Last night President Bush called for reducing wasteful government spending. I read CNN's "Pulling Pork Can Be Unappetizing" this morning and learned of quite a few "secret pet projects" Congress has approved for funding.
$39M - National Drug Intelligence Center in PA.
There are 19 other agencies doing the same
work as the NDIC.
$2.4B - 10 C-17 Air Force cargo planes.
The USAF has asked for two more planes
before shutting down the production line.
Seven Congressmen have asked for the
additional 10 to built in their districts.
There are 63 museums listed in the 2008 spending bill ranging from a mule museum ($50k) to an internet only museum ($600k).
I can understand some of the airport ones, with the exception of the corporate runway in a rural Wisconsin town ($2M) and one in Alaska to be used by a seafood company ($3.5M).
There's also a request for a $500k Alaskan ski lift renovation project, $95k upgrade to a Florida hotel, and $500k for Rep Lewis (R-CA) for Barracks Row in DC.
I have some additional input. Does the government need to give taxpayers a tax rebate? Wean the American people off of Social Security. The Post Office should be privatized. And if we are going to have a universal health care, let states or regions manage them instead of the federal government.
Privatize the education system and allow states provide oversight or move it to the state level and have the fed monitor standards. I am unaware of the percent of an individual's (or couple's) federal taxes goes towards the Dept. of Ed. I am slightly biased as I do not have children and I do not pay state taxes, if the states were to manage it.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tax Rebates
I've been hearing a lot of hoopla about tax rebates as part of Bush's "stimulus" package. I have to agree with Mike Huckabee on this issue. Where is the USG going to get all the money to send every tax payer at least $300? I do believe it would be better to use the money on our nation's infrastructure. I particularly liked his complaints about TSA in respect to waiting in long lines, removing shoes, and waving toothpaste in a clear plastic bag around lmfao.
However, I do disagree with his view on globalization. While it is true, most of the money would be spent on products made in China, it is American retailers who sell them. China will use the profit on buying products they import. It is kinda like a big circle as no one country can support itself. Do we need to look at the pitiful state of North Korea to verify that principle?
Even before that comment, I believed Huckabee needed a few more economic classes. Replacing the current income tax system with a national consumption tax encourages saving and penalizes the medium-low and low classes.
Back on track. If the tax rebates become a reality, shouldn't Americans use it towards something productive instead of blowing? The national average credit card debt is $9000. It's higher in the Northeastern states and their average includes twice as many cards.
I will use mine towards one of my credit card balances. CitiBank is mailing me a balance transfer check and I'll be able to pay off one of them. The interest rate on the balance xfer is 7.9% for until it is paid off. The only hitch is the 3% fee. I think the current interest rate on the card I will use it for is 12.24% and will save me more than the estimated $180 bal xfer fee.
Last week, a FNC journalist made a good comment on the tax rebates. She disagreed with our economy being in a recession. Her point was, if the economy gets into a recession due to financial issues (ie. housing market), how is borrowing money to give to citizens going to help it? And what precedent is this going to do for when we really have an economic crisis? With income tax season upon us, the IRS is going to be getting bogged down and delay the checks getting to the people!
However, I do disagree with his view on globalization. While it is true, most of the money would be spent on products made in China, it is American retailers who sell them. China will use the profit on buying products they import. It is kinda like a big circle as no one country can support itself. Do we need to look at the pitiful state of North Korea to verify that principle?
Even before that comment, I believed Huckabee needed a few more economic classes. Replacing the current income tax system with a national consumption tax encourages saving and penalizes the medium-low and low classes.
Back on track. If the tax rebates become a reality, shouldn't Americans use it towards something productive instead of blowing? The national average credit card debt is $9000. It's higher in the Northeastern states and their average includes twice as many cards.
I will use mine towards one of my credit card balances. CitiBank is mailing me a balance transfer check and I'll be able to pay off one of them. The interest rate on the balance xfer is 7.9% for until it is paid off. The only hitch is the 3% fee. I think the current interest rate on the card I will use it for is 12.24% and will save me more than the estimated $180 bal xfer fee.
Last week, a FNC journalist made a good comment on the tax rebates. She disagreed with our economy being in a recession. Her point was, if the economy gets into a recession due to financial issues (ie. housing market), how is borrowing money to give to citizens going to help it? And what precedent is this going to do for when we really have an economic crisis? With income tax season upon us, the IRS is going to be getting bogged down and delay the checks getting to the people!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
8,000 Votes Away
It was a close race between Clinton and Obama tonight. I did expect the gap between them to be closer than the Iowa Caucus results. Edwards is needs to adjust some of campaigning if he desires to continue being a contender. It would be slightly ironic if Edwards wins the Michigan Primary next Tuesday. Hopefully Obama will make come out victorious next week.
Hopefully the Michigan Primary will cause one of the Republican candidates to stand out. Huckabee had a 9% victory over Romney in Iowa; Romney had 67% of the Republican votes in the Wyoming Primary; McCain beat Romney tonight by 5%. I suspect Romney will come in at least second in Michigan.
I totaled the number of votes (from the 96% reporting) and calculated a percentage estimate of the folks who voted. I used the U.S. Census Bureau's 2006 population estimate of those 18 and older. I came up with the result of 50%. Being that not everyone eligible to register has, I would say the New Hamsphirians have done alright in supporting their candidates in action by voting.
It's still early and is anyone's game and only time and voters will tell the victors.
Hopefully the Michigan Primary will cause one of the Republican candidates to stand out. Huckabee had a 9% victory over Romney in Iowa; Romney had 67% of the Republican votes in the Wyoming Primary; McCain beat Romney tonight by 5%. I suspect Romney will come in at least second in Michigan.
I totaled the number of votes (from the 96% reporting) and calculated a percentage estimate of the folks who voted. I used the U.S. Census Bureau's 2006 population estimate of those 18 and older. I came up with the result of 50%. Being that not everyone eligible to register has, I would say the New Hamsphirians have done alright in supporting their candidates in action by voting.
It's still early and is anyone's game and only time and voters will tell the victors.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Election Cycle
The Iowa Caucus results had slightly different results than what I expected. I was correct about Obama, but surpised about Huckabee. It only goes to show the only poll that matters is on election day. One of the websites I went to see the results listed the amount of votes each candidate received.
I am disappointed approxiamtely 300k out of 2mil did their civic duty. A CNN Anaylsyst made an intersting observation that 30% of the Democrats that voted were under 30. I think the younger voters are able to identify with Obama. Obama may not have the years of political experience his opponents have, but he brings in a fresh perspective.
I requested my absentee ballot last week. Missouri has open primaries so I didn't have to specify which party ballot I want. I plan on voting for Obama once I receive it. He is ambitious about bringing about positive changes in our country and improving foriegn relations. His fresh perspective won't include the "politics as usual" that some other candidates may be tempted to do.
I'm looking forward to seeing the New Hampshire results tomorrow. Hopefully a larger percentage will vote. I disagree with the loosing Iowa and New Hampshire and you're out philosphy. I think Bill Clinton lost both and wound up winning the election. Get out and vote or request an absentee ballot. I was chatting with a guy earlier today who said he made 14 trips taking people to their voting place. I typically only hear of candidates providing rides. Hopefully the trend of helping your neighbor to the polls will increase as well.
I am disappointed approxiamtely 300k out of 2mil did their civic duty. A CNN Anaylsyst made an intersting observation that 30% of the Democrats that voted were under 30. I think the younger voters are able to identify with Obama. Obama may not have the years of political experience his opponents have, but he brings in a fresh perspective.
I requested my absentee ballot last week. Missouri has open primaries so I didn't have to specify which party ballot I want. I plan on voting for Obama once I receive it. He is ambitious about bringing about positive changes in our country and improving foriegn relations. His fresh perspective won't include the "politics as usual" that some other candidates may be tempted to do.
I'm looking forward to seeing the New Hampshire results tomorrow. Hopefully a larger percentage will vote. I disagree with the loosing Iowa and New Hampshire and you're out philosphy. I think Bill Clinton lost both and wound up winning the election. Get out and vote or request an absentee ballot. I was chatting with a guy earlier today who said he made 14 trips taking people to their voting place. I typically only hear of candidates providing rides. Hopefully the trend of helping your neighbor to the polls will increase as well.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
About Me
My name is Casey. I have been serving in the United States Navy for 11 years. This is the second time I have been stationed in Maryland. I have previosly been assigned in Hawaii, Diego Garcia, and Japan.
I have 2 older step brothers, a brother, and a sister. I don't know my step brothers that well. I only saw them a couople of times before my mom and step dad married (after my high school graduation). My brother is transitioning out of the Marines after a little over four years of service. My sister is still in high school and will be graduating this spring.
Some of my interests are reading, cooking, and traveling. I like doing a moderate workout a couple of times a week. I also like various aspects of finance, especially investments. I have a small collection of art prints. Most of them are scenses in the MD/VA area and a couple I bought while in Japan. I spend my online time playing games, chatting, reading blogs (work and home), and reading news sites (mostly FNC and CNN).
I am presently taking a couple of online classes. I regret not pursing my degree at my previous shore commands. I should be close, if not finished, with a BS in Computer Science at the end of my current assignment. The important things is to earn one while I am still active duty and qualify for tuition assistance.
I hope to use this blog to post my thoughts on current world affairs and things going on in my life. I appreciate constructive comments, whether they are in agreement or disagrement with my opinions.
I have 2 older step brothers, a brother, and a sister. I don't know my step brothers that well. I only saw them a couople of times before my mom and step dad married (after my high school graduation). My brother is transitioning out of the Marines after a little over four years of service. My sister is still in high school and will be graduating this spring.
Some of my interests are reading, cooking, and traveling. I like doing a moderate workout a couple of times a week. I also like various aspects of finance, especially investments. I have a small collection of art prints. Most of them are scenses in the MD/VA area and a couple I bought while in Japan. I spend my online time playing games, chatting, reading blogs (work and home), and reading news sites (mostly FNC and CNN).
I am presently taking a couple of online classes. I regret not pursing my degree at my previous shore commands. I should be close, if not finished, with a BS in Computer Science at the end of my current assignment. The important things is to earn one while I am still active duty and qualify for tuition assistance.
I hope to use this blog to post my thoughts on current world affairs and things going on in my life. I appreciate constructive comments, whether they are in agreement or disagrement with my opinions.
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