Taxed again, taxed again jigiddy jig

I am a normal(ish) American. I wake up every morning, go to work, pay my bills, and basically try to make it though life. Every pay day comes around and I see about a third of my pay stripped from me (State tax, federal tax, Federal Medicare Employee Employment Tax, and Federal Old Age Disability Insurance Employee Employment Tax). Now with all the proposals that are coming up by the powers that be, I fear I will be losing more of my pay.

Between Cap and trade, universal health care, and now the talk of a gas tax hike to pay for roads (did we not just give almost a trillion dollars to pay for infrastructure repairs and to boost the economy?), I really don't see how I am going to have much of a pay check left (but with universal health care I probably won't be alive to worry about it).

Cap and trade makes it more costly for companies to do business, this will cause everything to cost more. When companies have a rise in costs they pass it on to the consumer. This will also shift jobs from the United States to countries that do not have such policies (China, India, and others have stated they will not participate in the plan). Less jobs and higher costs, but granted not a actual tax increase.

Universal health care looks like it will cost over 1.5 trillion. Where will the money for this come from? I keep hearing "we will raise taxes on the rich", eventually you will run out of "rich" people (or the definition of "rich" will continue to drop lower and lower). There is talk of a tax on soft drinks, higher taxes on tobacco, taxing employers, taxing employee health benefits, and punitive taxes for people who don't have employee health care and choose not to enroll in the government plan. I guess all the campaign promises of no new taxes if you make under 200000 were just empty promises. Having lived overseas I have seen how socialized medicine works. I have stood in line at hospitals waiting for a doctor. I have seen health care rationed out. It has not worked anywhere else, why would it work here? I have heard pundits quote articles and reports saying how well it works, I have seen with my own eyes that it does not.

Earlier in the year we (the tax payers) spent almost 1 trillion dollars (must be passed now, no time to read the 1300 pages) on a stimulus package. This was supposed to boost the economy and support infrastructure repairs (road and bridge repair ect). Where did the money go? It had to go somewhere if there is now a proposed tax hike on gas to repair road ways. More money out of my pay check.
I propose an audit.

Folks, my wallet is looking like it will be hurting soon. I imageine that other people's will as well. Personally I think any politicitian that votes for these actions should be replaced nexe election. This is not about Democrats and Republicans, this is about what is good for the people and for the country.

Scary Stuff

Right now there is a proposal, by the Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP) agency, to expand the definition of a "Switch blade" knife. This new definition is broad enough to encompass an estimated 80% of pocket knives currently in the United States (basically any knife that can be opened with one hand). This proposal was made a bit over 2 weeks ago, this shows how quietly it has been moving. So quietly the mandatory 30 days open for comments has almost expired (June 21st is the last day). On top of this only snail mail can be used to file a comment, no emails nor phone calls.

Folks this is pretty scary stuff. Quietly the laws are changed, and suddenly you can be charged with a federal weapons violation that you did not know you had committed (which, by the way would be a felony and take away your right to own a firearm). Think I am being an alarmist? I hope I am, but how quickly and quietly this is moving is quite disconcerting.

Here is a copy of the proposal as it stands now. Write you repersentatives, tell them that they should oppose this attack on the second amendment. If you wish to send in a comment to the CBP send it here:

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Office of International Trade
Regulations and Rulings
Mint Annex
799 9th Street N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20229

Attn: Intellectual Property and Restricted Merchandise Branch

RE: PROPOSED REVOCATION OF RULING LETTERS AND REVOCATION OF TREATMENT RELATING TO THE ADMISSIBILTY [sic] OF CERTAIN KNIVES WITH SPRING-ASSISTED OPENING MECHANISMS

Remember the window for comments on the proposal ends June 21 (which is a Sunday so the actual effective end is June 20).

Thanks to kniferights.org for this heads up

Who ya gonna call?

After a long day of work, I decided to spend the afternoon at the local firing range. While there I met some of the local Sheriff's department, nice guys. After expending 3 or so hours sighting in a few rifles and a shot gun, I returned home. First thing, clean the firearms.

I was interrupted by a telemarketer. Usually I just hang up, but the opening line caught my attention.
"Sir, what would you do if someone suddenly broke into your home? Would you have time to call the police?"

"Yes, I imagine I would have time to call them."

The woman seemed confused by this answer, but continued trying to make the sell.

"But sir, police usually take 10 to 15 minutes to respond, with our security system they would be on the way automatically"

"Ma'am, trust me it is not an issue."

Confusion again
"Do you already have a security system sir?

Grinning I cycle the slide of the shotgun I had just put together.
"Yes ma'am, I do.

Sometimes universal timing just works.

Then and now

"This year will go down in history! For the first time, a civilized nation has full gun registration! Our streets will be safer, our police more efficient, and the world will follow our lead into the future!" -Adolf Hitler 1935


`(1) IN GENERAL- It shall be unlawful for any person other than a licensed importer, licensed manufacturer, licensed dealer, or licensed collector to possess a qualifying firearm on or after the applicable date, unless that person has been issued a firearm license--

`(A) under title I of Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009, which license has not been invalidated or revoked under that title; or

`(B) pursuant to a State firearm licensing and record of sale system certified under section 602 of Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009, which license has not been invalidated or revoked under State law.

`(2) APPLICABLE DATE- In this subsection, the term `applicable date' means--

`(A) with respect to a qualifying firearm that is acquired by the person before the date of the enactment of Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009, 2 years after such date of enactment; and

`(B) with respect to a qualifying firearm that is acquired by the person on or after the date of the enactment of Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009, 1 year after such date of enactment.'

-Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009 (Introduced in House)



Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it. -George Santayana

Traipsing through the past

Took a bit of an outing Saturday. Went down the old Richmond chuch (an old civil war church) near Macon Georgia. Getting down there only took 30 minutes, so no big trek. Not an impressive building, just a little old church down a old country road. I ran into an old timer and his wife while I was there, he was a bit of an amatuer historian. I got to learn the past of the church and quit a lot about the family names on the graves. All in all quite an outing. I will post some of the pictures on my photoblog when I get a chance to go through them.

Long days

I know it's been a spell since I've posted. What can I say, things have been quite rough. I am now state side again. Since returning I have had my great uncle's stroke, my mother's inprisonment, my father's congestive heart failure, getting an apartment, getting my belongings moved in, and allergies (the cherry on top) to deal with. So I think it's understandable that the blog has slipped abit.

On the up side things are finally getting under control. This weekend is the first since I've been back that I'm actually able to take some time and relax abit. Really can't wait.

The world keeps spinning

Between getting ready to move from Korea to the US, then from the US to Canada, then from Canada to Poland, doing my taxes, work, and finding out my mother will be in jail for the next two years... I really have nothing left at the moment, and am very burnt out.

Electric Cars

In this age of Global Warming (or Man Made Climate Change) Alarmism, the electric car is reemerging. I am glad that this is happening, I for one would love a car that has instantaneous maximum torque (it's a guy thing). Unfortunately the technology is not really ready for a convenient electric car.

The range provided by these cars is very limited, the high end ones topping out at 220 miles (under ideal conditions) with a 3.5 hour recharge (using a Tesla Motors High Power Connector). This means that long trips are out of the question. The more affordable ones have a range topping out at 25-100 miles with 8 to 10 hour recharge times (with very limited carrying/towing weights). This makes them very impractical if you live in a rural environment.

Research needs to be put into development of improved batteries and fuel cells to make the electric car more feasible. Infrastructure also needs to be incorporated to standardize the battery/fuel cell shape and output. This would make it possible to pull into a station and change out your battery if you are running low on a long trip. Until serious development is accomplished the electric car will remain only in large cities, and playthings. I really hope that this will change, because I would like an electric car especially one that looks like the Tesla.

The man's got a point.

Another good point

So the stimulus package is supported by economists?

Seems that the President's claim about economists supporting the Stimulus package may not be all that. This is from the Business and Media Institute

Can I be interrogated next?

After reading about this incident at Stop the ACLU I have to wonder if there will be a rise in terrorists turning themselves in.

It puts me in mind of the old Monty Python Spanish Inquisition bit and the Red Dwarf Rimmerworld episode. Bring me the comfy chair indeed.

I could use a good "interrogation".

Empty Promises

Remember during the election how things were supposed to change. No more pork from the government, no more politics of fear, a new era of bipartisanship, total transparency, and no more underhandedness. First big legislation out of the gate pretty much broke all of those promises.

The "Stimulus Package" is horrendous. As I posted earlier, it looks to be nothing more than the hard left wish list for the last 40 odd years and paybacks for the people who helped the President get elected (look at all the nice things the Unions are getting).

A stimulus package should be targeted at making sustainable jobs and increasing economic movement right away. The current bill has the majority of it's money being used a year or two down the road. Any jobs created seem to be temporary, and directed at expanding the democratic party base. All through the election we were told how bad the housing market was, but yet only a fraction of the bill addresses that issue. But there is money for Digital TV boxes, expanding Broadband internet, global warming research (the Church of Man Made Climate Change or what ever they are calling it now that temperatures are dropping), and ACORN (they are making out quite nice on this one). No more pork, except Democratic pet projects (have Pelosi explain how condoms and pamphlets about STD's create jobs, again).

The bill was basically written by Pelosi and her stooges, opposing views were crushed or ignored. When it came before the House all Republicans and 11 Democrats voted against it, only Democrats voted for it. Somehow the Republicans were chastised for being partisan. Sooo.... 1 party voted for it and 2 parties voted against it, last time I checked bipartisan meant "2" parties. I guess by bipartisanship Obama means bend over and do as we say.

What happened to "Hope and Change"? Has it now become "Gloom and Doom"? We must pass the bill now, you don't need to read it, it must be now!!! America will fail unless we pass it now!!!! Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Tooth Fairy will all be murdered unless you pass the bill now!!! Only the Federal Government can stop the world from exploding!!! This is just using a "Crisis" to push bad legislation down our throats, much like the "Patriot Act". Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

In the Senate three Republicans broke ranks to support the bill. Of the three, one was invited to watch the Superbowl in the White house with the President (the only republican invited, by the by). This same man was quite aghast when he was asked what it was like to be Wined and Dined at the White House. Wonder what he and his two friends will do with their 30 pieces of silver? The Mayor of Chicago (Obama's state) refuses to release his Stimulus project list. Other cities have wanted dog parks, and Frisbee golf courses (big job growth there eh?). But he is afraid he will be ripped into. So much for transparency and no underhandedness.

Wonder if the new President will keep any promises?

"Stimulus package" gimme a break.

"One Trillion Dollars" Just saying it makes me feel like I should be stroking a white cat and putting James Bond in a overly complex and easily escapable death device.

The "package" went to the house where all Republicans and 11 Democrats voted against it. This bi-partisan opposition was defeated, now it before the senate where they look to make it bigger. According to the Wall Street Journal's break down, only about 10% of the package is going to actually stimulate the economy. Where is the other 90% going? Here is a list of some of the items that were put in.

* $2 billion earmark to restart FutureGen, a near-zero emissions coal power plant in Illinois that the Dept. of Energy defunded last year because the project was inefficient

* $650 million for the digital television (DTV) converter box coupon program

* $88 million for the Coast Guard to design a new polar icebreaker (Arctic ship)

* $448 million for constructing the Dept. of Homeland Security headquarters

* $248 million for furniture at the new Dept. of Homeland Security headquarters

* $600 million to buy hybrid vehicles for federal employees

* $400 million for the CDC to screen and prevent STDs

* $1.4 billion for a rural waste disposal programs

* $125 million for the Washington, D.C. sewer system

* $150 million for Smithsonian museum facilities

* $1 billion for the 2010 Census, which has a projected cost overrun of $3 billion

* $200 million for public computer centers at community colleges

* $75 million for salaries of employees at the FBI

* $25 million for tribal alcohol and substance abuse reduction

* $500 million for flood reduction projects on the Mississippi River

* $10 million to inspect canals in urban areas

* $6 billion to turn federal buildings into "green" buildings

* $500 million for state and local fire stations

* $650 million for wildland fire management on Forest Service lands

* $150 million for Smithsonian museum facilities

* $1.2 billion for "youth activities," including youth summer job programs

* $88 million for renovating the headquarters of the Public Health Service

* $412 million for CDC buildings and property

* $500 million for building and repairing NIH facilities in Bethesda, MD

* $160 million for "paid volunteers" at the Corporation for National and Community Service

* $5.5 million for "energy efficiency initiatives" at the VA "National Cemetery Administration"

* $60 million for Arlington National Cemetery

* $850 million for Amtrak

* $100 million for reducing the hazard of lead-based paint

* $75M to construct a new "security training" facility for State Dept Security officers when they can be trained at existing facilities of other agencies.

* $110 million to the Farm Service Agency to upgrade computer systems

* $200 million in funding for the lease of alternative energy vehicles for use on military installations.

* $275 million for "watershed and flood prevention operations"

* Unspecified assistance for "nonambulatory cattle"

Granted some of these items are good things, but don't stimulate the economy or create jobs. They should be addressed on individual bills and voted for, not ear marked onto an "emergency" bill and rushed through. This is exactly the kind of Pork we were promised was going away.

If you want to stimulate the economy target thing that will create sustainable jobs, drop capital gains taxes to get people investing, target easing the troubles of home owners (didn't that cause the current "crisis"). Giving the hard left it's wish list for the last 40 years is not going to help.

Dawning of a new year

So 2009 is upon us. Granted it has been here for 2 days now, I welcomed it in a little too hard and had to spend the first day of the new year recovering. I am extremely anxious to see what the new year has in store. On the not so distant horizon is Poland, a glorious new adventure. I will be the first in my family to visit that particular part of the world since World War 2. I am expecting this to be a much more peaceful experience than my grandfather's. Less Nazi's and bombs, more charming women and vodka.

Welcome to the New Year, one and all. May it be a great one for you and yours.