Friday, September 30, 2011

Andy Rooney retires after a gazillion years

An icon of CBS for a million years (or 33 or so), he's finally retiring. (He was born in 1919).

One quote of his that I like a lot.

"I didn't get older by accident, it just happened. If you're lucky, it will happen to you."

Yea, baby. If you think it's a bitch getting older, think again.

Friday, September 23, 2011

How "Progressives" are taking over our country

From Orange County, California, as reported by the American Thinker (among others):
An Orange County couple has been ordered to stop holding a Bible study in their home on the grounds that the meeting violates a city ordinance as a "church" and not as a private gathering.
Homeowners Chuck and Stephanie Fromm, of San Juan Capistrano, were fined $300 earlier this month for holding what city officials called "a regular gathering of more than three people".

That type of meeting would require a conditional use permit as defined by the city, according to Pacific Justice Institute (PJI), the couple's legal representation.

The Fromms also reportedly face subsequent fines of $500 per meeting for any further "religious gatherings" in their home, according to Pacific Justice Institute.

"We're just gathering and enjoying each other's company and fellowship. And we enjoy studying God's word." Stephanie Fromm told CBS2.

If we left these "progressives" to continue to take control of our schools, homes and government, we will sink into tyranny (we're almost there folks). Another reason people are leaving California for Texas and Oklahoma, where you can hold bible study at home.

An note about the $300 fine for holding regular gatherings in your home with more than three people. I guess the weekly poker games with the guys is a thing of the past as well.

Astounding. You think it couldn't happen here!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Guess they don't teach math at Havard

President Obama said this the other day: "They should have to defend that unfairness -- explain why somebody who's making $50 million a year in the financial markets should be paying 15 percent on their taxes, when a teacher making $50,000 a year is paying more than that -- paying a higher rate."

Huh? Here's the actual taxes both would pay.

-Taxpayer earning $50K - pays $4,156 in federal income taxes, or 8.3% effective tax rate (not higher than 15% as erroneously bellowed by the illustrious campaigner)

-Taxpayer earning $50M - pays $17,466,318 in federal income taxes or 34.9% effective tax rate (considerably higher than, well, you know)

Remember how taxes work? For the single teacher making a gross income of $50,000 after standard deductions and exceptions, he or she is not paying tax on the full $50,000. The first $8,500 of taxable income is taxed at 10 percent. From there, up to $34,500, the tax rate is 15 percent, then 25 percent over $34,500. So the amount of tax paid as a percentage of income is never the highest bracket your marginal income may land you. Obama is intentionally misleading the public to conduct his class warfare. 

Even if the $50M were all long-term capital gains (assets held for one year or longer), the taxes would be $7.5 million, or 15%, nearly twice the effective rate of the teacher.

Guess Obama and his staff need to go back to class. No wonder you can't fix anything.And Mr. President, this is indeed class warfare, regardless of what you say. (Hard to believe anything this guy says anymore).

Perry's first web ad

This is not an endorsement of Gov. Perry. I am yet undecided. There is too much time left before the primaries to make a decision. A lot could happen. But as political ads go, I think Perry's is not bad at all.

Friday, September 2, 2011

A List of Taxes

I'm sure there are more, but you get the drift. Are you fed up yet? And please note, none of these taxes existed 100 years ago. Some of these are called "fees" but I consider any payment to the government a tax. Now, remember, our liberal friends in power want to tax sodas and carbon dioxide. Where will it stop?

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Driver's License Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges&Penalties-tax on top of tax
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge Tax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Recreational Vehicle Tax
Sales Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State & Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax