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DEL.ICIO.USTime to ax tax to benefit local officials
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor, with his proposal to stop collecting the quarter mill that the state adds to the property tax bills of 2.5 million Georgians, opened a can of worms that should have been opened long ago.
There’s never been any particular justification for the state to collect a quarter mill anyway. Certainly the state has a long history, dating to at least 1851, of levying against property. But with the advent of the 3 percent statewide sales tax in 1951, property taxes were left to the support of local government. A 1952 constitutional amendment eliminated the five-mill state collection, except for that .25 mill, a sum that now costs the average property owner $30 per year.
Rockdale County Tax Commissioner Dan Ray, the immediate past president of the tax commissioners’ state association, believes that “the quarter mill is there to fund the state’s administration of property taxes.” By making tax commissioners collect state revenues — the quarter mill — the state retains authority to oversee tax commissioners and assessors and to set training standards, he says. “This gives them the money to pay for that . . . that’s my understanding.”
The fee collected amounts to $76 million per year.
Wilbur Yaun of Conyers, who spent 34 years at the state Revenue Department before retiring in 2003, thinks the quarter-mill remains so the state could maintain control of auditing, training and maintaining uniformity of assessments at the county level.
There’s another reason as well.
County-level constitutional officers — sheriffs, probate judges, court clerks and tax commissioners — have an independent power base in every county. Since the beginning of time, that has made their statewide organizations a key power bloc under the Gold Dome. What they want, they get.
In 1958, when many Georgia counties were dirt poor, few offered pension plans. Tax commissioners persuaded legislators to allow them to come under the Employees Retirement System of Georgia, which was created in 1949. But to provide legal justification, they had actually to be state employees. And they aren’t.
The quarter-mill is the legal route into the state retirement system. The law states: “The offices of the tax commissioners, tax collectors and tax receivers of the counties of this state are declared to be adjuncts of the Department of Revenue, such offices assisting in the returning and collecting of state taxes.”
For tax commissioners, it gets even better. Most everything past General Assemblies have done that passed as reform included provisions taking care of themselves and the politically connected. So it was with a 1990 law affecting tax commissioners. A law that appeared to be reform included this language:
“No tax commissioner, tax collector, tax receiver or any employee of any such official shall be eligible for membership in the retirement system if such official or employee is covered or becomes covered by any other public retirement or pension system, excluding Social Security coverage and coverage under any county or local retirement or pension system.”
Read it again. This is the law that came about after most counties adopted pension plans for county officials and employees. So while this law appears to prevent double-dipping, the reality is that it made certain that tax commissioners are eligible to participate in both state and local systems for the same day’s work.
The state system treats those tax commissioners and employees as though no other benefits exist. Salaries are based on population and range from a base of $29,832.20 in the smallest county to $109,425.84 in the largest, with supplements that add a minimum of about $7,700 per year.
The state certainly should eliminate the quarter mill, as Taylor proposes, along with the basis for county elected officials to participate in a retirement system created for state employees. Besides, the state has no need for or claim to the quarter mill in property taxes. That taxing authority should be left at the county level to support schools, jails and other local needs.
“The big guy likes big tax cuts,” Taylor told delegates attending this weekend’s Democratic Party convention in College Park. This is not a big tax cut, but it is an important one, because it has the potential to save taxpayers twice.
It could save property owners a few bucks. And it could eliminate any justification for some county employees, including tax commissioners, from double-dipping by collecting two retirement benefits for one day of work.
Jim Wooten is associate editorial page editor. His column appears Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
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Comments
By Mid-South Philosopher
September 19, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this
Good morning, Jim,
Being a “Samuel Adams” Federalist, I am for anything that reduces taxes and the extent of government.
Can this really be a Democrat, who is calling for this reduction?
By Fruity Pebbles
September 19, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
Time to ax tax officials? Is this 1780’s France? Cue the old woman knitting and shouting, “Guillotine”!!
Georgia pension double dipping is obviously based on a plan created in the welfare state of Sweden.
Gov. Perdue likes the distraction from his own self-perpetuated tax scam. I bet Mr. Wooten gets a couple tickets to the Governor’s Ball! I’m available that evening. Oh, to get that close to Perdue and the desert table loaded with cream pies!!! Just… that’s where I’d wait for him because he’s fat and likes desert and maybe I can get an audience with him to lobby for my own special interest…..what? I wouldn’t throw a cream pie at him, honest. No way. I have lobbying to do, Jim. You can trust me. I wont embarrass you….there’s nothing in my hand……it’s not a canoli….no…..(target acquired, six oclock)….really, Mr. Wooten, I’m innocent……(target bearing 036 degrees nw, range 4 meters)….did you try the key lime pie, Mr. Wooten….this one right here…here, let me get you a piece, excuse my fingers….open outer torpedo tubes……FIRE ONE!!!
Oh man. What I wouldn’t give.
By Inbred Inertia
September 19, 2006 08:46 AM | Link to this
Being a “sunshine patriot”, I’m for any measures that shine a little sunlight on intrenched political scams that betray the public trust.
I’m also for turning crooked politicians into “Nathan Hale” federalists. (after a fair trial, of course)
cue old woman knitting
By Mid-South Philosopher
September 19, 2006 08:48 AM | Link to this
Fruity Pebbles,
Of course, I will never be invited to any Governor’s Ball, but if I could wrangle an invitation, I would be glad to serve as your escort for the evening. The thought of “decorating” any “politician” and perhaps “sweetening” their disposition is most appealing.
Can we have a “pie party” at the opening of the General Assembly in January!?!
LOL!
By jbmlaw
September 19, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this
Good morning, all. Abolishing the state property tax is a reasonable first step, but why are there state pensions in any event? Every rational business entity (including all but the political branches of the Federal government) has prospectively abolished pensions, in favor of defined contribution plans; why does the state of Georgia lag? Pay the employees what they are worth, and provide something like a 401k.
By getalife
September 19, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this
Time to ax the gop before they start WWIII.
The cowboy will not even talk to the President of Iran at the UN.
This idiot wants to attack Iran in October.
This means a draft.
By harold
September 19, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this
with all the tax eliminations harold has seen in his lifetime, by now the gub’ment should be paying harold to live here
unfortunately the government does not eliminate taxes. they merely eliminate names for taxes.
they can eliminate this tax name but a different weed will fill the crack.
who cares what they call it or who is in charge of taking it from Harold.
the bill never goes down, so the taxes don’t get reduced, they just get renamed.
Taylor would come across to Harold less dishonestly if he were to claim he wishes to rename this particular $76 million worth of taxes.
We could have a lot more fun with this $76 million by naming it the “Cynthia McKinney Tax”
By Inbred Inertia
September 19, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this
getalife: takealife…..and recede.
Harold: eliminate….and rescind
and both of you: recidivize
By Van
September 19, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this
So, as I see it, the democrats have crafted a pension plan that allows double dipping and the state to retain control via the .25 mil collected.
Hmmm, republicans would never have planned that far into the future.
Ax the tax and reduce the state pension based on the local pension. In the future, do not allow by penalty of law, double dipping, unless the person actually worked at two different unrelated jobs.
By Dana
September 19, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this
Well Good Morning all! My, aren’t we all just in the most kind and considerate moods this morning!
Harold, for once I think you are pretty funny, and you make more sense than usual. Of course, by the time I finish typing this and it actually posts, who knows what you will have said.
Georgia isn’t the only state paying pensions, NC does it too. But I agree, JBM, move them to a 401K plan.
By Ed
September 19, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this
This is just a diversionary tactic by Taylor. On one side of his mouth he’s cutting taxes. On the other side of his mouth he’s promising new programs that will cost tax payers more money. The “Big Guy” is a “Big Liar.”
By getalife
September 19, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this
If you are healthy and age 42 or under I would suggest you get ready for war or leave this country.
The idiot will not even talk to Imanutjob at the UN and there are operations in Iran.
After they bomb Iran in October, this war will escalate.
By George
September 19, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this
I’m sorry as part of the people who can not afford to own property, but still have to pay other taxes, I think the mil rate should go from 1/4 to 1. and lower the 3% to 2 and that way you help everybody. Property owners can use thier property for tax breaks we cann’t. Do away with the double dipping but not at the expence of us non propery owning people. But then again those who make the laws are those who can afford to own property so, this was a waste of time.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 09:53 AM | Link to this
Those that have kids in school should pay ALL the taxes for them, those without school age kids should pay NO school taxes. This is discrimination and socialism - stealing money off folks to subsidise the needs of others. Local and state level taxes should only cover what is genuinely there for EVERYONE - like roads, the emergency services, law enforcement, prisons, libraries, public health etc. Certain legitimate vulnerable groups with proven state residence qualification should obviously have some kind of safety net provided - like the mentally and physically disabled and the elderly and children officially deemed at risk.
Not a penny of tax payers money should be spent on illegals although enforcement of laws aimed at illegals and their employers should be massively stepped up. ALL religious groups/organisations should immediately lose their tax exempt status as this is discrimination against those who are not religious or observant. ALL tax payer arts funding should be stopped - pay for what you use - just as folks do for sports events and rock/pop concerts. ALL tax payers money should be stopped for any kind of racial pandering or subsidising any discriminatory provisions for minorities/homosexuals etc. Taxes on food should be abolished, except imported foods from Mexico, France, Australia and Ireland.
The huge savings made here would reduce the tax bill for the majority of folks in all 50 states. Some folks would pay more for what they actually use/need but many others would have much better lives keeping much more of their hard earned money. This enlightened approach is much fairer to everyone. Of course the snouts already deep in the trough - and cynical liberal pandering in some shameful areas means this will never happen.
By Dana
September 19, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this
TFTT -
Personally, I don’t mind at all paying tax for schools. My children are grown, but when my neighbor’s child excels, it may well be to my benefit as well. One of them may well discover a cure for cancer or the common cold. IMHO, an educated society is well worth paying for and benefits EACH of the members.
If those of you who are not religious do not make religious donations, then you have that money in your pockets already. Stop holding out your hand for more.
Why would we tax food from Mexico, France, Australia and Ireland? Why not all imported food?
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this
the ONLY talking about Iran should be what kind of nuclear weapons should we drop on the scum … battlefield tactical ones aimed at their deranged towel head leaders and military or a bit bigger medium sized ones on their nuclear weapons sites and their leaders and military?
decisions decisions …
By getalife
September 19, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this
“lies”
It is time to put your life where your mouth is.
The October surprise is the bombing of Iran which will escalate the war in the Middle East.
You should enlist before you are drafted or go back to England.
By Inbred Inertia
September 19, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this
Now tftt, china wont hear of such nonsense. The nookyoolar umbrella Iran enjoys is in Communist China.
Try to read more, and you will get read. (andthenyouwontcomeacrosssoshortbusandblogsimpleyouhelmetchallengeduniblogger)
By Fellow South Georgian
September 19, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this
Jim, you used to be a journalist. Why wasn’t it an ethical gaffe for WSB to air Sonny’s CSI campaign commercial before it did its story on the program, which then did not add the context that this is being rolled out during the campaign. To me, if an incumbent uses a million dollars in state money for his political campaign. Journalist have a duty to point out that that is what is going on.
By Jim Wooten
September 19, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this
Morning all. The state really should stop allowing two pensions for the same day’s work. It’s not that uncommon here. Plans were established for sheriffs, law enforcement officers, clerks and the like and then they were permitted to join other public pension plans.
The real way to stop the games is to go to defined contribution plans where employees own their accounts from day one and take them with them when they leave.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this
Dana
you’re obviously something of a selfish religious fanatic!! :)
any tithe/religious donation is “voluntary?”, HA HA HA … see how long they’d let you genuflect on Sundays if you said no or reduced the amount, ALL that income should be taxed. Its the collective taxes that are being withheld from the public purse by countless religious organisations that fair minded folks object to. You were very dishonest there - deliberately minimising things for your own religious agenda.
If you “mind” paying taxes for schools is not the issue - those folks with kids should pay for it - and not penalise everyone else. They get their tax relief when their kids turn 18. The issue of whether they “cure cancer” or whatever is a specious red herring and again you should be ashamed of such blatant dishonesty.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this
maggot brain
if you care that much go be a far left America hating wacko HUMAN SHIELD outside an Iranian nuclear site target!!
I wont be drafted - I’m way too old now and US citizens like myself cant be deported you snivelling pinko moron.
However, as I’ve said before, I sincerely believe Bush should do the honourable thing and sign an executive order enforcing immediate permanent mass deportations of America hating leftist scum to Cuba. It may seem a bit harsh but its the ONLY way to swiftly clean up America and make it a decent place again to live in for the rest of us!!
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
brainless inertia
the genocidal oppressive chi-coms are NOT protecting Iran with a nuclear pact or even a de facto treaty. Clearly your chronic mental constipation is much getting worse!!
By Dana
September 19, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this
Ah TFTT - you are using blinders when you look at the world.
My donations are, in fact, voluntary, and yes, I will be welcome to the altar rail the same, whether my donations are large or small. Perhaps you only have experience with the extremist Christians Van and I were discusing yesterday. If the (religious donation) money that is missing from the tax coffers would go to support our bloated, overpaid politicians, then I can only say HURRAY!
You are certainly entitled to your opinion regarding school taxes, I think you are wrong, and I am willing to put my money where my mouth is on this one. My property is worth more because I live in a good school district - with schools that are happily supported by my tax dollars.
By Redneck Convert
September 19, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this
I always say if God wanted people to draw pensions just because they’re old, he would have made them borned with a trust fund.
Besides, I just got a tax bill on the trailer for almost $27. About half of it is for the schools here. I don’t know how I’ll pay it and still afford to go to Billy Bob’s. I say let taxes pay for schooling up to the 5th grade. Then let the parents pay the rest of it out of their pocket. I dropped out in the 5th grade, and it didn’t hurt me none. We don’t need no more pointy headed libruls getting an education and putting on airs. If people are left ignorant and uneducated, they turn into good conservatives like Markus, Realist, TFTT, BMLaw, and mid-South. It don’t appear they been too aquainted with learning, and it ain’t hurt them none.
So let’s just give old and crippled people a gun when they turn 65 and let them fend for theirselves. Or let them have one of them 401ks so they either save or starve. That way, us taxpayers won’t have to pay for their retirement once they become old and useless, which they pretty much are anyway.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this
a very poor response Dana
religious donations are NOT “voluntary” - in the sense that if everyone took that approach literally there’d be NO religious organisations/churches. So although they tell you its voluntary - its like any other club or society where if you dont pay your dues sooner or later you’re kicked out. Sure a few folks might get away with paying nothing or reduced tithes, even permanently - but other folks are undeniably subsidising them. Again you VERY DISHONESTLY completely avoided the awkward point about the collective tax avoidance by countless religious orgs. This has to end by ending such avoidance “status”!! Agreed?? YES OR NO?
I agree with you about grasping bloated politicians in both parties.
By getalife
September 19, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
Me too “lies”.
It will be fun to watch the wingnuts squirm and cut and run when the draft starts.
If he does sign the order lies ,I would enjoy you coming down here to get me to go to Cuba personally.
I want you to say hello to my little friend.
By Mid-South Philosopher
September 19, 2006 10:54 AM | Link to this
Let me inject a new string of thought in the school tax discussion.
Inasmuch as almost NO parent pays in school taxes as much as it costs, on a “per pupil” expenditure basis, to “educate” a kid, why, then, does the state give all the “privacy” rights to students and parents?
Why shouldn’t I, who have no children in school yet am paying a substantial amount in school taxes each year, be entitled to know that “little Butchie,” who lives down the street is absent on the average of one day a week and is a “hellion” when he is present?
We know when schools fail to make AYP. We see the “needs improvement” list.
Why is there not a “list” of “needs improvement” kids for whom “we” are “paying!?!”
By Dana
September 19, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this
TFTT -
I actually DO understand your point about the religious tax exemption, and I don’t ENTIRELY disagree. However, I agree enough to be content to leave it as it is.
As I said before - you are entitled to your opinion. I happen to think you are wrong regarding my welcome at church, but you are discussing a topic in which you have little or no experience, I have quite a bit, and I have to say your opinion on this makes no impact on me whatsoever.
Mid South - that is an interesting concept - and I can’t say as it is a poor one, though I can hear the uproar now…
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this
Maggot brain
your sick hate America lies are even more pathetic this morning maggot brain. How many of the chickenshit deserter cowards hiding up in Canada are GOP types? All the one’s I’ve ever seen on TV and in the press are ALL lefty liberal cowards maggot brain -supported by despicable America hating Canadian cowards.
If I come down there maggot brain - where ever the hell “there” is you will have to tell me which secure mental hospital I have to visit, - and what are your visiting hours??!!
Who is your “little friend” maggot brain - is that a six foot white invisible eco wacko rabbit named the AlBore or one of your [ever increasing in numbers] more tortured personal demons?
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this
that was another poor response Dana!!
you are actually saying you really don’t care about the tax exempt status because you and the rest of tens of millions of church goers DIRECTLY benefit from it!! so you’re hypocritically content to leave it as it is!!
I DON’T HAVE TO have any “experience” of any (particular) church to know that I am right!! Tithes/donations are a very touchy subject in some cults/denominations. Talking about experience of the blindingly obvious is yet another pretty dishonest point!! … but at least you have tried to debate!!
NOW PLEASE FINALLY ANSWER MY QUESTION!! so we know where you stand.
YES OR NO … should tax avoidance “status” for religious ogranisations/churches be abolished?
By Van
September 19, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this
time for the truth
Interesting idea, Iran going from swarthy to extra crispy - sounds like fun.
By Blaney
September 19, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this
Where is George Harrison when you really need him?
By getalife
September 19, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this
Ah lies,
The NSA has our IP addresses. They could make you put your life where your ignorant mouth is or your children to fight in Iran.
They could arrest, torture, execute me without a trial.
This is the new America you wingnuts cheer on daily.
By Van
September 19, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this
getagrip-
Been there done that.
When the draft picked up steam in the 60’s, we saw who the Amerians were.
Conservatives enlisted, moderates were drafted and liberal whine girly men went to Canada.
Smart ones used student, sole surviving son, married or some other deferment and stayed inside the law.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this
Van
its a marvellous idea, and I’m looking forward to seeing Shep Smith, Brit Hume et al covering it for me with my freshly popped popcorn ready - but the ordinary Iranians who despise their regime dont deserve to die. Clearly the targeting, at least at first should be to decapitate the regime and destroy their military and then take things from there!
By Rod
September 19, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this
What changes in life? Nothing regarding TFTT. All she can do again is insult everyone who ever thought about disagreeing with her. Pathetic. She starts the insults (as usual) and then defends herself by claiming (falsely) that someone else started the namecalling. All she does is show people who share her opinions are probably as looney as she is.
By the way, TFTT, donating at a church is voluntary. The only thing is, if you truly believe in your religion, you are happy to donate and help spread the gospel. However, if you chose not to give - nobody knows (except you and God) - the financials are kept totally confidential.
Obviously, by reading your posts, you have no soul and couldn’t care less about anything but yourself.
Your neighbor? NO. Your community? NO. Your country? NO. Your world? NO. Yourself? YES.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
They could arrest, torture, execute me without a trial.
be still my beating heart!! :)
no but seriously maggot brain - answer the very awkward point about the current shower of ACTUAL cut and run LEFTY cowardly deserters in Canada!! They are clearly NOT GOP types …
They’d have serious difficulty in making my kids fight in Iran - I don’t have any - but I guess they could always press gang one of my German Shepherds.
By Inbred Inertia
September 19, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
I think all Iranians, whether radical muslims, or moderate peace loving secular nobodies, are very very safe from any US military incursion past Iraq. We are stuck. We have nothing for Iran, and they can thumb their nose all they want, China is baby sitting them.
By getalife
September 19, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this
BS Van, the rich got deferments and the poor died.
Quit lying and send your kids to back up your bs before they are drafted.
You are a con aren’t you?
By Van
September 19, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this
getalife,
You must have been smoking something other than tobacco - your paranoia is showing.
They are not out to get you, they could care less if you are hiding in your closet or on the street cornor.
No rights have been revoked, they can’t, our rights are God given as it says in our Declaration of Independence.
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Now which rights have you lost?
By getalife
September 19, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this
I did not know “lies” was a girl.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this
brainless moron rod still cant even READ and inwardly ENGLISH!!!
its NOT the voluntary or otherwise nature of church donations at issue you dummy!! Its the current tax exempt status of such donations!!
my tax policies cater for EVERYONE in the community dogbreath - NOT the divisive appraioch that enable select [particularly the liberal pandering to] groups that so often benefit now!!
By Dana
September 19, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this
tftt - I would NOT support an effort to remove the tax exempt status from religious organizations. And I disagree with your assumption that only people of faith benefit from churchs. For instance, mine runs FREE english as a second language classes. It also sponsors programs for children of the working poor - sending them to camp, providing school supplies, clothes, etc. The one down the street from me sponsors a huge children’s consignment sale - people who do NOT belong to the church have a clean safe place to sell their no longer needed childrens clothing, and people who need clothing are able to buy it at affordable prices. These are only two of the services provided FREE OF CHARGE that benefit the community in general. NO, I do not agree with you, I would not support removing the tax exemption.
Now for a quick comment: In the event a draft occurrs, we will ALL lose (some of) our children, siblings, nieces and nephews. This isn’t a funny topic, and the ignorant ranting about ip addresses and crispy critters is showing some stupidity that I wouldn’t have expected of some of you. Van - I’d like to point out that if all the whiney liberals had gone to Canada, then Kerry wouldn’t have made it to Viet Nam. Not all liberals are whiney chickens and not all conservatives are selfish greedy bastards.
By Susan
September 19, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this
Fellow South Georgian - You asked a very ligitimate question. However, Jim will never respond to any questions that put him or his “thinking right” party on the spot.
By Liberal
September 19, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this
People,
There is no doubt that we should support public education. What is wrong with ensuring that every American receives a proper education. In a world where we need to stay more competitive, especially with the substantial loss of manufacturing jobs, we need to make sure that the following generations are educated and able to compete with their foreign counterparts.
Additionally, most people on this blog overlook the fact that most counties and local governments in Georgia offer seniors and householders over the age of 62 significant property tax exemptions due to the fact that a lot live on fixed incomes and also have paid their fair share over the years.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this
Dana
At least you were (a bit belatedly) honest … all those “good works” should be done without tax exempt status as its discriminatory against the rest of us who dont have such dispensation. Obviously teaching illegal immigrants English is NOT right and should be discontinued immediately. Legal immigrants - like maggot brain and the brain dead moron rod urgently need to be taught to read and inwardly digest English so they can at least learn the rudimentary rules of debate!!
By Van
September 19, 2006 11:52 AM | Link to this
getalife,
You are mental, I enlisted, I was not poor and I am still here. You argument is baseless and void of logic.
By Monarch Hames
September 19, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this
More taxes can not be cut. Mothers and babys and the elderly will suffer without help. Victims of New Orleans will be without. People have to help give to those who need it more than they.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this
Achtung Susan … Sieg Heil!! … long time no speak - I trust your Hizbollocks and Hamas fundraising is going well in Decatur!!
By Liberal
September 19, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this
Hey Wooten,
This little 5-minute delay on posting blows!!!
By Dana
September 19, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this
sigh. TFTT - I didn’t say they were illegal immigrants. I said they were immigrants. You came from another english speaking country - many, MANY legal immigrants speak little or no english, and they are struggling to learn, so that they can apply for citizenship, and or betty support themselves and their families. Maybe you could come volunteer (and earn yourself an exemption). You might learn more than you teach.
We are not going to agree on this issue, that is clear. I am not at all clear how this is discriminatory - if you were a charitable organization, you too would be eligible for tax exemption status. Not only religious organizations qualify for those.
By Realist
September 19, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this
Liberal, He is trying to get rid of some of the over-posters like getalife. I guess its not working.
By Dana
September 19, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this
that was supposed to be “better”, not sure how I managed “betty”
YES, THIS DELAY TRULY SUCKS, IT MAKES DISCUSSION VERY AWKWARD.
Now I have to get busy - I’ve spent WAY too much time here this morning!
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this
Dana
some of them could be illegal immigrants - better safe than sorry!! I have taught English in Catalunya and Israel - I’ve done my share of that. Besides I’d just confuse the hell out of them inisting on “proper” spelling and pronunciation etc …grin
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this
You came from another english speaking country
WHAT?????????
I came from the ONLY English speaking country!! …grin
By Southern Democrat
September 19, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this
Mr. Wooten brings up an excellent point today and (admirably) gives credit to a fellow from the other side of the aisle today. Double dipping on pensions for government workers is all too prevalent, as well as absolutely non-sensical taxes and assessments. Their prevalence, in my opinion, has undermined the credibility of politicians and made it more difficult to fund new and creative ways to approach problems. We must find a way to streamline our bloated bureaucracy on both the federal and state levels. The redundancies, inefficiences, and corruption are rampant.
Jbmlaw offers the idea that all pension plans shoul be defined contribution plans. As a vested member of the Georgia Teachers’ Retirement Plan and someone who plans for retirement through private sources as well, I can see the pros and cons to both sides. One of the problems with the idea, however, is that it is tough to convince pensioners that their needs/interests would be adequately represented by a 401K or IRA plan they manage as opposed to a powerful, multi-billion dollar pension fund that can litigate against corporations and/or (hopefully) have huge cash reserves.
I guess what I’m saying is that I’m not sure I disagree with you, but I also don’t know if you could sell it.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this
maggot brain
I see you’re still ignoring the undeniable point about the current cowardly lefty deserters cowering up in America hating Canada … we conservatives understand that you obviously cant address such awkward points that make the left look treasonous!!
By Van
September 19, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this
time for the truth,
On this issue we go disagree.
To maintain their independence, churches need to maintain the tax free status.
While, some religions take agvantage of this status and put all kinds of non-religious items and properties under the umbrella of “church property”
If as the liberals say there is a wall between church and state, then they cannot be taxed.
And if you are a constitutionalists like I am, then:
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof;…”
We see that the tax free status is a courtesy granted to the different religions for their properties. As a tradition, it is well established in our history and traditions.
By Shooter
September 19, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this
Way past time to ax that tax.
By Curious Observer
September 19, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof …
How inconvenient that we have a Constitution that circumscribes the power of the state to impinge on religious liberty, whether through taxation or otherwise.
Personally, I would love to see the knuckle-draggers who flock to fundamentalist churches taxed until they become nonexistent. Through their voting to sustain their backward religious and social beliefs, they have diminished this country to the point that we are well on the way to becoming a police state. Who would have imagined, even ten years ago, that people would be attempting to justify wiretapping and searches without court order and torture of prisoners? And for the first time, the younger generations will be unable to attain a standard of living that approaches that of their forebears.
But we have a constitution, much to the inconvenience of the neocons. I may resent the exemption from property and other taxes that churches enjoy, but I am American enough to respect the notion that chipping away at some fundamental rights will in time lead to the abolition of rights I personally enjoy. If you don’t like America’s constitution, TFTT, go back to England. We don’t need your Stone Age mentality here.
By getalife
September 19, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this
You are hopeless cowards who let the terrorists change our country.
You let the terrorists win because you are scared and have no spine.
Fake Americans and even worse fake Christians. Hypocrites.
w said it is unacceptable to think.
Think about wingnuts.
By Van
September 19, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this
Curious Observer,
Actually, it is not the chipping away of a right, it is the encroachment of the state’s will upon that right.
The right exists, the action of the feds to force(intimidate) 501(c)3 status upon churches is the same as a religion asking the feds if they can exist. Which would actually be backward, the feds should(and they did) ask the blessing of religion to exist.
As it is written in the Declaration of Independence
“And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.”
“divine Providence”, now who could that mean?
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this
pinko observer
you twisted leftist hate pig!!
This is my country now … if you dont like what I say then SOD OFF!!!
Now before anyone gets too uppity that comment simply literally mimics what many third world immigrants to the UK say when they are legitimately challenged about their racial spoils and religious/cultural demands!!
ae ever pinko observer’s pathetic lies and distortions are hugely amusing!!
By getalife
September 19, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this
It is unacceptable to think is not American
By jbmlaw
September 19, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this
Dear TFTT and Dana, re: tax exemption for religious organizations, I believe you both look through the wrong end of the telescope. Rather than have government place a financial disincentive on charitable works, I would urge the same tax exemption for all organizations - corporations, colleges, the Moose lodge, even the American Communists. Individuals pay all of those taxes anyway, as higher prices, lower wages, or as simple loss of economies.
Southern Democrat correctly notes that self-discipline is not always easy to sell. (As one of my old friends would say of me, ‘Truer words were never spoken through falser teeth.’
Dear Susan @ 11:42, we’ve missed you. Welcome back. You’ll put some spice back into the blog.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this
Van
we’ll just have to disagree I suppose. many churches abuse their exempt status as you say with extensive tax exemptions, especially many black and liberal churches with their often blatant partisan politics in their petty leftist pulpits. “getting out the black vote” using preachers and churches overwhelmingly means robotically voting demoNcrat with NO attempt to be fair and balanced to other parties and allowing them access to congregations … some do of course but most dont.
churches dont need to be tax free to be independent - they simply should pay their taxes like every other religious .org should. such tax exempt status is essentially vote buying and giving religion a special status. taxing religious income is NOT restricting religion - its simply ensuring that they dont get an unfair advantage. this whole tax exempt status thing - not just for churches - has gone way too far in my view.
By Dana
September 19, 2006 01:01 PM | Link to this
Back for a moment then off to another meeting…
Getalife, I am really trying to understand what you are trying to say, but your posts aren’t making much sense. You obviously feel strongly about them, how about making them legible to the rest of us.
By Barbara
September 19, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this
Hey TFTT. Anyone who comes over here and embraces this country can say “this is my country”. No one should take offense at that. We should be offended when people come over here and still want to maintain that they are representing another country. Now that’s offensive!
I like the way you speak up for the American way. I call you a true American.
Nazi Susan! Where have you been girl? I actually gag missed you! Welcome back.
By getalife
September 19, 2006 01:11 PM | Link to this
Dana,
Watch the video I posted. It pretty sums up what has happened to our country.
By getalife
September 19, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this
Well Realfake,
You have some nerve showing up after the sick post yesterday.
By Ga Liberal
September 19, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this
Mark Taylor is a shameless shill for the regressive and inhumane policies of the Republican party. This is just another example where Mr. Taylor proves he is a Republican in Democrat’s clothing. His fawning and tripping all over himself to be more conservative than that other fat man is sicking. Mark Taylor may have hair, but he’s a braindead as his opponent. Be honest Mr. Taylor, switch to the Republican party where your narrow-minded, regressive ignorant, and intolerant views are accepted as the norm.
By JK
September 19, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this
Those that have kids in school should pay ALL the taxes for them, those without school age kids should pay NO school taxes. This is discrimination and socialism - stealing money off folks to subsidise the needs of others.
I disagree. Those without kids should pay ALL the school taxes! That’s right! ALL of them! While you, Mr. Troof, sit in your chair and spout what’s good for the country, many of us are busy raising the next generation of Americans: feeding, clothing, housing, educating, providing for health care, fixing their teeth, and teaching them to be productive citizens. What are YOU doing for the future of America? Without children, there IS no future for America, unless it be entirely comprised of immigrants or run by computers.
Wha? How can she SAY that? Unless you folks plan when you’re 65 or 70, to grow or kill your own food, maintain your own dwellings, handle all your own transportation, medical, entertainment, communication, sanitation, and law enforcement needs, then you’ll be relying the goods and services produced in a society of OUR KIDS — you know, the ones you curse for walking across your lawn for their little fundraisers, for playing in your street causing you the inconvenience of slowing your car down, the ones whose little voices you cannot stand to hear. OUR KIDS are America’s future. Do the math, moron! Why do you hate America?
By getalife
September 19, 2006 01:15 PM | Link to this
Van,
I am talking about the chickenhawk neocons. They never served.
By jbmlaw
September 19, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this
JK perplexes me, I thought we were importing our next generation.
By jbmlaw
September 19, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this
Floyd, you are on the wrong website.
By jbmlaw
September 19, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this
I suppose only conservatives find crude sexual comments offensive. Please prove me wrong out there.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this
feminazi JK sure is badly deranged today!!
according to the GA ed stats barely half of them are being taught to anything like a decent standard love. Go back to the early 1970’s standards for college admission - and weed out the self esteem dross and blatant dumbing down for minorities etc - then I’ll agree with you.
that was a superb hissy fit love!! Still LMFAO at ya!!
Barbara … there’s obviously two ways of seeing that remark - one is the ‘positive - inclusive’ way you did - the other is the way some of the more bigoted pakis/blacks and other immigrants literally mean it in the UK - I’m here now -if you dont like what I want/say then get out!!
jbm
I prefer my tax policy - where taxes are reduced and folks actually pay for what they actually need/want other than the obvious collective needs we ALL have - as stated earlier. if every org/church/corporation/college (presumably every business too?) etc got tax exempt status then the tax take would dramatically drop for the vital things needed that we all need. it needs careful measured steady implementation.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this
some leftist tosser is getting its pathetic jollies sneering at Barbara again!!
I wondered where rednekkks vermin was today!!
By Barbara
September 19, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
Thanks jbmlaw. There’s definately a line and whoever this character is has crossed it. (I must admit though, I was having a good laugh at Captain Freedom’s writings on Friday though.) He stopped short of crossing the line and he was actually funny. This freak is just a weirdo.
I love a gentleman who takes up for me, so thanks for coming to my defense. We can rest assured, however, that this pathetic person has nothing better to offer, and therefore has to resort to dispicable behavior.
By getalife
September 19, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this
“Governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government…”
Thomas Jefferson.
By Chazman
September 19, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this
JK…great, great post at 1:14.
By getalife
September 19, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this
Drawing the line on freedom of speech?
How very wingnuttery of you Babs.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this
rednekks vermin is still projecting its homosexual isssues onto total strangers!!
such a criminal waste of American oxygen …
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this
maggot brain …
tell us about the leftist cowards cowering in America hating Canada - they are running and they’re liberal volunteers … so much for your pathetic usual lies about GOP types running from some hypothetical draft … some liberals are RUNNING NOW … and you wont even condemn them!!
YOU ARE A VILE LEFTIST HYPOCRITE!!
By Floyd
September 19, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this
Commere tftt. I wanna give you a tongue lashing…
By Dusty
September 19, 2006 01:53 PM | Link to this
Oh for the good old days when indecency was called just that. Now it is passed because “anything goes on blogs”.
I had hopes for Jim’s blog but it is sinking fast. The thoughtful can hardly offset people like Floyd and the twisted turns of Getalife.
When I know more about Jim’s subject I will give my opinion on the subject. Today I was just trying to read through the comments. But it is tough going through the mud. Is there hope left for this blog?
By Van
September 19, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this
getalife ,
Then define your argument and list facts and not liberal barf.
By Van
September 19, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this
Floyd,
You are one sick puppy, are you sure you are not getalife? You must be one lonely wacko.
By Barbara
September 19, 2006 01:56 PM | Link to this
Gotnolife, you’re a moron. Where did I draw a line on free speech? I simply said when someone has nothing of substance to contribute then they resort to vile comments like that. I never said he shouldn’t be allowed to say them.
You’re even dumber than usual today.
And, as jbmlaw points out, that type of vile talk is offensive and not one of you bedwetters had the courage to agree. You won’t even agree on general human behavior and you want us to think we’re the obstinate ones?
By Captain Freedom
September 19, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this
The Captain admits that today’s topic does not inspire his typical Promethean Prose. Arguing against Mr. Wooten’s position would be akin to supporting puppy abuse, so I am really not needed to stand arm-in-arm with my True Belief bretheren and our not-men handmaidens. I give credit to those attempting to breathe life into today’s exchange, but alas, I despair that today’s dialogue was DoA.
As such, the only sparks here seem to come from the pathetic Floyd/Lloyd, whose only accomplishment is to make the dismal natterings of TTFT appear moderate and nearly (but not quite) sane.
Barbara, the Captain wishes to stand with you against this vile troll. As always, I am the man with the bowtie at the Woodstock Starbucks. I await your kind attentions.
And Mr Wooten…it’s true, this five minute delay is really rotten. (The Captain cannot bear to apply the word used by Dana et al to describe your policy, as it reminds him of that awful Clenis person, his rampant womanizing, and the Captain’s own general shortcomings in this regard, if you get my drift.)
By Barbara
September 19, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this
Jim Wooten this 5 minute delay thing sucks and it doesn’t add anything positive to the blog. If you’re trying to filter people, find a different way. I can’t imagine any other reason for the delay, and it’s annoying.
By Dana
September 19, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
Who left the door open - there are freaks running wild in here!
By Captain Freedom
September 19, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
Barbara, please!!! Your choice of words!!! The Captain has enough trouble with his self-image without the constant reminders of the Clenis/Lewinsky affair.
By getalife
September 19, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this
liberal barf Van.
Nevermind, you folks are not American. Why bother with fascist enabled mindsets.
By Barbara
September 19, 2006 02:05 PM | Link to this
Ah my Captain, you did cause quite a distraction for me on Sunday. There I was, thinking of Starbucks, but, in a moment of weakness, I turned on the TV. My mind was wandering……. the Captain….. Ooooh! I didn’t realize the Falcons were on…… oh, yeah, the Captain waits……. WOW! did anybody else see that beautiful catch D. Norwood made????…….hmmm? Did the Captain mean just a bowtie???…..HOLY COW! An interception in the end-zone!!!
Anyway, the Boys in Black proved more of a distraction than you (sorry). Oh well, there’s always next week…….
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this
Jim … this delay is getting ever more irksome … although in fairness it might simply be a technical issue lingering from recent interruptions and perhaps not something you have deliberately sprung on us.
Either way it needs sorting PLEASE!!
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this
L/Cpl Syphilis is now unsurprisingly a mere parody of a lifeless parody of its usual smugly trucculent leftist troll self today. Hopefully it will shortly find a vetinary that will put it (and us) out of this excruciating symbiotic misery.
By Dana
September 19, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this
lol…. we may ALL be in the Woodstock Starbucks on Sunday - sporting bowties…
Barbara - great game on Sunday - wish I were going to Mondays in NOLA!
BTW - there is a coup going on in Thailand…
By Floyd
September 19, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this
Barb,
Your dirty mouth!! You said SUCK!!!
Yea baby! You can hoover with the best of ‘em hotstuff. Take those teeth out and go to town on me.
After I get done with your backside of course.
By Barbara
September 19, 2006 02:36 PM | Link to this
Dana, now that would be quite the bi-partisan party, wouldn’t it!?!?
Yeah, I wish I could be at the NO game too, but at least it’s on Monday night. I just hope our Falcons do us proud. We did kick their butts last year too……at home :-)
I see the coup in Thailand. I don’t really know what that means for us though. Don’t know much about their government or the current state of affairs over there…..
By neither right nor left
September 19, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this
Floyd — that’s just offensive. Haven’t you somewhere else to play?
By jbmlaw
September 19, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this
Dear TFTT, while you are technically right about the effect on the “tax take” from the individual in the event of an abolition of corporate taxes, your argument fails on the overall effect on the individual. The improvement in efficiencies and costs of goods, and correcting the artificial tax-depression of wages, would more than offset the additional taxes any individual would pay. And, of course, Linder’s Fair Tax would reduce costs ever more. Don’t fall into that tax and spend trap; tax cuts are not the same as spending increases.
By jbmlaw
September 19, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this
Dear Barbara and Dana, re Thailand, perhaps we should all whistle a happy tune.
By Dana
September 19, 2006 02:45 PM | Link to this
:-) Yes - it would. Might be fun, though I wonder whether we would all end up laughing or in a brawl in the parking lot!
Not sure the coup will have any effect on us but we seem to be lagging for conversation this afternoon. With the exception of the midget brain with the toilet mentality who keeps typing away…
By jbmlaw
September 19, 2006 02:47 PM | Link to this
A short word in favor of the apparent new time delay in posts - it should have the effect of detering epithets, as it will be impossible to have much of an exchange of hostilities.
On the other hand, for substantial posts, the time delay will have minimal effect - timeless ideas are no less relevant in five minutes.
By Captain Freedom
September 19, 2006 02:57 PM | Link to this
BM Law,
The Captain avers. Five minutes is an eternity in cyberspace, and the liveliness of exchange enabled by near-instant posting has bee a great boon here to date. The Captain is loath to wait a full five minutes for any gratification, as Mrs. Freedom will attest with a sadness that borders on rage.
As to curbing epithets, I’ll note that the delay has done nothing to curb the noxious dribble of the faux Brit poster-who-shall-not-be-named (nor has it raised the quality of his invective, though that area is admittedly beyond hope). Nor has it deterred the troll-du-jour F/Loyd, who is in dire need of remedial vocabulary training.
By Curious
September 19, 2006 02:58 PM | Link to this
jbmlaw,
I’m wondering about your statement that the abolition of corporate income taxes would improve the cost of goods. Can you you please spell that out for me? Are you talking about the cost of goods to consumers? If so, why would eliminating corporate income taxes improve the cost of goods (I’m guessing you mean that prices will come down)?
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this
jbm
NOPE … nice try though
who exactly would ensure that the corporations would pass on every penny - or most of the taxsavings to us peasants in reduced prices etc … and that the advantages you assert would occur will actually occur both long term and short term? like as not most corporations and businesses would simply pocket it in raised corporate/company salaries, dividend hikes and other similar non “redistributed” spending leaving insufficient revenues to replenish what suddenly evaporated from the national tax take. clearly the market is there to make the biggest profit it can for its players - aside from anti-trust controls etc and they dont take kindly to being told what to do with their profits.
I want far lower taxes - like most folks do, but not solely at the cost of improved corporate profits and possibly reduced public spending on crucial areas.
most companies now petrol prices are coming down are not exactly stampeding to pass on to the consumer any transport savings.
By Barbara
September 19, 2006 03:05 PM | Link to this
Now Captain you simply must stop calling my friends names. JBM and Truth are 2 of my faves. I’m afraid my affection for the Captain wanes with each insult lobbed at my buds.
By Dusty
September 19, 2006 03:09 PM | Link to this
Sorry, folks, the time lag is just the beginning. Next will come the weekend cut off of all posts. Rules about word limits will be posted but only enforced on a few.
How do I know? Because the Luckovich blog was enjoyable for awhile then came the invasion (just like here), Those of us who enjoyed the evening chatter, somewhat like your Starbucks crowd, could post no longer after working hours. Still the rhetoric went downhill.
OK, I will only post good things from now on. Like the Braves won again last night. Now that is good news ‘cause I love the Braves.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this
L/Cpl Syphilis one of several resident smug leftist wankers is getting ever more bitter at being consistently verbally skewered by its TRUE CONSERVATIVE/TORY better!!
your poxy patter is pathetically prudish and pathologically plebian … now pi_shsss off!!
By Jim Wooten
September 19, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this
Sorry for the inconvenience. The problem, I think, is a single troll who posts here from time-to-time, never contributing anything of substance.
By Van
September 19, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
Barbara,
Between the riots in Hungary, the coup in Thailand, and religious leaders in the Gaza Strip wanting the Pope to convert (Citing the words of the Prophet Muhammad, Muslim religious leaders in the Gaza Strip on Sunday warned Pope Benedict XVI that he must “accept” Islam if he wanted to live in peace.) - this has been a very odd day.
I now understand the meaning of “Religion of Peace” - after we are all killed off, prisoned or enslaved, there will be peace.
By Captain Freedom
September 19, 2006 03:25 PM | Link to this
Mr Wooten,
The Captain wishes to apologize for his offending posts, and recognizing when he is no longer welcome, will take his mighty keyboard of True Belief elsewhere.
Alas, dear Barbara, for what might have been.
By Jimi Hendrix
September 19, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”
By Curious
September 19, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
jbmlaw,
I think “time for the truth” echoed my thinking when he said that “the market is there to make the biggest profit it can”. I can’t imagine that business would pass any savings onto consumers, just because they can. By the same token, I can’t imagine business would pass any such savings to its employees either. Their job is maximize shareholder wealth, not consumer or employee wealth.
Also, it seems contradictory to say that employee wages would rise, but prices would simultaneously fall. Generally speaking, Increased wages = increased demand = increased prices. Isn’t that right?
Having said that, I’m not clear on why you believe that wages would rise if corporate income taxes were eliminated???
By Barbara
September 19, 2006 03:31 PM | Link to this
Van, yeah, that thing with the Pope really chaps me! After all the things that radical muslims say about Christians every day, and after the way they treat foreign civilians as well as our soldiers, they’ve got some nerve trying to blame the Pope for inciting a holy war. For the life of me I just don’t understand it. And you watch - the bed-wetters will be out in force saying the Pope asked for it and it’s all his fault for hurting the wittle bitty terrorists’ feelings……
By Liberal
September 19, 2006 03:43 PM | Link to this
Screw the Pope and screw over-sensitive Muslims. I’m sick of it.
By Barbara
September 19, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this
Liberal, that was an unexpected outburst and has me LMFAO! Pretty funny!
By Liberal
September 19, 2006 03:55 PM | Link to this
Barbara,
Sometimes you gotta vent when you can :)
By Dusty
September 19, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
“O Captain, my Captain, the fearful trip is done.”
I don’t think so. When you extol, you are not the troll. Our gentleman Wooten does not specify with names but I think you can hang easy.
Do not turn in your light-up bowtie at Starbucks. I believe Barbara will still be waiting (unless there is a football game.) Exile is not for you.
By Jim Wooten
September 19, 2006 04:00 PM | Link to this
Captain Freedom’s not the problem. A couple of others are and much as it goes against my determination to have a blog open to all comers, I am seriously close to trying otherwise with a couple of contributors.
By getalife
September 19, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this
The Pope had a chance to promote peace and call on the Muslim clerics to do the same but the Nazi in him reared ts ugly mindset just like the wingnuts.
By Barbara
September 19, 2006 04:09 PM | Link to this
A single tear rolls down Barbara’s cheek as she watches the Captain swagger off into the sunset…… leaving behind only the intoxicating scent of freshly ground coffee beans……
Come back my Captain! Regale me with your tales once more, or my heart may break. (Oh but do move out of the way of the TV when the Falcons are on…..)
By Van
September 19, 2006 04:11 PM | Link to this
Barbara ,
It has already started. Some lefties are saying the Pope is the problem and not islam.
I mean has the Church or any christian faithful burned any mosques lately?
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this
The Pope had a chance to promote peace and call on the Muslim clerics to do the same but the Nazi in him reared ts ugly mindset just like the wingnuts
I suppose there is NO chance this horrid leftie will ever actually answer the awkward point about cowardly leftie American deserters cowering in Canada.
So all its glib talk of support for the troops is just empty pinko drivel!!
I am no lover of the pope or the church but YOU are far more of a “nazi” than he is!! Mohammedan clerics in places like Iran, Syria , Gaza etc dont want peace any more than Hitler did in 1939!!
By getalife
September 19, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this
No Van but a few have been bombed like the abortion clinics.
On a lighter note
Mabe Jim will write something of substance like corruption.
By Barbara
September 19, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this
Of course not. But we’re blamed anyway. Such is our lot in this world. I certainly agree that, in times long past, terrible things were done in the name of Christianity. But the modern Church has not done those things and does not condone such behavior. And the radical Muslims get more angry, mean and hateful every day. I didn’t always believe, but I now do, that the time will come when we will have to bear arms personally to defend our beliefs and freedoms. Probably not in my lifetime, but certainly before my grandchildren are gone.
By Jim
September 19, 2006 04:24 PM | Link to this
Cynthia McKinney, Cindy Sheehan, and other members of the loony left often boast of “speaking truth to power”, albeit what they say is hardly ever true. In any case, that is all the Pope did, although one might in his case say he was speaking truth to evil. To call him a Nazi for doing so is disgusting and demeans those who spoke truth to the Nazi evil. If Islam is so wonderful, why do the mullahs go ballistic over cartoons and have nothing to say about murders, rapes,etc,etc,committed against innocent people every day in the name of their religion?
By getalife
September 19, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this
The rich were deferred lies, the neocons never served. Google it fake American.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this
The rich were deferred lies, the neocons never served. Google it fake American.
maggot
YOU STILL HAVE NOT ANSWERED the simple question … do you condemn the cowardly US Army liberal deserters cowering Canada? YES OR NO?
By Captain Freedom
September 19, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this
The Captain is gratified by your re-assurances. His mighty Casio of Freedom Keyboard will answer the trumpet to arms and remain here to toil against evildoers and inept invectivers.
Then again, Barbara…but a single tear?
By Realist
September 19, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
Truth, I know you to be an educated man, you have more than proven it here. Even acknowledging getalife is beyond pointless. Maybe if we all ignore him in unison as I do, he will go away. Far, far away.
Yall have a good night. Maybe a better topic tomorrow.
By Van
September 19, 2006 04:46 PM | Link to this
getalife,
Any criminal that professes christianity would qualify for your illogical, childish blather.
With your logic, the people that held up the local business are the same as radical muslims, if they were christian.
Get a life, get out more. Put the tin foil hat on and go out into the middle of the street. Show the spying government that you are not afraid. Call both of your pinko, crazy leftie friends to join you in your act of dsfiance. Don’t let the feds push you around, when the police come to take you away, fight back, you are a free person. Remember the voices in your head are real!
Gee, I hope this works, he sounds like he will believe anything.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 04:50 PM | Link to this
Then again, Barbara…but a single tear?
Barabara is mildly allergic to leftist BS L Cpl Syphilis
By Barbara
September 19, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this
Nah, he only believes what the liberal left tells him……
By Barbara
September 19, 2006 05:04 PM | Link to this
My 4:54 comment was to Van, not to TFTT.
TFTT, I kinda like the Captain. He is quite funny. I do think you might be right though. He calls himself a conservative but I see hints of liberalism peeking out. But as I’ve said before, I don’t dislike someone just for being a liberal. Some of my best friends are infected with that disorder. I only dislike the ones who are truly hateful. He hasn’t qualified on that one yet.
You wouldn’t be hateful would you, Captain?
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this
Barbara - agreed I dont hate liberals or despise them or even just dislike them just for their politics. Its their attitude and tone - not to me of course because that’s neither here nor there - but to the world. Some liberals on here are hateful - so I hand it back with interest. Some its just good fun to wind up.
The L Cpl is NOT funny at all to me - but comedy like beauty is in the eye of the beholder. His lame tame banter is pretty harmless but its his smarmy dishonesty I pillory. His humour is sort of like a more gormless Richard Stilgoe - a 1980’s BBC Radio personality who left me cold. The more bite humour has the more I appreciate it. But each to their own. I dont really try or even want to censor anyone on here - just get “even” if “needed” and niggle some folks. The L Cpl is not hateful but sometimes its fun seeing how hateful I can “make” him.
By Markus
September 19, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this
TFTT-
You should know by now that most of these buttpirate liberals won’t answer a direct question. They’ll fluff off into another topic or give you some answer that’s about as direct as taking a flight to China to get to Canada.
What happened to our resident liberal freakshow today? From the looks of it, this thing has been jacked up all day over something. Nasty beyond nasty has this vicious mangey mutt liberal been today.
By jbmlaw
September 19, 2006 05:33 PM | Link to this
Dear Curious and TFTT, your hostility to unfettered capitalism is noted but lacks any credible basis. The mere possibility of charging “all the market will bear” is also the principle that ensures such never happens. Only in markets with no possibility for entry or expansion can your theorem (that the market will not pass along lower costs) survive. Competition, and the possibility of stealing $1 in sales from your competitor, is the governor of the engine.
Just observe the oil market, 1979-1999, if you need historical proof.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 05:35 PM | Link to this
Markus
there is tiny bit of satisfaction knowing that its perhaps fleetingly squirming when one occasionally does this. I know its as pointless as expecting Pelosi to be less shrill than Hitllary but maggot is one of the easiest lefties on here to completely “corner”.
rednekkks or whomever obviously had a bile build up today that went into overload.
By Barbara
September 19, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this
Hey Markus. You missed the worst of it. Jim deleted it. You had to be reading it earlier to see all of it.
TFTT, I can see your point, and understand humor is in the eye of the beholder. I’ve always liked your wit and agree that humor with a bite is always enjoyable. And of course, niggle away at the really hateful libs; I do so enjoy watching them get a good verbal spankin’.
By CJ
September 19, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this
TFTT,
Sorry I couldn’t make it earlier. It’s been a heck of day. How doin’ today buddy?
I understand you guys are (or were) talking about Pope/Islam thing. While watching my new favorite liberal network news show last night, “The CBS Evening News with Katie Couric”, I was struck by what an American Muslim said in Katie’s “Free Speech” segment.
She (the Muslim) said that she read the entire statement by the Pope and that she was actually pleased by what he had to say. According to her, he described Islam as a beautiful and peaceful religion and invited interfaith dialogue among Muslims and Christians. She pointed out that the Pope was only criticizing those Muslims who apply Islam in violent ways that are inconsistent with the teachings of Mohammad. Her message to her fellow Muslims was that they should read the Pope’s remarks before passing judgement.
I haven’t actually heard the quote that’s causing the ruckus, nor have I read the Pope’s statement. However, I thought this statement might be worth passing on…for what it’s worth.
By Markus
September 19, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this
Here comes the almost-president Al Sore who now wants to tax “pollution.” Well, I say we all just get rid of our cars, get rid of our homes, go live in a cave somewhere, grow our own food (not kill animals for food either), get rid of all our factories and manufacturing facilities, and just live like we did a thousand years ago. Who needs technology in life if it’s so bad? What sheer brilliance from the Soremeister. I thought a tax on pollution was what the Kyoto Treaty was all about. Thanks for inventing that again, Sore.
By Barbara
September 19, 2006 05:50 PM | Link to this
CJ, you don’t really think her fellow Muslims are going to take her advice do you? It ain’t going to happen. It’s too easy to just take offense and start shooting. And the Muslims won’t even have to take offense. They’ll have plenty of encouragement from the ACLU and other groups getting them all stirred up.
By time for the truth
September 19, 2006 05:51 PM | Link to this
jbm
NOPE again
“unfettered capitalism” is NOT acceptable anywhere. Although that depends on what your definition of unfettered is. If it means that companies can do literally anything they want (legally and/or illegally) to make money regardless of the impact they have on industry, society etc then I am implacably opposed to “unfettered capitalism”. Such glib sophistry is surprising jbm, I expected more from you.
The notion that cartels or very large companies/corps willingly and immediately pass on every single cost reduction is utter bollocks. you also seem to gloss over the effect on the tax take and how that would filter through the economy - and its effects short medium and long term.
You completely ignore the point made about who would ensure that companies/corps completely relieved of their tax burden would pass it on to anyone but themselves - the lack of even empty assurances here means your arguments fails!!
its a very big subject but these points are as good as any initially!
By Markus
September 19, 2006 05:52 PM | Link to this
Barbara-
I forgot to apologize to you a month ago about recommending a flick you didn’t like. I won’t do it again!
Also, I won’t be around much these next two weeks. End of FY06 is on, and I won’t have much time for anything else but work… you know, making those evil greedy profits and stepping all over the “backs of the poor” and everything.
By Curious
September 19, 2006 05:57 PM | Link to this
jbmlaw,
If I understand you correctly, you’re saying that when corporate taxes are eliminated, existing and new competitors will rush in with lower prices to take market share…so that in the end, profit margins are no higher than they were prior to elimination of the tax. Food for thought.
Now, on the wage side…why do think wages will rise if corporate taxes are eliminated?
By CJ
September 19, 2006 06:09 PM | Link to this
Barbara,
Thank you for your insight. What I don’t understand is how CBS was able to find the one and only Muslim who preaches peace and tolerance??? It seems impossible.
Wait…I think I may have just had an epiphany. That lady Muslim was probably lying. They all DO lie. Thanks Barbara. I’m on board now.