I bought and read Neal Boortz and Rep. John Linder (R-GA)'s new book, The FairTax Book, and was impressed for the most part. It detailed the history of the income tax and withholdings, as well as the "embedded" taxes consumers pay on everyday items.
It showed how by removing withheld taxes (ie: Social Security and income), prices will go down, plus with the FairTax of 23%, prices will remain almost constant, plus monthly "prebates" for necessities of life (food, shelter, etc.)
Overall, I think the FairTax is a good idea for both business and consumers because everyone's on a level playing field, whether you make $10,000 or $10 million. Not only that, it's a consumption tax, so if you don't want to spend your money, you're not going to be taxed. I like that :).
For more info, go to www.fairtax.org
26 August 2005
25 August 2005
NCAA Nonsense
All of this garbage over a mascot??
POP QUIZ...
Illinois Fighting Illini, Central Michigan Chippewas, Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Florida State Seminoles. Which three are most offensive??
Well, according to Myles Brand, yes that Myles Brand, Illinois, Central Michigan, and Florida State could not use their nicknames in NCAA postseason play or hold any type of postseason tournament games, because their nicknames are offensive to Native Americans. What about Providence Friars, does that embarrass American Catholics, or Notre Dame, saying all Irish-Americans are looking for a brawl with someone??
This type of buffoonery is typical of a City Council, saying whether or not you can allow smoking in your business. Now what happens if Illinois takes their men's basketball team to the Final Four again?? It's not the Fighting Illini anymore, just the University of Illinois.
Florida State threatened legal action against the NCAA, saying that the Seminole tribes in Florida endorsed the nickname. The NCAA concurred, and that issue was dropped. Some tribes, such as the Illini are extinct. The state was named for them, why can't they be honored in a matter such as this??
The real irony is that the NCAA is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. How apropo is that? Myles Brand should have more important things to do, such as root out pay-for-play schemes, than tell a school what they can and can't name their mascots. If schools don't want to be named for something, they'll change it on their own. The decision should not be made for them.
POP QUIZ...
Illinois Fighting Illini, Central Michigan Chippewas, Wake Forest Demon Deacons, Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Florida State Seminoles. Which three are most offensive??
Well, according to Myles Brand, yes that Myles Brand, Illinois, Central Michigan, and Florida State could not use their nicknames in NCAA postseason play or hold any type of postseason tournament games, because their nicknames are offensive to Native Americans. What about Providence Friars, does that embarrass American Catholics, or Notre Dame, saying all Irish-Americans are looking for a brawl with someone??
This type of buffoonery is typical of a City Council, saying whether or not you can allow smoking in your business. Now what happens if Illinois takes their men's basketball team to the Final Four again?? It's not the Fighting Illini anymore, just the University of Illinois.
Florida State threatened legal action against the NCAA, saying that the Seminole tribes in Florida endorsed the nickname. The NCAA concurred, and that issue was dropped. Some tribes, such as the Illini are extinct. The state was named for them, why can't they be honored in a matter such as this??
The real irony is that the NCAA is based in Indianapolis, Indiana. How apropo is that? Myles Brand should have more important things to do, such as root out pay-for-play schemes, than tell a school what they can and can't name their mascots. If schools don't want to be named for something, they'll change it on their own. The decision should not be made for them.
Fiscally Conservative in Fishers??
Looks like the town of Fishers is next on the chopping block for a 1% food and beverage tax increase. Seeing as I now work in Fishers in a restaurant, I'm looking at an approximate 14% increase in the amount that is taxed on a guest check, or a 33% increase since the beginning of the year, depending on how you want to look at it. All of this so Fishers can continue to have their what I consider "extras". Those include designer lightposts, over-sized administration buildings, and custom signage. Granted, some may say, well it's Fishers, they can afford to pay more. My question in return is, why should they have to pay extra when they're already being overtaxed in the first place??
24 August 2005
Throwing the Book at Them
It never amazes me. The Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library is asking for a tax increase to pay for the overrun for the renovation of the Central Branch downtown. Originally to reopen this year, at a cost of $103 million, the library will now be projected to reopen two years behind and $40 million over budget. Kudos to City-Council member Isaac Randolph for questioning the audacity of the Library Board to ask for a tax increase when the current budget proposed by Mayor Peterson has cuts in public safety.
Louis Mahern, the library board president, said that without the tax increase, major cutbacks will occur in the library renovation. He said that either the renovation is suspended or outlying branches are closed. Property tax increases keep the library in business. The annual budget is listed at $44 million, with over 75% coming from property tax monies. Mahern notes that the increase results in an extra $5 on a home with a value of $100,000.
Another solution would be to sell the library to private investors, let them deal with the renovation, thus taking taxpayers off the hook for another white elephant in the name of progress. How about shrinking that line off the budget completely to boot? It's just a thought.
Louis Mahern, the library board president, said that without the tax increase, major cutbacks will occur in the library renovation. He said that either the renovation is suspended or outlying branches are closed. Property tax increases keep the library in business. The annual budget is listed at $44 million, with over 75% coming from property tax monies. Mahern notes that the increase results in an extra $5 on a home with a value of $100,000.
Another solution would be to sell the library to private investors, let them deal with the renovation, thus taking taxpayers off the hook for another white elephant in the name of progress. How about shrinking that line off the budget completely to boot? It's just a thought.
22 August 2005
Hancock County LP Tax Freedom Rally
I'm proud to announce that Saturday, September 3 is the first Libertarian Party of Hancock County Tax Freedom Rally. It's from 1-5 at Greenfield's Riley Park pavilion. Secretary of State candidate Mike Kole is the featured speaker. There will be charcoal provided by LPHanC, everyone brings the rest. For more information, call 317.709.3179, or email cjharrison@iquest.net
19 August 2005
Apologies Are Necessary
I know I haven't posted in many months, that is due to a major shift in life. I'm getting married next April, and this summer has been murder on my schedule. New job, vacation, wedding planning, plus school's back this week, so it's insane to say the least.
In the past few months, the food and beverage taxes went up like weeds in my backyard, now it's time to hold Republicans accountable in both rhetoric and cold hard facts. Seven of the eight counties involved implemented, with only Morgan County holding out. That after the "let them eat soup" comment from Mayor Buskirk of Martinsville, a Republican.
Mayor Peterson's budget is another laughable attempt at being a fiscal conservative. Cut public safety and keep the parks?? Where is the rationale?? Then to charge citizens when their lives are in danger to the tune of hundreds of dollars!! He says that people's medical insurance will cover it. NEWS FLASH MAYOR!!! Not all of us have medical insurance right now!! Making pools more important than human life proves you are NOT fit for office, and I for one cannot wait until next year to see who runs against you.
Electing Libertarians will result in logical public safety, fewer taxes, more efficient spending, and more accountability. Tell me who else can do that??
In the past few months, the food and beverage taxes went up like weeds in my backyard, now it's time to hold Republicans accountable in both rhetoric and cold hard facts. Seven of the eight counties involved implemented, with only Morgan County holding out. That after the "let them eat soup" comment from Mayor Buskirk of Martinsville, a Republican.
Mayor Peterson's budget is another laughable attempt at being a fiscal conservative. Cut public safety and keep the parks?? Where is the rationale?? Then to charge citizens when their lives are in danger to the tune of hundreds of dollars!! He says that people's medical insurance will cover it. NEWS FLASH MAYOR!!! Not all of us have medical insurance right now!! Making pools more important than human life proves you are NOT fit for office, and I for one cannot wait until next year to see who runs against you.
Electing Libertarians will result in logical public safety, fewer taxes, more efficient spending, and more accountability. Tell me who else can do that??
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