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Ha, Happy Dependence day

NickD on Mon July 03, 2006 6:10 AM User is offline

Thanks for delaying the flight arrival of my old frail mother-in-law in a wheelchair for two hours for a thorough search as a suspected terrorist and thanks for jacking up the price of gasoline another dime a gallon so we can celebrate this once important day in our history with our family and friends.

Thanks for our trade policies with China so they can take our jobs, have extra bucks to take over our industries, and give us even more junk on sale at practically every store in town for a special 4th of July sale so we can add that to our credit card bills and increase our trade deficit another quarter of a trillion per year. Let's spend 4th of July at the malls. Thanks for jacking up the home interest rates as you claim there is inflation so my kids are forced to stay in an apartment and can't even afford to buy a home of their own.

Thanks for cutting SS and Medicare benefits that we paid in dearly for the last 50 years so we can send huge bucks to Iraq for an independence they don't even want nor appreciate and thanks for giving this money to corrupt corporations rather than to our young men and women giving their lives there.

Thanks for all the extra police cars, was nice to see six of them stopping folks on the highway yesterday giving tickets for God knows what reason, not that guy driving like a maniac in a new Hummer like an idiot, but old folks in an 86 Ford pickup. Thanks for taking our tax dollars to support our defunct professional football and baseball teams, ha get us interested in something else so we don't notice what's going on.

Thanks for making our country dependent on other countries that our out to take every buck we have. Truly against the spirit of our forefathers that demanding independence against such acts. Where did you guys come from anyway and who pays your paycheck? Certainly not the American people or have we become that dumb?

Ha for those that slept during history class, the issues that started the American revolution were neither political, religious, nor personal freedom motivated. The British simply said that many of the items our forefathers needed for everyday life were not allowed to be manufactured here but had to be imported from England. So where are we today? Somehow, just don't feel like celebrating when our government is giving our country away, we have more reasons for a revolution today than what our forefathers had over 200 years ago.

Edited: Mon July 03, 2006 at 7:22 AM by NickD

JJM on Mon July 03, 2006 3:22 PM User is offline

While you make a lot of good points, I really have to strongly disagree with much of the second paragraph for a number of reasons I'll explain herein.

Any loss of jobs to China is entirely the fault of our confiscatory tax policies, burdensome regulations, radical environmental polices, and litigation. It not makes economic sense, but common sense, to do business where the business climate is more hospitable (amazing that a more hospital business climate is in a COMMUNIST country, but that just goes to show you how WE have SURPASSED communist ideals).

Are we better off paying $25 for shirt made in China, or $100 for a shirt made with unproductive union labor here? I think that's a no brainer; there is no virtue in paying 3 times more for the same product -- just the opposite is true. Besides, sending the crappy jobs over there to make room for more specialized (and higher paying) jobs here is certainly not a bad thing.

There is way too much fear -- unfounded fear -- over the trade deficit. Trade deficits are GOOD and despite all the cries about trade deficits since the 1980's, the economy continues to thrive. And think about it, the Chinese are willingly taking our fiat currency (dollars) in exchange for hard goods. Since our currency is not based on any gold standard, how is this bad? If the US Government were to devalue our currency, or even come up with a new currency altogether rendering the dollar worthless, the Chinese would end-up holding worthless paper, but we would still have their physical goods. Sounds like a good deal to me!

Indeed there IS inflation, well in excess of what bastardized inflation statistics reveal, and this is why interest rates MUST be raised. Energy prices have increased dramatically, as have metals. Have you seen the price of copper? We needed 500' of 500 MCM copper for a service repair. $5,000. A few years ago that same roll would've went for just $1,500. It's crazy. Inflation IS out of control in my opinion.

The super low interest rates in recent years are the reason why housing has become unaffordable. With the collapse of the stock market that began in 2000, money flowed into real estate, and with cheap interest rates, we had one of the most unprecedented real estate booms in history. Things will level off, though. Those increases in rates are forcing real estate prices lower. Couple that with excess supply due to the building boom, and that will push prices even lower. Foreclosures will further add more supply to the market, as too many marginal buyers got into properties they shouldn't have been in. If you're a speculator, you're already in trouble. There will be tremendous opportunities in real estate in the near future.

But all in all, the overall gist of your post is indeed valid. Way too much dependence on government. But it will never end so long as we demand large gifts from our treasury to be doled out by our elected representatives. Imagine if a leader came out and said they will seek to spend no more than what is authorized by the Constitution, and he would be seeking to end spending on education, housing, welfare, Social Security, Medicare, abortion, farm subsidies... and would only spend money on the military. That politician would be LYNCHED.

Joe

NickD on Mon July 03, 2006 6:59 PM User is offline

Okay Joe will take back my comments on the housing industry, with interest rates and housing costs, the buyer gets screwed either way, either pays the bank or the seller and real estate agent. But with high interest rates, the seller gets screwed.

Also on interest rates, for me, the higher the better since I am debt free and have a couple of bucks in the bank, and would be nice for the first time in years to earn interest that is actually greater than the inflation rate. Tees me off that I have to pay taxes on money that has lower net value.

Ha, the Chinese are in a good position to devaluate the buck, but won't do it from what they learned we did to Japan, just find some other country to make our junk.

The heck with inflation, but would you agree we should be able to deduct that inflation from our income taxes? We actually didn't earn that much.

Where are these high paying jobs at?

TRB on Mon July 03, 2006 7:17 PM User is offlineView users profile

Quote
Originally posted by: NickD
Where are these high paying jobs at?

There are fewer and fewer every night. Why pay one when you can get 5 for the same price. That's what you guys are arguing for so why complain when you get what you want?



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NickD on Tue July 04, 2006 8:09 AM User is offline

Should take back my comments on my frail brother or mother in law as from all outward appearances would be the least suspected terrorists and the same goes for 2-3 year old kids. Great they are stopping and strip searching these kinds of people as those terrorists are a tricky bunch. And more than likely, their proof of identity and reasons to visit family are forged, just have to learn how to think like a security agent.

Here, if you pay your 55 bucks for that little license plate sticker, but forget to stick it on, it's an automatic 200 buck fine. Can't believe even my own kids are that irresponsible, hand them the letter, and they say, will do it later. When that letter comes in, drop everything and stick it on, right now as know many that got stuck with a 200 buck fine. In our small town of 19,000, already spotted three undercover squad cars driving in circles all day looking for someone with a burnt out center brake lamp or doing 26 in a 25. Many towns depend on this money to help with their property tax bills, not sure where this money goes here, but certainly isn't lowering that tax bill. If the inflation rate is 5%, can expect that on your next years tax bill as your home is worth 5% more.

So far only a dozen or so of our state senators and assemblymen are in jail, feel all of them should be in jail.

k5guy on Tue July 04, 2006 7:05 PM User is offline

Today, it is probably worth reading this:

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected; whereby the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within. . . .

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice, by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation. . . .

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is, at this time, transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation. ...

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free People. ...

We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be, Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from

all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.


So, who wrote this and when?



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TRB on Tue July 04, 2006 7:21 PM User is offlineView users profile

I'm not that old better leave that answer for Chick.

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When considering your next auto A/C purchase, please consider the site that supports you: ACkits.com
Contact: ACKits.com

NickD on Wed July 05, 2006 10:45 AM User is offline

Nowhere, can I find what was the tax rate on tea, you know, the Boston Tea Party thing.

So what have we done since the US Constitution was formed? Created many new taxes that all have severe penalties if not paid, and if not paid for any reason such as a family member having major health problems, that can lose everything you have worked 40 years for. As Joe Louis and Willy Nelson found out, can't give their money to the poor they mostly graciously helped, but only to these super crooked organized so called charitable organizations such as the United Way or the Red Cross to be a legal tax deduction.

Ha, received a nice friendly reminder to pay my 2nd installment on property taxes that was more of a threat than anything else, starts off with 1% per month compounded interest on the tax bill, and ends up with a sheriffs auction, so much for the right to shelter. Bankruptcy is not an option for those tax bills.

Ha, seems like since the crackdown of organized crime in this country, those that want to be criminals ran for public office where they can make laws to protect themselves.

Still wonder how that tea tax compares with the taxes we have today.

iceman2555 on Wed July 05, 2006 11:16 AM User is offlineView users profile

Not so much along this thread...however, I often wonder what is going to happen with the increase of unsecured personal debt that is a result of the increase of gas prices. There seems to be no end to the number of customers at each station I pass. If fact seems there are more and more pumping more and more. Of course, this simply adds to the excitement of the 'fuel barons'....who simply sit back and count the bucks. As long as the price is paid and there is not a noticeable decrease in demand...the prices are not going to come down...no matter what happens to the cost of oil.
At each an every station there are the 'handouts' for a gas charge card offering a % reduction for using a particular card. It is known fact that few are able to pay their monthly credit card statements in full each billing period. This additional added expense to the individuals credit card debt...not to mention the interest charges will undoubtedly increase the debt load of those that can least afford the expense. With many people on fixed incomes, even those that have employment positions where there is a very small or non existent annual cost of living increase will either have to forgo some of lives pleasures...or simply 'charge it'. Somehow, it seems as if the latter is going to be the preferred method.
Damn, it is a sincere wish that we as a nation had the back bone to stand up to the 'fuel barons' and stop buying. Conserve as best we can, let them see a drop in demand.....after all we are told each time a increase occurs that it is a supply and demand business.....seems to me if the demand decreases.....the price should also.
But still all in all....I am thankful to be an American...born here...raised here and damn do I enjoy my freedoms....although they may be limited in some aspects. I have travelled to other parts of the world.....some good...some bad....but nothing beats the 'good ole USA!!!
The burgers are better......the 'cokes' taste more like 'coke'....and damn do I not like the idea of a sit down toilet...not a slit in the floor...lol.
God and I do mean the supreme being, bless this wonderful country...as bad as it is.....it is still the best......and all of the immigrants feel the same...why else would they want to come here!!!

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The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government.
Thomas Jefferson

NickD on Wed July 05, 2006 2:57 PM User is offline

With another 4th of July under our belts, pleased to see our gas prices have dropped a nickle a gallon this morning, but not back to where they were with that dime increase last Thursday. Have to give them another couple of weeks, they don't want to shock us, but watch out for Labor Day.

JJM on Wed July 05, 2006 5:07 PM User is offline

We cannot conserve our way out of this, and nor should we. Besides, America has never been about doing with less.

The high price of gasoline and oil is a direct result of radical environmental policies. Period. The solution to our energy problems is easy: shut down the EPA.

You simply cannot expect prices to be stable when demand increases and supply does not. Of course, there is a solution to decreasing demand: it's called recession or depression. Hardly a desirable solution.

The bottom line is the U.S. is the 3rd largest oil producing country in the world, and there is no reason why we can't be the 1st -- perhaps even a net exporter. This would decrease the trade deficits everyone is so worried about, increase high paying jobs here at home, stop the funding of nations who are hostile to us, and lessen our military operations to protect our energy interests in the Middle East. But so long as we concern ourselves with superflous issues such as the ozone hole, global warming, disruption of caribou and kangaroo rats, the price of energy will increase exponentially.

Yet another problem we are left to deal with from the 1990's.

Since the recent Kelo v. New London decision by the Supreme Court, where the desire to increase tax revenues is sufficient for local governments to take your home, why not use eminent domain as method to drill for oil and build more refineries? As a side show, it will be funny to watch all the civil liberties groups who were silent about this abuse suddenly becoming champions of private property rights.

Joe

JJM on Wed July 05, 2006 5:23 PM User is offline

Nick, direct from the 1767 The Townshend Act:

"For every pound weight avoirdupois of tea, three pence."

(The "three pence" was a three penny coin, since three pennies were too cumbersome to carry. They were produced from 1551 to 1941. Most have since been melted down.)

Though much of The Townshend Act was repealed, the tax on tea remained. This of course pissed us off, but we smuggled tea from Holland until we had enough.

Given the oppressive level of taxation in existence today, whatever happened to that American spirit that led to the Declaration of Independence?

Joe

NickD on Wed July 05, 2006 10:17 PM User is offline

If I got this correct, 12 pence in a shilling and 20 shillings in an English pound or 1/240th of a pound for a pence, and 1/80th of a pound for threepence. Some maid back then earned 15 pence a day so that tax would be about 1/5th a days pay if she even could afford to buy the tea that was more reserved for the super rich back then.

Would any of us today put our names on the Declaration of Independence today with the penalty of death for high treason because of this low tax? Heck, I don't even like tea.

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