Illinois 2018

I am not a resident of Illinois, but, having been born there, still have an interest in the state. My entire lifetime has witnessed the dominance of politics in that state by Chicago and Cook County. Over the past couple of decades, the influence of Democratic Congressmen have resulted in an incredible tax burden upon it's citizens. Residents of that great state need to sit up and take notice of what has been going on in the State House under Mike Madigan's "leadership".

Now, almost nightly, ads appear on St. Louis local television promoting the candidacy of J. B. Pritzker for the Democratic nomination for Illinois Governor. J. B. has big plans and big promises, the same ones espoused by the left-wing for many years. The promises appeal to the ears of the public: equal wages, government-provided health care, free college tuition, etc., etc., etc. Of course, to bring all of these promises to fruition, more money is required. And exactly where is that money going to come from, Illinois resident? You, yes, you.

Now J. B. says he has a way to pay for all of his promises and I quote:

“You’ve got to ask yourself this question: How are we going to pay for the things that we really want?” Pritzker told reporters at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church. “And if you ask me, we’ve got to start by saying, before we ever get to raising taxes on the middle class, we’ve got to ask millionaires and billionaires, people who can afford to pay it, and that includes corporations, to step up to the plate.”

In other words, by raising taxes. This is the same mantra that has placed the state (as well as the country) in such a hole. If I lived in Illinois, I would never qualify as a millionaire. But, how long will it be until J. B. needs more money than he's getting from the so-called upper class for his programs? How long before some of those upper class individuals take their money to other states? Come on, J. B., more taxes is NOT the solution.

Illiniois needs to cut their taxes as does every state as well as the Federal government. It is not the government's responsibility to fully provide for the needs of their citizens. As our Federal Constitution reads, the government is "to provide for the common defense, promote (note: "promote", not "provide") the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty".

In fact, I want J. B. or any politician to explain to me why one citizen should pay a higher percentage of their income than another? The government provides for the common defense of all citizens equally. No millionaire is given extra protection through their extra taxes. No millionaire has more votes than other citizens. The government, effectively, does nothing extra for those who pay a higher percentage of their income. The reason government taxes them at a higher percentage is because they have MORE MONEY than others. J. B. says we must "ask" such people to pay more. No, what he means is the government must DEMAND they pay more.

I have no issue with an American citizen contributing to our government more than their required share. But I disagree that any American should be COMPELLED to pay a higher percentage of their income in taxes than other Americans.

Hey J.B. (and others like you), why not pass a flat tax rate for all citizens? Even better, why not eliminate income taxes all together?

No, I am not an Illinois citizen, so how you run your state is up to you. But I must confess I believe you are either naïve or foolish to believe any politician who promises to give you "the moon" simply by increasing the taxes on the wealthy. If they want more money from their people, they really are not for their people.

That's my opinion.

Another letter from my Congressman

I received the following letter, dated April 10, 2012, from my representative in the United States House and wanted to share it with those who might follow this blog.  Rep. Akin is a good man and running for the Republican nomination to replace Claire McCaskill in the United States Senate.  We certainly need her replaced!

Dear Bruce:

This year's budget battle outlines a stark difference in ideologies that are fighting to win the hearts and minds of the American public.  My colleagues and I on the House Budget Committee have produced a sound budget that will direct our nation toward a sustainable path that effectively sustains our mission as a country and is efficient in maintaining its obligations.

As you may be aware, the President's budget results in the fourth consecutive annual deficit exceeding $1 trillion.  In contrast, the House Republican budget saves $5 trillion relative to the Administration's proposal and charts a sustainable path in an effort to save our children and grandchildren from paying for our generation's reckless spending.  Under the plan, we will reduce our deficits to below 3 percent of GDP and reduce the burgeoning size of the federal government to 20 percent of the economy by 2015.

Our responsible budget makes the hard choices that some politicians have chosen to ignore.  The Republican budget prevents the President's $1.9 trillion in tax increases while reforming the tax code to make it more fair and competitive and eliminates special interest tax loopholes.  Our budget simplifies the current Tax Code by creating two tax rates of 10 and 25 percent, repeals the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), and broadens the tax base.  Furthermore, it reduces the corporate tax rate to 25 percent, allowing our companies to remain competitive in a growing global marketplace.

The House-passed 2013 budget also repeals the President's health care law, advances bipartisan solutions that take power away from government bureaucrats and put patients in control.  Furthermore, it ensures that there are no disruptions under Medicare for those in or near retirement while ensuring a strengthened Medicare program for future generations.

While the Senate has not passed a budget in over 1,000 days, the House has made good on its obligations to the American people, and on Thursday, March 29, 2012, passed our second consecutive budget (H.Con.Res 112), by a vote of 228-191.  I was proud to vote for this legislation and look forward to the months ahead as we begin this new phase in getting our country back on a sound fiscal path.

Please visit www.roadmap.republicans.budget.house.gov to see our budget plan in complete detail.  I hope that you will not hesitate to contact me regarding any matter where I might be of assistance.  You may visit http://www.house.gov/akin to find more information in issues or to subscribe to my e-newsletter.

Sincerely,

W. Todd Akin

Random Thoughts on Taxes

The media these days are consumed by the tax situation, specifically, the expiration of the Bush tax cuts at the end of the year.  After hearing the "umpteenth" report on the present tax bill in the Congress, my mind began to randomly wander down the "tax road" of my life.

1.  Began working and paying federal income taxes on what I EARNED.
2.  Also, paying taxes to support those presently retired (social security).
3.  Oops, also from the same paycheck I pay Medicare taxes.
4.  Nuts, forgot about state income taxes coming out of that same check.
5.  Oh, and if you happen to live in St. Louis City, you have to pay city taxes as well.
6.  Enough on the paycheck.  Now I go to the store and make a purchase.  SALES TAX.
7.  My purchase was an automobile.  Registration fee (isn't that really like a tax?).
8.  Must buy gas to run that car.  I take what money is left from my already taxed paycheck and buy gas.  Of course I must also pay a gas tax.
9.  Every year I get a bill from the city:  Personal Property Tax!  More of my paycheck for owning a vehicle on which I already have paid taxes on.
10.  Must have a place to stay so I purchase a home.  Not only must I pay sales tax, I now must pay REAL ESTATE TAXES every year I own the home.  Why must I pay more taxes each year on property I already bought and paid taxes on?
11.  Part of the tax bill under consideration includes a reduction in the Estate Tax from 55% to 35%.  That means that WHEN I DIE, my heirs must take whatever I have left from my previous paychecks and send 35% of that already taxed money to the government.  Of course, the Estate Tax is actually a Death Tax.

I really haven't put much thought into this but I am certain there are taxes I am overlooking.  But, after writing the above 11 points, I've come to the conclusion that the party getting rich in this country is not me; its UNCLE SAM!

To think our founding fathers started a revolution over things like a stamp tax and a tea tax.  Even King George never put an income tax or death tax on their backs!

"No Doubt We Are Moving in the Right Direction"

Some folks are, evidently, confused about many of my Facebook posts in recent days.  They think I am simply reposting the same information over and over again.  I am not.

For the past few weeks, I have frequently posted updates to Facebook which begin with the statement recently made by Vice President Biden concerning our economy:  "No doubt we are moving in the right direction".  I have included, with each post, a link to an article providing testimony which clearly refutes what the Vice President has said.  Over and over again, various articles have appeared which present clear evidence that our economy is on the wrong track and continuing on that wrong track.  The President and the Vice President either are out of touch with reality, deceiving themselves, or intentionally misleading the public with their "positive" economic outlook.

The administration believes the correct approach is to take additional federal monies and throw it at various projects to stir the job market.  They did this 18 months ago with the stimulus bill and the economy has gotten worse.  More money is not the answer, Mr. President.  Besides, that money being thrown around is our money.  More precisely, it is my grandchildren's money for the government is driving us deeper and deeper into debt.  NO ONE AND NO ORGANIZATION CAN SPEND MORE THAN IT TAKES IN AND SURVIVE.  At some point we will collapse.  To cover the cost of all your programs (enacted and on the table) will require additional income which means more taxes.  More taxes further stifle the job market and the purchasing power of the consumer.  Your solution will be to throw out more money.  That means more taxes.  It is a vicious cycle.  Can't our leaders see this?  Are we truly moving in the right direction?

I am not an economic wiz but I do believe there are some things the President and his administration COULD do to address the problem.  Here they are in no particular order.  This is certainly not an exhaustive list.

1.  CUT ALL TAXES - Yes, even on the "wealthiest" Americans.  You see, its those wealthiest Americans who invest and produce the jobs which fuel this economy.  They won't do so if you continue to take more and more of their money.  No investments, no new jobs.  Cutting taxes also frees up money for consumer purchases which drives merchandising, etc.  When I say cut all taxes, I do not simply mean extend the Bush tax custs for everyone (which the administration MUST do).  No, I mean CUT ALL TAXES.

2.  CUT ALL TAXES - I'm repeating myself only to make certain the administration includes cutting capital gains taxes as well. 

3.  PULL BACK STIMULUS MONEY - Last I heard, over $300 billion of the 2009 stimulus funds had not been spent.  DON'T SPEND IT!

4.  REPEAL HEALTHCARE - Mr. President, the nation cannot afford it.  The American people do not want it.  The entire program passed last year must go.  There are plenty of ways to fix what ails the health care industry without spending ourselves into oblivion.

5.  NO CAP AND TRADE - The global warming nonsense has finally wound down a bit.  Putting additional taxes onto energy will only translate into higher costs to consumers.  It is totally unnecessary.

6.  STOP ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION - For years we have been told "illegals do the jobs Americans won't do".  Maybe that's true sometimes.  But what is also true is that "Illegals are doing jobs Americans could do and probably would do in this economic situation if those jobs were available".  Illegal immigrants are just that:  illegal.  They should not be here and should not be permitted to remain.  The problem must be addressed because it impacts our economic status.  For starters, (1) Secure the border (seriously)  (2) Heavily fine businesses who employ illegal immigrants  (3) deport any illegal immigrant who is found (this does not require "looking" for them, rather, simply deporting those who are found).

7.  GET OUT OF OUR LIVES - No more bailouts.  If a company fails, it fails.  We should strive to help those who truly need help but we can not do this for everyone over extended periods of time.  Significantly reduce the length of time unemployment benefits are extended.  Let the free market work.  Eliminate government bureaucracy which will reduce the amount of money needed to run the government.  Americans do not want a LARGE Federal government constantly intruding into our lives.  Instead, reread the Constitution and limit yourselves to the powers enumerated therein.  All the other powers belong to the states (check the 10th Amendment please).

Those are my thoughts. 

Oh, and Mr. Vice President, we are NOT moving in the right direction!

And Washington Just Keeps Giving, er, Taking...

• Institutions are in trouble. Government solution: SPEND MONEY.
• Government has no money. Government solution: PRINT MORE MONEY AND SPEND IT.
• Printing more money results in inflation and devaluing of the dollar. Government solution: PROPOSE THE LARGEST BUDGET IN THE HISTORY OF OUR NATION AND SPEND MORE MONEY.
• Reality begins to set in. Government solution: GET MORE REVENUE AND SPEND IT.

While you hold onto your wallets, write to your Senators and Congressman and tell them to STOP SPENDING MONEY, CUT TAXES, and REJECT THE PROPOSED BUDGET.

Patriotism per Obama/Biden

Do you want to be a patriotic American? Then PAY MORE TAXES! That’s what Democratic Vice President nominee Senator Joe Biden told us yesterday.

It's time to be patriotic ... time to jump in, time to be part of the deal, time to help get America out of the rut.

I’m sorry, sir. I have no interest in giving more of the money I work hard for to the government which has no idea how to use it. Helping others who have need is great and I do so via the various charities to which I contribute (Senator Biden, by the way, averages less than $400 a year to charitable contributions despite the fact he makes a lot more money than almost any one reading this blog). You, Senator, and your running mate, Senator Barack Obama, want us to give you more of the money which we have EARNED so you can give it to anyone, including those who won’t get off the couch and do anything! And you have the gall to say that’s patriotic?

If you are reading this blog and are planning on voting for Barack Obama and Joe Biden then I ask you take some time and ask yourself why. Ok, you don’t like President Bush. Well, he’s not running. You don’t like the Republicans. Ok, but the Democrats presently control both houses of Congress and are the ones doing nothing to solve any of the problems facing our country. You don’t like John McCain. Ok, but is THAT the reason you are going to vote for Obama? There are other candidates running. I ask you to seriously consider and rethink why you really want Obama. Do you have any idea what he intends to do if elected?

I stumbled across an interesting Internet site last night entitled BarackObamaTest.com. You answer several questions on a variety of subjects and your answers are compared to Senator Obama’s positions. The site doesn’t tell you for whom to vote. It simply returns a value indicating how close Barack Obama is to your position. I took the test and Senator Obama and I agreed on 4% of the issues.

Whether I like President Bush or the Republicans, I will not cast my vote for a candidate which agrees with me on the issues only 4% of the time!

That, Senator Biden, is patriotic!

A Little Help for April 15, 2009

Just a little motivation for next April 15.

Pay Taxes