It is disturbing that citizens are embracing the notion of Wealth Redistribution in this grand democracy of America, where so many have bled and died to protect our freedoms of life, liberty & the pursuit of happiness.
Have we indeed come to the turning point where the promise of tax cuts to 95% of middle class/lower class tax payers, (class warfare terms that I find appalling; and totally different from the concepts of lower, middle, & upper income), and a penalizing of those who have succeeded in building wealth, building small businesses and building the job base; to pay even more taxes (already #2 in taxes paid in the world); to 'Spread the Wealth?'
So the proposal to penalize some, the top 5%, (the rich, the upper income, 'those "rich" people',) who already pay a disproportionate amount in taxes, the Obama version of government takes more of the 5%'s hard earned money and it becomes Obama money to dole out to others, whoever is deemed deserving and willing to relinquish their 'votes' even those who haven't paid any taxes, thereby 'Spreading the Wealth.'
Hmm, sounds like Socialism, doesn't it?
And all it costs you is your 'VOTE' for Obama. I guess 95% is the magic number to equal the number of VOTES that Obama needs to win the Presidential election. So if 95% of the people get a tax break, then they trade in 'their' VOTE, 'their' principles, 'their' ideology, to GET 'their' tax cut.
Enough tax cuts equal enough Votes.
I wonder what the tax cut actually is? How much do you put in your pocket at the end of the day? How much am I willing to 'sell' my Vote for? Are we talking about $100, $500, $1000, $5000, $10,000 to sell out?
And if that amount is not enough we'll throw in free health insurance and $4000 free money to send your kids to college (you do know you can't go to college for $4000 don't you? And by the way, you'll agree to a two year exchange of your time for that money working with the peace corp. or some other government deemed appropriate and authorized organization). Is the pot of gold big enough yet?
Big enough to overlook the level of inexperience in this candidate Obama? To overlook that in all his short career of politics, he hasn't 'actually' produced much? To overlook that he might just not be too 'work brittle.' To overlook that he's spent more time campaigning than 'actually' doing his job as a Junior Senator? (Someone actually said that 'running his campaign' qualifies him to be President of the United States of America, huh?) To overlook his friends on the radical fringe? To overlook his voting record, such that it is, 'mostly just present', as being extremely 'liberal' i.e., there is no such thing as a government that is 'too big.' To overlook his close ties to ACORN? To overlook his long list of unidentified campaign contributors?
So much to 'overlook', 'sell', 'trade-in' for our 'VOTE'. And yes, we are ONLY supposed to get 'ONE' vote.
Is this the price that we 'sell' our liberty for? Seems kind of cheap, considering the price that many have made with their very lives to defend that liberty for us, doesn't it?
And is it just our VOTE we are selling? Perhaps we'll find that we have sold our 'voice' in this exchange as well. Perhaps an unintended consequence of 'naming' our price, we lose our voice and the right to 'ask' the hard questions. Perhaps we'll find ourselves a part of a class system where the 'elite' rule us. We've been 'paid off' and 'paid for', so "sit down and be quiet" till we're needed. Our part to play is during elections when our 'VOTE' is needed to continue the reign of power, and we get our next round of 'pay offs.'
Would 75% be the magic number if it produced ENOUGH votes to win the election? I guess 95% is the calculated number needed to sway the number of votes needed? And that's all based on 'believing' that the promise is actually delivered, by a candidate with 'NO', repeat, 'NO' record of cutting anyone's taxes, a promise he has broken before.
Is this the RIGHT lie, to the RIGHT number of people, at the RIGHT time, to win an election for Barack Hussein Obama and the Democrat Party?
I hope not.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Thursday, October 09, 2008
$300 Stimulus Payment - October 15th Deadline
Many have not filed for the stimulus payment offered by the US Government this year. You have until October 15th to file your taxes and claim it.
Dan Boone, an IRS media specialist, said that people who usually do not file a tax return, HAVE to file a return to qualify for the payment. No obligations, no hassles and, honestly, no scam involved, but you have to file a return.
In Alabama, there are 86,000 people eligible who collect Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits that have not filed, according to the IRS. The payment will NOT affect their government benefits, which, Boone said, perhaps might be a misconception.
Boone said people who filed an extension have to file their taxes by Oct. 15. He said about 120,000 in Alabama filed for the extension. He said they would likely be eligible for a stimulus payment.
As of Aug. 29, the IRS had issued $93 billion in economic stimulus payments to 114.8 million people and families.
Boone said in talking to people who receive Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits, some have the misconception that because their benefits come automatically through direct deposit they do not have to do anything to get a stimulus payment.
He said a tax return has to be filed to receive a stimulus payment.
He said others who may not have filed a tax return for several years think that if they file a return for the stimulus package they will be “back on the rolls” and have to file a return every year.
Boone said that also is not correct. He said they will not have to file a return in the future, assuming their income stays below the filing levels.
“This is a one-time thing to get this payment,” Boone said. “We’re definitely encouraging people to ask their elderly friends or relatives, ‘Have you filed for your stimulus payment yet?’”
He said only a few lines of the 1040A form have to be filled out to qualify for the stimulus payment and said an example is at IRS.gov.
He said two mailings were sent out, one in April and another in July, and that had all the necessary information.
Boone said information is available on the IRS Web site and that several vendors also offer free e-filing.
This information is taken from an article in the Gadsden Times:
http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20081009/NEWS/810080273/1016/NEWS&tc=email_newsletter
Dan Boone, an IRS media specialist, said that people who usually do not file a tax return, HAVE to file a return to qualify for the payment. No obligations, no hassles and, honestly, no scam involved, but you have to file a return.
In Alabama, there are 86,000 people eligible who collect Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits that have not filed, according to the IRS. The payment will NOT affect their government benefits, which, Boone said, perhaps might be a misconception.
Boone said people who filed an extension have to file their taxes by Oct. 15. He said about 120,000 in Alabama filed for the extension. He said they would likely be eligible for a stimulus payment.
As of Aug. 29, the IRS had issued $93 billion in economic stimulus payments to 114.8 million people and families.
Boone said in talking to people who receive Social Security or Veterans Affairs benefits, some have the misconception that because their benefits come automatically through direct deposit they do not have to do anything to get a stimulus payment.
He said a tax return has to be filed to receive a stimulus payment.
He said others who may not have filed a tax return for several years think that if they file a return for the stimulus package they will be “back on the rolls” and have to file a return every year.
Boone said that also is not correct. He said they will not have to file a return in the future, assuming their income stays below the filing levels.
“This is a one-time thing to get this payment,” Boone said. “We’re definitely encouraging people to ask their elderly friends or relatives, ‘Have you filed for your stimulus payment yet?’”
He said only a few lines of the 1040A form have to be filled out to qualify for the stimulus payment and said an example is at IRS.gov.
He said two mailings were sent out, one in April and another in July, and that had all the necessary information.
Boone said information is available on the IRS Web site and that several vendors also offer free e-filing.
This information is taken from an article in the Gadsden Times:
http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20081009/NEWS/810080273/1016/NEWS&tc=email_newsletter
Thursday, October 02, 2008
700 Billion is now 850 Billion - smell that bacon fry.
What began as a 3 page plan to rescue the U.S. Financial system for 700 Billion or so dollars went to 150 pages in the House of Representatives, was defeated, and was revised by the Senate on 400 pages for 850 Billion, that's Eight Hundred Fifty Billion Dollars and 400 pages of red tape, and under cooked pork barrel spending.
Now we know why Paulson wanted it quick. Given enough time, Congress will fry bacon with a bill, EVERY time. Yep, sounds broke.
Now we know why Paulson wanted it quick. Given enough time, Congress will fry bacon with a bill, EVERY time. Yep, sounds broke.
Thursday, September 25, 2008
1984 - 16% fixed rate 20 year mortgage
1984 - 16% fixed rate 20 year mortgage - life lessons
more later.
more later.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Follow His Lead by Diane Anderson
Tribute to James Anderson:
If you would have asked my father-in-law to sum up his life, he likely would have told you it was a simple one. He lived most of his 78 years in the small town of his birth. Although retired from his profession as a carpenter, he enjoyed going daily to his son's shop to work on smaller projects, many of which turned into gifts for his family. The family, which he was so proud of, includes his wife of 57 years, their 10 children, 26 grandchildren, 20 spouses and 19 great grandchildren.
In earlier years, he served his country in the army and for a time he shared his woodworking ability with students of three different colleges, teaching them the basics of the trade. These last years he held down the fort at Bert's Woodworks while the rest of the crew went out on the job. He faithfully answered the phone and took messages from those who stopped by. The shop became a local gathering spot for a group of men who came for coffee, goodies and an old fashioned gab session during break time.
What will I remember about Jim Anderson? His warm smile and tender heart. His humble spirit. His genuine interest in all who crossed his path. The love he had for his family, although not often spoken, was so evident. His devotion to God and the church were unparalleled. He was everyone's friend, and paid special attention to those who were alone in the world. He had a deep bass singing voice he loved to share. Although he was never a wealthy man, he was always able to provide for his family and was generous in sharing when he could. Joy radiated from his life, and he really enjoyed a good joke.
Did he live the perfect life? None of us can. The Bible, in Romans 3:23, tells us we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. And yet Jim knew where to go when he did make a mistake. He personally knew our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who died on a cross to pay the price that would take away those sins. Somehow I think Jim knew the secret that, even in our mistakes, God takes the bad and turns it into good for His purposes. It reminds me of a favorite verse of mine, Romans 8:28, which assures us all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purposes.
Jim's sudden departure from this life doesn't seem like a good thing to those of us left behind. And yet I believe there is a greater good to be accomplished as we look back on the way he lived and strive to follow his lead. The footsteps he left have a familiar look to them. As we think back, we will remember another who was born in a small town, worked as both carpenter and teacher, was a friend to all and went about doing good. Jesus was His name. The example Jesus set is one Jim followed. In fact, if he were alive today, Jim could easily have joined the apostle Paul in saying “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1Corinthians 11:1)
Who are you patterning your life after? Perhaps you were blessed to know someone like Jim who left a good example to follow. If not, there is no need to worry. Simply find yourself a Bible and turn to the Gospel books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. There you will read about the life and times of Jesus while He walked this earth. In studying the life of Jesus, you will also get a good taste of the kind of man Jim was. It was hard saying good-bye when God called him home, and yet we know it wasn't really “Good-bye” but instead “See you soon!” When you think about it, even many years are just a short span in the scope of eternity,. Until then, we will rest in knowing Jim is now part of the great cloud of witnesses referred to in Hebrews 12. They are surrounding us as we run with perseverance the race marked out for us. The chapter goes on to encourage us to fix our eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfecter of faith. It was faith that brought Jim through his life on earth, and through faith we know we will one day see him again. Until then, we hold on to precious memories and do our best to follow his lead.
If you would have asked my father-in-law to sum up his life, he likely would have told you it was a simple one. He lived most of his 78 years in the small town of his birth. Although retired from his profession as a carpenter, he enjoyed going daily to his son's shop to work on smaller projects, many of which turned into gifts for his family. The family, which he was so proud of, includes his wife of 57 years, their 10 children, 26 grandchildren, 20 spouses and 19 great grandchildren.
In earlier years, he served his country in the army and for a time he shared his woodworking ability with students of three different colleges, teaching them the basics of the trade. These last years he held down the fort at Bert's Woodworks while the rest of the crew went out on the job. He faithfully answered the phone and took messages from those who stopped by. The shop became a local gathering spot for a group of men who came for coffee, goodies and an old fashioned gab session during break time.
What will I remember about Jim Anderson? His warm smile and tender heart. His humble spirit. His genuine interest in all who crossed his path. The love he had for his family, although not often spoken, was so evident. His devotion to God and the church were unparalleled. He was everyone's friend, and paid special attention to those who were alone in the world. He had a deep bass singing voice he loved to share. Although he was never a wealthy man, he was always able to provide for his family and was generous in sharing when he could. Joy radiated from his life, and he really enjoyed a good joke.
Did he live the perfect life? None of us can. The Bible, in Romans 3:23, tells us we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. And yet Jim knew where to go when he did make a mistake. He personally knew our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who died on a cross to pay the price that would take away those sins. Somehow I think Jim knew the secret that, even in our mistakes, God takes the bad and turns it into good for His purposes. It reminds me of a favorite verse of mine, Romans 8:28, which assures us all things work together for good to them that love God and are called according to His purposes.
Jim's sudden departure from this life doesn't seem like a good thing to those of us left behind. And yet I believe there is a greater good to be accomplished as we look back on the way he lived and strive to follow his lead. The footsteps he left have a familiar look to them. As we think back, we will remember another who was born in a small town, worked as both carpenter and teacher, was a friend to all and went about doing good. Jesus was His name. The example Jesus set is one Jim followed. In fact, if he were alive today, Jim could easily have joined the apostle Paul in saying “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1Corinthians 11:1)
Who are you patterning your life after? Perhaps you were blessed to know someone like Jim who left a good example to follow. If not, there is no need to worry. Simply find yourself a Bible and turn to the Gospel books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. There you will read about the life and times of Jesus while He walked this earth. In studying the life of Jesus, you will also get a good taste of the kind of man Jim was. It was hard saying good-bye when God called him home, and yet we know it wasn't really “Good-bye” but instead “See you soon!” When you think about it, even many years are just a short span in the scope of eternity,. Until then, we will rest in knowing Jim is now part of the great cloud of witnesses referred to in Hebrews 12. They are surrounding us as we run with perseverance the race marked out for us. The chapter goes on to encourage us to fix our eyes on Jesus who is the author and perfecter of faith. It was faith that brought Jim through his life on earth, and through faith we know we will one day see him again. Until then, we hold on to precious memories and do our best to follow his lead.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Sarah Palin is welcome!
I like Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and she is welcome any time at my kitchen table. What an amazing personal story and I hope she does indeed 'break' that glass ceiling for women everywhere.
Sometimes we all want to wait around and see how everything 'shakes' out about a 'perceived' new face on the political scene. But she is a capable, competent American woman and I find myself optimistic about the possibilities of the benefits her perspective and perseverence can have on our country at a national level.
She certainly has made the conversation interesting and hopefully we'll see record numbers of Americans register and vote in November. We do all have the means to participate in this national conversation; VOTE.
Like I said, kitchen table, pot of coffee, and maybe even a bit of hot breakfast food if you give me a little notice:)
Blessed Indeed
Sometimes we all want to wait around and see how everything 'shakes' out about a 'perceived' new face on the political scene. But she is a capable, competent American woman and I find myself optimistic about the possibilities of the benefits her perspective and perseverence can have on our country at a national level.
She certainly has made the conversation interesting and hopefully we'll see record numbers of Americans register and vote in November. We do all have the means to participate in this national conversation; VOTE.
Like I said, kitchen table, pot of coffee, and maybe even a bit of hot breakfast food if you give me a little notice:)
Blessed Indeed
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