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Hello, my name is Paul. I'm what I consider to be an average American citizen. I have started this site to give my views on what I believe is right, or as too often the case, what is wrong with this country. Most of this site will be political in nature. Occasionally, I will have something to say about the "idiocracy" of this country and the people in it. I welcome any and all comments and corrections to anything I have to say. Good or bad, I'll publish them all. All to often in this country we don't listen to others with an open mind. I will try to get my facts straight, if I am wrong about something and you wish to "call me out" please cite a point of reference so that I may look it up. I hope that you will find this site informative, thoughtful, passionate and sometimes fun. Thank you again for coming to this site, I hope this provides a great forum to express our thoughts with respect to each other.
7-29-11
DEAR CONGRESS, Last year I mismanaged my funds and this year my family and I cannot decide on a budget. Until we can come to a unified decision that fits all of our needs and interests, we will have to shut down our check book and will no longer be able to pay our taxes. I'm sure you'll understand. Thank you very much for setting an example we can all follow......
7-16-11
The beat goes on.........Republicans and Democrats posturing to one another while the American public continues to struggle. The debate being the raising of the debt ceiling. Republicans are trying to convince the public that by simply being willing to discuss the topic is them sacrificing. Are they serious?! What?! They had to give up some vacation time to stay in Washington and do the job they are overpaid for in the first place?! The Democrats are no better. They say that they won't discuss touching any cuts without tax increases. What the hell kind of negotiations are these?! I surmise that they are not negotiations. These are simply Dr. Suess characters. Neither Zak would give way to the other so life went on without them. That might be a good idea!
There isn't an easy solution to what ails this country. I am positive however that a stand off is not a solution but yet another problem. All the Republicans want to do is cut social programs at a time when Americans can least afford to do so. Democrats want to raise taxes on "the rich" and continue to spend money without making necessary cuts. I can't take it anymore!! What is it going to take to get these morons to do what is right as opposed to what may get them re-elected? How about firing the lot! If you, out there, think that it would be a good idea to let the August 2nd deadline pass and have the government default, you had better think about what the government pays for and who they pay. Government default = No social security checks going out, all government employees go without a paycheck, the unemployed go without extended benefits, parks closing, etc.
Social Security checks go out on August 3rd to the tune of 23 million (IHS Global Insight). If those recipients don't have any money how many bills will they default on?
Government employees. 4.4 million people work for the government including our uniformed military, postal and national park employees, veterans' facilities, Amtrak and many other government offices. Just what the economy needs another 4.4 million working Americans without a paycheck.
The unemployed. They get 26 weeks extended benefits when their state benefits run out. More money out of the economy.
What does all this mean? Bills won't be paid and more people will default on their loans. Which in turn will cause more to be homeless, home values to drop further, interest rates to go up, stock markets to drop, IRA's to drop in value, and more money out of your pocket to pay for everything!
Listen Up! Programs need to be cut and some taxes are going to have to go up. Simple solution. I'm sure that even our congress people are smart enough- Oh nevermind- what was I thinking? They aren't smart enough to do anything except grandstand and crow!
Taxes need to be simple and basic. No deductions. Just pay your freaking tax rate! The money is taken out of your paycheck every time you get one and then we fill out a form that gets us money back at the end of the year. Why? You paid the tax you won't miss it. Live within your means! That goes for the government and our representatives too!
Raise taxes on the so called "job creators" who continue to get rich while the rest of us struggle to maintain our life style or try to simply keep our heads above water.
Unfortunately, I have lost all faith in both political parties to what is right and necessary; to do what it takes. All, it seems, Republicans want to do is cut every single program that doesn't benefit their donors (i.e. Social Security, Medicare/ Medicaid, National endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, beach replenishment, grants for intercity rail, regional development agencies and local transit.) They DO NOT believe in taking away tax breaks for major corporations. In fact they wish to expand them. How do they propose to pay for these? Hmmmm? The poor, the old and the sick!? If the Republican party "believes" in "fiscal responsibility" they need to get serious about what needs to be cut first. I have yet to see these major corporations they advocate tax breaks for create a job recently. All I have seen are CEO's getting bigger paychecks and bonuses! I call BS!
On the flip side we have the Democrats, a.k.a. "the Blue Collar party" spending money on everything and anything. These idiots have and continue to spend money on screen doors for submarines! If it sounds like a bad idea throwing money at it is not going to make it a good one! You can't spend enough money to get a square peg into a round hole. The Democrats are a perfect example of the definition of insanity; Doing something the same way and expecting a different result.
There are some very good government programs, like Social Security, that are needed. The government just needs to use the funds they have wisely. Tax breaks, while you are at war, is not a good one. That might get you re-elected but it increases your debt. That goes for both George W. and Obama- the only two to do so. Democrats would do well to give a hand up instead of a hand out to those that need it. We will all be better off with more of us working and not a bunch of people living off the system. And if the Republicans want to keep giving tax breaks to their corporate friends they would be well served by having more of us working! So lets stop mucking it up! Get together and fix the problem this is not the time for chest thumping!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
3-14-11
Shared sacrifice. What, exactly, does that mean? The dictionary definition is very different from the political definition.
Dictionary: a mutual voluntary giving up of something valuable.
Political: poor and middle class must give more with wealthy exempt.
I’m all for shared sacrifice when needed. Make no mistake, it is needed right now. It has been for a while. Consider the dictionary definition and let’s start with those who can afford to sacrifice the most. Too much of the tax burden has been placed upon the poor and middle class. The upper class and the wealthy have gotten tax breaks and favored treatment from our politicians and the policies they implement.
The median Household income in 2009 was $49,777.00, (source U.S. census bureau). The minimum wage was $7.25/ hour, which equals $15,080/ year based on a 40 hr. workweek. Doesn’t seem like much to live on, does it? And the percentage of income tax paid is 25%, (average) - completely disproportionate to what can be afforded. Let me give you a more visual example of what I mean.
Based on the idea of a 25% flat tax:
Poor Class:
If you make minimum wage, at $7.25/ hr. your annual income is $15,080.00
Subtract 25% income tax 3,770.00
Annual take home income is $ 11,310.00
Now figure a low rent of $500.00/ month or $6000.00/ year. 6000.00
Leaving a total income of $ 5,310.00
Divide that by 12 months and you are left with $442.50 per month to pay for food, health care, transportation, utilities, clothing and insurance. You may be able to survive on that if you are single, healthy, within walking distance from work, and don't eat much.
Middle Class:
If you make the median wage, previously calculated at $ 49,777.00
Subtract 25% income tax 12,444.75
Annual take home income is $ 37,332.75
Now figure a low mortgage of $1200.00/ month. 14,400.00
Leaving a total income of $22,932.00
Divide that by 12 months and you are left with $1,911.00 per month to pay for food, health care, transportation, utilities, clothing and insurance. You may be doing better but not great, especially if you have a family to support.
Upper Class:
If you make a generous upper class salary of $150,000.00
Subtract 25% income tax 37,500.00
Annual take home is $ 112,500.00
Now figure a mortgage of $3500.00/ month. 42,000.00
Leaving a total income of $ 70,500.00
Divide that by 12 months and you are left with $5,875.00 per month. Must be nice.
Wealthy Class:
Consider a wealthy class salary at $1,000,000.00
Subtract 25% income tax 250,000.00
Annual take home is $ 750,000.00
Figure mortgage at $10,000.00/ month. 120,000.00
Leaving a total income of $ 630,000.00
Divide that by 12 months and you are left with $52,500 per month.
So who do you think can afford to give a little more?
Is it any wonder the gap between the haves and have-nots has grown over the last 10 years. The people with the money control the politicians that make the policies that allow the wealthy to ride on the backs of the poor.
Let's start by limiting the amount of money politicians make. Rank and file members of congress make an annual salary of 176,000 a year. We pay for their health care, pensions and all the other perks of office they get. Do they serve the majority? I think not! They get a cost of living raise every year (they can vote against it, THEY DON'T). How many of you reading this haven't gotten a raise recently? How many of you have seen your health insurance costs go up and your dollar stretched further and further? Unemployment is out of control, home income has dropped, corporate profits have risen. The rich have gotten richer and the poor have gotten poorer.
Corporations have exported good paying jobs that are never coming back. Think about this in simple terms. Living in Michigan -- I'll use the BIG 3 as an example. You take a manufacturing job from here that pays 60,000 a year, ship it to Mexico and pay 5,000 a year. The cost of the car doesn't go down. The CEO bonuses go up! See a trend here? Have any of these bailed out bankers been prosecuted for all the damage they have caused? NO!
What have they done with the bailout money we supplied? They purchased other banks to make themselves more
powerful. Now lending has become tighter.
A lot of us are to blame for buying more house than we could afford, living on credit cards, spending more than we had and trying to keep up with the Jones'. The Jones' don't care if you lose your house!
listen up!
Those that have benefited the most from the policies of the past should and need to pay more. Every politicians salary should be reduced to the median income of the United States. They should pay their own health care, pensions and daily expenditures. If they get caught accepting money, gifts or favors -- they should be sent directly to prison. Maybe then they will start doing what is right. They work for us!
If given the chance to succeed-- most will. When the deck is stacked against you, you fold at the first chance for there is no sense in losing what little you have for a chance at nothing! We the people are many and the elite are few. We can win this battle if we work together for what is fair. If we truly believe, politicians included, in shared sacrifice we will all be better off.
9-19-10
There has been a lot of debate on the best way to address the expiring Bush tax cuts. The Democrats want to end the cuts going to those that make over 250,000 a year. The Republicans want to continue the Bush tax cuts or let them all increase. The debate has been going on for quite some time now. Should the top 1 percent continue to get tax breaks? Well let me think about that....No!
The top 20 % control 80% of the money in this country while their income rises. Are we, as the middle or lower class, supposed to continue to pay the same amount as our income drops? Everyone should have to pay the same. No single group should have to pay more than another. It is easy for those that don't have to say those with more should pay more. It is not fair to penalize someone for doing well. The flip side to that is the tax code favors those with more. There are far too many loopholes and deductions that help to hide money. The poor don't have that luxury. The tax code shouldn't be more than one sentence. Tax is _ %. End of code. Shouldn't matter what you make or if it is individual or corporate income.
Big business has ruled this country long enough. Why does a multi-billion dollar industry need a tax break? So they make more money while the working class gets to help them pay for their business expenses. Am I the only one that sees this? CEO's and shareholders are making record salaries and bonuses (the top 20%). While workers are making less, working more and paying more for everything (bottom 80%).
Businesses lay people off and outsource work to countries at an exorbitant discount in labor cost. They buy foreign materials for much less than here. Yet the price of the product stays the same or costs more. See a problem here? Low pay + cheap material = more profit, higher pay and bonuses for companies and executives. In turn, the number of the poor has risen, the unemployment rate has gone up and people are losing their homes. The middle and lower class has been the backbone of this country for a hundred + years. If you remove the spine we will collapse! In fairness to business they are not on a level playing field either. Our government needs to fix the trade laws. It needs to be even. It is ridiculous that foreign countries can sell their products here for cheap but are aloud to put many tariffs and taxes on products we export so they cost a small fortune for their populace to purchase.
That however does not excuse them from making record profits off the backs of those doing the work. In 1960 the average CEO made 42.00 for every 1.00 of the average worker. In 2007 CEO's made 344.00 for every 1.00. At worst in 2000 it was 531.00 for every 1.00 dollar. In Europe in 2007 it was 25.00 for every 1.00 dollar. To top it off these "smart" CEO's get guaranteed salaries and bonuses whether they do a good job or not. I have yet to see an average or below average worker get a raise or bonus for failing to do the job. On the contrary they would be fired!
When our government bailed out the banks the banks paid out huge bonuses to the same people that caused the problem to begin with. What kind of business succeeds by paying for failure? The banks then used OUR tax dollars to buy other banks that were run even worse. Did the banks then try to help people restructure the bad loans they created? NO! They told people they didn't have the money to lend. Our money. Tax payer money.
What our government should have done is given the money back to each and every tax paying American! If you take the mid range estimated cost of the bailout and stimulus package it would average out to 35,457 for every single person in the U.S. If we just gave it to taxpayers it would be closer to 50,000. If that would have happened those that were behind in their bills could have paid them. Those that were current would have made purchases, invested, saved or perhaps opened a business. Either way, it would have created jobs and possibly saved some of these companies and banks from going out of business. The last time I checked if you run your company into the ground you end up losing the company.
listen up! Everything is interconnected. There isn't an easy solution. If we want to be a capitalist society the bank bailout never should have happened. The banks would have fallen and been replaced by a better business model. That is how capitalism works! It doesn't work by bailing out greedy idiots with the money of those they have trampled on.
So do we give tax breaks to middle and lower class? The simple answer is yes. Do we continue tax cuts for the top 20%? Simple answer is no. The middle class spends the most money of any sector. They stimulate the economy and create jobs by spending. The top 5% horde money, stagnate the economy and cut jobs. This has been going on since the Reagan years. Trickle down economics don't work. Deregulation of Wall Street under Clinton and Greenspan made the mistakes of Wall Street possible. Tax cuts and government spending under Bush has widened the gap between the haves and have-nots. The bank bail out by Bush continued by Obama have put us in a crisis we may never get out of without some serious reform in the way this country does things. Manufacturing has to come back! Pay needs to be consummate with the job and our trade deficit needs to be zeroed out. That would be a great start to restoring the working class in this country.
I'll work on the politicians next!
9-12-10
The First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States reads, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
To all complaining about the Islamic center proposed location in New York or the pastor from Florida, the Constitution allows them the right to do what each of them has proposed. You may not like it or agree with it but the law is the law! If the shoe were on the other foot and an Imam wanted to burn the Bible I'm sure that Christians would be up in arms and protesting vigorously. The Vatican would probably get involved along with Christians around the globe much like the Muslim community has. We have been afforded the right to express ourselves in this country in a peaceful manner. It is one of the great things about this country. We all can't be happy all the time. It is not possible! Whether or not someone is of a certain faith they all have the same rights under the Constitution. We are NOT a Christian nation we ARE a multi-faith nation.
listen up! Feel free to complain; that is your right. Don't try to impose your own will upon others. Don't obey the law and Constitution only when it is convenient. You are a hypocrite if you cite law to further your own agenda and, in turn, get upset when done against you. To keep this nation free we all must take a step back from emotions and use logic. Knee jerk reactions have rarely, if ever, served anyone. I know there are times when groups or individuals will try to skew the law to perpetuate a particular idea. We as Americans have a duty to make sure that the Constitution is followed whether we like the outcome or not. One day it may work in your favor so we must do our best to protect it!
9-6-10
We have just had the Arts, Beats & Eats festival here and I'm amazed at the amount of people that can't follow the law. Signs were posted telling people that they needed a permit to park in certain areas. Yet they complain that they end up with a ticket for parking illegally. What did they think was going to happen? Did they not consider the people that live in the area? Could they not read the clearly marked signs telling them where they could park? I over heard a man from Ohio, when told he needed a permit to park say " This is why this area is is dying." I thought to myself it is dying because people like him think they should be able to do what they want for free. He continued to rant on about how terrible everything here is. I'm sure he would have a different opinion if it were his neighborhood. I think he should just leave and shut his trap. After all he does come from the state with the Mistake On The Lake!
listen up! We are a country of laws. You don't have to follow them but there are consequences for opting not to. So to complain is an exercise in futility. What kind of country would this be if there weren't any laws or laws without a penalty? I would hazard to guess it would be pretty chaotic. Granted there are laws that I find to be ridiculous, mundane, outdated or just plain stupid however that doesn't give me carte blanche to ignore or break them. If I see something I don't like I take steps to change it.
People need to consider others. Just for a moment think about how you want others to act when they are in your house, neighborhood, city, state or country. How would you prefer them to act. After that consideration, grab a mirror, take a long look at yourself, and act accordingly. If a little more time was spent saying, "what can I do for everyone," as opposed to, "what works for ME," we would be in a lot better shape as a country and human race than we are now!
8-3-10
What the hell is wrong with people in this country? We have the right to vote and the vast majority stay at home. They say things like "It's only a primary", I don't like any of the candidates", I only vote in major elections". EVERY ELECTION IS A MAJOR ELECTION!
We take too much for granted in this country. Most people throughout this world would love to have the opportunity to vote. People like to bitch but they do nothing. The only way to change things is by numbers. Our politicians represent us, the people that elect them. If only the minority votes, THE MINORITY RULES! That is not what this country was founded on. If you don't vote keep your mouth shut! DO NOT complain that you are being screwed over by the man. DO NOT complain about your taxes getting higher. DO NOT complain that your voice is not heard when YOU CHOOSE NOT TO USE IT! The status quo exists because, we the people let it. The day may come when our rights may be revoked. We can send a message every time we vote. If we don't like the way something is going we can choose to replace the representative we have for another that agrees with our agenda.
I hear people say that they agree with a lot of what a particular candidate stands for but they disagree with them on a particular point so they won't vote for them. On the flip side people will vote for a candidate because they agree with one thing the candidate stands for that is near and dear to them. Forget the fact that they disagree with everything else. Regardless of whether or not, I, or you may agree with that line of thinking at least they voted! Many states and municipalities will sneak a lot of proposals and millages into a mid-term election so that it will be passed. This has proved over the years to be an effective tactic to raise your taxes and limit your rights.
So listen up! Over the years our rights have been slowly taken away from us. As long as we continue to be silent when it really matters it will continue. We have soldiers fighting in foreign lands to give people the rights we take for granted. Let's not let them, or the others that died before them, down. You never know how precious something is until it is lost. Stop and think for a moment if that is what you want to happen to your freedom. Our system isn't perfect but WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IF WE CHOOSE TO! So get involved and make this country the place you want to live in. Nobody is going to do it for you. We each have a duty to do what we can to make this place better.
6-27-10
Will people please learn how to drive! How many times has this happened to you? While driving down the highway the idiot next to you is texting or reading a text and can't maintain a speed or stay in there lane. Do they have any idea where they are or where they are going?
People listen up! You are driving a potentially dangerous weapon! Would you read or write a book while you're driving? You are not so important that what you have to say can't wait until you are somewhere safe! You may think you can multi task - YOU CAN'T!
Most people I see on the road can barely drive when the aren't playing with their cell. These morons change lanes without signaling; or if they bother to, they act as if it is a magic wand that opens a space for their car to fit into, even if there is a car there already! They have no idea where they are going in the first place. They drive along looking at everything except the road.
I think everybody should have to be road tested every year. If they fail... they should have their license revoked. When you are driving you should only be concerned with driving. Everything else can wait! We continuously create new laws to combat changing technology on the roadways. What we should be doing is enforcing the laws on the books already. Municipalities could easily pay for continued services by writing tickets for the multitude of laws people break in the span of a mile.
Just as important, the police that enforce the law should try following it. I see far too many police cars speeding, making illegal turns and not signaling. If they can't follow the laws, what makes them think that anybody else will.
This can happen anywhere! Doesn't matter your age, station in life or how important you think you are! Is what you have to say or read worth this?
6-17-10
Representative Joe Barton (R) of Texas needs to be immediately removed from his seat and every committee of which he is a member for his apology to BP. What in the blue hell is he thinking?! What American is not pissed off about this on going oil spill in the gulf? There is little doubt as to who is responsible for the tragedy. Due process should be afforded to everyone; I agree with that statement. However we are talking about an oil rig hundreds of miles from anything, owned by BP. I don't think there is any doubt about who is at fault or who should pay. Saying what the President is doing is tantamount to a "shakedown" is absurd at best! The 20 billion is only the tip of the iceberg to what this oil spill is going to cost in clean up, jobs lost, wildlife harmed and the harm to the environment. If this moron doesn't want to live in a country where the evidence is irrefutable for whom is responsible than he can take all the money he gets from the oil company and GET OUT! He has made enough money off Americans already. I say we exile this moron to some other part of the globe if by some off chance we could find someone dumb enough to take him, but I doubt it!
Now this idiot wants to apologize for saying the things he said? Must have heard that his political life was in danger. Too late- you meant what you said the first time. You are not fooling anyone with the typical political backpedaling. Kiss My A**!
5-16-10
I apologize for being tardy with updating my site. I've been caught in between ways to best to add content and be factually accurate. It can be a bit of a daunting task. The last thing I want to do is perpetuate false or misleading information. There is enough of that floating over the airways, print and peoples mouths as it is. So I have decided that to keep you entertained and informed while I'm doing research for my full length blogs I will be adding Random musings and entertainment for your consideration. I hope you will all enjoy and please feel free to comment. I look forward to hearing from you.
This article, like all on Randomslant.com, is the work of the editorial staff. It is protected by the First amendment covering freedom of speech and freedom of the press. It is not intended to be harmful or hurtful but to provide insight and opinion protected under the First Amendment. It is not intended to be a false and malicious publication printed for the purpose of defaming any living person. Any and all material contained within Randomslant.com is copyrighted © 2010, All rights reserved. Randomslant.com will continue to strive to provide high quality news to its readership.
Keywords : Politics, Republican, Democrat, Taxes, Road Rage, Independent, Tea Party, GOP, DNC, Health care, House Of Representatives, Senate, BP, Oil Spill, Gulf Of Mexico, Texting, Laws, Barak Obama, Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, John McCain, Sarah Palin, White House, United States, debt ceiling
