Ignored again

I'm getting really tired of either being completely ignored or being treated as a backward-thinking rube. "You don't understand the reality of Washington." Now that really pisses me off.

First off, let's start by saying that Washington is OUT OF CONTROL! When all I hear is  

"While this deal is not perfect ..." (Press release from US Congressman Mike Conaway, TX, 11th)

or 

“This proposal is far from perfect, but it is a step in the right direction..." (Press release from US Senator John Cornyn, Aug 1, 2011)

 or 

"The Senate vote today endorsed an agreement that, while not perfect, ... " (Press release from US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson Aug 2, 2011)

I become annoyed. I call my Senators and my Representative. You are absolutely right that this deal is NOT PERFECT. In fact, if you ask me, this deal is NOT ACCEPTABLE!

Our representatives have deftly, in one incomprehensible bill, given the Progressive Liberal Socialists in our Federales government everything they wanted. To wit, the debt ceiling was raised and projected to have a $10 Trillion debt increase. Oh, wait, that's right. We got almost $2 Trillion cut!!!! Yippee! Now the debt is only going to increase by $8 Trillion! Wow, we really showed them, didn't we?

So now we have yet another committee that is going to get together and make the really tough decisions. Just like that other committee that the President so studiously avoided. But this time, it'll be different! Yep, no way the Senate can filibuster it. And the Speaker must allow it to go to vote. And only needs simple majority to pass. Who is to say Gun Control won't be in it? Or tax increases? Sorry, I meant "revenues" or "balanced approach". Silly and, in my simple mind, a complete tossing of everything the Constitution means by representation!

It is time for the size of the Federales government to shrink. Too much power concentrated there. Too much abuse. Too many departments, agencies, and czars making regulations with the force of law in DIRECT contradiction of our Constitution. If the Federales take you to court, YOU WILL LOSE! 

My three representatives have ignored me, both before and after this vote. They are only thinking of Washington reality - not the reality in the rest of the country.

I can barely wait until all three of these (Conaway, Cornyn, and Hutchinson) are no longer representing me. Maybe next ones will a) have a backbone and b) be a real Conservative. 

My elected representatives have failed me, you and our country

This morning, I was saddened to learn that all three of my duly elected representatives to the US Congress voted to support the so call Debt Ceiling crisis response bill (formally known as the amended Budget Control Act of 2011). No amount of calling or emailing seems to have a one bit of difference.

Our Federales government is out of control.

Here's how each of these SO CALLED conservatives communicated to their constituents on why it was such a good bill.

Senator John Cornyn, Texas
Press Release issued Aug 01, 2011 via http://cornyn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=NewsReleases&ContentRecord_id=8c626a84-2ca5-4925-8fc7-bc59184adc11

WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) a member of the Senate Budget Committee, today announced he will support the Budget Control Act of 2011 and released this statement:

“Last November the message from the American people was crystal clear: end reckless, out-of-control spending and return fiscal sanity to Washington. The American people made their voices heard, and their impact has been monumental.

“In his initial request to raise the debt ceiling, the President insisted on a blank check for more spending, demanded higher taxes on job creators, and shunned the idea of a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution. Today this proposal cuts spending, does not raise taxes on Texans, and guarantees a vote on a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution.

“This proposal is far from perfect, but it is a step in the right direction and I will support it because it serves as an important benchmark towards fundamentally changing the debate in Washington, as the American people asked for last November.”

Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Texas
Press Release issued Aug 2, 2011 via http://hutchison.senate.gov/?p=press_release&id=726

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) released the following statement after the Senate's vote on the Budget Control Act of 2011 (S. 365):

"We're in the midst of an intense, national debate on the size and direction of our government. The Senate vote today endorsed an agreement that, while not perfect, makes serious spending cuts, with no tax increases, and moves us in the right direction. While I would have liked to see more cuts and stronger measures to reform entitlement programs, this agreement is a framework for deeper reductions in the next few months. Most importantly, this bill sets a new precedent in Washington: the days of limitless deficit spending are over."

US Congressman Mike Conaway, District 11, Texas
Press Release issued Aug 01, 2011 via http://www.cbs7kosa.com/news/details.asp?ID=27788

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Mike Conaway (R-TX) voted yes on S.365, the amended Budget Control Act of 2011.

“Seven months ago, Americans across the nation made their voices heard; tired of Washington’s free spending ways, the nation elected a new majority focused on cutting up the federal credit cards and dedicated to bringing down the debt and deficit threatening our children’s future,” said Congressman Conaway.

“Today, at the eleventh hour, these voices echoed across the House gallery as Members voted to cut federal discretionary spending for two straight years.

“We still have a long way to go to bring this deficit under control, but this vote was an important step.

“While this deal is not perfect, it shows how much House Republicans have changed the culture in Washington and paved the way for bigger changes.

“In January, Republicans made clear that raising the debt ceiling was out of the question unless proposed legislation included spending cuts larger than the debt limit hike, protected Americans from tax increases, and required both Houses to vote on a Balanced Budget Amendment. Over the past few months, our demands seemed to fall on deaf ears. Now, at the precipice of financial crisis, the President and Democrats in Congress have decided to listen, and in doing so have come to terms with a deal that will cut and cap spending and pave the way for a vote on a balanced budget amendment.”

Now, I wonder if they read it. I know that the Republicans broke their own promise - again. This time, they hurriedly went through the vote yesterday without allowing 3 days online for public review.  I just finished going through it today and about 50% of it makes little or no sense while the remaining 50% sounds fishy. In case you are interested, you can read the text of the bill here at http://blogs.suntimes.com/sweet/DEBT_016_xml.pdf. At least until it is taken down.

Take a moment and see if you can understand much of that garbage. Go ahead. I'll wait. .... .... .... .... .... OK. Did you understand all of it? Did you understand most of it? Did you understand at least 10% of it?

I called each of my representatives to let them know how disappointed I was in their vote on this particular bill but I really doubt any one of them cares about us simple folk.

It's almost time.

Don't Tread On Me

They Can Have My Gun When They Pry It From My Cold Dead Fingers

Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death

A new Tax Increase in Texas

Gee. I thought elections counted.

Ok. Texas needs more revenue. One option is to CUT SPENDING. Isn't that what the November 2010 elections showed?

Anyway, the Texas House has passed HB 2403 which, in a nutshell, will require all business in the US to collect Texas sales tax for any product/service sold to a person in Texas. This is a direct contradiction to Quill Corp v North Dakota, which is a Supreme Court ruling, that basically says the company must have a physical presence in the state in order for the state to require the company to collect sales taxes.

What this bill says is that any company that 'advertises' in the state will have to collect sales taxes. Humm. Talk about a business downer. No more advertising dollars in Texas, eh?

So, I wrote both my governor and state senator.  Here are my letters:

To Governor Perry:

Sir,

I am concerned about HB 2403 which seems to me to be a tax increase on the citizens of Texas.

As I read the contents of this bill, I believe the intent of the legislation was good but the desired results are not. Plus, if the Supreme Court’s decision in Quill Corp v North Dakota indicate that a business must have a physical presence in the state, then, in my opinion, this legislation is,in fact, unconstitutional and will result in expensive lawsuits for the state.

I firmly believe that should this legislation arrive on your desk in its current form, you are obligated to veto it, not only because it is a de facto tax increase on our citizens, but also because I believe it to be unconstitutional.

Sincerely,
Robert Goehring 

To State Senator Kel Seliger:

Sir,

I am concerned about HB 2403 which seems to me to be a tax increase on the citizens of Texas.

As I read the contents of this bill, I believe the intent of the legislation was good but the desired results are not. Plus, if the Supreme Court’s decision in Quill Corp v North Dakota indicate that a business must have a physical presence in the state, then, in my opinion, this legislation is,in fact, unconstitutional and will result in expensive lawsuits for the state.

I believe this bill should not be presented to the Governor in its current form. It is a de facto tax increase for Texas citizens and, in my opinion, will be overturned as unconstitutional after a lengthy and expensive court battle.

I trust you will perform your duty and do everything in your power to prevent this bill from becoming law in our state.

Sincerely,
Robert Goehring

 So tell me. Am I wrong here? Should the Texas Congress be able to dictate to a business in Florida (with no physical presence here) to collect sales tax on the citizens of Texas? That would mean that any business in Texas would also have to collect sales tax for the state, county, and city of New York for any of there citizens who happen to buy something from here. Do you realize how many different tax rates there are in the United States? Last time I looked, there were something like 32,000 different rates (state, city, county, local) that businesses would have to update DAILY because, guess what, there is no control on when the rates can / will change.

This is bad for Texans in general and bad for Texas businesses in general. Don't let it happen.

And what the hell happened to the Conservatives in our state legislature!!!!????

One year later

UPDATE: I received an answer from my Congressman about my specific issue. Here it is:

"Thank you for contacting me to share your comments regarding the Federal Reserve's proposed rule on debit card interchange fees. This is an important issue that could affect every consumer, whether or not they realize it.

The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, commonly known as the Dodd-Frank Act was a financial overhaul of gross proportion. This misguided piece of legislation will not solve our economic problems; it will just prolong the rehabilitation of our economy. I voted against the Dodd-Frank Act last year which directed the Federal Reserve to implement regulations to cap interchange fees.
Interchange fees affect credit unions, merchants, consumers and credit card companies. Working with all of these different entities makes for a complex and challenging issue. There is growing concern the Federal Reserve's proposed interchange rule will have a negative impact on consumer choice and harm lending institutions like community banks, credit unions, and other lenders that Congress sought to protect in the original law.
Please know that I will keep your comments in mind as this issue is debated in the coming weeks and brought to the House floor. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me again. { Information removed. Just plain old 'all about me' and 'go see my stuff at my website' things. }

Sincerely,

K. Michael Conaway
Member of Congress

"

---

One year ago today, I wrote that I would starting a new plan of action to help change the future. Basically, I was going to write my county commissioner, state rep, governor, US Rep, and US Senators. I was going to tell them that my taxes were too high and they should reduce spending. (See original post here.)

I wrote my county commissioner. He replied within hours. I stated that he and the other commissioners should look at making cuts in spending and I actually made some specific recommendations. The result? He wrote me back and pretty much told me to shut up since I didn't know the 'real' problems for the county. Beside, most of the county budget is mandated by the state. Oh?

I wrote my state senator but moved before I got a response. Guess I'll have to try my reps from my new home.

I wrote the governor and stated my opinion that the budget needed to be cut with some specific items. I got a form reply that really didn't address my concerns at all.

I wrote my US Representative (before I moved). Also got a form letter as a reply. I wrote my US Representative (in my new location) and have not received a reply (it's been 5 weeks since I wrote).

I have written both of my US Senators several times. Most of the time, KBH sends a form letter reply that may or may not even be about my concern. Senator C. sends me an answer about 3/4 of the time and usually has something in the reply addressing my concern.

So, one year later, the Federales government continues to oppressively tax me, the state government is working on a budget that actually dips into our Rainy Day Funds, and county governments don't even know the economy sucks as they continue to raise sales tax and property tax rates.

What? Another Tax?

UPDATE: 2011MAY05 1423 Central Time: Tabitha Hale posted her comments on RedState.com at http://www.redstate.com/tabithahale/2011/05/05/white-house-puts-out-feelers-on-the-transportation-opportunities-act/

---

So, Just found out that the President "has floated a transportation authorization bill that would require the study and implementation of a plan to tax automobile drivers based on how many miles they drive."

Really? So not only are most states actually considering this type of tax (including Texas. see the article at http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6797142.html for more info) , but now Obama wants the Federales to also get some of that action.

First, let me say I am against this just because it is a NEW TAX on me, my wife, my family, my friends, and, yes, even Demoncrats and Lieberals. The Federales government needs to cut spending, reduce my tax burden, reduce more spending, eliminate ineffective Federales agencies (such as the Dept of Education, Dept of HHS, the IRS, Dept of Energy, and more), then cut spending some more, eliminate intrusive Federales regulations (the TSA 'grope' downs are just one small example), then cut spending seriously.

Next, I am against this simply because the enforcement of such a onerous tax would, like many other tax laws, necessarily create a new group of lobbyist, vying to reduce the tax for the (city, county, state govts; medical professionals; fireman; policemen; Federales employees; military members (but only while driving official vehicles); union leaders; union members; and, of course, the 'poor') important people who shouldn't have to pay this type of tax. There may more exceptions to this tax than people who actually pay it. Oh, that means that another 50% of the people won't have to pay this tax either.

Finally, and to me, the most important reason, I am against this tax because it will track me wherever I go and whenever I go there. "But they will only use this for 'good' and never for any 'evil' purpose!" Sure. And there really is a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow.

So, they want to install an electronic device - "a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) tax could be tracked by installing electronic equipment on each car to determine how many miles were driven; payment could take place electronically at filling stations." Stop to fill up your vehicle with gasoline, diesel, propane, or electricity and pay tax on the gasoline, diesel, propane, or electricity then pay your VMT tax! What a great system this would be!

We have had enough. Enough Hope. Enough Change. Enough Federales Government. Enough regulations. Enough of the agencies making policy on their own (EPA, ICE, DEA, etc.).  We must stop this ... and soon.

Here's the link to the original post:

http://thehill.com/blogs/floor-action/house/159397-obama-floats-plan-to-tax-cars-by-the-mile

Too many people without sufficient oversight. Who pays these people?

Obama “Energy Czar” Carol Browner said to US News & World Report last year: “We need to make sure that …[e]ventually, we can get to a system where an electric company will be able [sic] to hold back some of the power so that maybe your air conditioner won’t operate at its peak, you’ll still be able to cool your house, but that’ll be a savings to the consumer.”

Remember, all of the 'Czars' appointed by the Federales Executive Branch are not confirmed by the Senate, have extraordinary powers, shield information from Congress and the Public, rarely testify before congressional committees, and are beholden only to the one who granted them such exalted positions. Additionally, most are receiving pay from the US taxpaper but the salaries are not public for the majority of these people.

According to a dated Glenn Beck website entry, there were 32 Obama 'Czars' as of July of LAST YEAR, 2009! How many more are there now that we don't know about?

Of the salaries identified by Beck, the lowest salary received was $98,000 a year (Joshua DuBois and he lives in Nashville, TN) and the highest at $197,000 (Dennis Blair, the Intelligence Czar). But the list of 32 positions list only SEVEN with salaries. That means that 25 positions don't have a salary listed and, conceivably, could be $200,000 each. Who is controlling the purse strings? Congress? Or is it part of the Federales slush fund?

1. Afghanistan Czar - Richard Holbrooke, Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, Salary: unknown
2. AIDS Czar - Jeffrey Crowley, Director of the Office of National AIDS Policy, Salary: $102,000
3. Auto Recovery Czar - Ed Montgomery, Director of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers, Salary: unknown
4. Border Czar - Alan Bersin, Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Special Representative for Border Affairs, Salary: unknown
5. California Water Czar - David J. Hayes, Deputy Interior Secretary, Salary: unknown
6. Car Czar - Ron Bloom, Counselor to the Secretary of the Treasury, Salary: unknown
7. Central Region Czar - Dennis Ross, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for the Central Region, Salary: unknown
8. Climate Czar - Todd Stern, Special Envoy for Climate Change, Salary: unknown
9. Domestic Violence Czar - Lynn Rosenthal, White House adviser on Violence Against Women, Salary: unknown
10. Drug Czar - Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, Salary: unknown
11. Economic Czar - Paul Volcker, Chairman of the President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board, Salary: Volcker reportedly isn't paid for his advice.
12. Energy and Environment Czar - Carol Browner, Assistant to the President for Energy and Climate Change, Salary: $172,200
13. Faith-Based Czar - Joshua DuBois, Director of the Office of Faith Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, Salary: $98,000
14. Government Performance Czar - Jeffrey Zients, Chief Performance Officer, Salary: unknown
15. Great Lakes Czar - Cameron Davis, Special advisor to the U.S. EPA overseeing its Great Lakes restoration plan, Salary: unknown
16. Green Jobs Czar - Van Jones (previously), Special Adviser for Green Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation at the White House Council on Environmental Quality, Salary: unknown
17. Guantanamo Closure Czar - Daniel Fried, Special envoy to oversee the closure of the detention center at Guantanamo Bay, Salary: unknown
18. Health Czar - Nancy-Ann DeParle, Counselor to the President and Director of the White House Office of Health Reform, Salary: $158,500
19. Information Czar - Vivek Kundra, Federal Chief Information Officer, Salary: unknown
20. Intelligence Czar - Dennis Blair, Director of National Intelligence, Salary: $197,700
21. Mideast Peace Czar - George Mitchell, Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, Salary: unknown
22. Pay Czar - Kenneth R. Feinberg, Special Master on executive pay, Salary: reportedly receiving no compensation for his work.
23. Regulatory Czar - Cass R. Sunstein, Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Salary: unknown
24. Science Czar - John Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Co-Chair of the President’s Council of Advisers on Science and Technology, Salary: unknown
25. Stimulus Accountability Czar - Earl Devaney, Chair of the Recovery Act Transparency and Accountability Board, Salary: unknown
26. Sudan Czar - J. Scott Gration, Special Envoy to Sudan, Salary: unknown
27. TARP Czar - Herb Allison, Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Financial Stability, Salary: unknown
28. Technology Czar - Aneesh Chopra, Chief Technology Officer, Salary: unknown
29. Terrorism Czar - John Brennan, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism, Salary: $172,200
30. Urban Affairs Czar - Adolfo Carrion Jr., White House Director of Urban Affairs, Salary: $158,500
31. Weapons Czar - Ashton Carter, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, Salary: unknown
32. WMD Policy Czar - Gary Samore, White House Coordinator for Weapons of Mass Destruction, Security and Arms Control, Salary: unknown

Thanks to GlennBeck.com for this fine list.

State income tax refunds to be delayed

Well, isn't that something. State governments from New York to Hawaii are holding back their citizen's state income tax refund checks because they're out of money.

I can see politicians doing that instead of what they should be doing: cutting their damned spending!

However, one quote really got me. According to a USAToday news article, California state Controller John Chiang said, "Californians should expect to receive their hard-earned tax refunds on time."

Did I read that right? Look at that again. He said, ".. their hard-earned tax refunds .." Is he really serious? If he was so damned concerned about Californians, don't you think they wouldn't take so much from the tax payers in the first place?

He's right on one point, though. Hard-working folks are the ones who are getting hit by this with-holding of refunds. Figure any of the illegals are waiting? No? I guess they didn't pay any income tax in the first place. How about those who are getting welfare? Do they pay income tax that is with-held from them? Probably not.

A fallacy in a progressive tax system is that they TAKE money from you in the guise of payroll deductions so you don't really SEE HOW MUCH they are taking! A much better method would be to use a consumption tax. That way, you know EXACTLY how much the state (and federal government if I had my way) are stealing from you to support their massive spending binges!

Fortunately, I don't have to worry about my state refund check. You see, I have the good fortune of leaving in one of those states that do not have income tax (Texas, for instance :).

Taxes

Do you ever sit down and think about how much you really pay in taxes? It boogles my mind to realize how many government entities are taking my money.

Local taxes like property tax, school tax, municipal tax, usage tax, and fees (just another hidden tax).

Taxes on telephone use, gasoline, oil, sales tax (local, city, state).

How about private taxes? I mean your Homeowners Association fees. That is a tax for you to live in certain neighborhoods. Do you really get to decide on how those fees are used? Not in my HOA. You can go to the annual meeting and just get told how much it costs to cut the grass in the common areas (and, oh by the way, the HOA management company we hired just increased their fees to manage, er spend, your money).

And I don't even want to get started on the Federal taxes. Think you only have to pay income tax to Big Government? Think again, sonny. You pay the Federales taxes on just about everything and you can't do a damn thing about it, can you? They continue to spend and any time they create a new "program to save the American people", that program becomes a permanent fixture - sucking your money away. Did you realize that the Federales were collecting a "fee" on telephone usage that was put in place to pay for the Spanish-American War of 1898? Buddy, that was a very expensive way to get Puerto Rico and the Philippines, wasn't it?

It is high time for normal Americans to take back the out-of-control spending at all levels of government from the local city to the Federales in Washington. Oh, what's a couple of more billion dollars? Nothing the American people can't pay for in the next few hundred years.

Since I am getting madder and madder about the US Congress, how come they don't have the same rules to play by that I do? What makes them so special that they are exempt from the laws they want us to abide by? Why do they need special, Private jets to vacation (er, I mean, go on a junket) in Europe, Japan, India, Australia, and the South Pole? I fly commercial out of my own pocket and, by God, so should they! When they travel on the business of the people, shouldn't they travel the most cost savings way? Holey Moley, Batman! That's my money you are wasting.

Plus, Congress should take a 75% paycut, 75% cut in staff, and a 75% cut in the amount of my money they are spending! I picked 75% because that is the amount that my 401k account dropped! Why are they giving themselves pay raises and increasing their staffs?

Last note before I go cool off. President Barak "The Anointed" Obama has more Czars than can possibly be afforded. There is NO control over their power, how much they are paid, or how big their staff can grow. This is a complete and total ABUSE of our trust and should cease immediately!

OK. I'm done but I don't think increasing our taxes is going to work.

What is going on these days?

What in the world is going on in the United States today? The US Congress and the President are embarking on a path leading the U.S.A. into a Nanny state.

The FDA is going to pull acetaminophen (Tylenol and Excedrin) off of the shelves everywhere there isn’t a pharmacy? The drugs that could be pulled off shelves are combination medications which combine acetaminophen with other ingredients that treat cough and runny nose. Talk about Big Brother. This is much in line with banning certain cooking oils or outlawing goose liver pate. Sure, there seems to be a link with liver failure but the upside benefits appear to out way the risk.

White House announces new lighting standards. Well, what are they? I spent several minutes trying to find a link that actually told us what the ‘new’ standards are going to be but was unsuccessful in my search. Another $200b line item to make sure I use energy-efficient light bulbs? Or another $180b to ‘educate’ me on how cheap, fluorescent light bulbs are incompatible with ‘green’ (not cheap, mind you) energy? Whatever the standards are, you can be sure it will come with an increase in taxes somewhere, somehow.

President Obama is giving the ‘evil eye’ to all who don’t see his progressive/radical views as the only way. This guy is showing so much disrespect to other (formerly friendly) world leaders who don’t seem to believe everything that comes out of Obama’s mouth. That look should be reserved to children who misbehave and is oh, so unbecoming of the POTUS.

The cap and tax bill is forced through the House by using coercive techniques by Obama and Pelosi. Talk about how to misuse your power. Mz. Pelosi can teach power politics to Hitler and Stalin. Compared to her, Mussolini was a rank amateur and Tojo would be lucky to have been her personal cook. I can only hope that the good citizens of California will get their heads out of the sand look at what their leftist representatives are doing to the rest of the country. This cap and tax bill is over 1,200 pages and NOT A SINGLE representative has read the entire thing. In fact, the Democratic leadership added a 300 page “manager’s amendment” at 3 a.m. the morning of the vote. Did the representatives who voted ‘Yea’ on this read the amendment? Of course not! They were ‘whipped’ into line in order to pass this atrocity. And, for the love of God, can someone tell me why nine Republicans voted for this? This bill WILL NOT create jobs. It is solely a method to destroy our economy in order for the statist/radicals/leftist/socialists to create their false Utopia.

Global Climate Change (formerly known as Global Warming) can have no detractors in the Government. Even the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suppresses reports written by the EPA that take a contrary position with the POTUS and leftist/progressives/eco-terrorists. As an example of the ridiculous statements being made, remember on June 25th when the POTUS said the cap and tax bill will result in the earth being four or five degrees cooler? How arrogant and pompous! Just another example of GCC proponents not relying on real facts.

We have to pay for these changes. I don’t remember who said this, maybe it was my mother. Anyway, how do we pay for all of these useless and harmful changes? Taxes. Tax alcohol, water, electricity, CO2 emissions, farm products, and everything else you buy. Tax services like doctor visits, cable TV, cell phone usage, Internet access, valet parking, and whatever else you pay for. Then, they don’t have enough so some are talking of adding a Value Added Tax (V.A.T) to everything. That, my friends, is an ADDITIONAL tax that is added to each step of a manufactured good. There would be a tax on nails, a tax on nailing the wood together, a tax on painting the nail, and of course, a tax on the sale of the house. Incredible.

We are rapidly becoming a socialist state at a time when European countries are seeing a glimmer of hope as they swing back from their socialist experiments. Taxes in Hungary are being cut as they are in Germany. So why do our elected representatives want to continue this trip to the left? Because they don’t care about us.

We are rapidly approaching the point in our history when we must decide to either live under an oppressive and non-responsive Government or take some action to stop this insanity.