NYTimes: American Taxes Too Low!

A New York Times editorial this morning says America isn't collecting enough taxes. The editorial argues that this leaves America unable to compete against other industrialized nations. Where the government's of China, India, and European nations provide their citizens with health care, their companies, free of the cost of employee health care, are able to make competitive products at a lower cost than in the U.S.

Market Meltdown

Back on June 10, 2006, I advised 401K investors to get out of the Stock Market. My opinion was based on an article, which rang so true, by Jon Markman about a looming housing meltdown. I was right, because he was right. The meltdown is happening.

Curbs are in on the stock exchanges limiting how many stocks can be sold. Reason: to prevent the stock market bottom from falling out and allow panic to dissipate. The Dow is down over 240 points today, over 650 points in recent weeks. In June when I wrote the article referenced above, the Dow was at 10,892. As of now it is at 12,075. 401K investors are still ahead of the game from June of last year, but, not by a lot. And the ripple effects are not over.

B of A to Issue Credit to Illegals

Lou Dobbs of CNN just reported that Bank of America has announced it will extend credit cards to illegal aliens in this country. In this latest and most blatant example of how capitalists have no allegiance to country or law, the issue of regulation is again raised. Pro-capitalist purists say it is none of the government's business who they give cards to. Moderates on the issue say supporting and abetting the breaking of our nation's laws demands government response.

The irony is many of those who support Bank of America's decision are the very same who argue that the non-binding resolution against escalating the war in Iraq, is aiding and abetting the enemy. Apparently, Bank of America and their supporters do not view criminals, those who violate our laws, as the enemy. How very profitable for them, eh?

Gas Prices fueling Anti-Incumbent Movement

The Washington Post has an article about the effects of energy prices already fueling anti-incumbent sentiment. And these prices are only going to get worse over the summer.

Floodgates of Political Corruption About to Open

We as voters, are all consumers of government and its services. Our consumer voices are about to be drowned by legislation being prepared in the House of Representatives. A Bill is being prepared which will open the floodgates of bribe money from wealthy corporations into politician's hands. Public Citizen has this to report:

A Relief Bill on the Way - Private Property

I have never heard of a position my Senator, John Cornyn (R-Tx), has held which I agreed with, until now. Sen. Cornyn introduced a bill on Monday called "Protection of Homes, Small Businesses, and Private Property Act of 2005." I will email Sen. Cornyn with a shocking message that I actually support him in this measure. It will be a first.

I learned of this bill on 84 Rules, a conservative blog, where it states:

Rape in Prisons - Simple Solution

When men in Congress contemplate rape in US prisons, two thoughts probably comprise most of their opinions. 1) What do prisoners expect, daycare? 2) Men are by natural definition driven to sex, therefore, it is an unsolveable problem. But, underlying both of these thought processes is the assumption that rape in prison just comes with the punishment, free gratis. Ending rape in prisons would have an effect on the number of rapes in civilian society. If it were not tolerated in prison, fewer parolees would be conditioned to it upon release.

Good Idea, Bad Bill - Bankruptcy reform

Tomorrow, the House will vote on a Bankruptcy Reform bill. I called Congressman Lamar Smith this afternoon and explained to his aide the details of why I and my family strongly urge him to vote against this bill. Bankruptcy reform is needed to get at the fraudulent abuse of the system. The bill proposed however, will cause hardship for, and servitude to, the banks and credit card companies by hard working, honest Americans who due either to large medical expenses or unavoidable loss of work/significant drop in income, have come up short on paying their bills.

Dethrone the Doctors

My sister is about to undergo surgery for lymphatic and lung cancer. She is 43. Therefore, I was drawn to two stories in the news yesterday about doctors. Political focus should also be drawn onto these two stories. They are, Medical Boards Let Physicians Practice Despite Drug Abuse and After Stealing Drugs, Doctor Goes to Rehab. It is high time to dethrone these kings life and death.

Who wants their name associated with bad mouthing doctors? Let's face it, we are all going to need one eventually. Would any of us feel secure being grudged by the medical community at a time of need for medical attention? Regardless, the royal occupation of physician has too long enjoyed the double standards of law and policy. The laws of the United States are constitutionally to apply to all persons equally. When Doctors steal drugs for their personal use and are caught and reported to the Medical review boards, it is criminal that those peer review boards would respond by telling the thief they must enter rehabilitation to avoid other penalties.