A few weeks back I asked the question - What is the proper size of Government? Those that had challenged me to answer that question have been remarkably silent - Why might that be? On May 15th of this year David Axelrod, while on Morning Joe, is talking about the IRS scandal stated, "When you are President of the United States...part of being President there is so much beneath you that you cannot know because the government is so vast..."
Really! The President of the United States is the leader of our country. The one that is suppose to set the tone. Now I could go down the path that President Obama is the "smartest" President ever and all the rhetoric the Progressives have thrown out there about President Obama but I won't because it isn't germane to the topic at hand.
The fact that a Progressive finally admitted that the size of the Government is "so vast" that no one President cannot fully understand or be in the know of every detail of government is astounding. The IRS Scandal, which now appears to have over 60 agents involved, the AP/Fox New spying allegations, and the Benghazi cover up are just symptoms of a bigger problem. Soon we will have Obamacare that will be enforced by the IRS and is driving up insurance premiums.
Government is far too big! That mantra is not a battle cry for no government; rather it is the mantra for dialogue on the proper size and scope of government. In reading the Federalist Papers, again, it amazes me to the grasps of meaningful dialogue that our Founding Fathers painstakingly undertook to ensure that a repeat of the Continental Congress didn't take place while understanding that not all ills were able to be rectified to retain the Union. Since that point of the ratification of the United States Constitution, the concept of a limited Federal Government as eroding into the mammoth that David Axelrod is referring to when speaking on Morning Joe.
The downfall of any great society is the bureaucracy choke hold and the paranoia of the populous to curry favor with said bureaucracy. We approach that abyss. Recent scandal of the Obama administration are just a microcosm of the nature of the beast. Larger issues remain - an example of that is the untamed animal known as the Federal Reserve. The Fed, as it is commonly referred to, is an un-elected body in charge of maintaining a secure and vibrant money supply that works inside of a star chamber. Soon we will have another un-elected board created out of the 7,000 plus page mega-bill known as Obamacare that will decide our future in regards to health care directives, procedures, coverage and, yes, penalties.
We have time to reverse this course and the river runs swift in the other direction, but it takes a collective voice unafraid of an IRS audit or retribution by the Government. Time is here for American's to reclaim the ideals of the Founding Fathers of a limited government, the opportunity to live free, and retain the government of the people for the people in tact. Attempt to think outside one's comfort zone and assess the scope and size of our current government. Our Founding Fathers risked far worse than being labeled a Tea Party, a Conservative, a Progressive, a Liberal, a Socialist to ensure that United States, as imperfect the start, would be a place that freedom reigned and Government played second fiddle.
Showing posts with label government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label government. Show all posts
Sunday, June 2, 2013
Sunday, August 5, 2012
Intolerance - Who owns it?
Recently the CEO of Chick-fil-a voiced his opinion on same-sex marriage. An opinion that is not in favor of same-sex marriage. It prompted several Mayors to say that they would not allow a Chick-fil-a to be opened in their city. Why? Because of the view of the CEO that is against same-sex marriage. Naturally the CEO is being lambasted in the media, a few exceptions, as intolerant or a bigot because of his religious view.
While I don't agree with same-sex marriage, I do recognize that government has no reason to dictate to me, or anyone, on who they can or cannot live their life with. That aside, the question that sticks in my craw is: Why is voicing ones religious views considered ignorant; yet another can voice their view that runs counter to another's religious view and its considered enlightening?
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
"Tea Parties" across America
Today across the United States “Tea Parties” will be held to get out the message out against higher taxes and the expansion of Government. I will be partaking in one being held in St. Paul, Minnesota. Many in the drive-by media are touting the “Tea Parties” as a Republican and Right-wing rallies. Simply put, it is not true. Granted lower taxes and smaller Government equates to Conservative and Republican slants much like higher taxes, bigger Government, and expansive spending equates to Liberal and Democrat slants.
My participation in the “Tea Party” rally is to get a firsthand account of the issue at hand. Tax overhaul is required. Regardless of your party affiliation or ideological stance, I encourage everyone to attend and not allow the media put their spin on the rallies. As our Founding Fathers did, participate and create your own spin while holding Government accountable.
My participation in the “Tea Party” rally is to get a firsthand account of the issue at hand. Tax overhaul is required. Regardless of your party affiliation or ideological stance, I encourage everyone to attend and not allow the media put their spin on the rallies. As our Founding Fathers did, participate and create your own spin while holding Government accountable.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
A New Tax Policy
According to the IRS website in 2008 over $11B was spent on operations, enforcement, and collections of taxes. Congress is looking to achieve ways to trim the budget so President Obama can spend $3T. A way is to rethink the IRS and the tax system. The current tax code is rooted with language that the common man cannot understand. To service the current system, the IRS has created 893 forms. It is time for Congress to take a hard look at the tax code.
It is time for a flat tax rate. The current system punishes success through a higher tax rate as one earns more. Moving to a flat tax rate will level the playing field and give the vast majority of Americans more money in their pockets. We hear of tax credits and Congress uses them as chess pieces. Part of going to a flat tax system is the elimination of all tax credits. I know that opponents will argue that a flat tax is not fair to the lower class. Well here is the solution to that.
The flat tax rate, 10-15%, will not start until the one earns $46,001. All the income prior to that will not be subject to taxation. By starting the flat tax at $46K negates the argument that the lower and middle class are hurt by it. It will also allow the lower and middle class to promote their standard of living since the Government will not be taking any of their money.
As for the upper class and parts of the middle class, the flat tax will lower their tax rate but may increase their overall dollars to Government as all tax credits are eliminated. The flat tax and elimination of tax credits will eliminate the need to file taxes on April 15th as no refund will be given. The only person that need to file in April is one that has a 1099 form issued to them.
The flat tax is a green policy change too. The IRS can reduce the number of forms required; currently 893. Unfortunately the flat tax will result in a slightly higher tax burden for the upper class as tax credits are eliminated but it will be offset by the ability to earn more and keep more of it. In the end America will see a less complicated tax code, reign in the need to cheat the system, reduce the size of government, reduce the amount of paper used on a yearly basis, and strengthen the economy by putting the money in the hands of those that spend it.
It is time for a flat tax rate. The current system punishes success through a higher tax rate as one earns more. Moving to a flat tax rate will level the playing field and give the vast majority of Americans more money in their pockets. We hear of tax credits and Congress uses them as chess pieces. Part of going to a flat tax system is the elimination of all tax credits. I know that opponents will argue that a flat tax is not fair to the lower class. Well here is the solution to that.
The flat tax rate, 10-15%, will not start until the one earns $46,001. All the income prior to that will not be subject to taxation. By starting the flat tax at $46K negates the argument that the lower and middle class are hurt by it. It will also allow the lower and middle class to promote their standard of living since the Government will not be taking any of their money.
As for the upper class and parts of the middle class, the flat tax will lower their tax rate but may increase their overall dollars to Government as all tax credits are eliminated. The flat tax and elimination of tax credits will eliminate the need to file taxes on April 15th as no refund will be given. The only person that need to file in April is one that has a 1099 form issued to them.
The flat tax is a green policy change too. The IRS can reduce the number of forms required; currently 893. Unfortunately the flat tax will result in a slightly higher tax burden for the upper class as tax credits are eliminated but it will be offset by the ability to earn more and keep more of it. In the end America will see a less complicated tax code, reign in the need to cheat the system, reduce the size of government, reduce the amount of paper used on a yearly basis, and strengthen the economy by putting the money in the hands of those that spend it.
Monday, March 30, 2009
A better approach
During the past November election cycle, Californians voted and passed Prop 8 that changed the California Constitution by eliminating the right of same-sex couples to marry and defined marriage as “between a man and a woman”. Currently Minnesota legislators have introduced several bills on the topic of same-sex marriage. Three bills – HF 1824, HF 1870, and HF1871 – have been introduced in the Minnesota Legislature that proposes Minnesota Constitutional amendment of defining a marriage as a union of a man and a woman (http://www.leg.state.mn.us/lrl/issues/gay.asp).
With all the issues facing Americans, why do we spend so much time on the topic of same-sex marriage? Understandably some aspects of our lives, i.e. healthcare, require a “marriage” license in order for ones partner to participate or make decisions on the topic at hand. OutFront Minnesota, and others around the United States, are pushing for a conversation on same-sex marriage with the goal to legalize it as some point in the future.
Why? Why must same-sex be deemed legal? Marriage is not something that Government ought to define, control, enforce, legislate, or license. The sanctity of marriage is established and maintained by ones belief system. Believers that view same-sex marriage as a threat to the nuclear family or against the will of “God” need to be treated the same as those that believe same-sex marriage is completely natural. Holding such a belief does not make one a bigot or homophobic. Rather it is simply their belief system; right or wrong.
It time for Americans to stand up and shorten Governments reach into our lives. Regardless of how one feels on the topic of same-sex marriage, the simple fact is that Government was not formed by the founding fathers to establish the right of marriage. The concept of marriage is rooted in a belief system. Groups like OutFront will further their cause better if they advance the elimination of Government intrusion rather than fighting the moral majority on the issue of same-sex marriage.
Since the word license often translates into right, by changing the jargon from license to certificate we solve one problem facing the concept of marriage. Instead of the state issuing a couple a marriage licenses the state issues certificate that recognizing the union of two people. By recognizing the union the Government is simply stating that.
The new “Civil Union” certificate will afford all Americans the same rights that are held hostage by the marriage license. Going the route of certification and away from licensing, Americans can escape the repeal or proposal of legislation like Prop 8 while shortening the arm of Big Government.
With all the issues facing Americans, why do we spend so much time on the topic of same-sex marriage? Understandably some aspects of our lives, i.e. healthcare, require a “marriage” license in order for ones partner to participate or make decisions on the topic at hand. OutFront Minnesota, and others around the United States, are pushing for a conversation on same-sex marriage with the goal to legalize it as some point in the future.
Why? Why must same-sex be deemed legal? Marriage is not something that Government ought to define, control, enforce, legislate, or license. The sanctity of marriage is established and maintained by ones belief system. Believers that view same-sex marriage as a threat to the nuclear family or against the will of “God” need to be treated the same as those that believe same-sex marriage is completely natural. Holding such a belief does not make one a bigot or homophobic. Rather it is simply their belief system; right or wrong.
It time for Americans to stand up and shorten Governments reach into our lives. Regardless of how one feels on the topic of same-sex marriage, the simple fact is that Government was not formed by the founding fathers to establish the right of marriage. The concept of marriage is rooted in a belief system. Groups like OutFront will further their cause better if they advance the elimination of Government intrusion rather than fighting the moral majority on the issue of same-sex marriage.
Since the word license often translates into right, by changing the jargon from license to certificate we solve one problem facing the concept of marriage. Instead of the state issuing a couple a marriage licenses the state issues certificate that recognizing the union of two people. By recognizing the union the Government is simply stating that.
The new “Civil Union” certificate will afford all Americans the same rights that are held hostage by the marriage license. Going the route of certification and away from licensing, Americans can escape the repeal or proposal of legislation like Prop 8 while shortening the arm of Big Government.
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