Frankly, I’ve often thought of this as a double-edged sword.  Taxes are important for the government services that we want (demand) and yet almost everyone I know, at one time or another, complains about how much they pay in taxes.  What I never hear people complaining about is how those tax dollars are being spent.  Very few average, Joe six-pack Americans scream as loudly about waste, pork-barrel spending, and economics as they do about how much they’re paying into the system.  Stop that waste and it’s likely that taxes wouldn’t have to increase.

At the same time, our two main candidates have significantly different tax plans, and depending on who you believe Obama could significantly raise taxes for a significant number of people and small businesses.  The Republicans are up in arms about this potential increase, although that they’re not saying is that this is simply a 2% adjustment in the tax bracked for people making more than $250,000 annually – 2% of $250,000, with no deducations, is exactly $5,000.  Shitty problem to have, but I’d think those people can bear it.  Especially considering that most of the people we’re talking about are making well over $250,000 annually before deductions.

So, yes, I believe that Obama will raise taxes on the people that can afford it most.  McCain on the other hand will horde his money and protect the rich from having to open their wallets.  McCain actually favors tax cuts for corporate income tax and capital gains.  At the same time, it’s hard to believe, with his legacy, that McCain won’t take strides to bring spending in line with revenues and reduce the amount of waste and pork-barrel spending out there.  Obama just doesn’t have a track record – although it’s likely that he will make the same efforts.

At the end of today – only time will tell.

Ranter

West Hollywood isn’t the most conservative area of the country and the mostly gay community isn’t usually full of people protesting the treatment of ultra-conservative, Republican Christians like Sarah Palin, but some neighbors recently went protesting to the home of Chad Michael Morisette, a professional window display designer, who has a life-size mannequin of Palin in front of his house.  No, they’re not upset that a representation of Palin has come into their neighborhood – they’re upset because Sarah Palin is hanging from a noose wrapped around her neck with McCain right above her.

“They told us we respect you as artists, we’re just concerned about the effect on the community,” Morrisette said. “I don’t resent them. I’m not angry at them. I respect their rights.” Morrisette, 28, said he talked by phone last night with West Hollywood Mayor Jeffrey Prang. He said Prang told them that he respected his first amendment rights but urged him to take down the display. “He said, “Think of the bigger picture,’” Morrisette said. “I told the mayor I will have it down by 8 a.m. Saturday. He said, ‘Thank you, the sooner the better.”

Happy Halloween, Sarah Palin.

Ranter

I know, I know, it’s not quite that simple when it comes to presidential elections, and most people that vote have an opinion – polls be dammed – but some of the undecided voters and people confused about other issues… – will the polls bias their decision?  I think so.  What do you think?

Ranter

So… needless to say it comes across to this voter that Sarah Palin is not the brightest tool in the shed.  Her appearances on Saturday Night Live cemented this for me as I realized that she’s going to be the laughing stock of the United States for years to come.  Add to that, if something happens to McCain she’ll become President with Pelozi as VP and my stomach turns.

Ranter