "targeted tax" was originally aimed at just 155 specific people. Once enacted, taxes have a way of spreading and rising. And that is why, as president, I am going to put a stop to the out of control spending, so we can keep taxes low.
The McCain-Palin tax cut is the real thing. We’re going to double the child deduction for every family. We will cut the capital gains tax. And we will cut business taxes to help create jobs, and keep American businesses in America.
Obama’s economic plan is a recipe for long-lasting disaster. Keep in mind that wrecking anything, as opposed to building things, requires very little time and effort. Obama’s plan is deceptively attractive, while in reality it is a huge wrecking ball that will capsize the already listing ship of our economy. Here is a partial list of reasons why. Judge for yourself.
Obama is proposing a trillion dollars in new spending. Where is he going to get the money, given the government’s present huge budget deficit? From the filthy rich and blood-sucking corporations, that’s where, he says. A terrific vote-getting scheme. But will it work?
Obama doesn’t tell you that in the present world money is like water. It flows to the lowest ground. And the lowest ground for money is found in places where it can make more money — not locations where it is seriously tapped by government. For example, Ireland where the corporate income tax rate is 11% and not the United States, which has the second highest rate in the world. As it is, one of the biggest reasons that many corporations set up their businesses abroad is the high cost of doing business here at home. Hence, a great many jobs are lost to overseas enterprises.
Obama doesn’t tell you that rich people didn’t get to be rich by being stupid. The minute they hear him talk about "spreading the wealth around", they shift their money to safe havens where Obama can’t get to it. Like those hedge funds run by George Soros and other big Democrat donors.
Obama doesn’t tell you that much of the money invested in this country is from non-Americans, who do so not because they are philanthropists but because they believe in the American genius and our creative hard-working people who know how to produce wealth. Once they see Obama the taxman, they sell their holdings and move their money to safer havens. The result is that American company shares drop in value, companies won’t be able to raise cash to do product development, so they will shut down their research departments and layoff workers. Or, they simply move their entire operation, or parts of it, abroad.
The American economic genius is based on the principle of empowering people at all levels to succeed financially through their own efforts. The government must empower all individuals to succeed and not to take money from the successful and spread it around.
And here’s my story. You see, I really am Joe the Plumber, too…
Hi, my name is Doug the welder. In many ways, I am like Joe the Plumber– Although I am at the point where I DO own my own business, and Joe isn’t quite there yet, the “dream” or goal of independence and self-reliance continues. Having started our small business with my wife during the recession of the late Eighties/early Nineties, we have long held the goal of building an enterprise as nearly recession-proof as possible, and always tried to be as frugal during good times as in bad in order to stay as fiscally healthy as one could reasonably be. With a sound business model and good employees, we seem poised to ride out the current economic storminess. We know that it will require no small amount of work and yes, maybe (no- not maybe, definitely, because there ALWAYS is) even some heartache, along the way. That’s OK, as this is the essence of being a small business operator—and always has been. I suspect that Joe the Plumber is well aware of all of that—he has probably watched his boss encounter it all through the years—and yet, he still retains his dream. Why is that? Could it be that for him, like me, that his “pursuit of happiness” includes controlling his own destiny?
Democratic presidential wannabee Barack Obama tells everybody not to worry… only those making over $250,000 will pay more taxes. His running mate Joe Biden says he doesn’t know many plumbers that make over 250 grand. Of course, as always, the devil’s in the details. Now just so there’s know misunderstanding, I don’t “make” over two hundred and fifty thousand dollars. As a matter of fact, there have been many times since 1989 that I didn’t make anything—and there were a few times where I actually lost money. But where we stand now, like any small business employing nine people with perks and benefits that owns the real estate (and pays those taxes too) and multiple machines and pieces of equipment (always subject to breakdown and repair costs), we “handle” far in excess of the figure being bandied about—but we don’t put much of it in our wallets—it’s always “in play.” This is where Joe the Plumber and Doug the welder are vulnerable—on the books we handle the money, but at no time is much of it really ours to keep. Of course, I won’t lie, and I’m sure I can safely bet that Joe, like me, and probably many of you reading this column, certainly would like to earn more than a quarter million dollars that we can keep and spend as we choose, someday. What’s wrong with that?
Of course there’s nothing wrong with that. And I, like Joe the plumber, know that attaining such a princely sum won’t be easy, because we both know that someone like the tooth fairy isn’t going to show up during the night and slip the cash under the pillow. If we are to earn that amount, we are going to have to take great risk, work extra hard, and sacrifice a bit of leisure and play time. In exchange for a willingness to do these things, we reap the fruits of our labors. This is the American way. Up until now, that is…
You see, Barack Obama’s going to change all that. Once in office, in concert with the Democratic-controlled Congress, President Obama and his sidekick Biden will see to it that things will be different from now on. Because in addition to Joe Biden stating his belief that is “patriotic” to pay taxes, we have found out, thanks to the answer given to Joe the Plumber’s question of Barack Obama, just what they have in store for those of us that work and strive to make money… what their promised “change” really means.
This is how John McCain told the story this past Saturday during his weekly radio address:
“Joe explained that he works for a small plumbing and heating company. He’s been thinking about maybe taking over the business when his boss retires. Problem is, that would make Joe one of millions of small business owners who face a sudden increase in taxes under my opponent’s tax plan.”
It is truly amazing that the Democrats in Congress have thus far escaped much of the blame for the present financial crisis. Most people agree that the proverbial "straw that broke the camel’s back" was the collapse of the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac empire– a Democratic operation through and through…
This story of Wahkiakum County by Paul Jacobs in his latest column at Townhall.com in a way sounds like the future of our county, except you can substitute the nursing home and a myriad of social service agencies in place of the clinic discussed in the piece. It further adds to the mix pretty much all the … Read more
Hey, let’s ask these guys… It has been widely reported that Gov Do-Nuthin’ Lynch is looking to state employees for suggestions of ways to help the state save some $100 million. While we all know that this is a means by which he is trying to do his job without actually having to make decisions … Read more
Given Jeanne Shaheen’s sordid past relationship with a financial institution that she granted special favors and pulled strings for while governor, why on Earth would we send her to Washington, DC given the current environment? Would she do for the big banks and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac like she did for Providian— whose subsequent … Read more
I have never been as mixed about anything in politics as I am towards the bailout. Good people I trust say it’s necessary. Good people I trust say it’s bad. I guess I just don’t really know enough to make an informed decision one way or another, although my business is booked with work, my banker … Read more
.. .. . This video is a fantastic primer on the nature of the present financial crisis and the root causes. But of course, you just knew it had to have been caused by the Democrats anyway… As noted by the Blue Collar Muse, For those of you interested in understanding exactly what caused the … Read more
As folks grumble about the cascading financial woes, they would do well to remember who’s in cahoots with the "bad guys" at almost every turn: Democrats. Fannie Mae is, and long has been, for all intents and purposes, a "Democrat" operation. Here’s a new ad from the McCain camp reminding us of but one example: … Read more
“I’ve been workin’ on the railroad, All the live long day. I’ve been workin’ on the railroad, Just to pass the time away. Don’t you hear the whistle blowing? Rise up so early in the morn. Don’t you hear the captain shouting ‘Dinah, blow your horn?’”
Quaint words from a bygone era, no doubt. Unfortunately, not everybody leaves the choo-choos back in the memories of childhood long ago. Oh no, there are those, especially politicians, that can’t keep trains a fond remembrance. They feel the need to play with trains, and therefore, they end up with the ultimate set, all funded with OUR money. That’s right- we really ARE workin’ for the railroad, only, you probably didn’t know it, and Dinah isn’t in your kitchen cooking up some grub, and, sadly, there’s no one strummin’ on that ole banjo…
But seriously, there they go again—the railroad promoters, that is. As sure as the seasons change, they’re coming at us for our support—and money—for their long-held dreams of restoring rail service here in New England, looking to return it to its once-mighty seat at the top of our transportation system. To me, this is all well and good, except it doesn’t work out here in the country. I’ve long maintained that public transportation—especially rail-based— works in urban areas, and works well. Here in the sticks, not so. There’s a reason why rail fell out of favor with the advent of the modern automobile and truck, along with America’s awesome Interstate Highway System: FREEDOM.
The ability to go where we want, whenever we want, and with who we want is something that people have long recognized and appreciated. Until now, that is. With gas prices where they are, there are undoubtedly those thinking about trading their individual ride for so-called “public” transportation. Not me. They’ll have to pry the steering wheel from my cold, dead fingers. Count me as one American who is still mired in the midst of a love affair with my automobile.
The July 14th Laconia Daily Sun carried a story (page 3) that stated,
“Given the high gas prices and the public’s desire for more transportation choices, New Hampshire’s rail enthusiasts are displaying ‘I think I can’ optimism when it comes to expanding passenger train service.”
The piece went on to announce a gathering of “rail advocates” that took place last week
“to discuss how increased passenger rail service could accelerate the state’s economy.”
Ooooh, doesn’t that sound exciting? And you just know it’s a good idea because, guess who’s pushing it? None other than that great and all-knowing leader that makes one immediately think of innovation and success: Michael Dukakis. I know what you’re thinking, “But Doug, Michael DUKAKIS? You mean the same guy that was the Governor of Massachusetts?” Yes, indeed. THAT Michael Dukakis.
This video really nails it. It’s by AngryRenter.com, who ask people to sign their petition here. While it focuses on renters, the point made is applicable to people like me and many others that live in modest little homes within our means. We save so the government can take it? It just doesn’t seem right… … Read more
In his radio address this week, President Bush raised several good points about the economy and what we should be doing about rising enegy costs. While I’m not all that "stimulated" by the so-called rebate checks coming our way, I do know many people that DO need that money, and it will help, no doubt. If the government is going to spend money to buy our way out from a recession, at least by giving it directly to the people, it lets US decide how and what to spend it on. (This is how I’m viewing it, anyway, because then it makes me less uptight when I think about the thing…)
The radio spot hit on several items near and dear to where I’m at: Drilling in Alaska, build refineries, and restart the nuclear power industry. Additionally, he rightfully bags on the farm bill, and, yes, he once again calls on Congress to make his tax cuts permanent…
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning. This week, the Commerce Department reported that GDP grew at an annual rate of six-tenths of a percent in the first quarter. This rate of growth is not nearly as high as we would like. And after a record 52 months of uninterrupted job growth, April was the fourth month in a row in which our economy lost jobs, although the unemployment rate dropped to five percent.
My Administration has been clear and candid on the state of the economy. We saw the economic slowdown coming, we were up front about these concerns with the American people, and we’ve been taking decisive action.
In February, I signed an economic growth package to put more than $150 billion back into the hands of millions of American families, workers, and businesses. This week, the main piece of that package began being implemented, as nearly 7.7 million Americans received their tax rebates electronically. Next week, the Treasury Department will begin mailing checks to millions more across the country. And by this summer, it expects to have sent rebates to more than 130 million American households. These rebates will deliver up to $600 per person, $1,200 per couple, and $300 per child.
. Our buddy John Hawkins at RightWingNews interviewed Thomas Sowell late last week. Discussing his latest book, Economic Facts and Fallacies, Sowell offered a few tidbits showing why he has few peers when it comes to the subject: what we’re really saying is that there are lifestyle differences that have profound effects on economic outcomes. So, … Read more
I’m sorry, but I’m havin’ a bit of trouble getting overly excited by the "stimulus" package being offered up by President Bush and his spend-happy pals on Capitol Hill. And of course, it’s bad enough as it is, but, as usual, there are some in the Senate that want to add even more scabs to the package…
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Don’t get me wrong– as a small business owner, I appreciate the tax cuts offered should I decide to purchase some new equipment. And I do like the drop in the rate on the first 6/12K of income. It would be nice to see this accompanied by a meaningful and much deeper cut in the overall rates. Because I employ people, I see how much money is taken from everybody’s paychecks, plus from my business as a whole in addition to what they pay. A once time payment, as also included in the package is great, but for most people, in an instant, it will be gone.
"How’s your ‘stimulus’ doin’, Frank?"
"Not bad, Doug. I paid for a tank of heating oil, and the wife bought some new clothes."
. . As we approach the holiday season, despite the fact that we continue to pay ever-higher costs for energy of all types, it has been my observation that the economy is indeed much stronger than one might be led to believe. If you listen to the doom and gloom politicians and their comrades in … Read more
