Comments on: The Minimum Wage – How Poor is Poor?

By: Tony

Tony — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 09:11:16 +0000

Lynne,

Here’s a philosophical thought/dilemma for you.

You’re walking down the street and some guy says, “Give me your wallet.” You do so. He then says, “Do you have any more money?” Are you under any obligation to tell him you have more money in your shoe?

Be careful before you answer.

First of all, if you say “no”, you are lying.
Second of all, doesn’t the Lord say, “Turn the other cheek”?
(that does NOT mean “moon him again)

On the other side,

If you believe it is moral to “lie” in such circumstances, is this not the same argument as “cheating” on your income tax? If you believe the gubbermint has no right to seize your money, is it not legitimate–even moral–to hide it from them if you can?

always,
tony

By: Tony

Tony — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 17:38:17 +0000

Lynne,

You can trust the gubbermint–just ask ANY Indian tribe. Perhaps you would also like to consult the bonus army or South Vietnam.

In the late fifties, the California legislature make an agreement with the population: “Agree to these taxes, and higher education in California will be forever tuition free.” The people believed them. (That was back in the days when politicos still had some semblance of honor and reputation.) Tuition at the University of California is now over $10,000.

Take it from an old man. If you’re walking down the street and some thug shoves a gun in your face and says, “Gimme your money.” Do NOT, under any circumstances tell him that it ain’t his money. His answer will be, “Not yet.” Do not confuse “right with might”. He has the POWER to MAKE IT HIS MONEY.

always,
tony

By: Lynne

Lynne — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 05:05:50 +0000

The problem with the “whole bloody system” is we have all paid in and we were told we get the benefits if just agreed to the tax. They lied, or are lying. Now we are going after vets and CHAMPUS for taxes and not those Unions.
26.1 Billion for teachers and administrators and soldiers….
but heck you soldiers will only be declared terrorists by the DHS and you need no cola just like the folks on SSA and SSD. But the Obamas are stressed and need to go o Spain, Florida and Martha’s Vineyard.
Damn I’m trying to feel for these folks that are paid more in year than I have got in 20 years of paying taxes and as a soldier. Yes I do have issues. I have way to cut costs as well.
All of Congress needs to wrap their mind around this idea. It’s not your money. You have no money unless you take it first from folks that work for it. So do not tell me of your sacrifice of tax dollars. You did not earn it. Please don’t drape yourself in flag, you have sacrificed nothing. It’s been the average Americans blood and treasure and not you.
I have no problem sacrificing my COLA to reduce the debt. How bout you Senator, Representative, Government worker? Will you take a 10% pay cut and freeze?

By: Tony

Tony — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 19:28:15 +0000

Linda,

Much like the left didn’t expect Nixon to “go peacefully”, I don’t expect Big Ears to “go peacefully”. I hope I’m wrong.

In terms of passing legislation, the republicans can filibuster any bill, drag the time out and wait for the next Congress. How they act is big on my list of importance. First the election, then how the republicans act, then the election of 1012. Belize, Panama, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua are nice this time of the year–matter of fact, all times of the year.

In terms of warning folks about the sky falling, you only have to be right ONCE.

always,
tony

By: Linda Brady Traynham

Linda Brady Traynham — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 03:49:43 +0000

Tony, dear…the egomaniacal Muslim in residence sees and rejoices; he plans on bulling ahead as long as he can. I expect untold outrages from election day until late January IF the elections are the blood bath they may be. There is NO way to stop those people from passing any bill they want to. The economic news is bad all along the spectrum and something could give any time. I know, I keep saying that, but eventually…

By: Linda Brady Traynham

Linda Brady Traynham — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 03:46:42 +0000

James, love…keep up with me on the Mesh Report. I am VERY concerned about using the remainder of the year to work out how to deal with enormous tax increases and “finish” our preparations. I’m of the opinion that there is going to be a monumental backlash when paychecks come out in January and people understand first hand what higher income taxes and taxes on health insurance plans do to their takehome. Big hug.

By: Tony

Tony — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 19:47:06 +0000

James,

I’m quite indecisive. I don’t know whether to hope you are right or wrong.

I think you are correct. The question is, “Will it be a peaceful one or will the model be the American Revolution, the American Civil War, or the French Revolution?”

The big eared buy in the White House ain’t no dummy. He can see what’s coming in November. Another question is, “What, if anything, is his plan?”

always,
tony

By: James the Wanderer

James the Wanderer — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:31:30 +0000

At the moment, the cycle is on a downswing; things are getting harder, the government is too large and taxes are already unsustainable, and about to go higher. Eventually, a revolt will unseat the ruling groups, change the systems, and things will get better for a while, until the next cycle begins.
I view the start of this cycle as the American Revolution, and the end of it as all too near….

By: Linda Brady Traynham

Linda Brady Traynham — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 10:21:57 +0000

My favorite was the Army cutting my tiny pension 40% on my 63rd birthday, explaining that was by act of Congress. Other than that they send me a form every year asking hopefully if I have remarried so they can keep the rest of it. Wonderful folks.

By: Desertrat

Desertrat — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:25:02 +0000

Anonther in a near-infinite list of appropriate Heinlein comments: “Government does not exist for the benefit of the governed.”

if it did, we’d probably still be drinking nickel coffee and reading 10¢ newspapers. First-class letters with 4¢ stamps.