Thanks to my wife for E-mailing this.
No parent left behind:
These are real notes written by parents in an ALABAMA school district. Spellings have been left intact.
1. My son is under a doctor's care and should not take PE today. Please execute him.
2. Please exkuce lisa for being absent she was sick and i had her shot.
3. Dear school: please ecsc's john being absent on jan. 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and also 33.
4. Please excuse gloria from jim today. She is administrating.
5. Please excuse roland from p.e. for a few days. Yesterday he fell out of a tree and misplaced his hip.
6. John has been absent because he had two teeth taken out of his face.
7. Carlos was absent yesterday because he was playing football. He was hurt in the growing part. 8. Megan could not come to school today because she has been bothered by very close veins.
9. Chris wi ll not be in school cus he has an acre in his side.
10. Please excuse ray friday from school. He has very loose vowels.
11. Pleaseexcuse Lesli from being absent yesterday. She had diahre dyrea direathe the shits. 12. Please excuse tommy for being absent yesterday. He had diarrhea, and his boots leak.
13. Irving was absent yesterday because he missed his bust.
14. Please excuse jimmy for being. It was his father's fault.
15. I kept Billie home because she had to go Christmas shopping because i don't know what size she wear.
16. Please excuse jennifer for missing school yesterday. We forgot to get the sunday paper off the porch, and when we found it monday. We thought it was sunday.
17. Sally won't be in school a week from friday. We have to attend her funeral.
18. My daughter was absent yesterday because she was tired. She spent a weekend with the marines.
19. Please excuse Jason for being absent yesterday. He had a cold and could not breed well.
20. Please excuse mary for being absent yesterday. She was in bed with gramps.
21. Gloria was absent yesterday as she was having a gangover.
22. Please excuse brenda. She has been sick and under the doctor.
23. Maryann was absent december 11-16, because she had a fever, sorethroat, headache and upset stomach. Her sister was also sick, fever an sore throat, her brother had a low grade fever and ached all over. I wasn't the best either, sore throat and fever. There must be something going arou nd, her father even got hot last night.
4/30/2008
Consumers to cut back
NEW YORK -- From soaring gasoline prices to weaker jobs prospects, Americans are gloomier about the economy than they were just before the U.S. invasion of Iraq. They're so anxious that the fewest Americans say they are planning vacations than in the past 30 years.
And those are worrisome signs for a deteriorating economy, since eroding consumer confidence foreshadows weaker spending.
Economists closely watch sentiment readings since consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of the nation's economic activity. Economists closely watch sentiment readings since consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of the nation's economic activity.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080430/BUSINESS/804300428
Lets take a look what this really means for the America public.
When the consumer cuts back because of high gas prices and high taxes, that means that you are not spending as you did before. Those business expenses go forth no matter how much money the general public is spending at that store. This means cut backs, usually in personal. You may see some even close their doors because if the money is not coming in, these bills will not be paid.
Who is at fault? I put the blame on all. The people and the government. The banks and loan companies. Why has the Feds lower the rate to the finical intuitions for the last few years? So that you could borrow more money, at a lower rate. How many times have we seen advertisements, not with the total loan value but how much you will have to pay per month?
Have you ever heard anyone say "I can afford one more payment per month"?
I am getting estimates on a major purchase that I plan for this week. I had one sales person ask me what it would take to get my business today. Before he left he cut $600 off the estimate. He said he had crews sitting at home that could be here tomorrow morning. That tells me the real story.
And those are worrisome signs for a deteriorating economy, since eroding consumer confidence foreshadows weaker spending.
Economists closely watch sentiment readings since consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of the nation's economic activity. Economists closely watch sentiment readings since consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of the nation's economic activity.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080430/BUSINESS/804300428
Lets take a look what this really means for the America public.
When the consumer cuts back because of high gas prices and high taxes, that means that you are not spending as you did before. Those business expenses go forth no matter how much money the general public is spending at that store. This means cut backs, usually in personal. You may see some even close their doors because if the money is not coming in, these bills will not be paid.
Who is at fault? I put the blame on all. The people and the government. The banks and loan companies. Why has the Feds lower the rate to the finical intuitions for the last few years? So that you could borrow more money, at a lower rate. How many times have we seen advertisements, not with the total loan value but how much you will have to pay per month?
Have you ever heard anyone say "I can afford one more payment per month"?
I am getting estimates on a major purchase that I plan for this week. I had one sales person ask me what it would take to get my business today. Before he left he cut $600 off the estimate. He said he had crews sitting at home that could be here tomorrow morning. That tells me the real story.
Voluntary tax
This story coming out in the Indianapolis Star did not come as a suprise to me. I also look for Marion county to do the same at a later date.
Danville » Hendricks County officials have decided to mail out voluntary tax statements in May, as the county may not be sending out official tax bills until late summer.
Hendricks is one of a handful of counties that are up to nine months late in sending information to the state needed to set rates. Tax bills traditionally go out near the first of May; the voluntary tax stubs will be sent out instead around May 15, said Hendricks County Auditor Cinda Kattau.
The voluntary tax stubs will list 80 percent of last spring's tax bills, which residents can choose to pay. There is no due date, and no penalty for not paying, she said.
"Mortgage companies will get these just like a regular tax bill, and we expect they probably will pay," she said. "Those companies can only hold money in escrow so long before they have to mail it back, and many would rather use the money for what it was intended to pay for: taxes."
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080430/LOCAL0504/804300478
Since I am losing money on some of my investments right now, I would rather pay this now then wait still they send me a big bill all at once. How many years will this go on? I heard that this year statements may not be sent out until November.
Danville » Hendricks County officials have decided to mail out voluntary tax statements in May, as the county may not be sending out official tax bills until late summer.
Hendricks is one of a handful of counties that are up to nine months late in sending information to the state needed to set rates. Tax bills traditionally go out near the first of May; the voluntary tax stubs will be sent out instead around May 15, said Hendricks County Auditor Cinda Kattau.
The voluntary tax stubs will list 80 percent of last spring's tax bills, which residents can choose to pay. There is no due date, and no penalty for not paying, she said.
"Mortgage companies will get these just like a regular tax bill, and we expect they probably will pay," she said. "Those companies can only hold money in escrow so long before they have to mail it back, and many would rather use the money for what it was intended to pay for: taxes."
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080430/LOCAL0504/804300478
Since I am losing money on some of my investments right now, I would rather pay this now then wait still they send me a big bill all at once. How many years will this go on? I heard that this year statements may not be sent out until November.
4/29/2008
Up date on "Another Rate Cut"
I had a call from the Indianapolis Star this morning. They ask if they could print this in letters to the editor page. Look for this week sometime.
Price of gas down to $2.56
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0e-rOg6C6U&NR=1It seems that our House speaker Pelosi has not been to the gas station lately. This is her talking about gas prices on Larry King live April 24, 2008
Melyssa of HOOSIERS FOR FAIR TAXATION endorses Hillary
I connected with her before that day too. It was a few months after the Iraq War started in 2003. I am still looking for the video clip, but I remember feeling both grateful and proud that she stood bold, smart, and strong before Congress.
.Hillary Clinton stood as a Matriarch in front of the U.S. Congress at war on that day.
.She was the FIRST to demand to know how American taxpayers would foot the bill for this war with no known long term plan or budget to give to Congress. She still has not received her answer. I wrote to Hillary Clinton's campaign in hopes the courageous footage of her demands of Congress can be found and replayed again during the Indiana primary.
http://hoosiersforfairtaxation.blogspot.com/
But can I remind you that Hillary Clinton voted for the use of force in Iraq? She also said later that she did not regret that vote. It is also stated that she checked with her own people before voting on this issue to make sure that the information that they were given, was true. But now, since running for President, she has changed her mind again on the war. That she was “tricked” into voting the way she did. She must have been tricked by her own people that gave her the information.
When Bill Clinton was first elected to the White House, Hillary started in with National Health Care. In fact there was so much paper work done on this, I remember a picture of a fork lift taking all that paper work to a warehouse. This cost the American taxpayer millions. After this, there was nothing done about National Health Care for the rest of eight years in office.
If you want to vote for another Clinton for office, then that is your right. But I ask this question; How many times have we found out, what this Clinton family has said in the past, turn out to be a lie.
Remember also that any canidate can promise you anything, even the moon. But even if elected, what they promise you, first must be passed by Congress.
As it stands, I am not indorsing any candidate for President at this time. Mainly because, as far as I am concerned, there is not much of any choice.
.Hillary Clinton stood as a Matriarch in front of the U.S. Congress at war on that day.
.She was the FIRST to demand to know how American taxpayers would foot the bill for this war with no known long term plan or budget to give to Congress. She still has not received her answer. I wrote to Hillary Clinton's campaign in hopes the courageous footage of her demands of Congress can be found and replayed again during the Indiana primary.
http://hoosiersforfairtaxation.blogspot.com/
But can I remind you that Hillary Clinton voted for the use of force in Iraq? She also said later that she did not regret that vote. It is also stated that she checked with her own people before voting on this issue to make sure that the information that they were given, was true. But now, since running for President, she has changed her mind again on the war. That she was “tricked” into voting the way she did. She must have been tricked by her own people that gave her the information.
When Bill Clinton was first elected to the White House, Hillary started in with National Health Care. In fact there was so much paper work done on this, I remember a picture of a fork lift taking all that paper work to a warehouse. This cost the American taxpayer millions. After this, there was nothing done about National Health Care for the rest of eight years in office.
If you want to vote for another Clinton for office, then that is your right. But I ask this question; How many times have we found out, what this Clinton family has said in the past, turn out to be a lie.
Remember also that any canidate can promise you anything, even the moon. But even if elected, what they promise you, first must be passed by Congress.
As it stands, I am not indorsing any candidate for President at this time. Mainly because, as far as I am concerned, there is not much of any choice.
Something has gone astray in America.
It makes one wonder today why we want to work so hard only to see others get the same services for free. I know a couple who are self employed and paying $1300 a month for health care insurance. And believe me this is not the best that is offered.
Most of us go to work each day when you are young so you can afford to buy a house and a decent car to drive. To raise a family and take care of kids that you have. Then the government takes taxes out of you hard earned check that you get each week. Then you get your property tax bill, you pay sales tax on everything you buy and then you are expected to live on what is left.
If I was inclined to do so, I could get the same benefits that you and I have, and for free. All that I would have to do is to lower myself to being homeless or being at a lower income level. I could go on welfare, food stamps and section eight housing. I could get my kids free meals at school and free healthcare from the state. I could get free money for heating my home and many other give away programs that we have today. All this and no one in my family would have to do a lick of work. I would not have to worry about that drug test that some of us have to take to keep our jobs. I don’t worry about my other needs because someone from the government I am sure will come around and ask me what services that they can give me with your tax money. I could even go to college and get my maintenance check to blow however I wanted to with a student loan that I would not have to pay back because I have no income or have a tax return.
So I ask you this question. Beside the drive to succeed in life, is there any benefit today by working hard? Why did I write this? Maybe to get some you thinking.
Most of us go to work each day when you are young so you can afford to buy a house and a decent car to drive. To raise a family and take care of kids that you have. Then the government takes taxes out of you hard earned check that you get each week. Then you get your property tax bill, you pay sales tax on everything you buy and then you are expected to live on what is left.
If I was inclined to do so, I could get the same benefits that you and I have, and for free. All that I would have to do is to lower myself to being homeless or being at a lower income level. I could go on welfare, food stamps and section eight housing. I could get my kids free meals at school and free healthcare from the state. I could get free money for heating my home and many other give away programs that we have today. All this and no one in my family would have to do a lick of work. I would not have to worry about that drug test that some of us have to take to keep our jobs. I don’t worry about my other needs because someone from the government I am sure will come around and ask me what services that they can give me with your tax money. I could even go to college and get my maintenance check to blow however I wanted to with a student loan that I would not have to pay back because I have no income or have a tax return.
So I ask you this question. Beside the drive to succeed in life, is there any benefit today by working hard? Why did I write this? Maybe to get some you thinking.
4/28/2008
Supreme Court upholds photo ID law for voters in Indiana
The Supreme Court Monday upheld the Indiana photo ID law by a six to three vote.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-scotus-voter-id,0,1810198.story
The law "is amply justified by the valid interest in protecting 'the integrity and reliability of the electoral process,'" Justice John Paul Stevens said in an opinion that was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Anthony Kennedy
Justices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and David Souter dissented.
"We cannot conclude that the statute imposes 'excessively burdensome requirements' on any class of voters," Stevens said.
I say that this law does not put any burden on anyone at any monetary level of income. IDs are available at little or no cost. Any party will give rides to the DMV to those who need one and it only takes a little effort on the voters part. So I applaud the Supreme Court for their decision on upholding this issue.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/sns-ap-scotus-voter-id,0,1810198.story
The law "is amply justified by the valid interest in protecting 'the integrity and reliability of the electoral process,'" Justice John Paul Stevens said in an opinion that was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Anthony Kennedy
Justices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and David Souter dissented.
"We cannot conclude that the statute imposes 'excessively burdensome requirements' on any class of voters," Stevens said.
I say that this law does not put any burden on anyone at any monetary level of income. IDs are available at little or no cost. Any party will give rides to the DMV to those who need one and it only takes a little effort on the voters part. So I applaud the Supreme Court for their decision on upholding this issue.
You think our lawmakers waste time? Take a look at Florida
By Michael Peltier
TALLAHASSEE, Florida (Reuters) - Senate lawmakers in Florida have voted to ban the fake bull testicles that dangle from the trailer hitches of many trucks and cars throughout the state.
Republican Sen. Cary Baker, a gun shop owner from Eustis, Florida, called the adornments offensive and proposed the ban. Motorists would be fined $60 for displaying the novelty items, which are known by brand names like "Truck Nutz" and resemble the south end of a bull moving north.
The Florida Senate voted last week to add the measure to a broader transportation bill, but it is not included in the House version.
In a spirited debate laced with double entendre, Senate lawmakers questioned whether the state should curtail freedom of expression in vehicle accessories.
Critics of the ban included the Senate Rules Chairman, Sen. Jim King, a Jacksonville Republican whose truck sported a pair until his wife protested.
The bill's sponsor doubted it would succeed.
"It's probably not going to make it through the process," Baker said on Thursday. "It won't be much of story in a few days."http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN4O32105020080425?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews
TALLAHASSEE, Florida (Reuters) - Senate lawmakers in Florida have voted to ban the fake bull testicles that dangle from the trailer hitches of many trucks and cars throughout the state.
Republican Sen. Cary Baker, a gun shop owner from Eustis, Florida, called the adornments offensive and proposed the ban. Motorists would be fined $60 for displaying the novelty items, which are known by brand names like "Truck Nutz" and resemble the south end of a bull moving north.
The Florida Senate voted last week to add the measure to a broader transportation bill, but it is not included in the House version.
In a spirited debate laced with double entendre, Senate lawmakers questioned whether the state should curtail freedom of expression in vehicle accessories.
Critics of the ban included the Senate Rules Chairman, Sen. Jim King, a Jacksonville Republican whose truck sported a pair until his wife protested.
The bill's sponsor doubted it would succeed.
"It's probably not going to make it through the process," Baker said on Thursday. "It won't be much of story in a few days."http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSN4O32105020080425?feedType=RSS&feedName=oddlyEnoughNews
Another rate cut?
Most investors believe the Fed will lower rates by another quarter percentage point but will also suggest they are gearing up for a pause.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/W/WALL_STREET_WEEK_AHEAD?SITE=ININS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Well this is great news for investors. Do not fall into the trap the the government is setting for the American people. The less the interest rate, the more people will be incline to borrow more money and create more debt.
Now lets take a look at people like myself who has a little money saved up in the bank. The best rates that you can get from a bank in this area on a CD is under three per-cent. Don't forget that this money is also taxable. So If you have twenty thousand dollars, that will give you about six hundred dollars in interest that you will have to add to your income. If you are lucky you will come out making one and half per-cent on your money after taxes. This is not even keeping up with inflation. I will be looking how much money that I can put into my IRA this year. Its a little more interest and it is not taxable until I start taking it out in the future.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/W/WALL_STREET_WEEK_AHEAD?SITE=ININS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
Well this is great news for investors. Do not fall into the trap the the government is setting for the American people. The less the interest rate, the more people will be incline to borrow more money and create more debt.
Now lets take a look at people like myself who has a little money saved up in the bank. The best rates that you can get from a bank in this area on a CD is under three per-cent. Don't forget that this money is also taxable. So If you have twenty thousand dollars, that will give you about six hundred dollars in interest that you will have to add to your income. If you are lucky you will come out making one and half per-cent on your money after taxes. This is not even keeping up with inflation. I will be looking how much money that I can put into my IRA this year. Its a little more interest and it is not taxable until I start taking it out in the future.
Assessments rise
First of all you should go back and read what I wrote about property taxes and the new assessements. I have always said that most people would be paying more then you did in 2006.
http://indianapolsnewgoverment2008.blogspot.com/2008/03/will-people-be-out-in-protest-again.html
"A property reassessment ordered last year and completed this spring should lower many tax bills below those issued last year, which were based on flawed assessments. But most of the new 2007 bills to appear in mailboxes later this year will still be higher than those paid in 2006, the last valid assessment."
And I also commented on how people are hurting with the price of gas, property taxes and the cost of everyday life.
Indianapolis bankruptcy attorney Mark Zuckerberg said "They were already getting adjustments going up on their ARMs, and then the property taxes came in on top of it,'' Zuckerberg said. "It was like a double whammy. They were using credit cards to keep afloat in hopes of refinancing their loans, and then when it turned out the homes were losing value, they found the banks didn't want to make new loans on their homes."
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080428/NEWS05/804280362
The last couple of years, I was thinking of buying another house to use as a rental. But, as I watched the market and property taxes, I like many other people did not see a profit in this. So I repeat, that this new "property tax relief" that was passed this last session was just like the rest of them, we will be paying more out in the end. It now looks like that the people of Indiana will have good use of their checks that they are getting from the goverment, you can sign it over and pay it on your property tax bill.
http://indianapolsnewgoverment2008.blogspot.com/2008/03/will-people-be-out-in-protest-again.html
"A property reassessment ordered last year and completed this spring should lower many tax bills below those issued last year, which were based on flawed assessments. But most of the new 2007 bills to appear in mailboxes later this year will still be higher than those paid in 2006, the last valid assessment."
And I also commented on how people are hurting with the price of gas, property taxes and the cost of everyday life.
Indianapolis bankruptcy attorney Mark Zuckerberg said "They were already getting adjustments going up on their ARMs, and then the property taxes came in on top of it,'' Zuckerberg said. "It was like a double whammy. They were using credit cards to keep afloat in hopes of refinancing their loans, and then when it turned out the homes were losing value, they found the banks didn't want to make new loans on their homes."
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080428/NEWS05/804280362
The last couple of years, I was thinking of buying another house to use as a rental. But, as I watched the market and property taxes, I like many other people did not see a profit in this. So I repeat, that this new "property tax relief" that was passed this last session was just like the rest of them, we will be paying more out in the end. It now looks like that the people of Indiana will have good use of their checks that they are getting from the goverment, you can sign it over and pay it on your property tax bill.
4/26/2008
The Rev. Jeremiah Wright blames American and the rich white people.
Here the Rev. White blames Americans, the rich white people and G.W. Bush. He also talks of the home land stupidly. He tells you that our government is lying to us.
http://www.foxnews.com/video2/video08.html?videoId=761b773a-2e74-4c35-808e-01d46b3f3f81&sMPlaylistID=
This one starts out by telling us that the government lies about all men are created equal. He says that the goverment believes all white men were created equal. Now he blasts the supreme court that was hand picked by republicans that is going redo Rowe vs. Wade and that it was the court that stole the 2000 election. I guess this Minster of God believes in abortion. The government even lied about pearl harbor. That they new that the Japanese were going to attack.
He also says that the government invented AIDS to get ride of colored people. He compares the LAPD to our government to weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. He said if they did not find any, they would plant them there. Of course in the end of this segment of the sermon he gets to the famous words of God D#M America, not once but three times blaming it for lives of his people. He evens blast people in government of his own race saying they are to rich to be black.
http://www.foxnews.com/video2/video08.html?videoId=c96626f2-7f5b-4946-8644-1cda5b8a775e&sMPlaylistID=
Well, it was hard for me to watch all of this video and hope if you watch it, you have the seem feelings about it. The first thought is what is this man will think of his own church member,Obama, who by the way happens to be "rich", if he becomes President of this country?
I would not step foot in this "church" and I sure would not belong to it for twenty odd years as Obama did and even supported it.
Vedio links taken from http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,352661,00.html if you have trouble with the before mentioned links.
Last night on Channel 6
Is this what we want to see on the tv scene?
I was shocked last night of channel six carry the content of 20-20.
As I was flipping thru the channels, I came to channel six, where to gays were kissing sitting on a public park bench. It seems that the media and people in government is indorsing this lifestyle as we can’t seem to turn our TV’s on without seeing this sort of thing. Even thru this show is on late I am sure that kids were able to see it. This kind of broadcasting is not acceptable in the minds of most Americans. I hope they do better selecting in the future. I would be interested to know how many complaints they received about this program. I also sent my complaint to channel 6 and also to 20-20.
I was shocked last night of channel six carry the content of 20-20.
As I was flipping thru the channels, I came to channel six, where to gays were kissing sitting on a public park bench. It seems that the media and people in government is indorsing this lifestyle as we can’t seem to turn our TV’s on without seeing this sort of thing. Even thru this show is on late I am sure that kids were able to see it. This kind of broadcasting is not acceptable in the minds of most Americans. I hope they do better selecting in the future. I would be interested to know how many complaints they received about this program. I also sent my complaint to channel 6 and also to 20-20.
Two years ago, ABC News hired two actors, a man and a woman, to publicly display their affection for each other by kissing in public at a restaurant. Reactions from other restaurant-goers varied; some onlookers enjoyed the sight of young love, while others lost their appetite.
This year, we once again decided to explore how the public responds to public displays of affection -- but this time, our couples were gay.
ABC News asked two couples, Kaolin and James, and Ashby and Leslie, to sit on park benches in Verona, N.J., and then in Birmingham, Ala., to see if there were any differences in reaction among passersby in the two regions of the country. Although all four individuals were actors, showing their love and affection for each other was far from acting. Kaolin and James have been in a committed relationship for two years, while Ashby and Leslie are a married couple who have been together for eight years
ABC News asked two couples, Kaolin and James, and Ashby and Leslie, to sit on park benches in Verona, N.J., and then in Birmingham, Ala., to see if there were any differences in reaction among passersby in the two regions of the country. Although all four individuals were actors, showing their love and affection for each other was far from acting. Kaolin and James have been in a committed relationship for two years, while Ashby and Leslie are a married couple who have been together for eight years
I want to thank my company.
I just retired from Marsh supermarkets as of yesterday (Friday).
It took some thinking on my part to make this move but after working 45 years of my life, I decided that it was time for me to hang up my hat so to speak.
Being at Marsh for 18 years driving one of those big semi trucks, I enjoyed my job. That last run I found hard to complete because I knew that it was the last time I would be on the road. The drivers and warehouse are members of local 135 of the teamsters. This is the only reason that I was able to take a early retirement, because of our pension.
It will not be easy after 45 years of working not to have a job that I have to get up in the mornings for. This might sound strange to some, but I am use to getting up at 4 am being at work by 5 am. And even on the week-ends I find that I can not “sleep in” like most can do. I was up by 5:30 this morning reading the Indy Star online.
Because of the pension I will be limited to what work I can do on a part-time bases.
A personal note here about unemployment. I have worked since I was 18 and was unemployed for a total of 2 weeks because I took a vacation. It is not hard to find a job if people really wants or needs one. Again, I want to thank Marsh and the Teamsters for making this day possible for me.
It took some thinking on my part to make this move but after working 45 years of my life, I decided that it was time for me to hang up my hat so to speak.
Being at Marsh for 18 years driving one of those big semi trucks, I enjoyed my job. That last run I found hard to complete because I knew that it was the last time I would be on the road. The drivers and warehouse are members of local 135 of the teamsters. This is the only reason that I was able to take a early retirement, because of our pension.
It will not be easy after 45 years of working not to have a job that I have to get up in the mornings for. This might sound strange to some, but I am use to getting up at 4 am being at work by 5 am. And even on the week-ends I find that I can not “sleep in” like most can do. I was up by 5:30 this morning reading the Indy Star online.
Because of the pension I will be limited to what work I can do on a part-time bases.
A personal note here about unemployment. I have worked since I was 18 and was unemployed for a total of 2 weeks because I took a vacation. It is not hard to find a job if people really wants or needs one. Again, I want to thank Marsh and the Teamsters for making this day possible for me.
Gas Tax
Some are saying that the has tax should be suspended but I ask if this will really help. I don’t think that cutting out the Federal and State tax will help us the much. Its not the taxes that are eating into our pockets on this one. If you take all taxes off of gasoline, it would still cost over $3.00 a gallon.
I still go back to the American consumer on this one. If demand for fuel was not as great, the price would not be where it is today. It still amazes me on how many folks sit in the drive thru, in line while no one is inside counter. I have seen the drive thru line wrap all the way around the building.
Even in the Indianapolis star editorial the writing says this.
“ Economic principles, however, can't be ignored. Suspending the sales tax to lower the price at the pump likely would encourage further consumption, which in turn drives up gas prices.”
Until the price gets so high that the American people feels that they need to do something about this, The price will continue to climb.
I still go back to the American consumer on this one. If demand for fuel was not as great, the price would not be where it is today. It still amazes me on how many folks sit in the drive thru, in line while no one is inside counter. I have seen the drive thru line wrap all the way around the building.
Even in the Indianapolis star editorial the writing says this.
“ Economic principles, however, can't be ignored. Suspending the sales tax to lower the price at the pump likely would encourage further consumption, which in turn drives up gas prices.”
Until the price gets so high that the American people feels that they need to do something about this, The price will continue to climb.
4/25/2008
Walk this Sunday (Public Announcement)
Homelessness is an economic drain upon our community. Beyond the detraction of panhandlers, there is a substantial cost in the medical and judicial systems.
The Homeward Bound Walk is scheduled for this Sunday to benefit agencies that work to end homelessness in Indianapolis. It includes agencies that provide shelter, health care, mentoring services, and care to the homeless as they approach death.
We encourage everyone who is concerned, or irritated, by the homeless issue to get involved, come walk, and raise funds. Registration begins at noon at University Park Downtown and the walk begins at 2 p.m.
As a community, we can do for homelessness what the Komen walk does to help end breast cancer. For more information go to www.homewardboundindiana.org.
Jeri Warner
Executive director, Trusted Partners
Indianapolis
The Homeward Bound Walk is scheduled for this Sunday to benefit agencies that work to end homelessness in Indianapolis. It includes agencies that provide shelter, health care, mentoring services, and care to the homeless as they approach death.
We encourage everyone who is concerned, or irritated, by the homeless issue to get involved, come walk, and raise funds. Registration begins at noon at University Park Downtown and the walk begins at 2 p.m.
As a community, we can do for homelessness what the Komen walk does to help end breast cancer. For more information go to www.homewardboundindiana.org.
Jeri Warner
Executive director, Trusted Partners
Indianapolis
Colts Stadium in the news
It seems that I am not the only one concern about how much money the Colts and Mr. Irsay will be making on the new colts package.
http://www.advanceindiana.blogspot.com/ has an posting on it from the Indianapolis star. I will say it again folks I have never seen a contract like the one the city has signed with the colts. Did you know if this deal falls thru in the future, that the Colts and Mr. Irsay are NOT responsible for the money they borrowed on the bond issue? That no property or salaries of the Colts or Mr. Irsay can be held for collateral on any debt of this bond issue.
Who is going to get stuck with the ten million upkeep on this new state of the art stadium? I bet that it will be us the taxpayers while the Colts and Irsay enjoys the big income.
We keep hearing of how this deal will bring billions of dollars to Indianapolis while the taxpayers foot the bill.
“The CIB doesn't want you to know how much the Colts are making
off of Lucas Oil Stadium at your expense because it knows just how
outraged you will be when you learn those figures. The important point to
be made in all of this is the fact that the CIB has no means of paying for the
operating and maintenance expenses on the new stadium, which are expected
to top $10 million annually. That's because the deal the CIB negotiated with
the Colts is so one-sided it gives all revenue-producing opportunities to the Colts,
depriving the public of any of the benefits. As far as this writer is concerned, the
Colts had better plan on giving back some of that money. We the public will be
damned if we dig any further into our pockets to subsidize their billion-dollar
franchise.”
http://www.advanceindiana.blogspot.com/
http://www.advanceindiana.blogspot.com/ has an posting on it from the Indianapolis star. I will say it again folks I have never seen a contract like the one the city has signed with the colts. Did you know if this deal falls thru in the future, that the Colts and Mr. Irsay are NOT responsible for the money they borrowed on the bond issue? That no property or salaries of the Colts or Mr. Irsay can be held for collateral on any debt of this bond issue.
Who is going to get stuck with the ten million upkeep on this new state of the art stadium? I bet that it will be us the taxpayers while the Colts and Irsay enjoys the big income.
We keep hearing of how this deal will bring billions of dollars to Indianapolis while the taxpayers foot the bill.
“The CIB doesn't want you to know how much the Colts are making
off of Lucas Oil Stadium at your expense because it knows just how
outraged you will be when you learn those figures. The important point to
be made in all of this is the fact that the CIB has no means of paying for the
operating and maintenance expenses on the new stadium, which are expected
to top $10 million annually. That's because the deal the CIB negotiated with
the Colts is so one-sided it gives all revenue-producing opportunities to the Colts,
depriving the public of any of the benefits. As far as this writer is concerned, the
Colts had better plan on giving back some of that money. We the public will be
damned if we dig any further into our pockets to subsidize their billion-dollar
franchise.”
http://www.advanceindiana.blogspot.com/
Many states appear to be in recession
Its on its way folks:
The finances of many states have deteriorated so badly that they appear to be in a recession, regardless of whether that's true for the nation as a whole, a survey of all 50 state fiscal directors concludes.
The situation looks even worse for the fiscal year that begins July 1 in most states.
"Whether or not the national economy is in recession - a subject of ongoing debate - is almost beside the point for some states," said the report to be released Friday by the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The weakening economy is hitting tax revenue in a number of ways: People's discretionary income is being gobbled up by higher food and fuel costs, while the tanking housing market means people are spending less on furniture and appliances associated with buying a house.
The situation is grim in Delaware, with a $69 million gap this year, and bleak in California, with a projected $16 billion budget shortfall over the next two years, the report said. Florida does not expect a rapid turnaround in revenue because of the prolonged real estate slump there.
By mid-April, 16 states and Puerto Rico were reporting shortfalls in their current budgets as the revenue those budgets were built on - typically, taxes - fell short of estimates. That's double the number of states reporting a deficit six months ago.
The NCSL said the news is even worse for the upcoming fiscal year, with 23 states and Puerto Rico already reporting budget shortfalls totaling $26 billion. More than two-thirds of states said they are concerned about next year's budgets.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/STATE_FINANCES?SITE=ININS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
The finances of many states have deteriorated so badly that they appear to be in a recession, regardless of whether that's true for the nation as a whole, a survey of all 50 state fiscal directors concludes.
The situation looks even worse for the fiscal year that begins July 1 in most states.
"Whether or not the national economy is in recession - a subject of ongoing debate - is almost beside the point for some states," said the report to be released Friday by the National Conference of State Legislatures.
The weakening economy is hitting tax revenue in a number of ways: People's discretionary income is being gobbled up by higher food and fuel costs, while the tanking housing market means people are spending less on furniture and appliances associated with buying a house.
The situation is grim in Delaware, with a $69 million gap this year, and bleak in California, with a projected $16 billion budget shortfall over the next two years, the report said. Florida does not expect a rapid turnaround in revenue because of the prolonged real estate slump there.
By mid-April, 16 states and Puerto Rico were reporting shortfalls in their current budgets as the revenue those budgets were built on - typically, taxes - fell short of estimates. That's double the number of states reporting a deficit six months ago.
The NCSL said the news is even worse for the upcoming fiscal year, with 23 states and Puerto Rico already reporting budget shortfalls totaling $26 billion. More than two-thirds of states said they are concerned about next year's budgets.
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/S/STATE_FINANCES?SITE=ININS&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT
4/24/2008
Our ACLU
A Marion Superior Court judge on Wednesday denied a request by the ACLU of Indiana to stop the Bureau of Motor Vehicles from invalidating driver's licenses and identification cards of people whose information does not match Social Security Administration records.
It seems that our ACLU only steps up when it is about illegal’s and child molesters or God is in the picture, not to mention the illegal's right to be here in our country.
In 1985 they step forward with a suit that child porn was protected by the by the First Amendment. While production of child porn could be prevented by law, he argued, its distribution could not be.
1998:
The American Civil Liberties Union joins with the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and other concerned individuals and organizations during this the "National Week of Action Against Immigration Raids" in calling for an end to abusive immigration raids.
2005:
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit in federal court in Boston yesterday challenging the US government's funding of a faith-based abstinence program called the Silver Ring Thing, arguing that the public contribution of more than $1 million violates the constitutional separation of church and state.
2006:
A federal lawsuit filed Wednesday pits the need to protect children from sexual predators versus sex offenders' rights to move freely in society after serving their sentences.The ACLU of Indiana filed the suit challenging a new city ordinance that fines child molesters caught near city playgrounds or other gathering spots for children.Calling the ordinance passed in mid-May unconstitutionally vague, the group said it would make law-abiding citizens unwitting violators of the ordinance and hinder their ability to work, vote and worship.
2007:
ACLU of Indiana filed a petition for certiorari on July 2, 2007, seeking review of a case challenging Indiana's voter ID statute. The question presented for review is "whether an Indiana statute mandating that those seeking to vote in-person produce a government-issued photo identification violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution
2007:
ACLU of Indiana has filed a lawsuit concerning the "In God We Trust" license plates. The challenge argues that the fact that this is the only generally available specialty plate that carries no additional cost is a violation of Art. 1, s. 23 of the Indiana Constitution.
GOD BLESS THE ACLU. Opps I may get into legal trouble by saying that.
It seems that our ACLU only steps up when it is about illegal’s and child molesters or God is in the picture, not to mention the illegal's right to be here in our country.
In 1985 they step forward with a suit that child porn was protected by the by the First Amendment. While production of child porn could be prevented by law, he argued, its distribution could not be.
1998:
The American Civil Liberties Union joins with the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and other concerned individuals and organizations during this the "National Week of Action Against Immigration Raids" in calling for an end to abusive immigration raids.
2005:
The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit in federal court in Boston yesterday challenging the US government's funding of a faith-based abstinence program called the Silver Ring Thing, arguing that the public contribution of more than $1 million violates the constitutional separation of church and state.
2006:
A federal lawsuit filed Wednesday pits the need to protect children from sexual predators versus sex offenders' rights to move freely in society after serving their sentences.The ACLU of Indiana filed the suit challenging a new city ordinance that fines child molesters caught near city playgrounds or other gathering spots for children.Calling the ordinance passed in mid-May unconstitutionally vague, the group said it would make law-abiding citizens unwitting violators of the ordinance and hinder their ability to work, vote and worship.
2007:
ACLU of Indiana filed a petition for certiorari on July 2, 2007, seeking review of a case challenging Indiana's voter ID statute. The question presented for review is "whether an Indiana statute mandating that those seeking to vote in-person produce a government-issued photo identification violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the United States Constitution
2007:
ACLU of Indiana has filed a lawsuit concerning the "In God We Trust" license plates. The challenge argues that the fact that this is the only generally available specialty plate that carries no additional cost is a violation of Art. 1, s. 23 of the Indiana Constitution.
GOD BLESS THE ACLU. Opps I may get into legal trouble by saying that.
4/23/2008
Indiana sets new record on the price of gas.
Indiana set a new record for gas prices today.
Overnight, the average price for a gallon of self-serve unleaded rose from $3.47 to $3.552, breaking the previous all-time high of $3.536 set May 26. AAA's Web site updated totals earlier this morning.
In Indianapolis, the average price jumped a dime, from $3.424 to $3.528. The city is now a penny shy of its all-time high, also established May 26.Fort Wayne, Gary, Terre Haute and South Bend all saw all-time highs today. Gary leads the state with a $3.624 average.Truckers and other motorists who use diesel didn't get a break either. Diesel fuel rose to $4.208 a gallon statewide and $4.182 in the city, also records.
Experts blamed the rising costs of oil -- crude neared $120 as the dollar fell to a new low against the euro -- mixed with continued strong U.S. demand for gasoline.
____________________________________________________________
Well Americans keep on buying this product and you will see the price keep going up.
Is the price of gas slowing people down any? I don't think so let.
Overnight, the average price for a gallon of self-serve unleaded rose from $3.47 to $3.552, breaking the previous all-time high of $3.536 set May 26. AAA's Web site updated totals earlier this morning.
In Indianapolis, the average price jumped a dime, from $3.424 to $3.528. The city is now a penny shy of its all-time high, also established May 26.Fort Wayne, Gary, Terre Haute and South Bend all saw all-time highs today. Gary leads the state with a $3.624 average.Truckers and other motorists who use diesel didn't get a break either. Diesel fuel rose to $4.208 a gallon statewide and $4.182 in the city, also records.
Experts blamed the rising costs of oil -- crude neared $120 as the dollar fell to a new low against the euro -- mixed with continued strong U.S. demand for gasoline.
____________________________________________________________
Well Americans keep on buying this product and you will see the price keep going up.
Is the price of gas slowing people down any? I don't think so let.
4/21/2008
What have I been trying to say?
It's not a mystery why personal bankruptcies spiked nearly 40 percent nationwide last year compared to 2006. Nor is it surprising that Indiana remains among the states with the highest per-capita rates of bankruptcy.
High debt and a sudden drop in income (read: layoffs) frequently combine to push families over the brink, and into bankruptcy court. Americans have been piling on debt for years, not just to obtain necessities but also to purchase luxuries they really can't afford.
Now, with a downturn in the national economy, more and more families are stuck in a deep pit, with bankruptcy seen as the only means of escape.
Read more at: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080421/OPINION08/804210312/1291/OPINION08
High debt and a sudden drop in income (read: layoffs) frequently combine to push families over the brink, and into bankruptcy court. Americans have been piling on debt for years, not just to obtain necessities but also to purchase luxuries they really can't afford.
Now, with a downturn in the national economy, more and more families are stuck in a deep pit, with bankruptcy seen as the only means of escape.
Read more at: http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080421/OPINION08/804210312/1291/OPINION08
4/20/2008
A look back.
Dwight D. Eisenhower was our President. Serving under him was Richard M. Nixon. The population of the United States, 180,671,158 and you were expected to live 69.7 years.
The Dow-Jones for this year top out at 658 and the low was 566.
Federal spending was $92.19 Billion and the federal debt was 290.5 billion. Inflation was 1.4% while consumer price index stood at 29.6. Unemployment rate was 5.5%
You could buy a new home for around $16.500, a new car for around $2,000. (I brought a new 1968 for $2800.) A first class stamp? 4 cents. You could buy a gallon of gas for 31 cents, a dozen eggs for .57 and a gallon of milk for .49 cents.
I started working in 1965 on my first full time job. I remember that I made $6,000 for that first year. But, I brought a used home, I had two vehicles, one new, the other one used, and had money left over after these payments were met. I remember eating at a local cafeteria where two bucks could get you fried chicken, mash potatoes, a vegetable and pie on the side. And this includes your drink. I could go to the local barber shop and get a haircut for $1.50. You could go to a movie, get drinks and popcorn for under $5.00 with a date. If you gas guage was sitting on empty, you could fill up for less the $4.00. Of course, our dollar was worth a whole lot more back in the 1960’s
We did not have home computers at this time so there was no need for internet service like most have. We did not have cable TV like we do today only to fined there is still not much worth watching. Not to mention I pods, CD players, if we wanted to listen to music, we turned the radio on. We had a single phone line with no call waiting, three way calling or answer machines or voice mail.
I guess times has changed some good and some maybe for the worst. From 1960 to 2008 these changes have taken place. What will today look like 2056?
The Dow-Jones for this year top out at 658 and the low was 566.
Federal spending was $92.19 Billion and the federal debt was 290.5 billion. Inflation was 1.4% while consumer price index stood at 29.6. Unemployment rate was 5.5%
You could buy a new home for around $16.500, a new car for around $2,000. (I brought a new 1968 for $2800.) A first class stamp? 4 cents. You could buy a gallon of gas for 31 cents, a dozen eggs for .57 and a gallon of milk for .49 cents.
I started working in 1965 on my first full time job. I remember that I made $6,000 for that first year. But, I brought a used home, I had two vehicles, one new, the other one used, and had money left over after these payments were met. I remember eating at a local cafeteria where two bucks could get you fried chicken, mash potatoes, a vegetable and pie on the side. And this includes your drink. I could go to the local barber shop and get a haircut for $1.50. You could go to a movie, get drinks and popcorn for under $5.00 with a date. If you gas guage was sitting on empty, you could fill up for less the $4.00. Of course, our dollar was worth a whole lot more back in the 1960’s
We did not have home computers at this time so there was no need for internet service like most have. We did not have cable TV like we do today only to fined there is still not much worth watching. Not to mention I pods, CD players, if we wanted to listen to music, we turned the radio on. We had a single phone line with no call waiting, three way calling or answer machines or voice mail.
I guess times has changed some good and some maybe for the worst. From 1960 to 2008 these changes have taken place. What will today look like 2056?
4/18/2008
Well here is news. I am retiring from my real job.
As of next Friday I will be retired from my job as a truck driver. I have many things planned to do after retirement. To devote more time to local government and meetings for one. Another may be to work part-time. (anyone who knows of a part-time job let me know) but I will be limited to what kind of a job I can take because of a union retirement. The company plans to take me out of a steak dinner next Friday and also give me that day off, paid of course. If anyone is interested of getting together for coffee some morning, please email me and we will get something going. Thanks and at your service. David.
A word about Carson
It seems that Andre Carson has went back on his promise to not miss a vote in the house. Bart lies and Hoosiers for fair taxation reports that he has missed 6 votes already. Also there are rumors that Andre has spent all the money that was given to him already. Is this a person that you want voting on our budget and taxes? Yes, I am going to come out and endorse Dr. Woody Myers for this seat on the democratic side. Why? I don't think Elrod is strong enough candidate to beat the democrats. This seat has been held by the democrats since forever. Even if I vote for Elrod, there are many area's that I disagree with him on. So there you have it.
Day of Silence
Students Have the Right Not to Remain Silent on the Day of Silence
The annual "Day of Silence," sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN), will be celebrated in many public schools next week. This event encourages students to remain silent on April 25. GLSEN claims the event counteracts bullying, but it is merely promoting an anti-heterosexual viewpoint. Schools can teach students the value of respect without accepting GLSEN’s propaganda event. Many states, like Florida, for example, have laws that require abstinence-based education when sexuality is discussed. In those states the school cannot recognize the Day of Silence without promoting abstinence.
Liberty Counsel is encouraging students to mount a counter-celebration to promote a positive message of purity on the Day of Silence. Students are encouraged to wear white and to distribute flyers promoting sexual purity whenever other students are permitted to distribute literature promoting the Day of Silence. We have posted informational flyers and resources on our Day of Purity web site to promote abstinence. The flyers include information about relationships, STDs and related topics.
Some school administrators do not understand that students cannot be penalized for refusing to observe the Day of Silence. Here are some recent complaints Liberty Counsel has received:
Florida - A principal told a father that if his son was not at school on the Day of Silence that the boy would fail the school year. Indiana - A public school is participating in the Day of Silence against the wishes of some parents. Parents were told that it is "against the law" to cancel the program and that any absences would be unexcused that day. Iowa - A school board member told a former student that a student refusing to speak on the Day of Silence was not anymore disruptive in a school setting than a "Christian wearing a cross." Oklahoma - A high school graduate wrote to her former principal to protest the celebration of the Day of Silence. The principal said that if he did not allow the Day of Silence, he could not allow Bible clubs and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. South Dakota - A student was told that if she is absent on the Day of Silence, she must write a paper explaining why she will not participate.
Students are not required to participate in the Day of Silence. Parents who do not want their children exposed to GLSEN's anti-family agenda can choose to keep their children home. We have prepared a letter that explains that students can choose not to participate in the Day of Silence.
If your child is being discriminated against for not observing the Day of Silence, call Liberty Counsel at 800-671-1776. If you send an email, please include your name, address, daytime telephone number and the best time to return your call.
Please pray that students will be protected from forced indoctrination by GLSEN, especially next week, and that the truth will prevail.
http://www.lc.org/index.cfm?PID=14102&AlertID=825
The annual "Day of Silence," sponsored by the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN), will be celebrated in many public schools next week. This event encourages students to remain silent on April 25. GLSEN claims the event counteracts bullying, but it is merely promoting an anti-heterosexual viewpoint. Schools can teach students the value of respect without accepting GLSEN’s propaganda event. Many states, like Florida, for example, have laws that require abstinence-based education when sexuality is discussed. In those states the school cannot recognize the Day of Silence without promoting abstinence.
Liberty Counsel is encouraging students to mount a counter-celebration to promote a positive message of purity on the Day of Silence. Students are encouraged to wear white and to distribute flyers promoting sexual purity whenever other students are permitted to distribute literature promoting the Day of Silence. We have posted informational flyers and resources on our Day of Purity web site to promote abstinence. The flyers include information about relationships, STDs and related topics.
Some school administrators do not understand that students cannot be penalized for refusing to observe the Day of Silence. Here are some recent complaints Liberty Counsel has received:
Florida - A principal told a father that if his son was not at school on the Day of Silence that the boy would fail the school year. Indiana - A public school is participating in the Day of Silence against the wishes of some parents. Parents were told that it is "against the law" to cancel the program and that any absences would be unexcused that day. Iowa - A school board member told a former student that a student refusing to speak on the Day of Silence was not anymore disruptive in a school setting than a "Christian wearing a cross." Oklahoma - A high school graduate wrote to her former principal to protest the celebration of the Day of Silence. The principal said that if he did not allow the Day of Silence, he could not allow Bible clubs and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. South Dakota - A student was told that if she is absent on the Day of Silence, she must write a paper explaining why she will not participate.
Students are not required to participate in the Day of Silence. Parents who do not want their children exposed to GLSEN's anti-family agenda can choose to keep their children home. We have prepared a letter that explains that students can choose not to participate in the Day of Silence.
If your child is being discriminated against for not observing the Day of Silence, call Liberty Counsel at 800-671-1776. If you send an email, please include your name, address, daytime telephone number and the best time to return your call.
Please pray that students will be protected from forced indoctrination by GLSEN, especially next week, and that the truth will prevail.
http://www.lc.org/index.cfm?PID=14102&AlertID=825
High price of Gas
Where will it all end?
About a dozen semi-trucks descended off I-70 and circled the Statehouse this morning in a staged protest of record-high diesel fuel prices.
With the price of gas here at $3.48 or so where will it go from there? What will the general public do about it? What I have seen, they will do nothing except keep on buying the high price gas. Just look out on the roads on the week-end. Don't tell me that all these people are going or coming from work. Take a good look at the drive Thur at your local McDonald's. I have seen them wrap all the way around the building while no one is inside.
So I say the price has not been to high enough to effect the everyday citizen. Not until we see people stop buying the high price product. And don't give me we have to buy it. Yes you may have to drive to work and back but have you ever heard of car pooling? As you know, you have heard from me on this subject before. But I guess I am lucky because I live close to ever thing, one mile from work, one or two miles where I do my shopping. So I use very little gas, maybe 2 to 3 gallons per week. My wife uses about $25 to $30 dollars per week. Summer time, I enjoy riding my Moped and get 70 mpg. Don't laugh many of you may be riding them before this is over with. They are expecting $4.00 top end this summer. So in closing, keep buying, get making unnecessary trips and the price will keep on climbing.
About a dozen semi-trucks descended off I-70 and circled the Statehouse this morning in a staged protest of record-high diesel fuel prices.
With the price of gas here at $3.48 or so where will it go from there? What will the general public do about it? What I have seen, they will do nothing except keep on buying the high price gas. Just look out on the roads on the week-end. Don't tell me that all these people are going or coming from work. Take a good look at the drive Thur at your local McDonald's. I have seen them wrap all the way around the building while no one is inside.
So I say the price has not been to high enough to effect the everyday citizen. Not until we see people stop buying the high price product. And don't give me we have to buy it. Yes you may have to drive to work and back but have you ever heard of car pooling? As you know, you have heard from me on this subject before. But I guess I am lucky because I live close to ever thing, one mile from work, one or two miles where I do my shopping. So I use very little gas, maybe 2 to 3 gallons per week. My wife uses about $25 to $30 dollars per week. Summer time, I enjoy riding my Moped and get 70 mpg. Don't laugh many of you may be riding them before this is over with. They are expecting $4.00 top end this summer. So in closing, keep buying, get making unnecessary trips and the price will keep on climbing.
IndyBlue
It seems that IndyBlue has taken down thier website. http://www.indybluerollcall.blogspot.com/
tremor
Did you feel the earth quake? Around 5:40 this morning as I was sitting here at my computer reading the Indy Star. Then it happened. I felt the floor under me move and the windows rattle.
Yes folks it was an earth quake.
At 5:40 we had a 5.4 earthquake as reported by U.S. Geologocical Survey. No damage has been reported as let. Do you have earth quake ins. on your home? Better think about it.
Yes folks it was an earth quake.
At 5:40 we had a 5.4 earthquake as reported by U.S. Geologocical Survey. No damage has been reported as let. Do you have earth quake ins. on your home? Better think about it.
4/16/2008
Obscene hand gesture.? Who was it?
Unable to attend last Mondays City county meeting, I reviewed it on the net tonight. At the opening statement by President Bob Cockrum, it seems that when someone was speaking in th last council meeting, someone in the public was making obscene gesture for everyone to see. Let me say up front that I do not support this kind of action from anyone.
Councilor Sanders took the opportunity at the end of the meeting to thank the President for taking a stand on the behavior in the assembly. She reminded everyone the heat that the former leadership took last year from the public. I do not remember anyone giving any obscene gesture or speaking anything obscene at the council meeting last year.
The only thing I saw was people trying to show that they disapproved of city income tax raise and several other issues that was going on with the former city council which she was the majority leader of. We did this by cheering the ones who voted the way we felt. Some did yell no new taxes several times. Besides the tax increase, there was the Monroe Gray issue that was all but covered up. Then there was the issue of a counselor not living with the district that he was to represent.
To Councilor Sanders I would have to say the heat that you took last year, you deserved everything you got. And do you remember how many of the public got booted from your meetings? How many got locked out in 95 degree heat? So Councilor Sanders keep your chin up and stop the crying. The election is over with.
Councilor Sanders took the opportunity at the end of the meeting to thank the President for taking a stand on the behavior in the assembly. She reminded everyone the heat that the former leadership took last year from the public. I do not remember anyone giving any obscene gesture or speaking anything obscene at the council meeting last year.
The only thing I saw was people trying to show that they disapproved of city income tax raise and several other issues that was going on with the former city council which she was the majority leader of. We did this by cheering the ones who voted the way we felt. Some did yell no new taxes several times. Besides the tax increase, there was the Monroe Gray issue that was all but covered up. Then there was the issue of a counselor not living with the district that he was to represent.
To Councilor Sanders I would have to say the heat that you took last year, you deserved everything you got. And do you remember how many of the public got booted from your meetings? How many got locked out in 95 degree heat? So Councilor Sanders keep your chin up and stop the crying. The election is over with.
4/15/2008
Let the politics begin
As I have stated early, about the Marion county income tax and the reason why Mayor Ballard mention this tax in his State of the city address. Vernon Brown, a Democratic City-County Council member introduced a proposal Monday that would reduce the county income tax by half a percentage point.
I am always for a tax cut if it possible. But, Ballard has only four months in office. That is little time to manage a budget of a city the size of Indianapolis. I think this is just playing politics between the Mayor and Mr. Brown. If it was a year down the road and the city had the finances to cut this tax, I would be one hundred percent for it. But lets all remember, this city is 5.7 billion dollars in debt.
I am always for a tax cut if it possible. But, Ballard has only four months in office. That is little time to manage a budget of a city the size of Indianapolis. I think this is just playing politics between the Mayor and Mr. Brown. If it was a year down the road and the city had the finances to cut this tax, I would be one hundred percent for it. But lets all remember, this city is 5.7 billion dollars in debt.
4/14/2008
PANHANDLE PLAINS Abdul goes begging.
Our own Abdul gets thirty dollars in about two hours standing with his sign and cup. What is disappointing is our Mayor only gave Abdul two bits. But that is better then Woody Myers did, only two little pennies.
http://www.indianabarrister.com/archives/2008/04/panhandle_plains.html#comment-9167
http://www.indianabarrister.com/archives/2008/04/panhandle_plains.html#comment-9167
4/12/2008
The war of the blogs (again)
I really don’t get it. For what purpose was this blog and others, made to do? Fight taxes and get politics back into line of the taxpayers. I have not only seen this this happen in many different groups other then these blogs. When we get sidetracked with bickering among ourselves, our main cause will sure fail.
Being a fellow blogger, with a small readership, I try to stay on subjects of local politics and avoid situation like this. Anyone who reads my blog knows who I am and how to get in contact with me.
Fellows. Stop the bickering and stay on subject. Now for the story.
We all know Abdul Hakim-Shabazz and Advance Indiana’s Gary Welsh. The link for this story was sent out by Abdul on his blog.
It seems that Gary has some disagreements with not only Abdul but with many of the other blogs. I will let you read what was posted at
http://indiana.bilerico.com/2008/04/an_open_letter_to_gary_welsh_of_advance.php.
Also what started this is on Advance Indiana blog http://advanceindiana.blogspot.com/2008/04/cancer-is-spreading.html.
How in Indianapolis and Indiana will these blogs survive if such going on keep rising their ugly heads? I refuse to take part of this kind of bickering on this site except to report what I see. This is why when you vist other blog sites you do not see a link to Indianapolis new Goverment site.
Being a fellow blogger, with a small readership, I try to stay on subjects of local politics and avoid situation like this. Anyone who reads my blog knows who I am and how to get in contact with me.
Fellows. Stop the bickering and stay on subject. Now for the story.
We all know Abdul Hakim-Shabazz and Advance Indiana’s Gary Welsh. The link for this story was sent out by Abdul on his blog.
It seems that Gary has some disagreements with not only Abdul but with many of the other blogs. I will let you read what was posted at
http://indiana.bilerico.com/2008/04/an_open_letter_to_gary_welsh_of_advance.php.
Also what started this is on Advance Indiana blog http://advanceindiana.blogspot.com/2008/04/cancer-is-spreading.html.
How in Indianapolis and Indiana will these blogs survive if such going on keep rising their ugly heads? I refuse to take part of this kind of bickering on this site except to report what I see. This is why when you vist other blog sites you do not see a link to Indianapolis new Goverment site.
4/11/2008
New Taxes in Greenwood.
It seems that Greenwood is has taken a lesson from Bart Peterson. They are considering a hotel tax that would lead to a convention and visitors bureau with the purpose of promoting Johnson County. The Greenwood City Council voted 5-1 to preliminarily approve a resolution that supports creation of the tax. A final vote on the resolution will occur at the council's April 21 meeting.
Not only a hotel tax but creation of a local food and beverage tax for Greenwood and municipalities in Johnson County, which would require special legislation by the state.
Where have we heard this one before?
Council member Monica Magna-Rees even had the nerve to say that this money was there for the grabbing with the lines at restaurants. Maybe she thought about saying stealing but as far I know she did not admit this.
So I wonder if the citizens of Greenwood can see the writing on the wall and will stand up as we did in Marion county. I remember getting kick out of several city county meetings because of our income tax raise. I would urge the Greenwood citizens to do the same.
Not only a hotel tax but creation of a local food and beverage tax for Greenwood and municipalities in Johnson County, which would require special legislation by the state.
Where have we heard this one before?
Council member Monica Magna-Rees even had the nerve to say that this money was there for the grabbing with the lines at restaurants. Maybe she thought about saying stealing but as far I know she did not admit this.
So I wonder if the citizens of Greenwood can see the writing on the wall and will stand up as we did in Marion county. I remember getting kick out of several city county meetings because of our income tax raise. I would urge the Greenwood citizens to do the same.
And you have to ask why the crime problem is so bad?
A couple can't agree on which gang their 4-year-old toddler should join.
A fight about the decision led to a public disturbance with the father's arrest. Joseph Manzanares went to the video store where his girlfriend worked, threatened to kill her and knocked over several video displays, police told KMGH Denver.
Police arrested Manzanares at his home, Commerce City police Sgt. Joe Sandoval told KMGH Denver.
The girlfriend told authorities they were fighting over which gang their son should join. The girlfriend, who is black, is a member of the Crips while Manzanares, who is Hispanic, belongs to the Westside Ballers.
"They have different ideas on how the baby should be raised," Sandoval said. "Basically, she said they cannot agree on which gang the baby would 'claim.'
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,350249,00.html
A fight about the decision led to a public disturbance with the father's arrest. Joseph Manzanares went to the video store where his girlfriend worked, threatened to kill her and knocked over several video displays, police told KMGH Denver.
Police arrested Manzanares at his home, Commerce City police Sgt. Joe Sandoval told KMGH Denver.
The girlfriend told authorities they were fighting over which gang their son should join. The girlfriend, who is black, is a member of the Crips while Manzanares, who is Hispanic, belongs to the Westside Ballers.
"They have different ideas on how the baby should be raised," Sandoval said. "Basically, she said they cannot agree on which gang the baby would 'claim.'
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,350249,00.html
4/10/2008
Mayor Greg Ballard said his goal is to repeal a 65 percent income tax increase
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080410/NEWS05/804100438
Folks lets take a close look at this story in the Star.
"Mayor Greg Ballard said his goal is to repeal a 65 percent income tax increase the county enacted last year, but he hinged that promise on state legislation to reduce layers of government."
"Joanne Sanders, the City-County Council minority leader, said the promise sounds good but doesn't represent the reality of the city's budget crisis."
Now my question is this. Where is the promise to repeal this tax? Did Ballard say that he promised to repeal this tax? No he said it might happen if things works out. This is a good move on the Mayors part because the democrats who voted for this tax has already asked why he was not working on revisting this subject.
"Earlier, the Marion County Democratic Party issued a news release that said the Ballard administration had begun with broken promises. The release said Ballard did not live up to campaign pledges to bar lobbyists with a financial interest from city boards, to delay a Super Bowl bid until crime dropped and to cut the mayor's office staff."
"Ballard brushed off the criticism after the speech. He said he has done exactly what he set out to do, beginning with bringing public safety under a single chain of command and introducing a sweeping ethics proposal to make city finances more transparent."
Mayor Ballard said while running for office that he was for the SuperBowl bid. What he said was that he was against any taxpayers money going for that bid.
I never heard of the Mayor say that he would "bar lobbyists" What he said was that he would not pay lobbyists to lobby at the state house for the city of Indianapolis. Last year Bart Peterson paid $300,000 for lobbyists to do this. He has also stated that he wants lobbyist to register with the city and anyone excepting gifts of any kind to be reported so the citizens can see it. This would bring accountability to local government.
I, like many of you hate for our hard earned money to go in the form of taxes. How about instead of repealing this tax or part of this tax, we set up where it is paid on the 5.7 billion dollar debt with the stipulation it would end when the debt was paid.
Folks lets take a close look at this story in the Star.
"Mayor Greg Ballard said his goal is to repeal a 65 percent income tax increase the county enacted last year, but he hinged that promise on state legislation to reduce layers of government."
"Joanne Sanders, the City-County Council minority leader, said the promise sounds good but doesn't represent the reality of the city's budget crisis."
Now my question is this. Where is the promise to repeal this tax? Did Ballard say that he promised to repeal this tax? No he said it might happen if things works out. This is a good move on the Mayors part because the democrats who voted for this tax has already asked why he was not working on revisting this subject.
"Earlier, the Marion County Democratic Party issued a news release that said the Ballard administration had begun with broken promises. The release said Ballard did not live up to campaign pledges to bar lobbyists with a financial interest from city boards, to delay a Super Bowl bid until crime dropped and to cut the mayor's office staff."
"Ballard brushed off the criticism after the speech. He said he has done exactly what he set out to do, beginning with bringing public safety under a single chain of command and introducing a sweeping ethics proposal to make city finances more transparent."
Mayor Ballard said while running for office that he was for the SuperBowl bid. What he said was that he was against any taxpayers money going for that bid.
I never heard of the Mayor say that he would "bar lobbyists" What he said was that he would not pay lobbyists to lobby at the state house for the city of Indianapolis. Last year Bart Peterson paid $300,000 for lobbyists to do this. He has also stated that he wants lobbyist to register with the city and anyone excepting gifts of any kind to be reported so the citizens can see it. This would bring accountability to local government.
I, like many of you hate for our hard earned money to go in the form of taxes. How about instead of repealing this tax or part of this tax, we set up where it is paid on the 5.7 billion dollar debt with the stipulation it would end when the debt was paid.
4/09/2008
City debt reaches $5.7Billion
Well, now we know how much we owe in Indianapolis in debt.
Excepts of mayor's speechPolice and crimeI believe that Government's primary responsibility is public safety, and that's why my team and I have made Public Safety job number one. One of the most obvious weaknesses regarding Public Safety was a disjointedchain of command. In a crisis situation, police and fire must work together, otherwise lives will be lost. That is why I worked to bring IMPD back under the Office of the Mayor.EducationBusinesses need an educated workforce and good schools for their employees' children to attend. We cannot improve our economy without also working to improve the quality of our educational system. Property taxesWhen I went to the state legislature earlier this year, I didn't go there to convince state legislators to stop property tax relief. I went there to encourage them to enact it, because the current system of property taxes threatened to make Marion County unlivable. My job is not to make government comfortable for government, but to make Marion County comfortable for its citizens. Does it make balancing our budget more difficult? Yes it does. Is it worth it to make sure citizens don't live in fear of losing their homes? Definitely. No question.Municipal debtRight now there are over 40 different taxing entities in Marion County. Some of these entities provide needed services, but many duplicate functions already being performed.We must be mindful of the debt that we are leaving for the nextgeneration. Our long term debt in this city is 5.7 billion dollars, 2.8billion of which is supported by your property taxes. In our school systems alone, we have amassed a debt of 1.8 billiondollars. If we are going to address long-term spending problems, the State Legislature needs to give Marion County the ability to finish the job of consolidation that started over 4 decades ago.Access and ethicsA true partnership between government and its constituents is more than listening. It also involves being transparent and honest. Soon we will announce the dates for Indystat, which will be established performancemeasures, and we will make the results open to the public. We are also going to have budget reviews open to the public so that you can scrutinize how we are spending your money. To increase the level of trust our citizens have for their publicofficials, we have introduced a comprehensive ethics reform package. This will give city-county employees, as well as elected officials, clear direction on what is ethical behavior. International flavorAs a Marine, I traveled all over the world, and one thing that struck me was how the world, in the words of Thomas Friedman, is getting flatter.If Indianapolis is to remain competitive 30-40 years from now, we must dedicate ourselves now to increasing our city's international profile.-- Source: Mayor's office
Excepts of mayor's speechPolice and crimeI believe that Government's primary responsibility is public safety, and that's why my team and I have made Public Safety job number one. One of the most obvious weaknesses regarding Public Safety was a disjointedchain of command. In a crisis situation, police and fire must work together, otherwise lives will be lost. That is why I worked to bring IMPD back under the Office of the Mayor.EducationBusinesses need an educated workforce and good schools for their employees' children to attend. We cannot improve our economy without also working to improve the quality of our educational system. Property taxesWhen I went to the state legislature earlier this year, I didn't go there to convince state legislators to stop property tax relief. I went there to encourage them to enact it, because the current system of property taxes threatened to make Marion County unlivable. My job is not to make government comfortable for government, but to make Marion County comfortable for its citizens. Does it make balancing our budget more difficult? Yes it does. Is it worth it to make sure citizens don't live in fear of losing their homes? Definitely. No question.Municipal debtRight now there are over 40 different taxing entities in Marion County. Some of these entities provide needed services, but many duplicate functions already being performed.We must be mindful of the debt that we are leaving for the nextgeneration. Our long term debt in this city is 5.7 billion dollars, 2.8billion of which is supported by your property taxes. In our school systems alone, we have amassed a debt of 1.8 billiondollars. If we are going to address long-term spending problems, the State Legislature needs to give Marion County the ability to finish the job of consolidation that started over 4 decades ago.Access and ethicsA true partnership between government and its constituents is more than listening. It also involves being transparent and honest. Soon we will announce the dates for Indystat, which will be established performancemeasures, and we will make the results open to the public. We are also going to have budget reviews open to the public so that you can scrutinize how we are spending your money. To increase the level of trust our citizens have for their publicofficials, we have introduced a comprehensive ethics reform package. This will give city-county employees, as well as elected officials, clear direction on what is ethical behavior. International flavorAs a Marine, I traveled all over the world, and one thing that struck me was how the world, in the words of Thomas Friedman, is getting flatter.If Indianapolis is to remain competitive 30-40 years from now, we must dedicate ourselves now to increasing our city's international profile.-- Source: Mayor's office
Now you can afford that happy meal.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080409/NEWS05/804090465
More than three-quarters of Indiana homeowners should enjoy a net tax savings of at least $50 under a recently passed tax restructuring law, according to a new analysis by Larry DeBoer, a Purdue University economist.
Some could save even more. DeBoer's analysis estimates the median Hoosier homeowner -- with a total household income of $55,634 and a home worth $120,700 -- will pay about $149 less in total annual taxes under the law.
_____________________________________________
There is one major problem with this story. I remember standing with the rest of you who took the time to come out and protest high property tax last summer after getting out outrages bills in 2007.
Now they come out and tell us that we are going to see a $50 or $150 savings from bills that doubled or even tripled. This is what they call property tax relief in the State of Indiana folks. And don’t forget that there were a lot of us that were told that our value of our property went up in Marion county. My NEW assessment went up by 27% I found out. The so called 1-2-3 caps do not take full effect until 2010.
So we, especially in Marion county will get the shaft again starting in May for the makeup bill for 2007. When will we get the new tax bill for this year? Your guess is as good as mine.
More than three-quarters of Indiana homeowners should enjoy a net tax savings of at least $50 under a recently passed tax restructuring law, according to a new analysis by Larry DeBoer, a Purdue University economist.
Some could save even more. DeBoer's analysis estimates the median Hoosier homeowner -- with a total household income of $55,634 and a home worth $120,700 -- will pay about $149 less in total annual taxes under the law.
_____________________________________________
There is one major problem with this story. I remember standing with the rest of you who took the time to come out and protest high property tax last summer after getting out outrages bills in 2007.
Now they come out and tell us that we are going to see a $50 or $150 savings from bills that doubled or even tripled. This is what they call property tax relief in the State of Indiana folks. And don’t forget that there were a lot of us that were told that our value of our property went up in Marion county. My NEW assessment went up by 27% I found out. The so called 1-2-3 caps do not take full effect until 2010.
So we, especially in Marion county will get the shaft again starting in May for the makeup bill for 2007. When will we get the new tax bill for this year? Your guess is as good as mine.
4/08/2008
Fire Department needs 1.5 million dollars
So far this year, the department has spent about double the whole year's overtime budget -- each month. That's just one of a host of problems that has Mayor Greg Ballard pushing for an overhaul of the entire department. The agency faces several high-profile discrimination lawsuits, and word came Monday that its chief is leaving to become state fire marshal.
This budget wasn't realistic," said Newman, who was appointed by the mayor. "It flies in the face of public accountability, and I think it's misleading to the public."
Newman said the bottom line is that the department must shift up to $1.5 million from other areas to its overtime costs.
The IFD merger last year with the Washington and Warren township fire departments was promoted by then-Mayor Bart Peterson as a move that would save on overtime and other costs.
_____________________________________________________________________
Looks like Bart did it again. It seems that he was more interested in building a billion dollar dome then to take care of the city of Indianapolis.
This budget wasn't realistic," said Newman, who was appointed by the mayor. "It flies in the face of public accountability, and I think it's misleading to the public."
Newman said the bottom line is that the department must shift up to $1.5 million from other areas to its overtime costs.
The IFD merger last year with the Washington and Warren township fire departments was promoted by then-Mayor Bart Peterson as a move that would save on overtime and other costs.
_____________________________________________________________________
Looks like Bart did it again. It seems that he was more interested in building a billion dollar dome then to take care of the city of Indianapolis.
4/07/2008
Watch out for panhandlers this week.
Watch out for panhandles this coming Wednesday and Friday this week. That guy that is begging for change on the corner may be well know to some folks. I will not tell you who it’s going to be but the two that will be there is well know in this city. Should be fun to see if anyone knows who they are.
City County Tax
I meant to post this last month but I must be getting old and forgot. It seems that our Councilman Vern B Brown is concern with the Marion County income tax that they voted to raise last year. Now he wants the council to look into the law to see if they can lower the rate once again.
It seems that Mr. Brown forgot that most of the city council voted to increase the very same tax, most of whom was defeated in the last election. If I understand the Indiana law, you can only visit this tax once every two years.
It seems that Mr. Brown forgot that most of the city council voted to increase the very same tax, most of whom was defeated in the last election. If I understand the Indiana law, you can only visit this tax once every two years.
4/05/2008
Many will be paying more
Chris Manolis hoped reassessment would provide some relief from the 2007 property tax bill on his Near-Northside home that nearly doubled from the previous year.
The General Motors retiree was shocked when the new values were revealed last week. His revised 2007 tax bill will be about $2,500 more than the flawed bill thrown out when Gov. Mitch Daniels ordered the reassessment.
Manolis is not alone: Nearly 30,000 homeowners in Marion County are likely to receive revised bills higher than their original 2007 bills because of the reassessment, according to an analysis by The Indianapolis Star.
More than 20,000 of those who will end up paying more are in Center Township, where The Star found seven census tracts in which bills are likely to increase for 75 percent or more of the homeowners. Across the township, bills are expected to increase on four of every 10 homes.
Since the start of this property tax relief, I have been trying to tell people that there will be no property tax relief, with little feed back from the readers here. Well I guess the history of our property tax relief has never came true for us taxpayers. With your new property tax relief, the new 1 per cent sales tax and not to memtion prices going up everyplace, don't you think its time to start taking action again?
The General Motors retiree was shocked when the new values were revealed last week. His revised 2007 tax bill will be about $2,500 more than the flawed bill thrown out when Gov. Mitch Daniels ordered the reassessment.
Manolis is not alone: Nearly 30,000 homeowners in Marion County are likely to receive revised bills higher than their original 2007 bills because of the reassessment, according to an analysis by The Indianapolis Star.
More than 20,000 of those who will end up paying more are in Center Township, where The Star found seven census tracts in which bills are likely to increase for 75 percent or more of the homeowners. Across the township, bills are expected to increase on four of every 10 homes.
Since the start of this property tax relief, I have been trying to tell people that there will be no property tax relief, with little feed back from the readers here. Well I guess the history of our property tax relief has never came true for us taxpayers. With your new property tax relief, the new 1 per cent sales tax and not to memtion prices going up everyplace, don't you think its time to start taking action again?
4/03/2008
Get ready to pay more money out of your paycheck.
As you all know, the democrats voted against renewing the tax cuts that Bush got passed. Here is what it will do to us in 2010.
The one-fifth of households in the middle of the income spectrum will be paying an average $647
more in federal taxes.
The top one percent of households will be paying more averaging almost $35,000 — or 54 times as much as that received on average by those in the middle of the income spectrum.
Households with incomes above $1 million will be paying more, averaging about $123,600. The taxes for millionaires will cause their after-tax income to fall by 6.4 percent, nearly three times the percentage decrease received by the middle fifth.
In 2004, the middle 20 percent of households will receive 8.9 percent of the tax cuts.
The one-fifth of households in the middle of the income spectrum will be paying an average $647
more in federal taxes.
The top one percent of households will be paying more averaging almost $35,000 — or 54 times as much as that received on average by those in the middle of the income spectrum.
Households with incomes above $1 million will be paying more, averaging about $123,600. The taxes for millionaires will cause their after-tax income to fall by 6.4 percent, nearly three times the percentage decrease received by the middle fifth.
In 2004, the middle 20 percent of households will receive 8.9 percent of the tax cuts.
More sex and politics.
I have not heard this reported but here it is. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,345153,00.html
Husband of Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow Caught in Sex Sting
The husband of Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., told police he paid a prostitute $150 for sex in February.
Troy, Mich., police were investigating an Internet-based prostitution ring when they stopped Stabenow's husband, Thomas Athans, whom police believed had just met a prostitute at a hotel and paid to have sex with her, according to The Detroit News. Athans admitted to paying the 20-year-old woman to perform oral sex on him.
Athans was not arrested, but agreed to cooperate with the investigation, the paper reported, citing police documents.
"This is very disturbing and serious. Obviously, it's a deeply difficult and personal matter," Stabenow said, according to a statement from her office.
Troy police Lt. Gerry Scherlinck would not confirm that Athans was working with police, telling FOX News his agency does not release names of investigation witnesses — which Athans would be if he were cooperating with the probe.
Scherlinck confirmed, however, that department detectives did go to a Residence Inn to investigate unusual activity on Feb. 26, and stopped a man coming out who agreed to testify in court.
Athans also is co-founder and former CEO of the liberal Democracy Radio.
Husband of Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow Caught in Sex Sting
The husband of Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., told police he paid a prostitute $150 for sex in February.
Troy, Mich., police were investigating an Internet-based prostitution ring when they stopped Stabenow's husband, Thomas Athans, whom police believed had just met a prostitute at a hotel and paid to have sex with her, according to The Detroit News. Athans admitted to paying the 20-year-old woman to perform oral sex on him.
Athans was not arrested, but agreed to cooperate with the investigation, the paper reported, citing police documents.
"This is very disturbing and serious. Obviously, it's a deeply difficult and personal matter," Stabenow said, according to a statement from her office.
Troy police Lt. Gerry Scherlinck would not confirm that Athans was working with police, telling FOX News his agency does not release names of investigation witnesses — which Athans would be if he were cooperating with the probe.
Scherlinck confirmed, however, that department detectives did go to a Residence Inn to investigate unusual activity on Feb. 26, and stopped a man coming out who agreed to testify in court.
Athans also is co-founder and former CEO of the liberal Democracy Radio.
4/01/2008
What is a milliion or two?
City commitment
Paul Okeson, chief of staff to Mayor Greg Ballard, said the city expects to cover public safety costs between $1 million and $2 million for the big game.
"We don't have the exact numbers, but we think it will be on the lower end of that scale," Okeson said. "For a potential economic impact of about $300 million, we think that's worth it."
Mr. Okeson: It depending on who is getting that $300 million. If the taxpayers get no true return on this money, then we lose again. How about putting a extra one time tax on places who will benifit from this project include Irsay and the Colts?
Paul Okeson, chief of staff to Mayor Greg Ballard, said the city expects to cover public safety costs between $1 million and $2 million for the big game.
"We don't have the exact numbers, but we think it will be on the lower end of that scale," Okeson said. "For a potential economic impact of about $300 million, we think that's worth it."
Mr. Okeson: It depending on who is getting that $300 million. If the taxpayers get no true return on this money, then we lose again. How about putting a extra one time tax on places who will benifit from this project include Irsay and the Colts?
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