Showing posts with label Imperial State. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Imperial State. Show all posts
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Reaching Back to Jefferson
This is Thomas E. Woods, Jr. — Fan of Thomas Jefferson!
I recommend his books. I already have three...and just bought two more. Seriously smart dude...and definitely on the side of the angels (that would be us, the Enemies of the Imperial State!)
wtp
[This video should progress from part 1 to part 7. If it doesn't, you'll have to do it manually. Here's the Campaign for Liberty YouTube Channel link.]
Thursday, January 7, 2010
INTERPOL Above the Law
Here are three links about the recent executive order signed by Barack Obama, making INTERPOL free to operate in the United States without being subject to the constraints of the Constitution.
They are now ABOVE THE LAW of the United States of America.
Thought you were angry with what he's done so far? You ain't seen nothin' yet!
There's only one way this action makes sense: The intentional surrender of our sovereignty by the President of the United States of America.
If you can think of another reasonable excuse, I'd love to hear it.
Examiner.com
National Review
Threat Watch
wtp
hat tip/Ray W.
INTERPOL UPDATE: Friday, December 8, 2010
I was happy to hear a panel, including Charles Krauthammer, on Fox today explain that the "immunity" that Interpol is getting will NOT mean they can run around arresting or investigating American citizens without Constitutional limitations, which is certainly what the initial fear buzz indicated.
Turns out the executive order extends to Interpol the relatively benign "immunity" that the Red Cross, and as Krauthammer said, "the Swiss delegation", enjoy.
As he put it, "they won't have to pay parking tickets".
While this turns out not to warrant the somewhat breathless outrage of many bloggers, myself included, I think we can all be forgiven for leaping to the conclusions we did, given the propensities of the Marxist Grad Student in charge.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story evolves.
wtp
They are now ABOVE THE LAW of the United States of America.
Thought you were angry with what he's done so far? You ain't seen nothin' yet!
There's only one way this action makes sense: The intentional surrender of our sovereignty by the President of the United States of America.
If you can think of another reasonable excuse, I'd love to hear it.
Examiner.com
National Review
Threat Watch
wtp
hat tip/Ray W.
INTERPOL UPDATE: Friday, December 8, 2010
I was happy to hear a panel, including Charles Krauthammer, on Fox today explain that the "immunity" that Interpol is getting will NOT mean they can run around arresting or investigating American citizens without Constitutional limitations, which is certainly what the initial fear buzz indicated.
Turns out the executive order extends to Interpol the relatively benign "immunity" that the Red Cross, and as Krauthammer said, "the Swiss delegation", enjoy.
As he put it, "they won't have to pay parking tickets".
While this turns out not to warrant the somewhat breathless outrage of many bloggers, myself included, I think we can all be forgiven for leaping to the conclusions we did, given the propensities of the Marxist Grad Student in charge.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story evolves.
wtp
Monday, December 28, 2009
What do you mean I can't Google it???
Well, at least I'm not insane.
I thought I had lost all my internet skills...in the week and a half I've been preparing for Christmas, and mostly out of touch (except for those regular FAXES to legislators against Øbamacare, of course).
I've been searching unsuccessfully for a San Mateo County Precinct Map...without a single hit...no matter how I worded the search.
Finally, I broke down and called the registrar's office.And now I know why I can't find the information.
You have to DRIVE to the office. FILL OUT forms. PAY $20. And then they will provide the map.
County information is unavailable unless you show up in person and BUY it.
Unbelievable.
It annoys me beyond all reason. I'm not sure why. Perhaps I'm just too used to instant (and free) gratification of my informational needs. But doesn't this seem oddly archaic?
Goddamned gubmint.
Sooooo...I have to get out of my pajamas, take a shower, drive to San Mateo, and spend $20 to get the damned thing.
I ask you, what is the world coming to?
wtp
I thought I had lost all my internet skills...in the week and a half I've been preparing for Christmas, and mostly out of touch (except for those regular FAXES to legislators against Øbamacare, of course).
I've been searching unsuccessfully for a San Mateo County Precinct Map...without a single hit...no matter how I worded the search.
Finally, I broke down and called the registrar's office.And now I know why I can't find the information.
You have to DRIVE to the office. FILL OUT forms. PAY $20. And then they will provide the map.
County information is unavailable unless you show up in person and BUY it.
Unbelievable.
It annoys me beyond all reason. I'm not sure why. Perhaps I'm just too used to instant (and free) gratification of my informational needs. But doesn't this seem oddly archaic?
Goddamned gubmint.
Sooooo...I have to get out of my pajamas, take a shower, drive to San Mateo, and spend $20 to get the damned thing.
I ask you, what is the world coming to?
wtp
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Here's What We Do Now!
Dear Fellow Patriots,
As you know, WeDaPeeps has been in existence for just a few months. It all started with a few collected signatures on a signup sheet at the July 4 Tea Party.
We've come a long way in such a short time.
Our Goal is to: Dismantle the Imperial State & Restore our Constitutional Republic
At our very first meeting, I identified the three most urgent and critical actions necessary to forward that agenda:
1) Defeat Cap & Trade
2) Defeat ObamaCare
3) "Throw the Bums Out!"
My reasoning:
ObamaCare and/or Cap and Trade would institute an Imperial State in control of every aspect of our lives. No matter what other issues we care about—and there are many—if we allowed either of these two comprehensive programs to be instituted, we would lose the power to affect any of the others. We would, for all intents and purposes, be servants of the government, no longer its masters.
The third goal "Throw the Bums Out" is as necessary as the first two because it is the current crop of "bums" that has brought us to this brink of transforming the United States of America into a dystopian Socialist nightmare. They are no longer "of the people". They have become almost permanent rulers who disdain "We the People". And it's time for them to go.
During the last 5 months there have been so many assaults on our Liberty, so may outrages coming at us from so many directions, I fear that we have, in the attempt to deal with them all, somewhat lost sight of those original three goals and why they are so important.
I'd like to take the opportunity today to refocus and re-commit to them:
1) Cap & Trade
This has taken a somewhat unexpected turn. While unlikely to have passed the Senate on its own, it has been given new life by the EPA’s declaring CO2 to be dangerous to human health, and therefore within their jurisdiction to regulate. There is no doubt that the Obama administration will use this determination as a gun to the heads of Senators to pass Cap & Trade.
The fact is, the reason the EPA has this power is through the Clean Air Act— passed by Congress—so Congress can amend the act to take CO2 out of the hands of the EPA. However, they won’t do it on their own.
This Progressive Congress will use the EPA threats as political cover to pass Cap & Trade as a more benign regulatory regime than that which Obama’s EPA would impose by fiat.
Rather than allow Congress to pretend that they have no choice but to pass Cap & Trade to avoid more draconian regulations from EPA…we must demand that they amend the the Clean Air Act to deprive the EPA of this power – and NOT pass ANY version of Cap & Trade!
Unfortunately, this jobs-economy-liberty-free market killer is still very much alive.
Indeed, there is no doubt that this Progressive Congress is thrilled that it will have what it believes to be political cover to pass this monstrosity.
And I believe it will do so in spite of our continued and vociferous objections and the havoc it will create in the economy and in our lives.
2) ObamaCare
Has been passed by the House (with "aye" votes by our Congresswomen Speier and Eshoo) and is working its way through the Senate. Of course, we must continue our faxing campaign against it to Boxer and Feinstein, the Blue Dog Democrats and the Wavering Republicans, and to Speier and Eschoo to vote against the post conference bill (or the Senate bill if it is introduced without conference in the House) , but honestly, I consider the chances of influencing any of our four Left-Wing representatives against it to be slim and none.
I believe that in the end we will get a version of Cap & Trade and ObamaCare. It will be the worst Government Power Grab in the history of our nation. We will be living in a land that our Founders would not recognize. And our representatives will have proven that even though the majority of citizens are against these two devastating bills…they were willing to sacrifice the will of the people and the good of the country on the alter of Party, Power, Greed and Left-Wing, Collectivist Ideology.
That means we have but one alternative:
3) "THROW THE BUMS OUT!"
It is now time to turn our full attention to replacing these recalcitrant politicians. Our last chance to save our country is the 2010 elections. With a significant change in Washington we will signal that we are awake, and taking back control of our country.
If we cannot stop Congress using the EPA as cover for passing Cap & Trade, we must replace the weasels with Americans who will repeal Cap & Trade, and amend the Clean Air Act to defang the EPA.
If we cannot stop ObamaCare from passing, at least we can, with a big enough electoral victory, work to repeal it before it can take full effect.
This is now the most important thing we can do to save our Country.
The vipers in Washington are openly defying the American People. They are pushing these monstrosities through in spite of the fact that huge majorities of Americans are against them! If we don't teach them a lesson in 2010, if we do not punish them for their defiance, they will know there is NOTHING THEY CAN'T GET AWAY WITH.
And that will be the end of Freedom and of our Constitutional Republic.
Until the 2010 Elections...I want our group to be focused like a laser beam on defeating our National Representatives.
When we have affected the change in Washington that will begin the restoration of our Constitutional Republic—or at the least halt our march to Socialism, we can begin working on those other issues that are so important in supporting that effort, like reforming education, and transforming the media, and restoring the free market.
I hope that you will join me in this effort. Our country's future depends on it! And we have less that a year to get it done!
We will be concentrating on three races:
Jackie Speier
Anna Eshoo
Barbara Boxer
So…rather than our original topic for our next meeting, I’d like to start preparing for our last chance at saving America: the 2010 elections.
Please think about the following, and bring your ideas to the meeting:
1) Identify principled LIBERTY candidates (If necessary, enter our own candidates in the GOP Primary)
2) Campaign organizing
3) Internet campaigning
4) Opposition research
5) YouTube
6) Guerilla tactics, creativity
7) Engage the entire LIBERTY community in the campaign
8) Reach out to all the angry, disappointed, disillusioned, fed up citizens and get their VOTES!
9) Use the Tea Party ground swell
To all who have not yet joined us, THIS IS YOUR TIME! We have got to organize and work together if we’re going to take our country back!
The 2010 elections may be the most important in our history. The Progressives have determined to make our country into one ruled by an elite oligarchy—themselves—ignoring the will of the people and the limits of the Constitution. If they are allowed to get away with it without repercussion in 2010, they will know that they can do anything they want without consequences. And our Constitutional Republic will have died.
Now is the time to stand up and be counted. Your children and grandchildren will thank you for saving their freedom—or blame you for surrendering it!
Check the Calendar of Events for date and location of our next meeting.
Carol Negro
MyLiberty
The 9.12 Project
"Organizing the Liberty Community in San Mateo County, California"
As you know, WeDaPeeps has been in existence for just a few months. It all started with a few collected signatures on a signup sheet at the July 4 Tea Party.
We've come a long way in such a short time.
Our Goal is to: Dismantle the Imperial State & Restore our Constitutional Republic
At our very first meeting, I identified the three most urgent and critical actions necessary to forward that agenda:
1) Defeat Cap & Trade
2) Defeat ObamaCare
3) "Throw the Bums Out!"
My reasoning:
ObamaCare and/or Cap and Trade would institute an Imperial State in control of every aspect of our lives. No matter what other issues we care about—and there are many—if we allowed either of these two comprehensive programs to be instituted, we would lose the power to affect any of the others. We would, for all intents and purposes, be servants of the government, no longer its masters.
The third goal "Throw the Bums Out" is as necessary as the first two because it is the current crop of "bums" that has brought us to this brink of transforming the United States of America into a dystopian Socialist nightmare. They are no longer "of the people". They have become almost permanent rulers who disdain "We the People". And it's time for them to go.
During the last 5 months there have been so many assaults on our Liberty, so may outrages coming at us from so many directions, I fear that we have, in the attempt to deal with them all, somewhat lost sight of those original three goals and why they are so important.
I'd like to take the opportunity today to refocus and re-commit to them:
1) Cap & Trade
This has taken a somewhat unexpected turn. While unlikely to have passed the Senate on its own, it has been given new life by the EPA’s declaring CO2 to be dangerous to human health, and therefore within their jurisdiction to regulate. There is no doubt that the Obama administration will use this determination as a gun to the heads of Senators to pass Cap & Trade.
The fact is, the reason the EPA has this power is through the Clean Air Act— passed by Congress—so Congress can amend the act to take CO2 out of the hands of the EPA. However, they won’t do it on their own.
This Progressive Congress will use the EPA threats as political cover to pass Cap & Trade as a more benign regulatory regime than that which Obama’s EPA would impose by fiat.
Rather than allow Congress to pretend that they have no choice but to pass Cap & Trade to avoid more draconian regulations from EPA…we must demand that they amend the the Clean Air Act to deprive the EPA of this power – and NOT pass ANY version of Cap & Trade!
Unfortunately, this jobs-economy-liberty-free market killer is still very much alive.
Indeed, there is no doubt that this Progressive Congress is thrilled that it will have what it believes to be political cover to pass this monstrosity.
And I believe it will do so in spite of our continued and vociferous objections and the havoc it will create in the economy and in our lives.
2) ObamaCare
Has been passed by the House (with "aye" votes by our Congresswomen Speier and Eshoo) and is working its way through the Senate. Of course, we must continue our faxing campaign against it to Boxer and Feinstein, the Blue Dog Democrats and the Wavering Republicans, and to Speier and Eschoo to vote against the post conference bill (or the Senate bill if it is introduced without conference in the House) , but honestly, I consider the chances of influencing any of our four Left-Wing representatives against it to be slim and none.
I believe that in the end we will get a version of Cap & Trade and ObamaCare. It will be the worst Government Power Grab in the history of our nation. We will be living in a land that our Founders would not recognize. And our representatives will have proven that even though the majority of citizens are against these two devastating bills…they were willing to sacrifice the will of the people and the good of the country on the alter of Party, Power, Greed and Left-Wing, Collectivist Ideology.
That means we have but one alternative:
3) "THROW THE BUMS OUT!"
It is now time to turn our full attention to replacing these recalcitrant politicians. Our last chance to save our country is the 2010 elections. With a significant change in Washington we will signal that we are awake, and taking back control of our country.
If we cannot stop Congress using the EPA as cover for passing Cap & Trade, we must replace the weasels with Americans who will repeal Cap & Trade, and amend the Clean Air Act to defang the EPA.
If we cannot stop ObamaCare from passing, at least we can, with a big enough electoral victory, work to repeal it before it can take full effect.
This is now the most important thing we can do to save our Country.
The vipers in Washington are openly defying the American People. They are pushing these monstrosities through in spite of the fact that huge majorities of Americans are against them! If we don't teach them a lesson in 2010, if we do not punish them for their defiance, they will know there is NOTHING THEY CAN'T GET AWAY WITH.
And that will be the end of Freedom and of our Constitutional Republic.
Until the 2010 Elections...I want our group to be focused like a laser beam on defeating our National Representatives.
When we have affected the change in Washington that will begin the restoration of our Constitutional Republic—or at the least halt our march to Socialism, we can begin working on those other issues that are so important in supporting that effort, like reforming education, and transforming the media, and restoring the free market.
I hope that you will join me in this effort. Our country's future depends on it! And we have less that a year to get it done!
We will be concentrating on three races:
Jackie Speier
Anna Eshoo
Barbara Boxer
So…rather than our original topic for our next meeting, I’d like to start preparing for our last chance at saving America: the 2010 elections.
Please think about the following, and bring your ideas to the meeting:
1) Identify principled LIBERTY candidates (If necessary, enter our own candidates in the GOP Primary)
2) Campaign organizing
3) Internet campaigning
4) Opposition research
5) YouTube
6) Guerilla tactics, creativity
7) Engage the entire LIBERTY community in the campaign
8) Reach out to all the angry, disappointed, disillusioned, fed up citizens and get their VOTES!
9) Use the Tea Party ground swell
To all who have not yet joined us, THIS IS YOUR TIME! We have got to organize and work together if we’re going to take our country back!
The 2010 elections may be the most important in our history. The Progressives have determined to make our country into one ruled by an elite oligarchy—themselves—ignoring the will of the people and the limits of the Constitution. If they are allowed to get away with it without repercussion in 2010, they will know that they can do anything they want without consequences. And our Constitutional Republic will have died.
Now is the time to stand up and be counted. Your children and grandchildren will thank you for saving their freedom—or blame you for surrendering it!
Check the Calendar of Events for date and location of our next meeting.
Carol Negro
MyLiberty
The 9.12 Project
"Organizing the Liberty Community in San Mateo County, California"
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The Problem
It seems to me we face three categories of threat in our country today. From the same enemy: the White House and the Democrat Congress:
(1) Liberty collapse through tyranny of an Imperial State (progressivism)
(2) Cultural Collapse through rampant immigration, multiculturalism and "diversity".
(3) Economic collapse through totally irresponsibly fiscal policies.
I just don't know how to counter them all.
Focusing on the individual policies, programs, votes, bills feels like an unending and losing strategy. It's playing defense all the time. Calling, faxing, demonstrating...
"Hold em back, hold em back, waaaay back"
We need a offensive (no pun intended) strategy...we need to take it to these bastards. And at the same time, set up a better system for ourselves...so when it all goes to hell, WE have something to fall back on...a foundation from which to regroup and "refound" the Republic.
Well, I suppose stating the problem is a good start.
wtp
(1) Liberty collapse through tyranny of an Imperial State (progressivism)
(2) Cultural Collapse through rampant immigration, multiculturalism and "diversity".
(3) Economic collapse through totally irresponsibly fiscal policies.
I just don't know how to counter them all.
Focusing on the individual policies, programs, votes, bills feels like an unending and losing strategy. It's playing defense all the time. Calling, faxing, demonstrating...
"Hold em back, hold em back, waaaay back"
We need a offensive (no pun intended) strategy...we need to take it to these bastards. And at the same time, set up a better system for ourselves...so when it all goes to hell, WE have something to fall back on...a foundation from which to regroup and "refound" the Republic.
Well, I suppose stating the problem is a good start.
wtp
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Employee Meeting
"Hat tip to George. Check it out:
President of the Company:
"I would like to start by thanking you for attending this meeting, though it's not like you had much of a choice. After all, attendance was mandatory. I'm also glad many of you accepted my invitation to your family members to be here as well. I have a few remarks to make to all of you, and then we'll retire to the ballroom for a great lunch and some employee awards.
"I felt that this meeting was important enough to close all 12 of our tire and automotive shops today so that you could be here. To reassure you, everybody is being paid for the day --- except me. Since our stores are closed we're making no money. That economic loss is mine to sustain. Carrington Automotive has 157 full time employees and around 30 additional part-timers. All of you are here. I thank you for that.
"When you walked into this auditorium you were handed a rather thick 78-page document. Many of you have already taken a peek. You were probably surprised to see that it's my personal tax return for 2008. Those of you who are adept at reading these tax returns will see that last year my taxable income was $534,000.00. Now I'm sure this seems rather high to many of you. So ... let's talk about this tax return.
"Carrington Automotive Enterprises is what we call a Sub-S - a Subchapter S corporation. The name comes from a particular part of our tax code. Sub-S status means that the income from all 12 of our stores is reported on my personal tax return. Businesses that report their income on the owner's personal tax return are referred to as "small businesses." So, you see now that this $534,000 is really the total taxable income - the total combined profit from all 12 of our stores. That works out to an average of a bit over $44,000 per store.
"Why did I feel it important for you to see my actual 2008 tax return? Well, there's a lot of rhetoric being thrown around today about taxes, small businesses and rich people. To the people in charge in Washington right now I'm a wealthy American making over a half-million dollars a year. Most Americans would agree: I'm just another rich guy; after all ... I had over a half-million in income last year, right? In this room we know that the reality is that I'm a small business owner who runs 12 retail establishments and employs 187 people. Now here's something that shouldn't surprise you, but it will: Just under 100 percent ... make that 99.7 percent of all employers in this country are small businesses, just like ours.
"Every one of these businesses reports their income on a personal income tax return. You need to understand that small businesses like ours are responsible for about 80 percent of all private sector jobs in this country, and about 70 percent of all jobs that have been created over the past year. You also need to know that when you hear some politician talking about rich people who earn over $200,000 or $500,000 a year, they're talking about the people who create the jobs.
"The people who are now running the show in Washington have been talking for months about raising taxes on wealthy Americans. I already know that in two years my federal income taxes are going to go up by about 4.5 percent. That happens when Obama and the Democrats allow the Bush tax cuts to expire. When my taxes climb by 4.5 percent the Democrats will be on television saying that this really isn't a tax increase. They'll explain that the Bush tax cuts have expired .. nothing more. Here at Carrington we'll know that almost 5% has been taken right off of our bottom line. And that means it will be coming off your bottom line.
"Numbers are boring, I know ... but let's talk a bit more about that $534,000. That's the money that was left last year from company revenues after I paid all of the salaries and expenses of running this business. Now I could have kept every penny of that for myself, but that would have left us with nothing to grow our business, to attract new customers and to hire new employees. You're aware that we've been talking about opening new stores in Virginia Beach and Newport News . To do that I will have to buy or lease property, construct a building and purchase inventory. I also have to hire additional people to work in those stores. These people wouldn't immediately be earning their pay. So, where do you think the money for all of this comes from? Right out of our profits .. right out of that $534,000. I need to advertise to bring customers in, especially in these tough times. Where do you think that money comes from? Oh sure, I can count it as an expense when I file my next income tax return .. but for right now that comes from either current revenues or last year's profits. Revenues right now aren't all that hot ... so do the math. A good effective advertising campaign might cost us more than $300,000.
"Is this all starting to come together for you now?
"Right now the Democrats are pushing a nationalized health care plan that, depending on who's doing the talking, will add anywhere from another two percent to an additional 4.6 percent to my taxes. If I add a few more stores, which I would like to do, and if the economy improves, my taxable income ... our business income ... could go over one million dollars! If that happens the Democrats have yet another tax waiting, another five percent plus! I've really lost track of all of the new government programs the Democrats and President Obama are proposing that they claim they will be able to finance with new taxes on what they call "wealthy Americans."
"And while we're talking about health care, let me explain something else to you. I understand that possibly your biggest complaint with our company is that we don't provide you with health insurance. That is because as your employer I believe that it is my responsibility to provide you with a safe workplace and a fair wage and to do all that I can to preserve and grow this company that provides us all with income. I no more have a responsibility to provide you with health insurance than I do with life, auto or homeowner's insurance. As you know, I have periodically invited agents for health insurance companies here to provide you with information on private health insurance plans.
"The Democrats are proposing to levy yet another tax against Carrington in the amount of 8 percent of my payroll as a penalty for not providing you with health insurance. You should know that if they do this I will be reducing every person's salary or hourly wage by that same 8 percent. This will not be done to put any more money in my pocket. It will be done to make sure that I don't suffer financially from the Democrat's efforts to place our healthcare under the control of the federal government. It is your health, not mine. It is your healthcare, not mine. These are your expenses, not mine. If you think I'm wrong about all this, I would sure love to hear your reasoning.
"Try to understand what I'm telling you here. Those people that Obama and the Democrats call "wealthy Americans" are, in very large part, America 's small business owners. I'm one of them. You have the evidence, and surely you don't think that the owner of a bunch of tire stores is anything special. That $534,000 figure on my income tax return puts me squarely in Democrat crosshairs when it comes to tax increases.
"Let's be clear about this ... crystal clear. Any federal tax increase on me is going to cost you money, not me. Any new taxes on Carrington Automotive will be new taxes that you, or the people I don't hire to staff the new stores I won't be building, will be paying. Do you understand what I'm telling you? You've heard about things rolling downhill, right? Fine ... then you need to know that taxes, like that other stuff, roll downhill. Now you and I may understand that you are not among those that the Democrats call "wealthy Americans," but when this "tax the rich" thing comes down you are going to be standing at the bottom of the mud slide, if you get my drift. That's life in the big city, my friends ... where elections have consequences.
"You know our economy is very weak right now. I've pledged to get us through this without layoffs or cuts in your wages and benefits. It's too bad the politicians can't get us through this without attacking our profits. To insure our survival I have to take a substantial portion of that $534,000 and set it aside for unexpected expenses and a worsening economy. Trouble is, the government is eyeing that money too ... and they have the guns. If they want it, they can take it.
"I don't want to make this too long. There's a great lunch waiting for us all. But you need to understand what's happening here. I've worked hard for 23 years to create this business. There were many years where I couldn't take a penny in income because every dollar was being dedicated to expanding the business. There were tough times when it took every dollar of revenues to replenish our inventory and cover your paychecks. During those times I earned nothing. If you want to see those tax returns, just let me know.
"OK ... I know I'm repeating myself here. I don't hire stupid people, and you are probably getting it now. So let me just ramble for a few more minutes. Most Americans don't realize that when the Democrats talk about raising taxes on people making more than $250 thousand a year, they're talking about raising taxes on small businesses. The U.S. Treasury Department says that six out of every ten individuals in this country with incomes of more than $280,000 are actually small business owners. About one-half of the income in this country that would be subject to these increased taxes is from small businesses like ours. Depending on how many of these wonderful new taxes the Democrats manage to pass, this company could see its tax burden increase by as much as $60,000. Perhaps more.
"I know a lot of you voted for President Obama. A lot of you voted for Democrats across the board. Whether you voted out of support for some specific policies, or because you liked his slogans, you need to learn one very valuable lesson from this election. Elections have consequences. You might have thought it would be cool to have a president who looks like you; or a president who is young, has a buff body, and speaks eloquently when there's a teleprompter in the neighborhood. Maybe you liked his promises to tax the rich. Maybe you believed his promise not to raise taxes on people earning less than a certain amount. Maybe you actually bought into his promise to cut taxes on millions of Americans who actually don't pay income taxes in the first place. Whatever the reason .. your vote had consequences; and here they are.
"Bottom line? I'm not taking this hit alone. As soon as the Democrats manage to get their tax increases on the books, I'm going to take steps to make sure that my family isn't affected. When you own the business, that is what you're allowed to do. I built this business over a period of 23 years, and I'm not going to see my family suffer because we have a president and a congress who think that wealth is distributed rather than earned. Any additional taxes, of whatever description, that President Obama and the Democrats inflict on this business will come straight out of any funds I have set aside for expansion or pay and benefit increases. Any plans I might have had to hire additional employees for new stores will be put aside. Any plans for raises for the people I now have working for me will be shelved. Year-end bonuses might well be eliminated. That may sound rough, but that's the reality.
"You're going to continue to hear a lot of anti-wealth rhetoric out there from the media and from the left. You can chose to believe what you wish .. .but when it comes to Carrington Automotive you will know the truth. The books are open to any of you at any time. I have nothing to hide. I would hope that other small business owners out there would hold meetings like this one, but I know it won't happen that often. One of the lessons to be learned here is that taxes ... all taxes ... and all regulatory costs that are placed on businesses anywhere in this country, will eventually be passed right on down to individuals; individuals such as yourself. This hasn't been about admonishing anyone and it hasn't been about issuing threats. This is part of the education you should have received in the government schools, but didn't.
"Class is now dismissed."
---------------------
A lesson every citizen should hear.
wtp
"I would like to start by thanking you for attending this meeting, though it's not like you had much of a choice. After all, attendance was mandatory. I'm also glad many of you accepted my invitation to your family members to be here as well. I have a few remarks to make to all of you, and then we'll retire to the ballroom for a great lunch and some employee awards.
"I felt that this meeting was important enough to close all 12 of our tire and automotive shops today so that you could be here. To reassure you, everybody is being paid for the day --- except me. Since our stores are closed we're making no money. That economic loss is mine to sustain. Carrington Automotive has 157 full time employees and around 30 additional part-timers. All of you are here. I thank you for that.
"When you walked into this auditorium you were handed a rather thick 78-page document. Many of you have already taken a peek. You were probably surprised to see that it's my personal tax return for 2008. Those of you who are adept at reading these tax returns will see that last year my taxable income was $534,000.00. Now I'm sure this seems rather high to many of you. So ... let's talk about this tax return.
"Carrington Automotive Enterprises is what we call a Sub-S - a Subchapter S corporation. The name comes from a particular part of our tax code. Sub-S status means that the income from all 12 of our stores is reported on my personal tax return. Businesses that report their income on the owner's personal tax return are referred to as "small businesses." So, you see now that this $534,000 is really the total taxable income - the total combined profit from all 12 of our stores. That works out to an average of a bit over $44,000 per store.
"Why did I feel it important for you to see my actual 2008 tax return? Well, there's a lot of rhetoric being thrown around today about taxes, small businesses and rich people. To the people in charge in Washington right now I'm a wealthy American making over a half-million dollars a year. Most Americans would agree: I'm just another rich guy; after all ... I had over a half-million in income last year, right? In this room we know that the reality is that I'm a small business owner who runs 12 retail establishments and employs 187 people. Now here's something that shouldn't surprise you, but it will: Just under 100 percent ... make that 99.7 percent of all employers in this country are small businesses, just like ours.
"Every one of these businesses reports their income on a personal income tax return. You need to understand that small businesses like ours are responsible for about 80 percent of all private sector jobs in this country, and about 70 percent of all jobs that have been created over the past year. You also need to know that when you hear some politician talking about rich people who earn over $200,000 or $500,000 a year, they're talking about the people who create the jobs.
"The people who are now running the show in Washington have been talking for months about raising taxes on wealthy Americans. I already know that in two years my federal income taxes are going to go up by about 4.5 percent. That happens when Obama and the Democrats allow the Bush tax cuts to expire. When my taxes climb by 4.5 percent the Democrats will be on television saying that this really isn't a tax increase. They'll explain that the Bush tax cuts have expired .. nothing more. Here at Carrington we'll know that almost 5% has been taken right off of our bottom line. And that means it will be coming off your bottom line.
"Numbers are boring, I know ... but let's talk a bit more about that $534,000. That's the money that was left last year from company revenues after I paid all of the salaries and expenses of running this business. Now I could have kept every penny of that for myself, but that would have left us with nothing to grow our business, to attract new customers and to hire new employees. You're aware that we've been talking about opening new stores in Virginia Beach and Newport News . To do that I will have to buy or lease property, construct a building and purchase inventory. I also have to hire additional people to work in those stores. These people wouldn't immediately be earning their pay. So, where do you think the money for all of this comes from? Right out of our profits .. right out of that $534,000. I need to advertise to bring customers in, especially in these tough times. Where do you think that money comes from? Oh sure, I can count it as an expense when I file my next income tax return .. but for right now that comes from either current revenues or last year's profits. Revenues right now aren't all that hot ... so do the math. A good effective advertising campaign might cost us more than $300,000.
"Is this all starting to come together for you now?
"Right now the Democrats are pushing a nationalized health care plan that, depending on who's doing the talking, will add anywhere from another two percent to an additional 4.6 percent to my taxes. If I add a few more stores, which I would like to do, and if the economy improves, my taxable income ... our business income ... could go over one million dollars! If that happens the Democrats have yet another tax waiting, another five percent plus! I've really lost track of all of the new government programs the Democrats and President Obama are proposing that they claim they will be able to finance with new taxes on what they call "wealthy Americans."
"And while we're talking about health care, let me explain something else to you. I understand that possibly your biggest complaint with our company is that we don't provide you with health insurance. That is because as your employer I believe that it is my responsibility to provide you with a safe workplace and a fair wage and to do all that I can to preserve and grow this company that provides us all with income. I no more have a responsibility to provide you with health insurance than I do with life, auto or homeowner's insurance. As you know, I have periodically invited agents for health insurance companies here to provide you with information on private health insurance plans.
"The Democrats are proposing to levy yet another tax against Carrington in the amount of 8 percent of my payroll as a penalty for not providing you with health insurance. You should know that if they do this I will be reducing every person's salary or hourly wage by that same 8 percent. This will not be done to put any more money in my pocket. It will be done to make sure that I don't suffer financially from the Democrat's efforts to place our healthcare under the control of the federal government. It is your health, not mine. It is your healthcare, not mine. These are your expenses, not mine. If you think I'm wrong about all this, I would sure love to hear your reasoning.
"Try to understand what I'm telling you here. Those people that Obama and the Democrats call "wealthy Americans" are, in very large part, America 's small business owners. I'm one of them. You have the evidence, and surely you don't think that the owner of a bunch of tire stores is anything special. That $534,000 figure on my income tax return puts me squarely in Democrat crosshairs when it comes to tax increases.
"Let's be clear about this ... crystal clear. Any federal tax increase on me is going to cost you money, not me. Any new taxes on Carrington Automotive will be new taxes that you, or the people I don't hire to staff the new stores I won't be building, will be paying. Do you understand what I'm telling you? You've heard about things rolling downhill, right? Fine ... then you need to know that taxes, like that other stuff, roll downhill. Now you and I may understand that you are not among those that the Democrats call "wealthy Americans," but when this "tax the rich" thing comes down you are going to be standing at the bottom of the mud slide, if you get my drift. That's life in the big city, my friends ... where elections have consequences.
"You know our economy is very weak right now. I've pledged to get us through this without layoffs or cuts in your wages and benefits. It's too bad the politicians can't get us through this without attacking our profits. To insure our survival I have to take a substantial portion of that $534,000 and set it aside for unexpected expenses and a worsening economy. Trouble is, the government is eyeing that money too ... and they have the guns. If they want it, they can take it.
"I don't want to make this too long. There's a great lunch waiting for us all. But you need to understand what's happening here. I've worked hard for 23 years to create this business. There were many years where I couldn't take a penny in income because every dollar was being dedicated to expanding the business. There were tough times when it took every dollar of revenues to replenish our inventory and cover your paychecks. During those times I earned nothing. If you want to see those tax returns, just let me know.
"OK ... I know I'm repeating myself here. I don't hire stupid people, and you are probably getting it now. So let me just ramble for a few more minutes. Most Americans don't realize that when the Democrats talk about raising taxes on people making more than $250 thousand a year, they're talking about raising taxes on small businesses. The U.S. Treasury Department says that six out of every ten individuals in this country with incomes of more than $280,000 are actually small business owners. About one-half of the income in this country that would be subject to these increased taxes is from small businesses like ours. Depending on how many of these wonderful new taxes the Democrats manage to pass, this company could see its tax burden increase by as much as $60,000. Perhaps more.
"I know a lot of you voted for President Obama. A lot of you voted for Democrats across the board. Whether you voted out of support for some specific policies, or because you liked his slogans, you need to learn one very valuable lesson from this election. Elections have consequences. You might have thought it would be cool to have a president who looks like you; or a president who is young, has a buff body, and speaks eloquently when there's a teleprompter in the neighborhood. Maybe you liked his promises to tax the rich. Maybe you believed his promise not to raise taxes on people earning less than a certain amount. Maybe you actually bought into his promise to cut taxes on millions of Americans who actually don't pay income taxes in the first place. Whatever the reason .. your vote had consequences; and here they are.
"Bottom line? I'm not taking this hit alone. As soon as the Democrats manage to get their tax increases on the books, I'm going to take steps to make sure that my family isn't affected. When you own the business, that is what you're allowed to do. I built this business over a period of 23 years, and I'm not going to see my family suffer because we have a president and a congress who think that wealth is distributed rather than earned. Any additional taxes, of whatever description, that President Obama and the Democrats inflict on this business will come straight out of any funds I have set aside for expansion or pay and benefit increases. Any plans I might have had to hire additional employees for new stores will be put aside. Any plans for raises for the people I now have working for me will be shelved. Year-end bonuses might well be eliminated. That may sound rough, but that's the reality.
"You're going to continue to hear a lot of anti-wealth rhetoric out there from the media and from the left. You can chose to believe what you wish .. .but when it comes to Carrington Automotive you will know the truth. The books are open to any of you at any time. I have nothing to hide. I would hope that other small business owners out there would hold meetings like this one, but I know it won't happen that often. One of the lessons to be learned here is that taxes ... all taxes ... and all regulatory costs that are placed on businesses anywhere in this country, will eventually be passed right on down to individuals; individuals such as yourself. This hasn't been about admonishing anyone and it hasn't been about issuing threats. This is part of the education you should have received in the government schools, but didn't.
"Class is now dismissed."
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A lesson every citizen should hear.
wtp
Monday, November 2, 2009
Pelosi the Pinhead Totalitarian
Robert remembered it, and Jack found it....and you'd better read this quote....'cause this woman is in charge of writing legislation that affects your life.
Not much doubt, is there?
wtp
Here's the source...Nancy Pelosi's own website. Apparently bragging about this opinion.
In answering a question from a student about how Pelosi was going to get Americans to cut back on their carbon emissions, the leading Democratic lawmaker said it was important to educate children on how to conserve energy and for citizens to build more environmentally friendly homes.Do you suppose she meant a private, personal, individual, spiritual, moral "inventory"....or given her record, do you suppose she means that the government must make an inventory of all of our lives to determine if we are "improving" and "taking responsibility" in ways of which the Imperial State approves?
"We have so much room for improvement," she said. "Every aspect of our lives must be subjected to an inventory ... of how we are taking responsibility."
Not much doubt, is there?
wtp
Here's the source...Nancy Pelosi's own website. Apparently bragging about this opinion.
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