Same-Sex Marriage on the Ballot

We are less than a week away until election day. Of course, my mind is constantly preoccupied with "Mittmentum" and getting that guy moved into the White House for the next four years. But there are some state races here in Washington that are turning into quite a fight. Or maybe not so much of a fight but more of a game-changer. 

R-74: Allowing same-sex couples to marry.

This is a society game-changer.

I found this WONDERFUL article today. I may be a little "out of the loop" but I haven't even heard of Dennis Prager until I stumbled upon this article. He is a conservative commentator and syndicated radio talk-show host. So, who knew? Not me? But I may look for him from now on! Here are three amazing take-aways from his article:

(1) Prager provided the best view on the other "side" (aka the pro side) that I've seen to date on this issue. He talks about the "fairness" idea within the same-sex marriage argument. All the Pro-R-74 commercials are nice people who love each other and/or family members and want them to be able to marry and be happy. And not allowing them to marry and be happy is unfair. And Prager points out that is true. It is unfair. But when standards are created, they WILL always be unfair to some. He's right. Traditional marriage is not fair for some people and that made me feel more compassion on the issue than before. Simply recognizing this fact was good for me...and maybe I felt a twinge of self-guilt that I lacked more compassion on the issue before. But even though it may be unfair, it's not enough to swing the pendulum in favor of same-sex marriage (...keep reading). 

(2) He also does a VERY FINE job debunking the myth that denying marriage to same-sex couples is equivalent to racism. When I hear this argument, the hairs on my neck literally stand on end. I am not a racist. And I am not a hater. I am moral and I have a right to an opinion on a MORAL argument. Please read his full article if you think opposition to same-sex marriage is somehow equivalent to racism. No matter where you stand on same-sex marriage, it is easy to see how this issue is anything akin to racism. 

(3) His main point is so clear; I just loved it. He essentially states gender is important - vital, in fact to our society. Allowing same-sex marriage will erase gender identifications. My own religious doctrine also coincides with the idea that gender is not an accident: "Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose." Prager goes on to state a society that allows same-sex marriage essentially nullifies gender. Forget "motherhood", "fatherhood", mom/dad, male/female. Just watch...litigation over such titles will overflow in our judicial system (it already has...as Prager points to specific examples). He goes on to point out why this will be so destructive. 

My point is...just read this article...wherever you stand on R-74 or same-sex marriage. It is worth 5 minutes of your time. 

Full article click here.

Sources: The Family: A Proclamation to the World

Washington Voters...how to vote?

I know, I know...I have sucked at this blog lately. Remember that I had a baby?? Well, somehow, having three kids has pushed most of what I used to call "free time" into a black hole. But that's besides the point....more important issues are upon us in the political realm and I am trying to stay tuned and involved on the current events. Not sure how I feel about the GOP race yet....

But this Tuesday is election day. Be sure and exercise your right to vote! You get to decide and that's a blessed part of being an American.

For my locals, we have a few initiatives on the ballot. The liquor store debate is up again, along with a car-tab tax and a few others. Not sure how to vote?? David Boze has a pretty good idea. He is a talk-show host and I really like him. I also love his concise and to-the-point opinion on how he will be voting and why. I agree with him (in case you are interested).

Take a look if you are trying to figure it out...it will take you 30 seconds to read. I swear.

CLICK HERE

Happy Voting!!

More Initiative Details

I just couldn't get it done, folks. I wanted to give you my personal opinion on the referendums and initiatives for the election, but ballots must be postmarked in TWO days!!  And I've been caught up in the whirlwind of Halloween festivities, birthdays, and a few new offspring added to the family (2 in 2 days...how sweet is that!!). Plus I'm leaving my kids for a few days and the prep to get out of town without your kids is almost more than if they were going with you...

But I didn't want to leave you hanging.

A conservative friend of mine passed along Matt Shea's recommendations and I liked most of what he recommends and has to say.  Take it with a grain of salt, but if you're looking for a conservative member of our Washington State Senate for some guidance, Shea is a good one.  

Whatever you political leaning, whatever your choice, just VOTE! This election is important...and your vote is your voice.

___________________________________________________________________

Use links for full text of the Initiatives and referendums

MATT SHEA'S ANALYSIS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Initiative 1053 - Concerns tax and fee increases imposed by state government.
This measure would restate existing statutory requirements that legislative actions raising taxes must be approved by two-thirds legislative majorities or receive voter approval, and that new or increased fees require majority legislative approval.

Vote Yes. “All power is inherent in the people…” Washington Constitution Article 1, Section 1. The people decided to put another limitation and check on an out of control government.  What’s more Republican than that?

Initiative 1082– Concerns industrial insurance.
This measure would authorize employers to purchase private industrial insurance (a/k/a workers' compensation) beginning July 1, 2012; direct the Legislature to enact conforming legislation by March 1, 2012; and eliminate the worker-paid share of medical-benefit premiums.

Vote Yes. Washington is one of only 4 states that do not allow a private option.  This measure would lower the L&I cost and provide much 
need relief to our struggling small business owners. 

Initiative 1098 - Concerns establishing a state income tax and reducing other taxes.
This measure would tax “adjusted gross income” above $200,000 (individuals) and 400,000 (joint-filers), reduce state property tax levies, reduce certain business and occupation taxes, and direct any increased revenues to education and health.

Vote No. This violates the State Constitution Article 7, Section 1 which reads “All taxes shall be uniform upon the same class of property within the territorial limits of the authority levying the tax and shall be levied and collected for public purposes only. The word "property" as used herein shall mean and include everything, whether tangible or intangible, subject to ownership.” The State Supreme Court has correctly ruled on multiple occasions that income (defined here as the fruits of one’s labor) is property.  That is consistent with the founding fathers view as well.

Initiative 1100 - Concerns liquor (beer, wine and spirits).
This measure would close state liquor stores; authorize sale, distribution, and importation of spirits by private parties; and repeal certain requirements that govern the business operations of beer and wine distributors and producers.
 

Vote Yes. The role of government is to protect our God given unalienable rights to life, liberty, and property not run liquor stores.  Like taxpayer funding of abortion clinics, it is also morally reprehensible to use tax payer dollars to distribute liquor.

Initiative 1105- Concerns liquor (beer, wine and spirits).
This measure would close all state liquor stores and license private parties to sell or distribute spirits. It would revise laws concerning regulation, taxation and government revenues from distribution and sale of spirits.

Vote No. This expands the size and scope of government through new mandates and licenses effectively trading one monopoly for another.  It also proposes two tax increases.

Initiative 1107- Concerns reversing certain 2010 amendments to state tax laws. 
This measure would end sales tax on candy; end temporary sales tax on some bottled water; end temporary excise taxes on carbonated beverages; and reduce tax rates for certain food processors.

Vote Yes. Cuts taxes and eliminates a massive regulatory burden on businesses to figure out which items are “candy” and should be taxed.

Referendum Bill 52 - Concerns authorizing and funding bonds for energy efficiency projects in school per EHB 2561 as passed by the Legislature.
This bill would authorize bonds to finance construction and repair projects increasing energy efficiency in public schools and higher education buildings, and continue the sales tax on bottled water otherwise expiring in 2013.

Vote No. This is deficit spending and dishonest.  This would allow “projected energy savings” to be the asset against  which to bond half a billion dollars at a total cost to tax payers of almost $1 billion. 

Senate Joint Resolution 8225- The Legislature has proposed a constitutional amendment concerning the limitation on state debt.
SJR 8225 would require the state to reduce the interest accounted for in calculating the constitutional debt limit, by the
amount of federal payments scheduled to be received to offset that interest.

Vote No. This is an accounting trick to allow the state to borrow more money above the current constitutional debt limit while our spending remains out-of-control.

Engrossed Substgitute House Joint Resolution 4220 - The legislature has proposed a constitutional amendment on denying bail for persons charged with certain criminal offenses.
ESHJR 4220 would authorize courts to deny bail for offenses punishable by the possibility of life in prison, on clear and convincing evidence of a propensity for violence that would likely endanger persons.

Vote Yes. This would restore the original understanding of when bail could be denied for “capital offenses.”  Had this been in place it likely would have prevented the infamous Lakewood shootings.

I-1107

"The Columbian recommends a 'Yes' vote on Initiative 1107, which would repeal the tax increases. We do so for three reasons: our belief that an economic crisis is the worst time to increase taxes, the unpardonable secrecy that ushered these tax increases to reality, and the abject silliness nestled in the details of the legislation."

 - www.stopgrocerytaxes.com, 10.28.2010

I love candy. We call it "nannies" at my house. We love soda. It's my therapy. I really do NEED Diet Coke. I just do, okay? But if you're concerned, I can assure you I'm not addicted...I recently went nine weeks without my beloved Diet Coke and managed just fine, thank you! No convulsions, withdrawals, or headaches. I know I have now alleviated all your personal concerns about my DC consumption...moving on...

Initiative 1107 is an easy one for me. I was mad about this from the get-go. I-1107 ends the recent tax on candy, soda and bottled water. This was an arbitrary tax to add revenue to our state's general fund. 

Taxing these items was a simple solution for our legislature to neglect their job, which is to prioritize spending and government services. They simply tacked on a tax to soda, bottled water and candy, but made it more arbitrary than anything else. A Snickers bar is taxed, but not a Twix. Say what? This tax also hurt local manufacturers because they previously had a lower B&O tax; this advantage was taken away.

Opponents of I-1107 are mostly unions. I say this time and time again...unions need tax dollars to keep their jobs and their amazing pensions and amazing health care. When they are voting NO on I-1107 they are essentially voting for themselves. I-1107 opponents claim community health care centers and school class sizes are all at risk if 1107 passes...and honestly, they're right...because EVERYTHING SHOULD BE ON THE TABLE. All government programs should be analyzed with a microscope because when 1107 is approved, cuts WILL need to be made. And in my opinion, it's about freakin' time.

Another easy one. Washington friends: Vote YES on I-1107.

I-1053

"We simply can't afford to have it all. With I-1053, Olympia will finally be forced to reform government, prioritize spending and re-evaluate existing programs.  Without I-1053, they'll resort to job-killing, family-budget-busting tax increases."

 - Argument For I-1053, State of Washington Voter's Pamphlet

This is to counteract what our state legislature suspended earlier this year. I blogged about my disgust when I-960 was about to be overturned here (It was overturned a short time afterwards). I-960 required a 2/3 legislative majority vote to increase taxes, and I-1053 re-instates this requirement.

This is an issue voters continue to make clear: we want the legislature to be prudent when raising taxes. 

In general, raising taxes should be a BIG deal. I want the state to make the tough decisions about what to change and where to cut back when state's revenue contracts. It's what people do in their everyday lives when times get tough. Sometimes you just have to cut your HD-programming...or cable altogether. I LOVE Project Runway (season finale tonight!), but if my husband loses his job, I know I am losing cable, and in turn, my dear, sweet Tim Gunn. (sigh!...Make it work!)

Not everything in the state budget is a priority and I refuse to accept that as an excuse for raising taxes. Three times previously, voters have approved initiatives requiring majorities to raise taxes. We are the people. This is our state...quit overturning OUR voice.

This is an easy one. My fellow Washingtonians: Vote YES on 1053.

I-1100 and I-1105---thoughts?

I'm sorting through our almost record number initiatives here in Washington state and am wondering what you're thinking. My question with I-1100 and I-1105 is whether or not this is a MORAL issue or a GOVERNMENT MONOPOLY issue. For most, I doubt this is a moral issue, but for me personally, as one who does not consume alcoholic beverages, I'm trying to decide if my moral stance affects my choice. 

Here are some facts about I-1100 and I-1105 (as I see them...)

•  Our state has a monopoly on the sale/price and distribution of hard liquor.
•  Currently, the state sets the price of hard liquor by two facets: markup and taxes. Last year, rather than increase taxes on liquor, they chose to increase the markup (from 39.2% to 51.9%), to allow greater generation of tax revenue. Either way, the government holds all the cards.
• Private businesses would love the opportunity to sell liquor, which is what I-1100 would allow. Should 1100 pass, businesses would apply for a general liquor retailer's license, meet the requirements, pay the fees, and be in the game.
• Costco and Safeway have contributed millions to this campaign. Most supporters are private businesses knowing they could expand and grow their companies with the addition of hard liquor to their inventories.
• Opponents of I-1100 express concerns with safety, foreseeing that if prices become cheaper, which is inevitable, people will drink more and children will be able to get their hands on liquor easier. 
• Smaller liquor producing businesses believe they will be forced out of the business altogether because they will not be able to compete with the volume discounts larger retailers will receive.  
• I-1100 provides a timing window to close the state-run liquor stores and authorize the operation of new privately managed liquor stores.
• Opponents of I-1100 are obviously concerned about the loss of revenue, which would provide a gap for our state....but this is where I-1105 comes in. 
• I-1105 directs the state legislature to create a "new tax on the sale of spirits to spirits distributors." AKA...bring in the middle man.  
• I-1105 also requires contracting retailers to pay the state 6% of their gross annual spirits sales during the first five years of sales. 
• Between a new tax code and the retailers paying 6% of gross sales, I-1105 states the revenue to the government must at least stay the same, plus add an additional $100 million over a net 5-year period.

A SUMMARY OF REESE'S THOUGHTS:

As a conservative thinker, I love the idea of taking the government out of most anything. A bureaucratically-run "business" is usually not run very efficiently. What's in it for the government to cut costs when they can simply raise taxes and/or markups? Private businesses must sell at a certain profit level and manage their costs enough to make the sale worthwhile. I want private businesses to grow, which in turns add jobs. Sure, state-run liquor stores will close, but how many more private jobs will be created? All without taxpayers footing the bill.

  

On the other hand, as a non-drinker, do I really care/want liquor to become cheaper? Do I care that hard liquor may be more visible as I take my daughters to the grocery store with me? As of now, we usually just avoid those aisles. My children are well aware about my choice of not drinking alcohol and it's not something we revisit weekly. I doubt I will ever point out the distinction between wine vs. beer vs. liquor in terms of one being "better" than the others. They are all off-limits in my book.

Do I think liquor will become more accessible to minors if 1100 and 1105 pass? Not really. Retailers are still on the hook not to sell to minors, lest they lose their license. And as proponents of 1100 point out, without a monopoly to run, the State Liquor Control Board can focus on just that...control and enforcement. 

Initiative 1105 makes it necessary to adjust the tax code to maintain the existing revenue stream to the state (plus a little extra). So as far as the government feeling a pinch, I-1105 makes it so that won't happen. 

So, I'm leaning to Yes to I-1100 to take the government out of the business of selling liquor, and Yes to I-1105 so that taxes are still a big part of the equation. I am a believer that taxes influence choice and just like I don't mind cigarettes being expensive, I won't mind if liquor continues to be on the pricier side. Prices and taxes mold behavior in all facets of life.

So what are your thoughts on these two initiatives???  

Sources:

State of Washington Voters' Pamphlet Guide

King5 News Up Front with Robert Mak, Voters Guide

Washington Voters Guide Tonight

From the King5 News website:

There are six initiatives on this year's ballot.  And, that doesn't include two proposed constitutional changes and a referendum.  How can you figure out what all these ballot measures mean? Don't miss the KING 5 News Up Front Voters Guide.  Robert Mak breaks down the complexities and helps you make the right decisions. Tune in Tuesday night at 7 p.m.


I've said it over and over (but I will say it again!) there is a lot at stake with this year's election and the best thing a voter can do is be informed. Some of these initiatives will have a significant impact on our state's economy and future. Tune in or TIVO if you are interested...

1098 Union Power

At issue on this Washington ballot is how government is to respond when it is spending more money than it takes in.  The answer may help tell the rest of us whether our future is to be government of the public employee, by the public employee and for the public employee."

 - William McGurn, WSJ

Have you heard the phrase, "FOLLOW THE MONEY"? 

Finding out where the money is coming from and where it's going can give a person the truest sense of what's really going on.

With I-1098, the money here is VERY important. The Wall Street Journal has a great piece by William McGurn today about how Unions are (by far) the largest supporters of the "Vote Yes" campaign for 1098.

Just a few great snippets from McGurn:

"Far from a civil war among the rich, the push for I-1098 is being led and financed by unions. In a day when organized labor claims more members in government than in the private sector, it's not surprising to learn that public-employee unions are front and center. Their leadership raises a question asked by beleaguered taxpayers across America: Do state budgets exist to serve their citizens or their government employees?"

"The unions are involved in this initiative because they see it as the only way to maintain vital health-care and education services."

"Of the roughly $6.2 million raised by the lead group urging a "yes" on 1098, $4.1 million comes from unions. The largest chunk of this money comes from two unions and their local affiliates: the Service Employees International Union and the National Education Association (the teachers union)." 

"In a recent article for the Seattle Times, one local businessman pointed out that 60% of the state budget is untouchable because it relates to salaries and benefits for public employees that are governed by union contracts. At a time when the government is facing shortfalls totalling $4.5 billion, he says that the government unions 'have more control over our state budget than we the people have.'"

Doesn't it make sense the Unions are all over 1098? The livelihood of their outlandish health care benefits and retirement packages are all based on a tax structure that can keep up with their demands. And who is responsible for the bill? Private sector taxpayers who fund these benefits while getting by with their more market-driven benefit plans. 

Do you see a trend here? The Unions have P-O-W-E-R...more than you or I realize. 

Just today, Boeing announced increases in 2011 health care contributions for their non-union employees.  The unions, however, are untouched because they are bound by union contracts. And you can bet the unions will put up a huge fight when negotiations begin and an increase in personal benefit contributions are at the table (can you say strike?). 

Yes, Bill Gates is out there saying 1098 is such a good thing (and in my opinion he can go ahead and write a bigger check to the government out of the goodness of his heart if he so chooses), but the real backers of 1098 are Unions who refuse to accept a contraction in their way of life. 

But where does that leave you and I? 

Sources:

WSJ: William McGurn 10.19.2010

Boeing Raises Health-plan Costs for Most NonUnion Workers, 10.19.2010

Ballots are Coming

The ballots are coming. Voting day is approaching...can you feel the intensity? I'm already feeling bombarded with the print ads and TV advertising, but it will still heat up as November approaches.  Here's what I have to say about our Washington races:

(1) DINO vs. MURRAY

Stick with the issues. Murray continues to attack Dino with half-truth allegations and forgets that she's the one on the hot seat. She's part of a Congress that's made our economic situation go from bad to worse. She's part of a Senate which has neglected to pass a budget, and has avoided a vote for our tax structure which is set to begin in 2 1/2 months. She has been a proponent of the stimulus, and Obamacare, which they continue to say, "You're gonna like it, I promise" (Obamacare) and "It will eventually create jobs" (Stimulus).  The problem is we don't like it because the only way to support these programs is through OUR precious tax dollars. 

Do you find it interesting there isn't a single incumbent Democrat around the country running on how they passed milestone legislation for health care???  They know Obamacare was rammed through without support of the American public and they won't win any points by touting such a shameful, unconstitutional "achievement."  

This election is about jobs, the economy and reigning in government control over our lives. What has Patty Murray done to make any improvement?  She's been in office during our boom and now through our recession and yet still is mum about her track record and how that's affected me and you.

Just remember to stick to the issues. Stick to the issues. JOBS and the ECONOMY. 

(2) I-1098

It appears the State Income Tax initiative is in a dead-heat. I am so passionate about defeating 1098 but I think a lot of Washingtonians are feeling indifferent since it's only written to tax wealthier Washingtonians. 

Please share these facts with your friends and neighbors...two years, people...TWO SHORT YEARS and our State Government can make this income tax apply to ALL income-earning Washingtonians. And since our state re-wrote the law on tax hikes a few months ago, it only requires a simple majority vote. And if you trust them to hold back just look at our Sales Tax. It's one of the highest in the country and it continues to go up.  

1098 will not exist in a vacuum either. The effects of a state income tax will filter down to negatively affect our state economy and job growth. A state income tax will deter businesses from relocating to Washington and will deter businesses from expansion. That is job growth and we will see less of it. 

I am probably a broken record...but PLEASE, speak up. Share the details. And VOTE. Vote Vote Vote.

Business speaking out

"For years, the lack of a state income tax has been a powerful selling point to companies and individuals looking to move to Washington. This November's vote will have a big impact on our region's future growth opportunities."

 - Mike Hughes, President of Safeco Insurance

The State Income Tax debate is in full force here in Washington. If Initiative 1098 passes, our state will go from having the lowest state income tax (ZERO) to the fifth highest in the nation. 

Are you eyes wide open now?!...yes, the FIFTH highest.

And some of you are saying...well, that's only for the rich. I'll be fine.

But, like I've blogged about before, just give it two years, my friends, and we'll all be paying into this system.

Want to know who's speaking out against 1098?  Businesses. LOTS of them.

To see a list of businesses that have publicly come out against I-1098 and some great press releases from leaders at some of our largest businesses (Microsoft, Boeing, etc.), click here.

Even if you STILL believe the state income tax won't affect you, you should STILL oppose I-1098 to give our state the best advantage in retaining and attracting businesses to Washington State. It's not just a tax on the super rich...the effects will be far more reaching.

Do You Trust These Guys?

"Start with the damage it would do to Washington's business climate, and how smacking a narrow band of successful people with a new tax of 5 to 9 percent would take almost $2 billion a year out of the private sector.  An income tax would fall like a ton of bricks on some of those involved with the most innovative, job-producing businesses and companies in Southwest Washington and the rest of the state."

 - WA State Senator Joseph Zarelli

Voting day looms...but Washingtonians need to pay attention to Initiative 1098. It could change your life...not all at once, but it will...and not in a good way.

  

Washington State is in financial trouble and this is the solution: Create a state income tax.

They will start with the highest wage earners (those making over $200k)...these people don't need that money anyway. Who the heck gets to decide who doesn't need their hard-earned cash-o-la? 

I hate this idea of pitting lower wage earners against higher wage earners.  I don't fall into the "rich" category, but I am still freaked out of 1098.  Here's why: I don't trust the government.  1098 paves the way for a full-fledged state income tax in two years for ALL income earners and you better believe they will move in that direction.  

This new state income tax structure will eventually include lower wage earners and the promised tax "eliminations" with 1098 are not permanent and will most likely be re-instated within a few years.  

From defeat1098.com, here are 5 points to consider:

1) We can’t trust the politicians in Olympia with an income tax. If this state income tax on “the rich” is passed, a simple majority of the legislature can extend an income tax to everyone in just two years.

2) The 1098 income tax initiative includes no protections on how high the tax rates can go. 1098 is a new tax on income of more than $2 billion in the first year alone.

3) The supporters of Initiative 1098 say that the revenues from a state income tax would be used for education and health programs, but the truth is that the legislature can spend the funds however it wants.

4) While the income tax would be permanent, the promised relief on property and business taxes is not guaranteed to be permanent and could be eliminated by the legislature in just two years.

5) Job creation will be harmed by the 1098 income tax. As The Seattle Times wrote, “I-1098 also takes away the most important tax-based advantage Washington has in attracting businesses and jobs here: our lack of a state income tax. This state needs that advantage.”  - -

This last one is very scary to me. The health of our state depends on the health of the private sector, which is the ONLY area of the economy that actually creates a single job. Lack of a state income tax is a huge windfall for companies that move here...but we will soon lose that advantage if 1098 is passed. 

And what I find very interesting is the Bill Gates, Sr. television ad tnever actually mentions the words "Income Tax"...it just talks about lowering your tax bill.

If you knew Steve Ballmer (CEO of Microsoft) and Steve Bezos (CEO of Amazon.com) have come out against I-1098 you would realize what this bill will do to attract businesses to this state. Businesses large and small are worried. I am too.

It's a job killer, my friends. Wake up and smell the Starbucks...it may not be here much longer.

More Reading:
Wall Street Journal: The Gates of Confiscation
No on I-1098 - Imposing Income Tax Would Kill the State's Advantage

Dino is Back

"Restore the Dream.

Control Spending."

 - Dino Rossi

He's back!!! I was thrilled when I got the news.

See it here...there may be hope yet for our deeply entrenched liberal state of Washington! 

I would like nothing other than to see Patty Murray un-seated.

CNN even says it could be "competitive".  I think they're underestimating us...and Dino.

Source: CNN Article 

Encourage Motivation NOT Entitlement

"Losing her health care ended up causing her her life."

 - Marcelas Owens (11-yrs old)

Once again, rather than talk facts and empirical data, Democrats instead play on people's emotions and portray the opponents of government-run health care as horrible, despicable people.    

This is the basic story: Marcelas Owens (now 11 yrs old) was the son of a single mother who lost her job and her insurance and later died of a fatal form of high blood pressure.

Read carefully: Yes, this is tragic and sad.  Children growing up without a mother and father is a very sad thing.  

But these are the parts of the story that are causing me to twitch:

 - Owens mother, Tifanny, was a single mother. Where was the father? When a woman makes a choice bringing about not-so-easy natural consequences (i.e., conceiving three children out of wedlock without a supportive father) does it mean the American taxpayer should fill this void? Should we be responsible? What about Medicaid? She was unemployed with three children and they say she didn't qualify...it doesn't smell right.  If she can't get Medicaid then who can?

 - The woman was TREATED at two local hospitals.  On her final visit she was hospitalized for 8 days!  I'm still trying to figure out how insurance would have helped this woman.  She had a fatal form of high blood pressure, which is very difficult to treat and most patients die within a few years. Her death could not have been avoided even WITH insurance.

 - The politicians along with Owens himself kept saying, "70 uninsured people die each day."  A caller on the Rush Limbaugh program said, "what about the other people that die each day WITH insurance?"  Who can we blame for that? Are the evil insurance companies responsible for the deaths of the uninsured AND the insured?  

 - And if 70 people dying a day is your data point, then why the long waiting period for health care reform to begin?  They are promising a short-term fix that doesn't begin for FOUR years!  Implementation is scheduled for 2013-2014, so how does passing Health Care reform next week help this little boy in the near term?  

 - Most importantly, I feel terrible about how this cute little boy (did you see his chipmunk cheeks?!) is being exploited for the democrats' progressive agenda. Sen. Murray should be ashamed...they have brainwashed Owens into thinking his country is out to get him, and Pres. Obama could have literally saved his mother. But while our Congress goes out for cocktail drinks and fancy galas, do you think they'll check up on Marcelas Owens?  NO!    

This boy needs stability.  This boy needs to settle in with his Grandma and learn to accept life's challenges.  He's only 11.  Life is going to be hard.  It's hard for everyone, but why should we feed a hatred for his country? He's going to grow up his entire life with a sense of entitlement and wait around for his government to make it right.  THIS IS A PROBLEM!!  

Enabling a child to grow up feeling cheated is reprehensible.  Why doesn't someone actually HELP this boy?  He has his whole life ahead of him, and he needs:

• A counselor. For the last two years he's been angry about his mother's death.  He should probably have some grief counseling instead.
• A mentor.  A "Big Brother"?  He needs an example and a motivator.
• Involvement.  What about school programs and sports?  
• Encouragement and love. He needs to learn to work hard and earn his way through life.

We are all born into circumstances beyond our control.  But EVERYONE has the power and capacity to improve their station.  So rather than trapse this boy all over Congress telling him mean men/women are out to get him, they should be encouraging him to work heard and create a better life than the one he grew up in.

That's American. That's Hope. That's change I can get on board with.      

Sources:
Seattle Times Story
King5 News
Rush's Commentary...good!

You Can't Argue With Liberals

"I am committed to continuing to fight for the revenue necessary to get folks back to work..."

WA State Rep, Geoff Simpson

[Reese translation: revenue = TAXES!]

"When you argue with [liberals], you are not arguing facts or statistics, you are arguing against a religion...Leftists' idealogy is not based in reality.  It is based in a belief....There is no rational thought or intellectual honesty or rigor involved.  It is simply something for the masses to opiate themselves on and feel good about."

 - Captain Capitalism (Why You Can't Argue with a Liberal)

I just don't get it.

Liberals are killing me...and my budget. 

I made a phone call last week to our Washington State Legislative office and in return received a nice letter from my representative, Geoff Simpson, where he outlined his position on taxes. His above quote is an oxymoron, and my eyes-rolled while reading the letter. 

Oh brother.

Please tell me....how does taxing the citizens of this state MORE help them get back to work?

I feel like a broken record. The folks in charge just don't get it.

Businesses will not hire until economic uncertainty dies down...they are waiting to see what their tax bill will become. Health care is killing it...so is Cap and Trade...and so is the "Jobs Bill", which is continuing to just throw money at the problem.  

But Captain Capitalism has it right...you can't argue with a liberal.  They are so rooted in their ideals it's religious-like and they continue to argue against empirical facts and evidence.  

**heavy sigh**

But, anyway, the battle for passage of ObamaCare is going to be in the House.  So,  

HERE IS WHAT YOU SHOULD DO....

Go to this website...find your Representative in the House and 

write them, 

email them, 

call them.  

My representative, Dave Reichert, also had a health care survey on his website. I'm really interested in the results, but he doesn't share.  Whoever your representative is, it's time to lay on the pressure.  Reichert will most likely vote against the health care bill, but it doesn't hurt to make your opinion known.

IT TAKES 5 MINUTES.  

And while uncertainty swarms the nation, my home state also faces some troubled times ahead.  Our State Congress is looking to impose MAJOR new taxes:

• Imposing a progressive income tax (yikes!...we currently don't have a STATE income tax)
• Increasing the sales tax 
• Imposing special taxes for: candy, bottled water, gum, soda, and cigarettes.  If you know me personally, you know my budget will be in a tight spot if this passes (minus the cigarettes...ick...but I can't live without a certain diet beverage and certain "nannies", aka candy).  

And so, my fellow Washingtonians, write your state congressional members as well.  

Here goes another week.  My stock of a certain diet beverage is dwindling fast as I deal with this chaos.


**Note: for people living in close proximity to me, the representative-finding website listed my representative incorrectly as Adam Smith...it's really Dave Reichert.  I am right along the border, so check your representatives map, just to be sure!

Sources:
Dave Reichert Website
Captain Capitalism 05.01.09
http://fns.blogs.foxnews.com/2010/03/07/house-dems-still-undecided-on-health-care/

A Union Snippet

"I don't think Boeing's in a position to make us pay more for our health care and stuff."

 - Casey Ferguson (Member of the Machinists Union)

Mr. Ferguson is right.  Boeing has had very little bargaining power when it comes to union negotiations.  And whilst health benefits are contracted for salaried employees and layoffs abound, the company is at the mercy of meeting the union demands to keep the company afloat...until now.  Jim Albaugh, CEO of Boeing's Commercial Airplanes Division was discussing the leverage the company has by adding a second production line in South Carolina.  If the Machinists Union in the Puget Sound chooses to strike, guess where the work goes?

South.  Both literally and figuratively.

Puget Sound union members will be out of a job, and the nuts and bolts of the work will proceed in South Carolina.

I don't believe Mr. Ferguson will be as confident if his union chooses to strike and Boeing says, "Fine. See ya!"

In January, Daniel Henninger had a great Op Ed in the WSJ. He gives a brief history on Unions and how their collective bargaining power has crippled the government's ability to choose how to spend OUR money. I think the application is equally important in terms of the challenges Boeing faces with the somewhat unpredictable Machinists Union.

Here are a few of Henninger's quotes:

In 1962, President John F. Kennedy planted the seeds that grew the modern Democratic Party.  That year, JFK signed executive order 10988 allowing the unionization of the federal work force...Kennedy's order swung open the door for the inexorable rise of a unionized public work force in many states and cities.    

They broke the public's bank.  More than that, they entrenched a system of taking money from members' dues and spending it on  political campaigns. Over time, this transformed the Democratic Party into a public-sector dependency.

Feeding the public unions' wage demands starved other government responsibilities.  It ruined our ability to have a useful debate about any other public functions.  

In the words of my friend, "Public Service Unions will bleed this country dry."  And the sad part?  Union members have little choice when deciding to join. It is their only hope for not being black-balled in the market. But once workers join, they lose control. Members work at the will of the Union and their dues are spent on campaigns with which they may not personally agree...creating the problem Henninger illustrates above.

With a large population of Union workers, these members most always: vote for increased taxes (federal and state union workers), fight school vouchers (Teachers Unions), and promote Health Care Reform (Cadillac Tax exemption for Unions).  When they do, members often avoid a real debate of the issues, but rather choose to preserve their own jobs and salaries.  It becomes self-serving at the expense of the non-union public.

Our government is at the mercy of the unions.  It's no wonder our President has a cabinet full of public-sector gurus.  Not one of them is from the private sector. Who's best interest do they have in mind? [Sidenote: that says a lot about why they don't know how to run this country]

Such a large portion of federal funds are spent in a "public-sector vortex". Campaign contributions come at a price and with the Unions it's a heavy one. One that requires the use of my money to repay.

I'm glad Boeing is making some headway in exerting pressure on the unions and thereby taking greater control over the long-term health of their company.

Our government, unfortunately, is not.  

Sources:
King 5 News - Jim Albaugh
WSJ - Henninger
On Life and Lybberty

No One is Above the Law - Not Even the Legislature

"So even if you raise tax rates, revenue continues to go down.  Governor Corzine raised tax rates last year.  Revenue was down by $2 billion."

 - Governor Chris Christie, New Jersey

I've been fired up the last few days with New Jersey's new Governer Chris Christie's speech and repeated attempts to defend his plan to CUT SPENDING.  He is requiring cuts across the board and promises no tax hikes...and the press is ALL over him.  But he's not backing down.  Man, I respect this guy.  I wish my own state would take note...

Our Washington, like most states, is in a budget crisis and needs to close the gap.  Unfortunately, the only thing WA knows how to do is raise taxes.  

But what is embarrassingly unethical and ridiculously irresponsible is our legislature is ever so close to suspending a voter-approved initiative (I-960) which requires a two-thirds majority to increase taxes. They will now only need a simple majority.  The elected officials with power to raise taxes are changing the law to ease the process to increase taxes...circumventing the will of the people.

*tilting head*  

*shivering*

That is soooo not right.

Have you met a 15-year old on the cusp of driving?  One that knows the days, hours, minutes until they take their driving test?  What if these 15-year olds were given the power to change the legal driving age...do you think they would?  Um...yeah.  What about asking a 20-year old their thoughts on adjusting the legal drinking age?  Difficult decision?  Hardly.

Well, these representatives are the same!  They are changing the rules to improve their position and get what they want.  I-960 is a check on taxes. But now our representatives are willfully ignoring this check imposed by the people and giving themselves a free pass.  It's too dang easy.  Nobody wants to make the hard decisions.  Nobody wants to say no.  

The arguments for suspending I-960 sound so ridiculous to me!

Here from The Daily Evergreen Online, get a load of these statements:

"Republican demands to find solutions for the state debt without raising taxes are simply unrealistic.  Republican propositions would force the Legislature to make cuts across the board to all programs."

Oh, boo hoo!  YES...it's hard!  Have you had to sit down in your own family and make cuts across the board?  It's never easy.  Some programs will have to cut back...or become more efficient.  It's not impossible.  

"This proves lawmakers are not attempting to remove the democratic process, but allow for less debate and more action."

I do believe the root of the democratic process requires debate and discussion. Herbert Humphrey said, "Freedom is hammered out on the anvil of discussion, dissent and debate."  Debate is necessary.  Rash action is damaging and almost always regrettable in hindsight.  

"By the time I-960 is reinstated, Washington state's economy may have improved so taxes can be lowered to previous levels."

Let me tell you something....

TAXES NEVER GO AWAY!!!  

I have no doubt in my mind if a tax increase is authorized to close our current gap we will live with it permanently.  This is so short-sighted and plain 'ole dumb.  

Now the other side...my side:

 

"Our system cannot withstand a tax burden that continually increases. There's a tipping point when there will be more people in the wagon than those pulling it.  The voters' approval of our taxpayer protection initiatives year after year is proof positive that politicians still aren't listening."  (Tim Eyman)

And this from the Yakima Valley News:

"The majority's willingness to tell citizens they know better is a slap in the face to hardworking employers and families.  This is just more evidence for folks who don't trust their government anymore."  (Rep. Charles Ross, R-Naches)

And just like New Jersey's Gov. Christie has said (paraphrasing)...when you raise taxes on people who are already struggling to meet the day-to-day challenges of maintaining a job and keeping their homes, you essentially drive them out.  When they get tapped out, they leave...and the government LOSES money.  

Sayonara, Washington!  

Be prepared for an exodus...and I'm on the list to leave if things continue to worsen (and I can convince the hubster!).   

Sources:

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2004366567_timeyman23.html

http://www.dailyevergreen.com/story/30976

Gov Chris Christie's soundbites

KNDO Yakima News