Jun 12, 20080

Who’s “Rich” These Days?

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Raising taxes is an unpopular enterprise, so in order to pull it off, one has to engage in more than a bit of class warfare. One has to talk about “raising taxes just for the rich” or some other such nonsense in order to sell the tax hike–this despite the fact that the rich actually pay a huge share of the taxes in this country and that the more such class envy we see in efforts to sell tax hikes, the more Atlas may shrug.

All of this is a prelude to a discussion of Barack Obama’s tax policy, which as Stephen Moore points out, should induce more than a little consternation on the part of readers and voters:

Barack Obama has been on a class-warfare tirade since he locked up the nomination, accusing John McCain of defending Bush tax cuts for “the rich.” “For eight long years,” he said Monday in a speech laying out his economic agenda, “our president sacrificed investments in health care, and education, and energy, and infrastructure on the altar of tax breaks for big corporations and wealthy CEOs.”

Hmmm. Anybody even dimly acquainted with the record, especially President Bush’s vast expansion of Medicare, might doubt the factual basis of such a statement. Never mind. Mr. Obama and the Congressional Democrats promise to sock it to “rich” taxpayers next year to pay for “middle class tax cuts” as well as some $300 billion in new spending. But there’s a problem: They won’t tell us exactly who the rich are.

In various tax proposals Mr. Obama has set the definition of rich at levels of $100,000, $200,000 and $250,000 in annual income. He has vowed, for example, to erase the Bush tax cuts not only for those who make more than $250,000, but to end the cap on Social Security taxes, which amounts to a tax hike on anyone who makes more than $100,000 in income. More recently, Austan Goolsbee, an Obama economic adviser, told me the new cap might be set at $200,000.

All of this has caused some heartburn among certain Democrats in high cost-of-living states. New York Rep. Joseph Crowley says a couple with earnings of $100,000 could be “a police officer and nurse.” “In New York City,” he adds, “they’d be struggling.”

You know, at some point, someone should really call the Obama campaign on all of this. They have no idea what “rich” means. The standards keep shifting and the Obama tax plan will hit “rich” people who don’t qualify as being wealthy under any meaningful definition of the term. The economic damage this scattershot policy will do will be massive, of course.

But fear not! There are certain “rich” people who actually are rich in every sense of the term and who will do quite well in an Obama Administration. Read the rest of the Moore article to find out who they are. And here’s a hint: There shall be no “windfall profits tax” on them.

Raising taxes is an unpopular enterprise, so in order to pull it off, one has to engage in more than a bit of class warfare. One has to talk about "raising taxes just for the rich" or some other such nonsense in order to sell the tax hike--this despite the fact that the rich actually pay a huge share of the taxes in this country and that the ... Read More

Jun 12, 20080

Dodging An Economic Bullet

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So the majority party in the Senate believes that the best way to bring down gas prices is to impose a “windfall profits tax” on oil companies–this despite the fact that the tax will eventually be passed on to consumers. It also wants to legislate against “price-gouging,” whatever that is. Good thing this feel-good/do-nothing bill went down to defeat. The reasons why that defeat was deserved can be found here. This is an old article, but as it turns out, it is still applicable.

Incidentally, when will we have a “windfall profits tax” imposed on farmers? It makes just as much sense as imposing such a tax on oil companies.

So the majority party in the Senate believes that the best way to bring down gas prices is to impose a "windfall profits tax" on oil companies--this despite the fact that the tax will eventually be passed on to consumers. It also wants to legislate against "price-gouging," whatever that is. Good thing this feel-good/do-nothing bill went down to defeat. The reasons why that defeat was deserved can be ... Read More

Jun 12, 20080

Congressional Democrats Forget Key Part of Obama’s Relief Package

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CQ Politics is reporting that some key pieces of the fiscal relief package that Obama proposed have already been dropped from the plans of Congressional leadership:

Democrats have been contemplating a second effort to inject money this year into the faltering economy. The idea appears to have gained traction, particularly among congressional leaders, since Monday when presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois outlined a $50 billion stimulus proposal that will serve as the centerpiece of a two-week economic tour of battleground states.

Though the prospects for a second stimulus package are slim, the debate gives congressional Democrats an opportunity to rally around Obama.

The massive economic stimulus package enacted in February focused on tax breaks for businesses and rebates for individuals and families.

Obama has proposed a second round of rebate checks, an extension of unemployment insurance, aid to state governments and a new $10 billion fund to help stem the tide of home foreclosures.

He also proposed increasing investment in infrastructure such as roads, schools and bridges.

“There’s a need for additional targeted stimulus,” said Senate Budget Chairman Kent Conrad , D-N.D.

Schumer said infrastructure investment and a second round of rebate checks could be part of the new package, which Democrats are likely to unveil after the July Fourth recess.

Schumer is apparently unconcerned or unaware that state government spending is a key prop holding up the economy during a recession. As the NYT pointed out earlier this week:

At $1.8 trillion annually in a $14 trillion economy, the states and municipalities spend almost twice as much as the federal government, including the cost of the Iraq war. When librarians, lifeguards, teachers, transit workers, road repair crews and health care workers disappear, or airport and school construction is halted, the economy trembles.

Tags: barack obama, recession, state budgets, Chuck Schumer (all tags)

CQ Politics is reporting that some key pieces of the fiscal relief package that Obama proposed have already been dropped from the plans of Congressional leadership: Democrats have been contemplating a second effort to inject money this year into the faltering economy. The idea appears to have gained traction, particularly among congressional leaders, since Monday when presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama of Illinois outlined a $50 billion stimulus proposal that will serve as the centerpiece of a two-week economic tour ... Read More

Jun 11, 20080

Lieberman: Iraqi Opposition To U.S. Security Agreement Is ‘A Sign Of Our Success In Iraq’

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The Bush administration is currently trying to push Iraqis into accepting a long-term security agreement that would “perpetuate the American military occupation of Iraq indefinitely.” The U.S. demands include nearly 60 permanent bases in Iraq, immunity for foreign contractors, and control over air space.
Iraqi opposition to this bill is growing so intense that […]

The Bush administration is currently trying to push Iraqis into accepting a long-term security agreement that would “perpetuate the American military occupation of Iraq indefinitely.” The U.S. demands include nearly 60 permanent bases in Iraq, immunity for foreign contractors, and control over air space. Iraqi opposition to this bill is growing so intense that Iraqi parliament member Nadeem al-Jaberi recently testified to the House that 70 percent of Iraqis are in favor of the withdrawal of U.S. troops. Some more voices ... Read More

Jun 11, 20080

Coburn Places A Hold On HIV/AIDS Prevention Bill

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The Senate has introduced a bipartisan bill tripling funding for President Bush’s program to fight HIV/AIDS. The $50 billion budget over five years would go toward the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which is set to expire in September.
The legislation, however, is being held up by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) and […]

The Senate has introduced a bipartisan bill tripling funding for President Bush’s program to fight HIV/AIDS. The $50 billion budget over five years would go toward the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), which is set to expire in September. The legislation, however, is being held up by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) and six other conservative senators who object to the fact that the program would direct most of the spending on the “prevention” of HIV/AIDS, rather than just “treatment.” ... Read More

Jun 11, 20080

Bush administration gag order preventing discussion of $23 billion lost in Iraq.

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A BBC investigation estimates that $23 billion “may have been lost, stolen or just not properly accounted for” in Iraq. But, reports the BBC, “a US gagging order is preventing discussion of the allegations.”

A BBC investigation estimates that $23 billion “may have been lost, stolen or just not properly accounted for” in Iraq. But, reports the BBC, “a US gagging order is preventing discussion of the allegations.” Read More

Jun 11, 20080

Democrats Try to Make Military Press Conferences Illegal

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Promoted by Dan McLaughlin

Congressional Democrats announced early in May that they wanted to make “military propaganda” illegal. To achieve this goal they passed new legislation that strengthened previous legislation that is supposed to ban the Pentagon from indulging in “propaganda” for the military.

This bill is supposed to stop the military from sending “any form of communication in support of national objectives designed to influence the opinions, emotions, attitudes or behavior of the people of the United States in order to benefit the sponsor, either directly or indirectly.”

In other words, the military is not allowed to talk to the American people or Congress for fear of disseminating “propaganda.”

The only way to fulfill this idiotic policy is to stop anyone in the military from ever speaking in public because, when you get right down to it, nearly any communication from the Pentagon, or any command staff in theater, will have the effect of “influencing” those who hear it. That is the nature of human communication, after all.

Read On…

Of course this is a silly concept that the Democrat Party has come up with. Every single thing that man conceives of must be “sold” to everyone else to get implemented. The idea is born in the minds of one or a few and then those disciples of the idea go forth and begin a campaign to convince those who can put that idea into place that the idea is worthy of support. In essence, that is propaganda in its simplest form. The happy face is put on, the hands are shaken, and the plan is laid out for discussion. This is called being human! It’s how we all get things done.

Besides, what level of information becomes propaganda and what just “information”? To a rabid, anti-military nut any words from the Pentagon is “propaganda.” To the highest booster, none are. Who is to determine when what is being said becomes “propaganda”?

My guess is no one in the Democrat caucus is smart enough to know.

But, let’s look at the real reason this simple-minded policy was created. The real reason the Democrats want such a policy in place is to silence the military entirely. Democrats aren’t interested in keeping the tender ears of the people from being assaulted with “propaganda.” No, they want to be able to shut the military off from being able to appear before the American people to defend themselves against Democrat attacks. THAT is the true goal.

If the Democrat Party can keep the Pentagon in the can, then Congress and the Democrat Party will be the conduit of information between the military and the people. And the Democrat Party finds an enemy in the American military. So, what better way to further their own propaganda then by making sure the enemy’s will never be heard.

Stalin would be proud of Congressional democrats.

Be sure and Visit my Home blog Publius’ Forum. It’s what’s happening NOW!

Promoted by Dan McLaughlin Congressional Democrats announced early in May that they wanted to make "military propaganda" illegal. To achieve this goal they passed new legislation that strengthened previous legislation that is supposed to ban the Pentagon from indulging in "propaganda" for the military. This bill is supposed to stop the military from sending "any form of communication in support of national objectives designed to influence the opinions, emotions, attitudes or behavior of the people of the United States in order to benefit the ... Read More

Jun 11, 20080

Taxpayers Choice Act

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Today, the Republican Leadership unveiled their Economic Agenda to help America’s middle-class. My bill, H.R. 3818, the Taxpayers Choice Act was the centerpiece of the agenda. With skyrocketing gas and food costs, our nation’s families are struggling to make ends meet. It’s time that Washington work to give real relief to our hard-working taxpayers and help them afford what their families need and want.

Millions of American taxpayers are dramatically affected by the burdensome Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), forcing them to send even more of their hard- earned money to Washington. I strongly believe that the AMT must be repealed and that taxpayers deserve a choice in filing their taxes. H.R. 3818 would give taxpayers the option of paying either higher tax rates with more deductions or lower tax rates with no special deductions, empowering taxpayers to choose an option that best fits their families’ needs.

The Taxpayer Choice Act (H.R. 3818), has three points:

1. Immediately, fully, and permanently repeal the current AMT;
2. Make permanent the current capital gains and dividends tax rates; and
3. Create a voluntary Simplified Tax that would give individuals the option of paying under a highly simplified income tax system or under the regular income tax as it is structured now.

It is important that Congress continue to work to see that families all across the nation get help to make ends meet. This Republican Economic Agenda is just one step to helping the struggling middle-class get back on their feet.

Today, the Republican Leadership unveiled their Economic Agenda to help America’s middle-class. My bill, H.R. 3818, the Taxpayers Choice Act was the centerpiece of the agenda. With skyrocketing gas and food costs, our nation’s families are struggling to make ends meet. It’s time that Washington work to give real relief to our hard-working taxpayers and help them afford what their families need and want. Millions of American taxpayers are dramatically affected by the burdensome Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), forcing them to send ... Read More

Jun 11, 20080

O’Reilly Uses Heavily Edited Ambush Segment To Attack Moyers As ‘Rude,’ ‘A Fanatic,’ ‘A Crazy Guy,’ ‘Scary’

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Deploying one of his favorite tactics, Fox News host Bill O’Reilly sent out a “reporter” last week to ambush PBS journalist Bill Moyers, at a journalism conference. The reporter, Porter Barry, accused Moyers of not “having the courage” to come on the O’Reilly Factor. Moyers replied, “I will come on Bill O’Reilly’s show after he […]

Deploying one of his favorite tactics, Fox News host Bill O’Reilly sent out a “reporter” last week to ambush PBS journalist Bill Moyers, at a journalism conference. The reporter, Porter Barry, accused Moyers of not “having the courage” to come on the O’Reilly Factor. Moyers replied, “I will come on Bill O’Reilly’s show after he accepts my invitation to come on my show, unedited, a whole hour. I’ll give him a whole hour.” He added, “But let’s see if that message gets ... Read More

Jun 11, 20080

You Must Call Your Congressman About The Farm Bill

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The President, yet again, intends to veto the Farm Bill. If you aren’t up to speed on the farm bill, just check out Dan McLaughlin’s breakdown of the legislation here.

As P.J. O’Rourke once wrote, “Farm policy, although it’s complex, can be explained. What it can’t be is believed. No cheating spouse, no teen with a wrecked family car, no mayor of Washington, DC, videotaped in flagrante delicto has ever come up with anything as farfetched as U.S. farm policy.”

Consider that this year’s Farm Bill contains a provision asking the Agriculture Secretary to stop paying *dead* farmers. But the Farm Bill still pays millionaires living in New York City who claim to be farmers. The Farm Bill also continues to mandate price increases of sugar and milk.

At a time when gas prices are soaring along with every other cost, **Congress is mandating that you pay more for sugar and milk than you actually would without a Congressional demand for high prices.**

A number of groups have come together to draft a letter to Congress opposing the farm bill. Read the letter here and voice your support for the letter in the comments.

Also, call the White House at (202) 456-1111 and tell the President you support his veto of the Farm Bill.

Then call your Congressman at (202) 224-3121 and demand he vote to uphold the President’s veto.

Just because Congress calls this thing a “Farm Bill” does not mean it actually helps farmers or your. This is just a backdoor tax on sugar and milk and a payout to Manhattan millionaires who own ski lodges in Montana.

UPDATE (Dan McLaughlin): Not mentioned in my writeup, but the farm bill also raises the price of alternative feuls by requiring recipients of federal loans/subsidies for building ethanol plants to pay the Davis-Bacon Act’s inflated wages. (See here, here and here).

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The President, yet again, intends to veto the Farm Bill. If you aren't up to speed on the farm bill, just check out Dan McLaughlin's breakdown of the legislation here. As P.J. O'Rourke once wrote, "Farm policy, although it's complex, can be explained. What it can't be is believed. No cheating spouse, no teen with a wrecked family car, no mayor of Washington, DC, videotaped in flagrante delicto ... Read More