Less than three weeks after Sen. Dan Mongiardo (D-UK) came under fire for spending money he didn't have to run against Sen. Jim Bunning, Election Finance records reveal that Rep. Harry Moberly (D-Richmond) did the same thing.
Faced with a stiff challenge despite his ridiculously gerrymandered 81st House district, Moberly spent nearly $30,000 more than he had. This fact has now landed him under scrutiny after the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents got caught trying to finance Moberly's debt this spring in hopes of influencing his vote.
****UPDATE*****: David Baird, the man who wrote the "inapropriate" fundraising letter for Moberly (according to the Courier Journal) now denies writing the letter. So who wrote it? The trail seems to lead to the Eastern Kentucky Univerity campus. Stay tuned...
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Social Security Silence Speaks Volumes
It has been one week since the first Democrat with an idea on Social Security came forward with his innovative proposal of the largest tax increase in history.
Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) raised the ire of Democrats everywhere when he unwittingly exposed the fact that their only plan is to raise taxes.
When we get this dust-up over the judicial nominees out of the way next week, we can get back to entitlement reform. Until then, here is a great article about the difficulty Dems face with the debate on Social Security since Wexler spilled the beans.
Rep. Robert Wexler (D-FL) raised the ire of Democrats everywhere when he unwittingly exposed the fact that their only plan is to raise taxes.
When we get this dust-up over the judicial nominees out of the way next week, we can get back to entitlement reform. Until then, here is a great article about the difficulty Dems face with the debate on Social Security since Wexler spilled the beans.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Harry Moberly's Campaign Finance Scam
If you want a potentially explosive newspaper story to not get much attention, you give it a headline like "Moberly Will Restrict Donations."
The Louisville Courier Journal reports today that the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS) sent out a fundraising letter for Rep. Harry Moberly (D-Richmond) dated April 29, 2005 telling members "our future efforts in Frankfort (especially on principal selection) will be much improved if we can take 176 checks to Harry from superintendents in the amount of $100 each."
Bad enough, but read on...
The letter said Moberly "had a very expensive election and has a debt that needs to be liquidated."
That's where the red flags went up. Moberly claimed in the article that he had less than $30,000 in campaign debt. His Registry of Election Finance Statement, however, shows a campaign surplus of $1971.58.
So we called the Registry of Election Finance. It turns out that Moberly has turned over to them a bill for $99,698.45 from Emmons And Company Inc. for "management and payment of campaign activities" that isn't reflected in the online filing. Further, payments of $65,000 and $5000 have been reported as paid. That leaves an unpaid balance of $29,698.45.
Moberly reports campaign disbursements of $148,265.94. His opponent spent just $41,224.06 and got 44% of the vote in the heavily gerrymandered 81st district. No doubt Moberly needed every bit of what amounts to a $30,000 campaign contribution from Dale Emmons' company to pull off the win.
With any luck, though, Moberly's next effort to get lobbyists to pay his 2004 campaign expenses won't receive even this much attention.
The Louisville Courier Journal reports today that the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents (KASS) sent out a fundraising letter for Rep. Harry Moberly (D-Richmond) dated April 29, 2005 telling members "our future efforts in Frankfort (especially on principal selection) will be much improved if we can take 176 checks to Harry from superintendents in the amount of $100 each."
Bad enough, but read on...
The letter said Moberly "had a very expensive election and has a debt that needs to be liquidated."
That's where the red flags went up. Moberly claimed in the article that he had less than $30,000 in campaign debt. His Registry of Election Finance Statement, however, shows a campaign surplus of $1971.58.
So we called the Registry of Election Finance. It turns out that Moberly has turned over to them a bill for $99,698.45 from Emmons And Company Inc. for "management and payment of campaign activities" that isn't reflected in the online filing. Further, payments of $65,000 and $5000 have been reported as paid. That leaves an unpaid balance of $29,698.45.
Moberly reports campaign disbursements of $148,265.94. His opponent spent just $41,224.06 and got 44% of the vote in the heavily gerrymandered 81st district. No doubt Moberly needed every bit of what amounts to a $30,000 campaign contribution from Dale Emmons' company to pull off the win.
With any luck, though, Moberly's next effort to get lobbyists to pay his 2004 campaign expenses won't receive even this much attention.
As Scandals Unfold, Who is Watching Stumbo?
As twin scandals plague Kentucky's state capitol, mounting concern has Frankfort observers wondering about the role of the one known link between the two events: Attorney General Greg Stumbo.
Elected narrowly as one of three scandal-ridden 2003 candidates for the office, Stumbo finds himself under a cloud of speculation for his role in election year 2000 vote buying and under fire for his own alleged abuses of the merit system under Democrat governors.
These scandals both appear to involve wrong-doing by Republicans. But someone should be watching the Top Cop of the Commonwealth to ensure that justice is served fairly.
Elected narrowly as one of three scandal-ridden 2003 candidates for the office, Stumbo finds himself under a cloud of speculation for his role in election year 2000 vote buying and under fire for his own alleged abuses of the merit system under Democrat governors.
These scandals both appear to involve wrong-doing by Republicans. But someone should be watching the Top Cop of the Commonwealth to ensure that justice is served fairly.
Tick, Tick, Tick...Boom!
U.S. Senate goes nuclear today. Harry Reid and Tom Daschle made this happen. Don't forget that.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Boy, Do We Need Judicial Reform
Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, Reagan appointee and poster boy for term limits on the Court, is upset because he thinks the United States keeps it's criminals in prison too long.
At a speech Friday, he bemoaned the fact that U.S. sentences are eight times longer than those in Western Europe. (Yes, he really did. Here's the article.)
"We need to rethink the sentencing system," Justice Kennedy said Friday. "We have 180,000 prisoners in the California state system alone."
Great advice, Justice Kennedy. Let's just turn them loose in your neighborhood.
At a speech Friday, he bemoaned the fact that U.S. sentences are eight times longer than those in Western Europe. (Yes, he really did. Here's the article.)
"We need to rethink the sentencing system," Justice Kennedy said Friday. "We have 180,000 prisoners in the California state system alone."
Great advice, Justice Kennedy. Let's just turn them loose in your neighborhood.
Did Fletcher Admin Stop Another Sandy Burglar?
Lost in the hubbub of the Transportation Cabinet hiring feeding frenzy is the fact that when Greg Stumbo sent two men to sneak into the Personnel office and take files, he lost a lot of credibility with objective observers.
Brings to mind Clinton National Security Advisor Sandy Berger's efforts to stuff classified national security documents into his socks.
Brings to mind Clinton National Security Advisor Sandy Berger's efforts to stuff classified national security documents into his socks.
Monday, May 16, 2005
North Carolina Congressman on KY Progress Radio
Tune in this Wednesday to 1340 WEKY AM 5:15 pm to 6:15 pm for my interview with Rep. Walter Jones (R-NC), sponsor of the Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act.
Passage of this bill would end the gag order placed on churches by the IRS.
Call in number is (877) 620-1340.
This is the bill that has David Hawpe all worked up at the Louisville Courier Journal and will cause many liberal heads to spin around before this year is over.
Passage of this bill would end the gag order placed on churches by the IRS.
Call in number is (877) 620-1340.
This is the bill that has David Hawpe all worked up at the Louisville Courier Journal and will cause many liberal heads to spin around before this year is over.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Say It Ain't So: Dems Insist Howard Dean Must Go!
The best thing to happen to the Republican party in many years has been the ascension of Howard Dean to the chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee. The least reported political story of the year is how Dean's zany comments and policy positions have helped mobilize Republicans and a surprising number of Democrats upset by their party's continued leftward lurch.
Dean's actions included the endorsement of Socialist Bernie Sanders as a candidate for the U.S. Senate.
Top officials at the Democratic Party of Kentucky, who spoke on condition of anonymity, have confirmed that the state party executive committee will be urged to join a coalition of state parties who will call for Dean's resignation in June.
"Dean makes it tough to stay a Democrat," said one elected Democrat legislator.
Dean's actions included the endorsement of Socialist Bernie Sanders as a candidate for the U.S. Senate.
Top officials at the Democratic Party of Kentucky, who spoke on condition of anonymity, have confirmed that the state party executive committee will be urged to join a coalition of state parties who will call for Dean's resignation in June.
"Dean makes it tough to stay a Democrat," said one elected Democrat legislator.
Do Your Tax Dollars Support Right Wing Churches?
On most good days, I am not going to agree with anything David Hawpe of the Louisville Courier Joural says.
Today is looking like a very good day.
Hawpe rips Rep. Anne Northup (R-KY) for co-sponsoring the Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act (HR 235) to return free speech rights to churches. The reason liberals wouldn't want this is obvious. What may not be so clear is how vital this issue is to America's future and why those who stand for freedom in this case deserve active support.
Critics on the left say changing the restriction on free speech for churches -- the one that threatens to take away tax-exempt status of non-profits engaging in improper speech -- amounts to taxpayer subsidies of political speech. The institutions whose tactics refute this argument are the taxpayer supported Corporation of Public Broadcasting and the liberal teachers and textbook writers in the public schools. They would cry bloody murder if someone tried to infringe upon their freedoms in similar fashion.
The language in IRS 501 (c) (3) is vague and overreaching. Did you know that your minister could face IRS punishment for speaking out against abortion, pornography, or pedophilia? The cause of this mess, the 1954 Johnson Amendment, abridged free speech for non-profits with the threat of imposed taxation. The reason this injustice has been allowed to persist is nearly all of the victims are conservative Christians. In the discussion of judicial filibusters, many have asked what might happen when the pendulum swings the other way and a Republican legislative minority would face imposition of liberal court nominees. But that is the wrong question.
Only one church in the fifty years of Johnson Amendment speech restrictions has lost its tax-exempt status. A more pertinent question may be what if the pendulum swings leftward to the extent that we have IRS agents staking out our churches in search of comments against declining moral values and the people who champion further social ruin? Amoral fascist success here may lead to threats we can't even imagine now.
When Governor Fletcher was in Congress he co-sponsored an earlier version of this bill. Kentucky Congressmen Lewis and Whitfield have joined Rep. Northup on the current one.
Expect the liberal media to be all over this if they suspect it may get a hearing. I think this fight may well become the most important one yet this year.
Democrats have overplayed their hands on everything else during this Congress. Think about this: wouldn't it be enlightening to see what Howard Dean might say about allowing ministers to speak frankly about the issues plaguing our nation? The Democrats understand the threat free churches pose to their base of power. This is an issue worth making some noise over.
Today is looking like a very good day.
Hawpe rips Rep. Anne Northup (R-KY) for co-sponsoring the Houses of Worship Free Speech Restoration Act (HR 235) to return free speech rights to churches. The reason liberals wouldn't want this is obvious. What may not be so clear is how vital this issue is to America's future and why those who stand for freedom in this case deserve active support.
Critics on the left say changing the restriction on free speech for churches -- the one that threatens to take away tax-exempt status of non-profits engaging in improper speech -- amounts to taxpayer subsidies of political speech. The institutions whose tactics refute this argument are the taxpayer supported Corporation of Public Broadcasting and the liberal teachers and textbook writers in the public schools. They would cry bloody murder if someone tried to infringe upon their freedoms in similar fashion.
The language in IRS 501 (c) (3) is vague and overreaching. Did you know that your minister could face IRS punishment for speaking out against abortion, pornography, or pedophilia? The cause of this mess, the 1954 Johnson Amendment, abridged free speech for non-profits with the threat of imposed taxation. The reason this injustice has been allowed to persist is nearly all of the victims are conservative Christians. In the discussion of judicial filibusters, many have asked what might happen when the pendulum swings the other way and a Republican legislative minority would face imposition of liberal court nominees. But that is the wrong question.
Only one church in the fifty years of Johnson Amendment speech restrictions has lost its tax-exempt status. A more pertinent question may be what if the pendulum swings leftward to the extent that we have IRS agents staking out our churches in search of comments against declining moral values and the people who champion further social ruin? Amoral fascist success here may lead to threats we can't even imagine now.
When Governor Fletcher was in Congress he co-sponsored an earlier version of this bill. Kentucky Congressmen Lewis and Whitfield have joined Rep. Northup on the current one.
Expect the liberal media to be all over this if they suspect it may get a hearing. I think this fight may well become the most important one yet this year.
Democrats have overplayed their hands on everything else during this Congress. Think about this: wouldn't it be enlightening to see what Howard Dean might say about allowing ministers to speak frankly about the issues plaguing our nation? The Democrats understand the threat free churches pose to their base of power. This is an issue worth making some noise over.
Friday, May 13, 2005
2006 Kentucky House Update
Quick question: what's the most important difference between Ernesto Scorsone and Kathy Stein?
Easy. Senator Scorsone is in the minority of the Kentucky Senate so he can do little to advance the liberal agenda. Rep. Stein, on the other hand, can work with her Democratic Party leaders to frustrate conservatives from all across the Commonwealth.
Both liberals have safe seats, but the Democrat advantage in the House was halved in 2004 to seven seats. And that is where things get interesting.
Central Kentucky saw eight Republican challengers face entrenched Democrat House members in the last election. All eight Republicans lost. There are several reasons why Republicans in and around Lexington should do much better next year, but we will get into that later.
For now, we have a new candidate to tell you about. Remember the name Michael Farmer.
Mr. Farmer will be taking on 79th district Rep. Susan Westrom. She was one of twelve Kentucky candidates endorsed by the nutty Dean for America organization last year.
In contrast, Mr. Farmer is a successful attorney, husband, and father of two. He seeks to bring conservative representation to Lexington's 79th district, particularly with regard to education, health care, and government spending issues. As a member of the new Republican majority in 2007, he will be able to support the principles that have been given short shrift by House Democrats for too many years.
Quality candidates like Mr. Farmer give us lots of reasons to be optimistic about the future of Kentucky. Much, much more about him in the months ahead.
Easy. Senator Scorsone is in the minority of the Kentucky Senate so he can do little to advance the liberal agenda. Rep. Stein, on the other hand, can work with her Democratic Party leaders to frustrate conservatives from all across the Commonwealth.
Both liberals have safe seats, but the Democrat advantage in the House was halved in 2004 to seven seats. And that is where things get interesting.
Central Kentucky saw eight Republican challengers face entrenched Democrat House members in the last election. All eight Republicans lost. There are several reasons why Republicans in and around Lexington should do much better next year, but we will get into that later.
For now, we have a new candidate to tell you about. Remember the name Michael Farmer.
Mr. Farmer will be taking on 79th district Rep. Susan Westrom. She was one of twelve Kentucky candidates endorsed by the nutty Dean for America organization last year.
In contrast, Mr. Farmer is a successful attorney, husband, and father of two. He seeks to bring conservative representation to Lexington's 79th district, particularly with regard to education, health care, and government spending issues. As a member of the new Republican majority in 2007, he will be able to support the principles that have been given short shrift by House Democrats for too many years.
Quality candidates like Mr. Farmer give us lots of reasons to be optimistic about the future of Kentucky. Much, much more about him in the months ahead.
Keeping Alligators Out Of The Pool
Congressman Ben Chandler is taking credit this morning for keeping the Blue Grass Army Depot open. Someone should tell him the Depot was not considered for the BRAC list.
"This proves what I've always known," Chandler boasted.
What's that, Congressman? That it is easier to take credit for events that were going to happen regardless of your actions or lack of action?
Despite the obvious lack of substance in this Chandler statement, expect the local mainstream media suck-ups to be all over it.
"This proves what I've always known," Chandler boasted.
What's that, Congressman? That it is easier to take credit for events that were going to happen regardless of your actions or lack of action?
Despite the obvious lack of substance in this Chandler statement, expect the local mainstream media suck-ups to be all over it.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Ben Chandler Fantasy Baseball Update
Rep. Ben Chandler has done it again.
In a press release dated March 10, 2005 Chandler boasts the acquisition of $3.9 million in landscape and streetscape money for Wilmore, Kentucky in Jessamine county. There are just a few teeny tiny problems with this press release.
For starters, Chandler claims to be working with Sen. Mitch McConnell and Sen. Jim Bunning to "make sure these projects remain in the final legislation."
Right. There is no way that this "project" will be in the final legislation and Chandler has to know it. He just wants to be able to say that he tried to get money for central Kentucky but the Republicans wouldn't let him.
What happened was Chandler cooked this phony "project" up and put it into a highway spending bill. Doing this took about as much effort as the Congressman would use playing fantasy baseball on his office computer for a couple of hours. It will have about as much impact on the final highway bill.
Chandler claims to have "worked very closely with Harold Rainwater, the mayor of Wilmore" to obtain this funding. Again, he is playing fantasy baseball. Didn't happen. In fact, he even made up a quote and put Mayor Rainwater's name on it, in an effort to make Governor Ernie Fletcher look bad.
"We have wanted this for years," Rep. Chandler falsely quoted Mayor Rainwater as saying. As if former Rep. Fletcher turned a blind eye to the woeful lack of grass seed in his district during his time in Congress.
It is hard to say which is more ridiculous -- the idea that Wilmore's highest road priority is $3.9 million worth of landscaping at the entryway to Asbury Seminary or that Chandler thought he could get away with this silly scheme.
He should go back to obstructing Social Security reform.
In a press release dated March 10, 2005 Chandler boasts the acquisition of $3.9 million in landscape and streetscape money for Wilmore, Kentucky in Jessamine county. There are just a few teeny tiny problems with this press release.
For starters, Chandler claims to be working with Sen. Mitch McConnell and Sen. Jim Bunning to "make sure these projects remain in the final legislation."
Right. There is no way that this "project" will be in the final legislation and Chandler has to know it. He just wants to be able to say that he tried to get money for central Kentucky but the Republicans wouldn't let him.
What happened was Chandler cooked this phony "project" up and put it into a highway spending bill. Doing this took about as much effort as the Congressman would use playing fantasy baseball on his office computer for a couple of hours. It will have about as much impact on the final highway bill.
Chandler claims to have "worked very closely with Harold Rainwater, the mayor of Wilmore" to obtain this funding. Again, he is playing fantasy baseball. Didn't happen. In fact, he even made up a quote and put Mayor Rainwater's name on it, in an effort to make Governor Ernie Fletcher look bad.
"We have wanted this for years," Rep. Chandler falsely quoted Mayor Rainwater as saying. As if former Rep. Fletcher turned a blind eye to the woeful lack of grass seed in his district during his time in Congress.
It is hard to say which is more ridiculous -- the idea that Wilmore's highest road priority is $3.9 million worth of landscaping at the entryway to Asbury Seminary or that Chandler thought he could get away with this silly scheme.
He should go back to obstructing Social Security reform.
Next Up, Dr. Dan: Did He or Didn't He?
Federal prosecutors searching the hollers of eastern Kentucky, may be taking a close look at Sen. Daniel Mongiardo (D-Hazard) and his 2000 campaign's vote hauling activities.
Mongiardo actually spent over $1000 more than Sen. Johnny Ray Turner did for the questionable campaign tactic in 2000. Sen. Turner has already been indicted for mail fraud and conspiracy.
Also no word yet on whether investigators combing the mountains have plans to scour the street corners of west Louisville looking for recipients of vote-enticing fast food coupons.
Mongiardo actually spent over $1000 more than Sen. Johnny Ray Turner did for the questionable campaign tactic in 2000. Sen. Turner has already been indicted for mail fraud and conspiracy.
Also no word yet on whether investigators combing the mountains have plans to scour the street corners of west Louisville looking for recipients of vote-enticing fast food coupons.
Democrats: Our SSI Plans Are In Our Pants
Male substance abusers hoping to register clean on drug tests can order a fake penis complete with urine to avoid detection of their nefarious activity.
Meanwhile, Congressional Democrats seem to be hiding any ideas they may have behind vacant stares and unconvincing denials just as busted addicts often do.
Maybe someone should check their pants.
-------------------------
Thanks to Doug Petch for the heads up on the, uh, device.
Meanwhile, Congressional Democrats seem to be hiding any ideas they may have behind vacant stares and unconvincing denials just as busted addicts often do.
Maybe someone should check their pants.
-------------------------
Thanks to Doug Petch for the heads up on the, uh, device.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Attorney General Inaction on Vote Fraud Disturbing
Buying votes is illegal in Kentucky, right? Then why must year 2000 election vote buyers be charged with federal mail fraud?
Someone should ask Ben Chandler and Greg Stumbo, Attorneys General since 1996, who would, under different circumstances, prosecute vote fraud in Kentucky. The Feds can only prosecute federal law and they can't force Kentucky's AG to act.
Some people have asked why Sen. Ray Jones hasn't been charged yet. Could he be cooperating with prosecutors? That should make things pretty hot this summer. The five year statute of limitations means these cases need to move fast.
Don't expect much on this from Kentucky's big media outlets until Republicans start getting implicated. Unfortunately, that shouldn't be too long in coming.
Someone should ask Ben Chandler and Greg Stumbo, Attorneys General since 1996, who would, under different circumstances, prosecute vote fraud in Kentucky. The Feds can only prosecute federal law and they can't force Kentucky's AG to act.
Some people have asked why Sen. Ray Jones hasn't been charged yet. Could he be cooperating with prosecutors? That should make things pretty hot this summer. The five year statute of limitations means these cases need to move fast.
Don't expect much on this from Kentucky's big media outlets until Republicans start getting implicated. Unfortunately, that shouldn't be too long in coming.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Do Nothing Chandler Persists
A quick check of press releases from Ben Chandler's Congressional site shows that new media contact Jennifer Spalding is earning her keep making Rep. Chandler look busy.
She has her work cut out for her.
Today's (5/10/2005) press releases are month-old stories in which Chandler takes credit for Sen. Mitch McConnell's efforts to obtain funding for the Bluegrass Army Depot and then hands out a couple of flags on a campaign stop.
UPDATE: 5/12/05-- The month-old press releases with the current date have been pulled down. Now what are they going to do?
She has her work cut out for her.
Today's (5/10/2005) press releases are month-old stories in which Chandler takes credit for Sen. Mitch McConnell's efforts to obtain funding for the Bluegrass Army Depot and then hands out a couple of flags on a campaign stop.
UPDATE: 5/12/05-- The month-old press releases with the current date have been pulled down. Now what are they going to do?
Monday, May 09, 2005
Herald Leader Columnist: Keep Feeding Brain Dead KAPT
The propaganda campaign to keep the money-losing KAPT program going continues with a column in the Herald Leader by KAPT former executive director Rachel Belin.
There is little new in this column. Belin does state that if mean old Republicans like David Williams and Robbie Rudolph would just keep pouring money in, "many thousands more could benefit."
Right.
That reminds me of the episode of The Lucy Show when Lucy started canning jelly at home to sell for additional income. When Ricky pointed out that she was losing money on every jar, she exclaimed "We can just make it up on volume!"
While the brainiacs running KAPT strive to "make it up on volume," taxpayers remain on the hook for their continued losses. Funny how program supporters don't mention all the other states who started pre-paid tuition plans before Kentucky and have had the good sense to shut their programs down in the face of losses as far as the eye can see.
KAPT is just another government ponzi scheme that sounded better than it has turned out to be. Stemming the tide of red ink is the only responsible thing to do.
Ask the people in Ohio.
I found an interesting quote from an actuarial consultant named Richard Kaye who works with several state plans. Way back in 2002, he said "You are not talking about an immediate cash-flow problem, but you are talking about a long-term deficit. It's sort of like Social Security."
There is little new in this column. Belin does state that if mean old Republicans like David Williams and Robbie Rudolph would just keep pouring money in, "many thousands more could benefit."
Right.
That reminds me of the episode of The Lucy Show when Lucy started canning jelly at home to sell for additional income. When Ricky pointed out that she was losing money on every jar, she exclaimed "We can just make it up on volume!"
While the brainiacs running KAPT strive to "make it up on volume," taxpayers remain on the hook for their continued losses. Funny how program supporters don't mention all the other states who started pre-paid tuition plans before Kentucky and have had the good sense to shut their programs down in the face of losses as far as the eye can see.
KAPT is just another government ponzi scheme that sounded better than it has turned out to be. Stemming the tide of red ink is the only responsible thing to do.
Ask the people in Ohio.
I found an interesting quote from an actuarial consultant named Richard Kaye who works with several state plans. Way back in 2002, he said "You are not talking about an immediate cash-flow problem, but you are talking about a long-term deficit. It's sort of like Social Security."
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Herald Leader: Raise Taxes Or Die
Grab your tin foil hats, folks. The Lexington Herald Leader is waxing eloquent about Social Security again.
The headline offered some hope: Social Security reality check. Could the left be coming around on actually discussing entitlement reform like adults? But, alas, it wasn't so. The editorial uses way too many words to suggest again that raising taxes for the 18th time will somehow do a more thorough job of repairing the system this time.
It's noteworthy that the last four paragraphs of their editorial could have almost been written by someone serious about the problem. Judge for yourself:
---------------------------------
There isn't a perfect plan, but it is time to craft a workable one so we can move on to other problems.
Medicare is in much more dire straits, and the deficit is spinning out of control. Social Security, for all the bombast these past many months, is an easy fix compared to those.
Of course, we could just flip the channel and ignore Social Security, Medicare and the deficit.
It worked for the Romans. The rulers offered free shows at the Coliseum, and a grateful public, eager to be entertained, filled the seats. It kept everyone distracted -- until the empire collapsed.
----------------------------------
But their proposal included eliminating the cap on earnings subject to the Social Security tax. This enormous income tax increase would hit businesses who employ the dreaded high income earners very hard. And even the far left knows what that means. Those taxes are passed along to consumers, hitting the lowest earners the hardest.
Still can't imagine how the Democrats on Capitol Hill would respond to real media scrutiny about their hard line against allowing taxpayer choice and ownership rights of Social Security.
It is shameful how their rhetoric staggers perilously close to the factual only to meander back into the dark recesses of the obstructionist's cave. They seem to understand that Social Security is one of the easier problems to handle and must properly be dispensed with so more pressing trials may be confronted. Tax increases, most of us know, won't get us past step one. And the only snake-oil solution is the do-nothing approach Democrats cling so fearfully to. But they are right to be afraid. If personal accounts pass, voters will face inescapable evidence that partisan Democrats are a gangrene appendage on the body politic.
The headline offered some hope: Social Security reality check. Could the left be coming around on actually discussing entitlement reform like adults? But, alas, it wasn't so. The editorial uses way too many words to suggest again that raising taxes for the 18th time will somehow do a more thorough job of repairing the system this time.
It's noteworthy that the last four paragraphs of their editorial could have almost been written by someone serious about the problem. Judge for yourself:
---------------------------------
There isn't a perfect plan, but it is time to craft a workable one so we can move on to other problems.
Medicare is in much more dire straits, and the deficit is spinning out of control. Social Security, for all the bombast these past many months, is an easy fix compared to those.
Of course, we could just flip the channel and ignore Social Security, Medicare and the deficit.
It worked for the Romans. The rulers offered free shows at the Coliseum, and a grateful public, eager to be entertained, filled the seats. It kept everyone distracted -- until the empire collapsed.
----------------------------------
But their proposal included eliminating the cap on earnings subject to the Social Security tax. This enormous income tax increase would hit businesses who employ the dreaded high income earners very hard. And even the far left knows what that means. Those taxes are passed along to consumers, hitting the lowest earners the hardest.
Still can't imagine how the Democrats on Capitol Hill would respond to real media scrutiny about their hard line against allowing taxpayer choice and ownership rights of Social Security.
It is shameful how their rhetoric staggers perilously close to the factual only to meander back into the dark recesses of the obstructionist's cave. They seem to understand that Social Security is one of the easier problems to handle and must properly be dispensed with so more pressing trials may be confronted. Tax increases, most of us know, won't get us past step one. And the only snake-oil solution is the do-nothing approach Democrats cling so fearfully to. But they are right to be afraid. If personal accounts pass, voters will face inescapable evidence that partisan Democrats are a gangrene appendage on the body politic.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)