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DEL.ICIO.USAn infernal tax scheme comes back
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Republicans this session propose to:
Add a $20 tax to cars, trucks and motorcycles.
Tax speeders.
Add a $1-per-pack tax to cigarettes.
Add a one-cent tax to the statewide sales tax and perhaps another one-cent regionally.
Expand the sales tax to groceries and to 174 categories of services, using the proceeds to reduce property taxes on homesteads and cars, trucks and motorcycles.
Georgians who prefer Democrats and who feared that putting Republicans in control under the Gold Dome represented a lurch to the right needn’t have worried. This is where the old gang left off.
House Speaker Glenn Richardson appeared last week before the House Ways and Means Committee to propose something that Democrats never dared bring forth when Zell Miller and his band started studying tax revision 16 years ago.
At the hearing, Richardson expressed frustration with policy wonks who, he believed, skewed the numbers to help defeat a tax shift that he initially designated as “Georgia’s Repeal of Every Ad Valorem Tax,” though it’s not called that anymore.
He is, in that regard, learning one of the elementary lessons of the old order. Experts and especially those in-house with a preferred policy outcome are almost always able to frame the options so that they get the decision they want from the bosses.
This tax on services was a favorite of the academics during the work of the Joint Commission on Revenue Structure during the administration of Gov. Zell Miller. It ran afoul of Miller’s promise to lift the sales tax on food. Miller won, but while legislators come and go, the love affair with a broader-based tax on services hangs eternal.
A tax on services was then characterized as a way to get the rich to pay their fair share by taxing their pet-grooming, lawn services and their country club memberships. It didn’t fly. Most Georgians know full well that an awful lot of little people are swept up in every scheme to tax “the rich.”
The speaker’s target is illegal aliens.
A tax on groceries and a tax on services extracts revenue from those who either don’t file income taxes or underreport income from a cash economy. In his bill, those who report income that is less than 200 percent of the federal poverty level — $41,300 for a family of four — could get a rebate for the sales tax they pay on groceries, but they must file an income tax return.
The essential elements of the swap Richardson is proposing now were the elements of the three-year study by the joint commission. Ironically, some commission members objected to lifting the sales tax on groceries as unwarranted relief to the middle class and the well-to-do, while “siphoning off” $600 million a year from state and local governments. That estimate has proved to be high. In 2006, more than a decade after the tax was lifted, the Department of Audits and Accounts puts the forgone revenues at $500 million. With the additional revenues generated, Richardson says 2 million payers of property tax would see their bills cut in half.
All noncommercial vehicles registered in individual names would pay no more property tax — except for a $20 tax, half of which would be used to help fund a $100 million statewide trauma network. Homeowners would get relief from school property taxes. The elderly in counties with an existing school tax exemption would get some relief from the tax for general government.
It’s a complex proposal, still, one potentially with major compliance problems and with unintended consequences. It is likely to be reported out of committee Thursday and reach the floor next week.
Democrats wisely elected not to introduce a sales tax on services. And now emboldened Republicans, sorting through the discards of the past, find this gem. There was a reason Democrats stayed in power for 134 years.
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Comments
By Redneck Convert
February 19, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Well, the owner of the warehouse where I pick up beer is just worried sick about getting a tax on services. He asked what the world is coming to when the dues of his three country clubs and what he pays the Mexicans to mow his yards get taxed. He thinks it won’t even be a even swap for the property taxes he pays on his mansion and the two vacation houses. Anyhow, the slicks down at the Capitol always figure a way to boost the total taxes they take in a little while they are re-doing things. He wants to know why the Republicans got elected if they are going to act like librul Democrats.
Anyway, it looks like the slicks are getting squeezed a little by us screaming bloody murder about taxes. They need more money so they can buy their way into office again, but the state pocketbook has been stomped flat. So now they are looking for a way to bamboozle us into paying more. I say if they need more money then get rid of the law that says all the gambling money has to go to schools and colledges. They can siphon off about half of it and we won’t be turning out so many librul colledge graduates to boot. It can become the half-Hope Scholarship.
I’m kind of suprized Wooten didn’t write nothing about the shootings in that colledge classroom in Illinois. The whole thing is the best argument you can have for getting rid of no-gun zones and letting every student pack heat. A crazy guy will think twicet about blasting away if every person in the classroom has a AK-47. It might even make the pointy-headed librul perfessers think twicet about what they say.
I guess jbmlaw is still living it up in Hawaii on the tax cut of My President. I worry he might go swimming and get gobbled up by a shark, but my buddy Jim Earl says you don’t have to worry about sharks biting lawyers. Its professional courtesy, and besides lawyers are full of stuff sharks won’t eat.
Have a good day everybody.
By Mid-South Philosopher
February 19, 2008 8:08 AM | Link to this
Good morning, Jim,
I have said it before, and I will say it again…government suffers from the Langolier Syndrome…! It eats and eats and eats and eats and eats and eats and eats and eats and, then, it announces that it is hungry.
While the sales tax is, by far, the most equitable tax, it will never take the place of property and ad valorem revenues. The local barons and baronesses on the county commissions, city councils, and local school boards will never stand for it.
In all of the discussion of tax reformation, whether among the Georgia towns and cities, at the county levels, in Atlanta, or in Washington, none of these “mothers’ sons” ever talk about reduction in spending. Rather, they try to convince us that they will make things easier on the middle and working classes. Yet, when the dust settles, we find that it remains those who work, try to produce, and try to acquire a bit of the American Dream that pay.
The politicians are purveyors of the welfare state.
The Democrats cater to the poor and those on the dole.
The Republicans cater to the corporatists and the wealthy.
Both political parties seek a cheap labor force or a favorable voting constituency and, consequently, cater to illegal aliens.
The diminishing middle and working classes receive a lot of lip service and the tax bills.
Don’t re-elect anyone!
By OneForTheRoad
February 19, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this
If these so-called Republicans had any inkling of conservatism flowing through their chunk of grey matter, they would be working toward reducing government’s grip on the taxpayer. Glenn Richardson and his ilk are not conservatives and they are not interested in reducing the size of government. They are greedy, power-hungry, shameless little twits. Well, maybe “little” in the physical sense is inaccurate. I’m with mid-south — don’t re-elect anyone.
By Ron
February 19, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this
Good morning Jim,Let’s see if I have this straight.I hire illegals to do the work around my house so I don’t have to pay a service tax,just cash.They in turn get taxed on groceries and cigarettes and cars and speeding and other things.Since I don’t smoke,or own a car,or eat very much,I bypass these taxes and also they throw away my property tax?If this is true,I just won the lottery.Bring it on.
By OneForTheRoad
February 19, 2008 9:03 AM | Link to this
Yep, Ron. That’s how the liberal Richardson says it will work. The difference now is that he finally admits it’s not a great plan. I want a “divorce” from Richardson. Anyway, you magically make people start paying taxes that they apparently never paid before and even if those people do actually magically start paying these taxes, they won’t pass on the cost by increasing their fees, etc. They’ll just absorb the cost and the rest of us that have always paid taxes will not have to pay as much any more because our ad valorem taxes will be reduced to offset the increases everywhere else except for the $20 to start with on tags and the 2 cents to start with on everything and the extra taxes on things that were never taxed before and the SPLOSTs that will probably still be collected…. Read my lips: No New Georgia Republicans. At this point, McCain may be the only one on the Republican ticket that gets my vote.
By Curious Observer
February 19, 2008 9:04 AM | Link to this
Interesting stuff, but Richardson has to know the county commissioners will never buy into this sales tax on services as a substitute for a portion of property taxes. No county commissioner wants to go, hat in hand, to Atlanta to receive funding. Even if the proposals became law, property owners would be wide open for ad valorem tax increases by counties dissatisfied with state funding allocations.
Say, whatever happened to the Republicans’ idea of local control? It must have run head-on into campaign contributions from wealthy property owners.
By Mack
February 19, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this
CNN just reported that Castro will pose nude for Vanity Fair in the same pose that Broadway Joe Namath used for Playgirl in 1970.
By Office of the District Attorney
February 19, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this
TRANSCRIPT
Ruby: It’s the same thing in Swingin’ London.
Oswald: London? Yeah?
Ruby: Yeah. Sam’s got one o[inaudible] girls planted between some Russian and their war secretary or whatever they call them over there.
Oswald: Really? You could really blackmail somebody with something like that.
Ruby: Oh, ya could? How would ya do somethin’ like that, Lee?
Oswald: All I’d need is one of those cameras like we used in Lawford’s beach house. And maybe a mic system…nothing fancy…something simple like you’ve got up on the stage there, would do.
Ruby: Uh. I dunno. Do they even have the same electricity over there?
Oswald: Well they must’ve used our stuff in the War. I used British tube gear in the Corps, and it worked OK, even overs[inaudible]…they’ve got solid state now…
Ruby: Yeah? That so. Hmm. That’s very interesting. You’re a very interesting guy, Lee.
Oswald: Well, I…
Ruby: Because I mean, there are places in this world for interesting guys…know what I’m saying?
Oswald: [Laughter] Sure, Jack, I think I do!
Ruby: [Laughter] You’re awright, Lee…
Oswald: Y’ain’t half bad yourself, Jack.
Ruby: Hey, how ‘bout that Bibby trade, huh?
Oswald: [Inaudible]
By John McCain
February 19, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
More!
By Barack Obama
February 19, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
More!
By Bill Clinton
February 19, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
More, dammit!
By Hillary
February 19, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this
Like he said, “More!”
By getalife
February 19, 2008 9:56 AM | Link to this
Obama is a fraud
Sorry but you have been punked.
By Hillary
February 19, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this
That’s right. I am the original More Model! The Queen of More! The one true and authentic Monarch of Morefulness!
By Some Like it Smart
February 19, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
Office of the DA
zzzz…zzz…zzz…huh?
By Sean Penn
February 19, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this
I’m all over that, Mack. Like a cheap suit.
By Glenn
February 19, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
I failed to hear the solution which is “Cut Spending”!
By Glenn
February 19, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this
I failed to hear the solution which is “Cut Spending”! Glenn
By Jim's a Cherry Picker
February 19, 2008 10:23 AM | Link to this
Hi Jim,
These Republicans that you dream of…the ones who arm the populus and eliminate taxes and everyone is happy….
They don’t exist.
For someone who holds such a lofty position, you sure are green on topics such as this.
By Glenn
February 19, 2008 10:35 AM | Link to this
I failed to post the above solution, and never would have posted it because (a) doing so would steal jbm’s thunder, which just wouldn’t be fair; and (b) I wouldn’t want to disappoint Jim, who showed with his endorsement of spending revenue surpluses that he favors spending increases.
Generally speaking, I and the entire population of the State of Missouri prefer to spend productively rather than counterproductively, and find the former not only more economical than the latter, but downright cheaper too.
By Disgusted
February 19, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
Taxes!!! Ooo, ow, help! They want to steal our money! Let the little people pay the taxes. The rest of us are being Productive Members of Society who already pay too much in taxes.
By Glenn
February 19, 2008 10:57 AM | Link to this
Disgusted,
The subject is taxation under control of Georgia statute. Taxes, fees, fines, forfeitures, etc., imposed by the State of Georgia and all its subdivisions, such as counties, municipalities and special districts.
Most of Georgia’s tax revenues—-money the State takes in from actual taxes—-are spent on education in one form or another. Of the education spending, the great bulk of it is spent on early childhood education through secondary education; so, preschool-12.
So before you ridicule those who “pay too much in taxes”, could you give an instance of how you pay too little, or just enough, for the purchase of the big items on Georgia’s shopping list?
What are the Governor and legislators buying, from the education shopping list, that you think they’re getting at a fair price in your tax dollars? What do you think they should be buying at a higher price in your tax dollars and ours?
By Captain Freedom
February 19, 2008 11:11 AM | Link to this
THE Captain wishes to take us away from Jim’s topic of the day to congratulate Our Leader on His Glorious Defeat of the inFidel Castro, aka Hussein of Havana. This bold Victory proves yet again that Our Leader is the Bestest President Ever.
THE Captain now returns you to your regularly scheduled reprogramming.
By Dusty
February 19, 2008 11:13 AM | Link to this
Jim’s a Cherry Picker@10:23
Oh, I have a plan for happiness. Tax all liberals to the max so they can have socialized medicine, “free education” for life, subsidized housing, subsidized transportation, no limits on mind enhancing drugs, cheap labor by “illegals”, get-rich lotteries for the poor and food stamps to cover all food costs for the “poverty stricken” that make up to $200,000/year. Of course, alcohol must be for sale any time, day or night. And, with all this happiness, who needs guns, police or the military. (This plan is similar to Obama’s.)
Conservatives will have no big tax plan as they are too busy WORKING to support themselves. They will work until subversives take over the country when liberals hand it to them so they won’t have to fight or work for ANYTHING. Besides, “there aint no terror coming here”. Liberals will call it “change”.
By Peter
February 19, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
Yes the Republicans are the TAX and SPEND party…..too bad they don’t actually spend the money on our country!
But they really like to fake us out by using Mantras like…..
“Family Values”
AND inciting FEAR…. “we are at orange alert” !
All a bunch of crap…… unless trying to get pics of nude boys, and playing footsey in the Men’s bathroom, would be considered “Family Values”
Of course cutting spending on education, and Health Care in the BUSH budget IS considered “FAMILY VALUES” !
We need to spend more on the Military…… blowing up other countries again IS a “FAMILY VALUE”!
By Captain Freedom
February 19, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this
THE Captain also wishes to congratulate Our Leader for His role in rousting the Butcher Musharraf from power in Pakistan. Yet another bold and decisive victory for democracy, proving again that Our Leader has a Global Vision and the Power to Prevail.
Bestest. President. Ever.
Regularly scheduled, return, etc.
By Tobacco is King, Again
February 19, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this
Service providers whine about a tax on services, but taxing real production is just fine and dandy with them…That is why I produce only products for export, tobbaco and cotton. The only food I produce is for my own consumption - why? Food shortages are growing world wide, hard red winter wheat just hit 20 bucks a bushel - Corn is over 5, Russia has new tarrifs on wheat and corn exports, wheat in storage is at an all time low…Under the libs, there will be restrictions on the export of food, but never, ever on the export of tobbaco and cotton. I say tax services to the hilt, especially financial services and newspaper writting.
By Redneck Convert
February 19, 2008 11:30 AM | Link to this
Well, I’m spitting mad because I think this Disgusted is making fun of us godly GA rednecks. And for that matter, I think this Captain is making fun of us too. Wormy little librul throwing off on My President.
Anyhow, to answer Glenn’s question, I think the only thing we get cheap with our taxes is teachers. Course, you get what you pay for. It ain’t our fault. We just pay the taxes and somebody else does the hiring. I reckon they pocket the diffrence. We could stand a few more like @@. Teachers that will brow-beat the retards and make them beleive what we want them to beleive.
Leastwise, we don’t waste money on buying teaching supplys. We just give them a debit card and tell them to have a $200 ball buying supplys enough to last 200 kids a year. A buck a year per kid is plenty.
By Dusty
February 19, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this
Captain Freedom,
How great of you to remind us of our meritorious victory in the Cuban”Bay of Pigs” under JFK, our shining leader of that time. Following that success, we have had Castro and now his lovely brother Raul. Another lib achievement!
Now a victory for free elections in Pakistan. Our leader does lead the fight for freedom to vote, even for those who might not work with us. But they will survive, just as we will survive (barely) should a Democratic president be elected.
Adios, Captain. Recreation time is over. Back to your cell.
By getalife
February 19, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
Damn, the gop hide taxes along with their crimes.
Did you see w’s judicial nomineee busted for DUI in a dress and heels?
Yep, he nominated a drunk cross dresser.
What is wrong with the gop?
Are they all perverts?
Damn.
By Realist
February 19, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this
What does it matter whether we tax and tax, tax and spend, or dont tax dont spend. All the crooks and THOSE people down in Atlanta will still swindle millions of our money anyway on things like manicures, pedicures, tickets to them colored musicals, moet, limos, and ribs.
Stop the thievery. Vote the crooks out! Take back Atlanta for the honest workign man !!
By Craig also
February 19, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this
Ahh Dusty, Dusty, Dusty.
Bless your li’l ol’ heart.
By Captain Freedom
February 19, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
Dusty,
It is unfortunate that you raise the Bay of Pigs issue, as it serves only to shine a poor light on GENERAL D. Eisenhower, a Godly Republican, who left the BoP plans to Kennedy as a legacy. Given your, um, ‘help’, people might get the mistaken idea that Republicans set into motion plans to invade countries without any thought as to the consequences. Next thing you know, people might begin to think that Our Leader had no real plans for the post-invasion realities of Afghanistan and Iraq. And this on a day when Our Leader can claim a legitimate victory over an evil commie.
Shame on you, Dusty.
But all is not contentious between us, Dear Dim Dusty, as THE Captain joins you in applauding the outcome of free elections in Pakistan, where the people have risen up as one to reject a brutal dictator. And luckily, Our Leader had the foresight over the past seven years to send Mushharraf enough US Taxpayer Money to enable him to go quietly into his retirement. Now THAT’S planning!
One can only hope that Our Leader and His Cheney have planned as well for their own exile, um, retirement, as the Demoncrats are surely going to carry out a witch hunt that makes it impossible for these good men to enjoy their retirements anyplace other than, say, Paraguay.
By Dusty
February 19, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this
getalife,@11:39
Do you thrive on “Hate-Bush” underground junk news to fill your day?
Such trash is considered “dubious dingbat dirt” and ethical journalists do not use it.
We don’t need it here either.
By Dusty
February 19, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
Craigie baby…11:53
Well, what, snookums?????
By getalife
February 19, 2008 12:09 PM | Link to this
“Outside of Andy McCarthy, Mark Steyn and their roving band of paranoid right-wing bloggers who can’t sleep at night because they think (and hope) that there are dark, primitive “jihadi” super-villains hiding under their beds — along with the Very Serious pundit class which proves their Seriousness by placing blind faith in the fear-mongering pronouncements and demands of our military and intelligence officials for more unchecked power — nobody cares about adolescent Terrorist game-playing like this any longer.”
Sniveling cowards like crusty need to move out of our country.
We are taking it back and we are not scared.
Go have sex with yourself crusty.
Bwa.
By Bob
February 19, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this
Mr. Richardson just wants to put the GREAT plan on the ballot so WE, THE VOTERS, can decide if we want to reduce property taxes in exchange for taxes on services. What’s wrong with that? What better way than to let the citizens decide? I personally think the GREAT plan, is just that, GREAT - skyrocketing property taxes are why so many people are losing their homes and why foreclosures are at an all time high. Cheers to Glenn Richardson for having the stones to put forth a PLAN and DO SOMETHING. We can’t say the same for Sonny “Let Them Eat Cake” Purdue, or frankly, anyone else in GA State Govt. Thank you, Glenn Richardson, PLEASE don’t back down now!
By ray
February 19, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
al qaeda likes the GREAT tax too…they won’t have to waste any bomb material collapsing our infrastructure.
By OneForTheRoad
February 19, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this
Well, I guess our elected officials won’t have to worry about these new taxes — they’d have to be accused of providing a service first. Of course, if we start taxing the dis-service, then our politicians would be the most heavily taxed. Who are Glenn Richardson’s teachers anyway? Hang your heads in shame — SHAME!
By Glenn
February 19, 2008 12:31 PM | Link to this
Swinish History
As any Cuban American in Miami will tell you, the plans Ike left called for U.S. military support, including naval and air support following the landings. As it happened, JFK first approved implementation of those minor details, then balked, then stalled, then chickened out. Moscow rightly concluded that, as a statesman and commander, JFK wasn’t fit to operate the bilge pump beneath Ike’s mobile command trailer.
Sell Rotten Apples, Buy Peaches
As for teachers, again: fire two-thirds of the teaching force—-those who couldn’t pass a Seventh Grade English test despite their college degrees in Language Arts—-and double the salaries of the remaining teachers. Then give the teachers wholly new roles, and backfill the loss of personnel as necessary with non-professionals of various descriptions.
Go to Congress, Denounce the Baby Killers
You could give every teacher now in service a Platinum Card and it wouldn’t affect student outcomes, because supplies support curriculum, and the curriculum is a ridiculous function of ridiculous standards formulated by just the damnedest peoople in just the damnedest ways to sustain and support just the damnedest purposes of the NEA and its dupes.
Now, were that situation changed, you could have bang for your buck, you could therefore have a nice idiomatic cliche to toy with instead of dismantling and replacing the child grinder, and you could have teachers who are educators instead of—-how is it you Democrats put it?—-baby killers.
By Apocalypse
February 19, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Barack Obama’s Plan Ending the War in Iraq Judgment You Can Trust:
As a candidate for the United States Senate in 2002, Obama put his political career on the line to oppose going to war in Iraq, and warned of “an occupation of undetermined length, with undetermined costs, and undetermined consequences.” Obama has been a consistent, principled and vocal opponent of the war in Iraq: In 2003 and 2004, he spoke out against the war on the campaign trail; In 2005, he called for a phased withdrawal of our troops; In 2006, he called for a timetable to remove our troops, a political solution within Iraq, and aggressive diplomacy with all of Iraq’s neighbors; In January 2007, he introduced legislation in the Senate to remove all of our combat troops from Iraq by March 2008. In September 2007, he laid out a detailed plan for how he will end the war as president. Bring Our Troops Home: Obama will immediately begin to remove our troops from Iraq. He will remove one to two combat brigades each month, and have all of our combat brigades out of Iraq within 16 months. Obama will make it clear that we will not build any permanent bases in Iraq. He will keep some troops in Iraq to protect our embassy and diplomats; if al Qaeda attempts to build a base within Iraq, he will keep troops in Iraq or elsewhere in the region to carry out targeted strikes on al Qaeda. Press Iraq’s leaders to reconcile: The best way to press Iraq’s leaders to take responsibility for their future is to make it clear that we are leaving. As we remove our troops, Obama will engage representatives from all levels of Iraqi society – in and out of government – to seek a new accord on Iraq’s Constitution and governance. The United Nations will play a central role in this convention, which should not adjourn until a new national accord is reached addressing tough questions like federalism and oil revenue-sharing. Regional Diplomacy: Obama will launch the most aggressive diplomatic effort in recent American history to reach a new compact on the stability of Iraq and the Middle East. This effort will include all of Iraq’s neighbors – including Iran and Syria. This compact will aim to secure Iraq’s borders; keep neighboring countries from meddling inside Iraq; isolate al Qaeda; support reconciliation among Iraq’s sectarian groups; and provide financial support for Iraq’s reconstruction. Humanitarian Initiative: Obama believes that America has a moral and security responsibility to confront Iraq’s humanitarian crisis – two million Iraqis are refugees; two million more are displaced inside their own country. Obama will form an international working group to address this crisis. He will provide at least $2 billion to expand services to Iraqi refugees in neighboring countries, and ensure that Iraqis inside their own country can find a safe-haven. Iran The Problem: Iran has sought nuclear weapons, supports militias inside Iraq and terror across the region, and its leaders threaten Israel and deny the Holocaust. But Obama believes that we have not exhausted our non-military options in confronting this threat; in many ways, we have yet to try them. That’s why Obama stood up to the Bush administration’s warnings of war, just like he stood up to the war in Iraq. Opposed Bush-Cheney Saber Rattling: Obama opposed the Kyl-Lieberman amendment, which says we should use our military presence in Iraq to counter the threat from Iran. Obama believes that it was reckless for Congress to give George Bush any justification to extend the Iraq War or to attack Iran. Obama also introduced a resolution in the Senate declaring that no act of Congress – including Kyl-Lieberman – gives the Bush administration authorization to attack Iran. Diplomacy: Obama is the only major candidate who supports tough, direct presidential diplomacy with Iran without preconditions. Now is the time to pressure Iran directly to change their troubling behavior. Obama would offer the Iranian regime a choice. If Iran abandons its nuclear program and support for terrorism, we will offer incentives like membership in the World Trade Organization, economic investments, and a move toward normal diplomatic relations. If Iran continues its troubling behavior, we will step up our economic pressure and political isolation. Seeking this kind of comprehensive settlement with Iran is our best way to make progress. Renewing American Diplomacy The Problem: The United States is trapped by the Bush-Cheney approach to diplomacy that refuses to talk to leaders we don’t like. Not talking doesn’t make us look tough – it makes us look arrogant, it denies us opportunities to make progress, and it makes it harder for America to rally international support for our leadership. On challenges ranging from terrorism to disease, nuclear weapons to climate change, we cannot make progress unless we can draw on strong international support. Talk to our Foes and Friends: Obama is willing to meet with the leaders of all nations, friend and foe. He will do the careful preparation necessary, but will signal that America is ready to come to the table, and that he is willing to lead. And if America is willing to come to the table, the world will be more willing to rally behind American leadership to deal with challenges like terrorism, and Iran and North Korea’s nuclear programs. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Obama will make progress on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict a key diplomatic priority. He will make a sustained push – working with Israelis and Palestinians – to achieve the goal of two states, a Jewish state in Israel and a Palestinian state, living side by side in peace and security. Expand our Diplomatic Presence: To make diplomacy a priority, Obama will stop shuttering consulates and start opening them in the tough and hopeless corners of the world – particularly in Africa. He will expand our foreign service, and develop the capacity of our civilian aid workers to work alongside the military. Fight Global Poverty: Obama will embrace the Millennium Development Goal of cutting extreme poverty around the world in half by 2015, and he will double our foreign assistance to $50 billion to achieve that goal. He will help the world’s weakest states to build healthy and educated communities, reduce poverty, develop markets, and generate wealth. Strengthen NATO: Obama will rally NATO members to contribute troops to collective security operations, urging them to invest more in reconstruction and stabilization operations, streamlining the decision-making processes, and giving NATO commanders in the field more flexibility. Seek New Partnerships in Asia: Obama will forge a more effective framework in Asia that goes beyond bilateral agreements, occasional summits, and ad hoc arrangements, such as the six-party talks on North Korea. He will maintain strong ties with allies like Japan, South Korea and Australia; work to build an infrastructure with countries in East Asia that can promote stability and prosperity; and work to ensure that China plays by international rules. Nuclear Weapons A Record of Results: The gravest danger to the American people is the threat of a terrorist attack with a nuclear weapon and the spread of nuclear weapons to dangerous regimes. Obama has taken bipartisan action to secure nuclear weapons and materials: He joined Senator Dick Lugar in passing a law to help the United States and our allies detect and stop the smuggling of weapons of mass destruction throughout the world. He joined Senator Chuck Hagel to introduce a bill that seeks to prevent nuclear terrorism, reduce global nuclear arsenals, and stop the spread of nuclear weapons. And while other candidates have insisted that we should threaten to drop nuclear bombs on terrorist training camps, Obama believes that we must talk openly about nuclear weapons – because the best way to keep America safe is not to threaten terrorists with nuclear weapons, it’s to keep nuclear weapons away from terrorists. Secure Loose Nuclear Materials from Terrorists: Obama will secure all loose nuclear materials in the world within four years. While we work to secure existing stockpiles of nuclear material, Obama will negotiate a verifiable global ban on the production of new nuclear weapons material. This will deny terrorists the ability to steal or buy loose nuclear materials. Strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty: Obama will crack down on nuclear proliferation by strengthening the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty so that countries like North Korea and Iran that break the rules will automatically face strong international sanctions. Toward a Nuclear Free World: Obama will set a goal of a world without nuclear weapons, and pursue it. Obama will always maintain a strong deterrent as long as nuclear weapons exist. But he will take several steps down the long road toward eliminating nuclear weapons. He will stop the development of new nuclear weapons; work with Russia to take U.S. and Russian ballistic missiles off hair trigger alert; seek dramatic reductions in U.S. and Russian stockpiles of nuclear weapons and material; and set a goal to expand the U.S.-Russian ban on intermediate- range missiles so that the agreement is global. Building a 21st Century Military The Problem: The excellence of our military is unmatched. But as a result of a misguided war in Iraq, our forces are under pressure as never before. Obama will make the investments we need so that the finest military in the world is best-prepared to meet 21st-century threats. Rebuild Trust: Obama will rebuild trust with those who serve by ensuring that soldiers and Marines have sufficient training time before they are sent into battle. Expand the Military: We have learned from Iraq that our military needs more men and women in uniform to reduce the strain on our active force. Obama will increase the size of ground forces, adding 65,000 soldiers to the Army and 27,000 Marines. New Capabilities: Obama will give our troops new equipment, armor, training, and skills like language training. He will also strengthen our civilian capacity, so that our civilian agencies have the critical skills and equipment they need to integrate their efforts with our military. Strengthen Guard and Reserve: Obama will restore the readiness of the National Guard and Reserves. He will permit them adequate time to train and rest between deployments, and provide the National Guard with the equipment they need for foreign and domestic emergencies. He will also give the Guard a seat at the table by making the Chief of the National Guard a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Bipartisanship and Openness The Problem: Under the Bush administration, foreign policy has been used as a political wedge issue to divide us – not as a cause to bring America together. And it is no coincidence that one of the most secretive administrations in history has pursued policies that have been disastrous for the American people. Obama strongly believes that our foreign policy is stronger when Americans are united, and the government is open and candid with the American people. A Record of Bringing People Together: In the Senate, Obama has worked with Republicans and Democrats to advance important policy initiatives on securing weapons of mass destruction and conventional weapons, increasing funding for nonproliferation, and countering instability in Congo. Consultative Group: Obama will convene a bipartisan Consultative Group of leading members of Congress to foster better executive-legislative relations and bipartisan unity on foreign policy. This group will be comprised of the congressional leadership of both political parties, and the chair and ranking members of the Armed Services, Foreign Relations, Intelligence, and Appropriations Committees. This group will meet with the president once a month to review foreign policy priorities, and will be consulted in advance of military action. Getting Politics out of Intelligence: Obama would insulate the Director of National Intelligence from political pressure by giving the DNI a fixed term, like the Chairman of the Federal Reserve. Obama will seek consistency and integrity at the top of our intelligence community – not just a political ally. Change the Culture of Secrecy: Obama will reverse President Bush’s policy of secrecy. He will institute a National Declassification Center to make declassification secure but routine, efficient, and cost-effective. Engaging the American People on Foreign Policy: Obama will bring foreign policy decisions directly to the people by requiring his national security officials to have periodic national broadband town hall meetings to discuss foreign policy. He will personally deliver occasional fireside chats via webcast. On Israel Ensure a Strong U.S.-Israel Partnership: Barack Obama strongly supports the U.S.-Israel relationship, believes that our first and incontrovertible commitment in the Middle East must be to the security of Israel, America’s strongest ally in the Middle East. Obama supports this closeness, stating that that the United States would never distance itself from Israel. Support Israel’s Right to Self Defense: During the July 2006 Lebanon war, Barack Obama stood up strongly for Israel’s right to defend itself from Hezbollah raids and rocket attacks, cosponsoring a Senate resolution against Iran and Syria’s involvement in the war, and insisting that Israel should not be pressured into a ceasefire that did not deal with the threat of Hezbollah missiles. He believes strongly in Israel’s right to protect its citizens. Support Foreign Assistance to Israel: Barack Obama has consistently supported foreign assistance to Israel. He defends and supports the annual foreign aid package that involves both military and economic assistance to Israel and has advocated increased foreign aid budgets to ensure that these funding priorities are met. He has called for continuing U.S. cooperation with Israel in the development of missile defense systems.
By Dusty
February 19, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this
Dear Captain of the chronic Complainers,12:02
Alas, you have mistaken Eisenhower for your shining JFK who approved the “Bay of Pigs” endeavor. Even the Cap’n cannot change facts, as much as he might try.
And YES, setting countries free to rule themselves is a goal. Why are you not celebrating the elections of Afghanistan and Iraq? They are countries making their own plans after being freed from a dictator and a dictatorial regime. Americans do not aim to rule, as you seem to expect.
You must celebrate! Freedom thrives.
Our revered leaders retire with respect. No perjury. No impeachments, even though…..
Democrats used all their experience to incriminate by forgeries, pointless investigations, blocking of funds for the military and propaganda to the max.
But the truth prevails and our leaders retire gracefully into the sunset of sincerity and truth. Even our Captain cannot do that as he has broken the oath of truthfulness. (But your “funny in the head” bit is amusing! Downright laughable!.)
By Mack
February 19, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this
Pipe down, Glenn. You are passionate, but you do not persuade. You write too many words. Simply edit it down and your blog will be perfect.
till then, take a break, we’ve heard quite enough from the likes of polecats like you.
Anybody got any peyote?
By TW
February 19, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this
skyrocketing property taxes are why so many people are losing their homes and why foreclosures are at an all time high.
Bob - you are a great argument against referendum…
By Captain Freedom
February 19, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this
Glenn,
Babykillers is a term that We of True Belief created and continue to cherish as the trump card of any argument. Just watch some whine and cheese liberal drop their jaw when you call them a babykiller. It’s almost as much fun as screaming same at a 14 year-old outside an abortion clinic. Ah, good times.
We do not allow Islamoedufascists and other liberals to use that term.
But you, as a proud memeber of the Conservative Right Educated Indestructible Natterer movement(C.R.E.T.I.N.), have earned the right to use the term.
So, JFK lost Cuba, eh? Care to tell us who lost China? THE Captain is all ears.
By Apocalypse
February 19, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this
Barack Obama’s Plan Restore Fiscal Discipline to Washington Reinstate PAYGO Rules:
Obama believes that a critical step in restoring fiscal discipline is enforcing pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) budgeting rules which require new spending commitments or tax changes to be paid for by cuts to other programs or new revenue. Reverse Bush Tax Cuts for the Wealthy: Obama will protect tax cuts for poor and middle class families, but he will reverse most of the Bush tax cuts for the wealthiest taxpayers. Cut Pork Barrel Spending: Obama introduced and passed bipartisan legislation that would require more disclosure and transparency for special-interest earmarks. Obama believes that spending that cannot withstand public scrutiny cannot be justified. Obama will slash earmarks to no greater than year 2001 levels and ensure all spending decisions are open to the public. Make Government Spending More Accountable and Efficient: Obama will ensure that federal contracts over $25,000 are competitively bid. Obama will also increase the efficiency of government programs through better use of technology, stronger management that demands accountability and by leveraging the government’s high-volume purchasing power to get lower prices. End Wasteful Government Spending: Obama will stop funding wasteful, obsolete federal government programs that make no financial sense. Obama has called for an end to subsidies for oil and gas companies that are enjoying record profits, as well as the elimination of subsidies to the private student loan industry which has repeatedly used unethical business practices. Obama will also tackle wasteful spending in the Medicare program. Make the Tax System More Fair and Efficient End Tax Haven Abuse: Building on his bipartisan work in the Senate, Obama will give the Treasury Department the tools it needs to stop the abuse of tax shelters and offshore tax havens and help close the $350 billion tax gap between taxes owed and taxes paid. Close Special Interest Corporate Loopholes: Obama will level the playing field for all businesses by eliminating special-interest loopholes and deductions, such as those for the oil and gas industry. Barack Obama’s Record PAYGO: Obama voted in 2005, 2006, and 2007 to reinstate pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) federal budget rules. No-Bid Contracts: Obama has introduced and helped pass bipartisan legislation to limit the abuse of no-bid federal contracts. Against Raising the Federal Debt Limit: In 2006, Obama voted against misguided Republican efforts to raise the statutory debt limit at the same time the Republicans were pushing through massive debt-financed tax cuts for the wealthy.
By Dusty
February 19, 2008 12:45 PM | Link to this
I tell you, that getalife is one errr…charming… person.(12:09) He has risen out of the gutter to proclaim his brain damage. Have pity. He needs all the help you can give him.
Bye now…see ya’ later.
By getalife
February 19, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this
You help me by crawling back under your bed .
Loser.
By OneForTheRoad
February 19, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Our schools are putting out some well educated children these days. They graduate from high school with more than ample knowledge. They know that 1)living at home is not so bad if you can get away with it, 2)the odds of winning the lottery are not in favor of the ticket holder, 3)the executives at the major U.S. companies have found more rewarding options (stock, etc.) overseas, 4)there are no good jobs available in India or China, and 5)there are plenty of jobs in Iraq and Afghanistan (there’s even an extra $40,000 in it five years from now). I wonder if those Bush twins know how to fire an M16? Wouldn’t it be a riot if one of them called home from their unit in Iraq? What would daddy say?
By Diogenes
February 19, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this
Good morning, Jim;
If I may use your own statement.
Democrats wisely elected not to introduce a sales tax on services. And now emboldened Republicans, sorting through the discards of the past, find this gem. There was a reason Democrats stayed in power for 134 years.
Nothing else needs be said when the inmates are allowed to run the institution.
By Glenn
February 19, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this
Sorry, Captain, but I was too lazy to think up my own term, or my own speech, or to read my website so I could sign off on putting its content in my name. Mine’s just a lazy intellect. What can I say? I am as I am. Charismatically lazy.
Mack, you haven’t heard anything about anything. You show that by your failure to understand what Georgia needs revenues for, and why Georgia should not need those revenues.
The Statehouse Boys keep taking half-measures to patch a system of public finance, followed by half-measures to backfill the half-measures. Backfill of backfill upon backfill, all to buy the biggest ticket, schooling. The larger point you and Jim are missing is that the clowns want more money to waste at the expense not so much of whining taxpayers, but at the lifelong expense of schoolchildren. You may think that I’m bending today’s topic to my favorite sermon, but I’m not. I’m pointing to the giant turd in the middle of the Statehouse, and suggesting that it get cleaned up. By us, if necessary.
If them’s too many words for you to swallow, then mull.
By Mack
February 19, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this
Castro out to pasture? He must really be ill. maybe well be lucky and he’ll write a book.
By Glenn
February 19, 2008 1:03 PM | Link to this
Political Foreskin:
Ignorance is briss indeed.
By Mack
February 19, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this
You should know, simple one, you’re the one who always going off halfcocked.
By Apocalypse
February 19, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this
Barack Obama’s Healthcare Plan Quality, Affordable and Portable Coverage for All Obama’s Plan to Cover Uninsured Americans:
Obama will make available a new national health plan to all Americans, including the self-employed and small businesses, to buy affordable health coverage that is similar to the plan available to members of Congress. The Obama plan will have the following features: Guaranteed eligibility. No American will be turned away from any insurance plan because of illness or pre-existing conditions. Comprehensive benefits. The benefit package will be similar to that offered through Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), the plan members of Congress have. The plan will cover all essential medical services, including preventive, maternity and mental health care. Affordable premiums, co-pays and deductibles. Subsidies. Individuals and families who do not qualify for Medicaid or SCHIP but still need financial assistance will receive an income-related federal subsidy to buy into the new public plan or purchase a private health care plan. Simplified paperwork and reined in health costs. Easy enrollment. The new public plan will be simple to enroll in and provide ready access to coverage. Portability and choice. Participants in the new public plan and the National Health Insurance Exchange (see below) will be able to move from job to job without changing or jeopardizing their health care coverage. Quality and efficiency. Participating insurance companies in the new public program will be required to report data to ensure that standards for quality, health information technology and administration are being met. National Health Insurance Exchange: The Obama plan will create a National Health Insurance Exchange to help individuals who wish to purchase a private insurance plan. The Exchange will act as a watchdog group and help reform the private insurance market by creating rules and standards for participating insurance plans to ensure fairness and to make individual coverage more affordable and accessible. Insurers would have to issue every applicant a policy, and charge fair and stable premiums that will not depend upon health status. The Exchange will require that all the plans offered are at least as generous as the new public plan and have the same standards for quality and efficiency. The Exchange would evaluate plans and make the differences among the plans, including cost of services, public. Employer Contribution: Employers that do not offer or make a meaningful contribution to the cost of quality health coverage for their employees will be required to contribute a percentage of payroll toward the costs of the national plan. Small employers that meet certain revenue thresholds will be exempt. Mandatory Coverage of Children: Obama will require that all children have health care coverage. Obama will expand the number of options for young adults to get coverage, including allowing young people up to age 25 to continue coverage through their parents’ plans. Expansion Of Medicaid and SCHIP: Obama will expand eligibility for the Medicaid and SCHIP programs and ensure that these programs continue to serve their critical safety net function. Flexibility for State Plans: Due to federal inaction, some states have taken the lead in health care reform. The Obama plan builds on these efforts and does not replace what states are doing. States can continue to experiment, provided they meet the minimum standards of the national plan. Lower Costs by Modernizing The U.S. Health Care System Reducing Costs of Catastrophic Illnesses for Employers and Their Employees: Catastrophic health expenditures account for a high percentage of medical expenses for private insurers. The Obama plan would reimburse employer health plans for a portion of the catastrophic costs they incur above a threshold if they guarantee such savings are used to reduce the cost of workers’ premiums. Helping Patients: Support disease management programs. Seventy five percent of total health care dollars are spent on patients with one or more chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Obama will require that providers that participate in the new public plan, Medicare or the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) utilize proven disease management programs. This will improve quality of care, give doctors better information and lower costs. Coordinate and integrate care. Over 133 million Americans have at least one chronic disease and these chronic conditions cost a staggering $1.7 trillion yearly. Obama will support implementation of programs and encourage team care that will improve coordination and integration of care of those with chronic conditions. Require full transparency about quality and costs. Obama will require hospitals and providers to collect and publicly report measures of health care costs and quality, including data on preventable medical errors, nurse staffing ratios, hospital-acquired infections, and disparities in care. Health plans will also be required to disclose the percentage of premiums that go to patient care as opposed to administrative costs. Ensuring Providers Deliver Quality Care: Promote patient safety. Obama will require providers to report preventable medical errors and support hospital and physician practice improvement to prevent future occurrences. Align incentives for excellence. Both public and private insurers tend to pay providers based on the volume of services provided, rather than the quality or effectiveness of care. Providers who see patients enrolled in the new public plan, the National Health Insurance Exchange, Medicare and FEHBP will be rewarded for achieving performance thresholds on outcome measures. Comparative effectiveness research. Obama will establish an independent institute to guide reviews and research on comparative effectiveness, so that Americans and their doctors will have the accurate and objective information they need to make the best decisions for their health and well-being. Tackle disparities in health care. Obama will tackle the root causes of health disparities by addressing differences in access to health coverage and promoting prevention and public health, both of which play a major role in addressing disparities. He will also challenge the medical system to eliminate inequities in health care through quality measurement and reporting, implementation of effective interventions such as patient navigation programs, and diversification of the health workforce. Insurance reform. Obama will strengthen antitrust laws to prevent insurers from overcharging physicians for their malpractice insurance and will promote new models for addressing errors that improve patient safety, strengthen the doctor-patient relationship and reduce the need for malpractice suits. Lowering Costs Through Investment in Electronic Health Information Technology Systems: Most medical records are still stored on paper, which makes it hard to coordinate care, measure quality or reduce medical errors and which costs twice as much as electronic claims. Obama will invest $10 billion a year over the next five years to move the U.S. health care system to broad adoption of standards-based electronic health information systems, including electronic health records, and will phase in requirements for full implementation of health IT. Obama will ensure that patients’ privacy is protected. Lowering Costs by Increasing Competition in the Insurance and Drug Markets: The insurance business today is dominated by a small group of large companies that has been gobbling up their rivals. There have been over 400 health care mergers in the last 10 years, and just two companies dominate a full third of the national market. These changes were supposed to make the industry more efficient, but instead premiums have skyrocketed by over 87 percent. Barack Obama will prevent companies from abusing their monopoly power through unjustified price increases. His plan will force insurers to pay out a reasonable share of their premiums for patient care instead of keeping exorbitant amounts for profits and administration. His new National Health Exchange will help increase competition by insurers. Lower prescription drug costs. The second-fastest growing type of health expenses is prescription drugs. Pharmaceutical companies are selling the exact same drugs in Europe and Canada but charging Americans more than double the price. Obama will allow Americans to buy their medicines from other developed countries if the drugs are safe and prices are lower outside the U.S. Obama will also repeal the ban that prevents the government from negotiating with drug companies, which could result in savings as high as $30 billion. Finally, Obama will work to increase the use of generic drugs in Medicare, Medicaid, and FEHBP and prohibit big name drug companies from keeping generics out of markets. Fight for New Initiatives Advance the Biomedical Research Field: As a result of biomedical research the prevention, early detection and treatment of diseases such as cancer and heart disease is better today than any other time in history. Barack Obama has consistently supported funding for the national institutes of health and the national science foundation. Obama strongly supports investments in biomedical research, as well as medical education and training in health-related fields, because it provides the foundation for new therapies and diagnostics. Obama has been a champion of research in cancer, mental health, health disparities, global health, women and children’s health, and veterans’ health. As president, Obama will strengthen funding for biomedical research, and better improve the efficiency of that research by improving coordination both within government and across government/private/non-profit partnerships. An Obama administration will ensure that we translate scientific progress into improved approaches to disease prevention, early detection and therapy that is available for all Americans. Fight AIDS Worldwide. There are 40 million people across the planet infected with HIV/AIDS. As president, Obama will continue to be a global leader in the fight against AIDS. Obama believes in working across party lines to combat this epidemic and recently joined Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) at a large California evangelical church to promote greater investment in the global AIDS battle. Support Americans with Disabilities: As a former civil rights lawyer, Barack Obama knows firsthand the importance of strong protections for minority communities in our society. Obama is committed to strengthening and better enforcing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) so that future generations of Americans with disabilities have equal rights and opportunities. Obama believes we must restore the original legislative intent of the ADA in the wake of court decisions that have restricted the interpretation of this landmark legislation.
Barack Obama is also committed to ensuring that disabled Americans receive Medicaid and Medicare benefits in a low-cost, effective and timely manner. Recognizing that many individuals with disabilities rely on Medicare, Obama worked with Senator Ken Salazar (D-CO) to urge the department of health and human services to provide clear and reliable information on the Medicare prescription drug benefit and to ensure that the Medicare recipients were protected from fraudulent claims by marketers and drug plan agents. Improve Mental Health Care. Mental illness affects approximately one in five American families. The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that untreated mental illnesses cost the U.S. more than $100 billion per year. As president, Obama will support mental health parity so that coverage for serious mental illnesses are provided on the same terms and conditions as other illnesses and diseases. Protect Our Children from Lead Poisoning. More than 430,000 American children have dangerously high levels of lead in their blood. Lead can cause irreversible brain damage, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and, at very high levels, seizures, coma and death. As president, Obama will protect children from lead poisoning by requiring that child care facilities be lead-safe within five years. Reduce Risks of Mercury Pollution. More than five million women of childbearing age have high levels of toxic mercury in their blood, and approximately 630,000 newborns are born at risk every year. Barack Obama has a plan to significantly reduce the amount of mercury that is deposited in oceans, lakes, and rivers, which in turn would reduce the amount of mercury in fish. Support Americans with Autism. More than one million Americans have autism, a complex neurobiological condition that has a range of impacts on thinking, feeling, language, and the ability to relate to others. As diagnostic criteria broaden and awareness increases, more cases of autism have been recognized across the country. Barack Obama believes that we can do more to help autistic Americans and their families understand and live with autism. He has been a strong supporter of more than $1 billion in federal funding for autism research on the root causes and treatments, and he believes that we should increase funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act to truly ensure that no child is left behind.
More than anything, autism remains a profound mystery with a broad spectrum of effects on autistic individuals, their families, loved ones, the community, and education and health care systems. Obama believes that the government and our communities should work together to provide a helping hand to autistic individuals and their families. Barack Obama’s Record Health Insurance: In 2003, Barack Obama sponsored and passed legislation that expanded health care coverage to 70,000 kids and 84,000 adults. In the U.S. Senate, Obama cosponsored the Healthy Kids Act of 2007 and the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization Act of 2007 to ensure that more American children have affordable health care coverage. Women’s Health: Obama worked to pass a number of laws in Illinois and Washington to improve the health of women. His accomplishments include creating a task force on cervical cancer, providing greater access to breast and cervical cancer screenings, and helping improve prenatal and premature birth services.
By Apocalypse
February 19, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this
Barack Obama’s Economic Plan- Provide Middle Class Americans Tax Relief Obama will cut income taxes by $1,000 for working families to offset the payroll tax they pay.
Provide a Tax Cut for Working Families: Obama will restore fairness to the tax code and provide 150 million workers the tax relief they need. Obama will create a new “Making Work Pay” tax credit of up to $500 per person, or $1,000 per working family. The “Making Work Pay” tax credit will completely eliminate income taxes for 10 million Americans. Simplify Tax Filings for Middle Class Americans: Obama will dramatically simplify tax filings so that millions of Americans will be able to do their taxes in less than five minutes. Obama will ensure that the IRS uses the information it already gets from banks and employers to give taxpayers the option of pre-filled tax forms to verify, sign and return. Experts estimate that the Obama proposal will save Americans up to 200 million total hours of work and aggravation and up to $2 billion in tax preparer fees. Trade Obama believes that trade with foreign nations should strengthen the American economy and create more American jobs. He will stand firm against agreements that undermine our economic security.
Fight for Fair Trade: Obama will fight for a trade policy that opens up foreign markets to support good American jobs. He will use trade agreements to spread good labor and environmental standards around the world and stand firm against agreements like the Central American Free Trade Agreement that fail to live up to those important benchmarks. Obama will also pressure the World Trade Organization to enforce trade agreements and stop countries from continuing unfair government subsidies to foreign exporters and nontariff barriers on U.S. exports. Amend the North American Free Trade Agreement: Obama believes that NAFTA and its potential were oversold to the American people. Obama will work with the leaders of Canada and Mexico to fix NAFTA so that it works for American workers. Improve Transition Assistance: To help all workers adapt to a rapidly changing economy, Obama would update the existing system of Trade Adjustment Assistance by extending it to service industries, creating flexible education accounts to help workers retrain, and providing retraining assistance for workers in sectors of the economy vulnerable to dislocation before they lose their jobs. Technology, Innovation and Creating Jobs Obama will encourage the deployment of the most modern communications infrastructure to reduce the costs of health care, help solve our energy crisis, create new jobs, and fuel our economic growth.
Support Job Creation: Barack Obama believes we need to double federal funding for basic research and make the research and development tax credit permanent to help create high-paying, secure jobs. Obama will also make long-term investments in education, training, and workforce development so that Americans can leverage our strengths - our ingenuity and entrepreneurialism - to create new high-wage jobs and prosper in a world economy. Invest in U.S. Manufacturing: The Obama comprehensive energy independence and climate change plan will invest in America’s highly-skilled manufacturing workforce and manufacturing centers to ensure that American workers have the skills and tools they need to pioneer the first wave of green technologies that will be in high demand throughout the world. Obama will also provide assistance to the domestic auto industry to ensure that new fuel-efficient vehicles are built by American workers. Create New Job Training Programs for Clean Technologies: The Obama plan will increase funding for federal workforce training programs and direct these programs to incorporate green technologies training, such as advanced manufacturing and weatherization training, into their efforts to help Americans find and retain stable, high-paying jobs. Obama will also create an energy-focused youth jobs program to invest in disconnected and disadvantaged youth. Boost the Renewable Energy Sector and Create New Jobs: The Obama plan will create new federal policies, and expand existing ones, that have been proven to create new American jobs. Obama will create a federal Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) that will require 25 percent of American electricity be derived from renewable sources by 2025, which has the potential to create hundreds of thousands of new jobs on its own. Obama will also extend the Production Tax Credit, a credit used successfully by American farmers and investors to increase renewable energy production and create new local jobs. Deploy Next-Generation Broadband: Obama believes we can get broadband to every community in America through a combination of reform of the Universal Service Fund, better use of the nation’s wireless spectrum, promotion of next-generation facilities, technologies and applications, and new tax and loan incentives. Protect the Openness of the Internet: Obama supports the basic principle that network providers should not be allowed to charge fees to privilege the content or applications of some web sites and Internet applications over others. This principle will ensure that the new competitors, especially small or nonprofit speakers, have the same opportunity as big companies to innovate and reach large audiences. Invest in Rural Areas: Obama will invest in rural small businesses and fight to expand high-speed Internet access. He will improve rural schools and attract more doctors to rural areas. Labor Obama will strengthen the ability of workers to organize unions. He will fight for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. Obama will ensure that his labor appointees support workers’ rights and will work to ban the permanent replacement of striking workers. Obama will also increase the minimum wage and index it to inflation to ensure it rises every year.
Ensure Freedom to Unionize: Obama believes that workers should have the freedom to choose whether to join a union without harassment or intimidation from their employers. Obama cosponsored and is strong advocate for the Employee Free Choice Act, a bipartisan effort to assure that workers can exercise their right to organize. He will continue to fight for EFCA’s passage and sign it into law. Fight Attacks on Workers’ Right to Organize: Obama has fought the Bush National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) efforts to strip workers of their right to organize. He is a cosponsor of legislation to overturn the NLRB’s “Kentucky River” decisions classifying hundreds of thousands of nurses, construction, and professional workers as “supervisors” who are not protected by federal labor laws. Protect Striking Workers: Obama supports the right of workers to bargain collectively and strike if necessary. He will work to ban the permanent replacement of striking workers, so workers can stand up for themselves without worrying about losing their livelihoods. Raise the Minimum Wage: Barack Obama will raise the minimum wage, index it to inflation and increase the Earned Income Tax Credit to make sure that full-time workers earn a living wage that allows them to raise their families and pay for basic needs. Protect Homeownership and Crack Down on Mortgage Fraud Obama will crack down on fraudulent brokers and lenders. He will also make sure homebuyers have honest and complete information about their mortgage options, and he will give a tax credit to all middle-class homeowners.
Create a Universal Mortgage Credit: Obama will create a 10 percent universal mortgage credit to provide homeowners who do not itemize tax relief. This credit will provide an average of $500 to 10 million homeowners, the majority of whom earn less than $50,000 per year. Ensure More Accountability in the Subprime Mortgage Industry: Obama has been closely monitoring the subprime mortgage situation for years, and introduced comprehensive legislation over a year ago to fight mortgage fraud and protect consumers against abusive lending practices. Obama’s STOP FRAUD Act provides the first federal definition of mortgage fraud, increases funding for federal and state law enforcement programs, creates new criminal penalties for mortgage professionals found guilty of fraud, and requires industry insiders to report suspicious activity. Mandate Accurate Loan Disclosure: Obama will create a Homeowner Obligation Made Explicit (HOME) score, which will provide potentia