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Letters, 7/21: Middle class tax relief

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Monday, Jul 21, 2008 - 09:13:16 am CDT

When John McCain says that Barack Obama will raise your taxes, he is telling a deliberate lie! Unless yours is one of the very highest incomes in America, you will have lower taxes from Barack Obama’s proposals than from McCain’s!

All Obama plans to do is to allow some temporary tax cuts for the super-rich to expire as originally planned so he can provide real tax relief for the middle class. That’s me, brother; is it you?

What have these Bush tax cuts for billionaires accomplished? They have caused: 1) a massive redistribution of wealth from the middle class to the super-rich; 2) several trillion dollars of national debt that our grandchildren will have to pay; 3) the value of the dollar to fall so far that you and I can’t afford to buy foreign-made goods or to enjoy foreign travel anymore; 4) contributed significantly to the rise in gasoline prices.

Those are the tax cuts McCain wants to make permanent. Why would anyone who isn’t super-rich vote for John “McSame”?

A recent issue of the Lincoln Journal Star said that because of the Bush administration’s eight years of misrule, the dollar is no longer the “gold standard” currency of the world. That means foreign corporations and governments will no longer want to invest in the U.S. Treasury. If China decides to sell all its U.S. Treasury holdings, the dollar will take a dive we will never recover from.

And John “McSame” thinks we should continue down this path of utter economic madness? He was right a month ago when he admitted he knew little about economics! What he knows is war, and he is itching to give us four more years of it in Iraq!

Why would anyone at all, rich or not, vote for that?

Berwyn E. Jones, Lincoln

Fair’s move a huge loss

I’m extremely disappointed that the petition drive failed and hope FairVoteNebraska’s next plans succeed.

I have been to the fair every year I’ve lived in Lincoln, and my children have visited the fair every year of their lives. It’s a family tradition.

We get up close and personal with the horses and other livestock and see baby pigs being born and baby chicks hatching. We soar on the rides at the midway. The children ride on camels. We get ears of corn dipped in vats of butter and smoked turkey legs and pineapple whip cones and giant fresh limeades.

Our children will be so sad to see it all go. My little girl has already told me she wants to buy a keepsake to remember the fair by.

The fair provides an opportunity for city kids to get a taste of farm life. It offers about the only headliner concerts most people can afford.

I understand that the university wants the land, but then move the fair elsewhere in Lincoln.

As the petition drive showed, Grand Island doesn’t even want the fair, as they don’t want their taxes to go up. Why move it to a hostile environment?

The people should have had a say. If the fair moves to Grand Island, it will die. And all those millions of dollars will have gone down the drain.

Most Lincoln people I’ve talked to won’t drive to Grand Island for it, especially with the price of gas. And Omaha people would be even less likely. Western Nebraska simply doesn’t have the population numbers to support the fair. The Lancaster Event Center would be a logical choice, especially because it would be convenient for the large population in Omaha.

The Nebraska State Fair is a Lincoln tradition and (its move would be) a huge loss for our city and our families.

Barbara Clegg, Lincoln

Go inside to order

A Lincoln woman and her attorney are suing McDonald’s for not letting her place an order at the drive-through window. She says she is unable to use the kiosk because of a hearing disability and seeks unspecified damages.

First, it is not any more difficult to hear the amplified speaker at the kiosk (she says her hearing aid screeches at the kiosk) than it is at the window where you are at least six feet from the attendant in a noisy environment with the car engine running against the side of the building.

Second, you don’t need to hear much; it is the order taker who does most of the listening.

With all due respect, if she is not comfortable with using the drive-through, why not go inside to order like many others do? Personally, I would never make everyone else wait while my order is placed and prepared at the window even if I was unable to use the speaker.

In an unrelated case, a woman is accused of extortion after placing a dead rat in her restaurant food and asking for $500,000 to keep quiet.

Last year, many skate parks were forced to lock their doors over liability concerns, and there were concerns that Lincoln and Omaha may close sliding hills.

When are we going to wake up to the fact the legal system in this country is out of control and its effect on the economy and our freedom? This kind of thing makes me ashamed to be an American! While China, India and South Korea are turning out brilliant engineers, we are a country of victims.

Mark Dietel, Lincoln

Crisis of access averted

The Nebraska Medical Association would like to extend its thanks and sincere praise to Sen. Ben Nelson and Congressmen Jeff Fortenberry and Lee Terry for voting to override the president’s veto of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act.

Their action prevented a 10.6percent cut in Medicare reimbursement to physicians across the state. Nebraska physicians stood to lose $70 million for the care of seniors over 18 months and, as a direct result, may have been forced to limit the number of Medicare patients they see.

In a recent American Medical Association survey, 60 percent of physicians said they would limit the number of new Medicare patients they treat and 40 percent would have reduced the number of Medicare patients they currently see if the cuts took place.

We urge our Nebraska delegation, including Sen. Chuck Hagel and Congressman Adrian Smith who both voted against the bill, to stay vigilant. Years of failure to correct a flawed formula in calculation of physician payment is leading to a crisis of access.

Nebraska physicians have been swallowing hard and taking the cuts, but we need our representatives to join us in taking a stand on this issue to prevent future cuts. We need a permanent fix to the Medicare system so that Nebraska physicians can continue to provide for the senior population in our state.

Les Spry, M.D., president-elect , Nebraska Medical Association

Now staunch Democrats

My husband and I began our marriage in October of 1983 as youngsters of 55 years of age, both divorced and both Republicans. As newlyweds, we were questioning our values, our religions and our politics.

In making changes in our lives and lifestyles, it became apparent that we didn’t fit the Republican Party. We quickly changed and became Democrats. In fact, we are now staunch Democrats. We believe in this party and find it best fits our ideals.

We are so happy to be alive in the age of hopefully having our first black president. What an occasion!

It is a privilege to be an American!

Donna J. Wood, Lincoln


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Sean wrote on July 21, 2008 2:05 am:
" So Barak Hussein Obama isn't going to raise my middle class taxes if he becomes President. Yeah...and I'll be having tea with the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny and Santa Claus this afternoon. So tell me Jonsey.. what's the color of the sky in your world?? "

 Ray-J wrote on July 21, 2008 5:06 am:
" Berwyn,
Just wondering, how many jobs have you created? It's the wealthy in this country that support jobs for the middle class. If you think that pulling the rug out from under those who create jobs won't trickle down to us, I think you may be wrong.
Keep a copy of your letter on your refrigerator for two years and if Obama is elected, you can start to explain where you went wrong. "

 mitchy_v wrote on July 21, 2008 7:19 am:
" The fair is moving, move on already. You all are acting like the a 3 year old who didn't get their way. "Not Fair!" "

 very sad to see this litigation wrote on July 21, 2008 8:02 am:
" Thank you, Mr. Deitel, for a well-said letter.

It's sad how eager we are to litigate. And we expect privileges and conveniences to be given to us as rights. At the same time, we don't always protect what are truly our inherent, inalienable rights very well. Comments on the original story about this suit suggested everyone should have the same privileges. If that's the case, there is no such thing as a privilege, only a lot of "rights" and no way to determine who's fit for driving, purchasing alcohol or practicing medicine.

Ms. Tumeh and Nebraska Advocacy Services are doing the disabled community a disservice by pursuing this litigation. Recently, efforts have striven to show that people who have handicaps are capable to be contributing people, and that they have many abilities. Isn't that the purpose of the ADA? Ms. Tumeh with this lawsuit is turning that notion on its head. She is capable of walking, but rather than using her abilities, she's suing to turn a convenience offered by a fast-food restaurant into an entitlement. So why not sue Quizno's and Noodles, fast-food restaurants across the street from McDonald's that don't offer a drive-through service at all? What about Macaroni Grille and Famous Daves too? Isn't drive-through service an entitlement now? Of course not.

Our society is truly in trouble because of our entitlement and "get what I can get out of everyone else" mentality. This case clearly illustrates how far we have come as a nation from a nation of immigrants who are grateful for what we have, and who will work to make our lives better. That's why this case has generated so much passion. The mentality of this lawsuit is right in line with the factors that have contributed to the mortgage crisis, where everyone along the chain -- including homebuyers who were looking for quick cash as home prices were escalating beyond all reason -- has gone to "get what they can get," and we're all suffering because of that selfishness and lack of responsibility. "

 MarkyMark wrote on July 21, 2008 8:55 am:
" It is sad to see that Nebraska physicians "have been swallowing hard and taking the cuts". We need government action asap. It saddens my heart when a physician is late on their BMW payment or the mortgage pmt on thier $800,000 home. "

 cit wrote on July 21, 2008 8:57 am:
" Obama supporters seem to have this need to resort to name-calling when it comes to John McCain. If you can't get your point across without changing McCain's name to something else, then your point isn't worth considering. Grow up people - we're voting for president, not president of the pep club! "

 Glad to have you Donna wrote on July 21, 2008 9:02 am:
" From one Nebraska Democrat to another! And yes, I myself am a recovering Republican. "

 Taxed-Out wrote on July 21, 2008 9:09 am:
" It is not the tax policies that started us on this path. It was NAFTA and the exodus of our industry to provide Americans with cheap goods made overseas. The same Americans who want $20.00 and hour to make the I-pod, but wants to buy the I-Pod for $100.00. Who here would buy a $400.00 I-Pod made with American Union Labor? I am tired of the retoric of tax the rich, and do not tax the middle and low class. Who provides what little employment is left in America, how many poor people can offer you a job? We have taxed our industry offshore, we are taxing those who invest in America to invest elsewhere. Raise taxes, which will only result in more attempts to hide or divert funding/investment in American industry. The 40% who do not pay taxes are fearing that they will someday have to contribute, and those who get thier refunds fear that they may not get so much next year, so tax the rich, to ensure that those who do not or pay little get thier refunds and benifits from the amounts confiscated by those who try to provide employment. If Obama has to fill these promises of entitlements and benifits where is the money going to come from? Yes the Rich and Middle Class tax increases, to support the 40% "dependant" class, all this resulting from high taxation pushing more of our remaining industry off shore.
Obama is the road to Socialist styled confiscation and redistribution to the "dependant" class of Americans who are soon to be the majority. And will forever vote themselves a raise on the backs of the actual working man in America.
A 10% tax rate of a $1,000.00 a week paycheck is the same percentage as a 10% tax rate of a $400.00 a week paycheck, but does not equal a 0% tax rate on a weekly/monthly "benifit" check. Our overall tax policies created this mass exodus of bussiness and industry, and created this dependant class. It is time to invest in America, lower the tax rates for bussiness, industry and investment and bring it back home to America. Raise taxes on the providing class and chase more dollars offshore, your choice. "

 JB wrote on July 21, 2008 9:10 am:
" One point you are missing Barbara, is that a big reason the fair is moving is because a MAJORITY of Lincolnites DO NOT CARE. The fair is going to fail either way. And hopefully the move (because nobody will go anymore) will help to hasten the death. "

 WEstern Nebraska wrote on July 21, 2008 9:24 am:
" So Barbara Clegg, the State Fair should stay in Lincoln because it would be a huge loss for Lincoln and your families, and you don't think it's fair that you'll have to drive to go to the fair.

Have you ever concerned yourself about the number of people that have had to drive many, many years to come to Lincoln for the most of the state government offices, the university, the state prison if they have relatives there,up until now the state fair--the list goes on and on. And now you're going to lose just one of those, the state fair, and you're yelling FOUL!!

The people of Lincoln are so self centered and spoiled in their thinking that, by golly, these all belong to Lincoln, and it's not fair to take them away.

Get serious, Lincoln--it is the STATE fair, not the LINCOLN fair. You expected people to drive in to attend the state fair before. There is no reason you can't drive now to go to the fair. But knowing how spoiled the Lincoln people are, I suspect they'll just sit and pout--which is fine. The rest of the state will enjoy a new and exciting state fair in Grand Island. "

 Bob wrote on July 21, 2008 9:35 am:
" How about the fact that John Sidney McCain III (see I can use a middle name too) opposed the Bush tax cuts and now he supports making them permanent? How do you justify that flip flop? Face it, the Bush tax cuts were simply a favor to the ultra-rich from Mr. Bush. They didn't create jobs. They didn't "trickle down". They were bad policy from the start and they should be allowed to expire. John Sidney McCain III (middle name again) is pandering to the ultra-rich wing of the Republican party. "

 Karl Rove wrote on July 21, 2008 9:38 am:
" The old tax increas line is a old trick that still works. About 5% of the people will get an increase back to where it was before the Bush cuts and 95% will get a tax cut. McCain will look you in the eye and say "Obama is going to raise your taxes". Now the knee jerk redneck will freak out without doing any research or even know he will get a tax cut. This is a big Karl Rove trick to possess the uninformed. "

 ADA Enforcement wrote on July 21, 2008 9:47 am:
" Mark, the lawsuit to which you refer is far from frivilous. It is a lawsuit filed under the American's With Disaibilities Act, an act that ensures that all persons with disabilities have the same equal and unfettered access that not challenged persons have.

You speak of this women and her hearing aid, sounding a bit amazed about feedback and such problems that the hearing impaired have. You speak like an expert that knows nothing about the actual matter, only spouting a self-formed opinion that in you mind smacks of realism and the truth, your truth, without pausing to reflect what it might be like for that hearing impaired person.

Gosh, what next? Targeting the little old lady in the grocery store because she walks slow and is in your way? Clearly Mark, the disabled and challenged mean nothing to you, expect holding you up because they are in your way.

Were stupid statements a crime Sir, you would most definatly be a felon. "

 Kenny wrote on July 21, 2008 9:54 am:
" Must be tough on those doctors to make ends-meet if medicare cuts are made. I can't imagine how poor they would be, many looking for other jobs as they just can't make it. Such a sad story. "

 Nina wrote on July 21, 2008 9:58 am:
" I disagree with Ray-J. The 'trickle down' theory didn't work in Reagan's time, nor in Bush's time. What would make one think it's going to work in the future? Under Obama, the biggest tax savings would go to the lower middle class and lower. Next in line to benefit would be the remainder of middle class, and the rich would benefit very little, if at all. Since, in the real pyramid of our economic structure, that means 80% would benefit, and the top 20% would not, it seems a step toward getting back on our feet to me. "

 Jeff wrote on July 21, 2008 9:59 am:
" Hey Berwyn.... I'm with you - I'm voting for Obama. But just to clarify - I'm pretty sure that the capital gains tax will go up with Obama - and if you think that's for the super rich - My elderly parents are selling their Nebraska ranch - It might be worth 500,000 - and they would pay a lot of capital gains tax - which would go up under Obama. You might think they are rich - but they've got to buy another home - put my father in a nursing home due to Alzheimers (they've got some long term care insurance - but its still going to cost a lot over and above that). My Dad was a rancher on 600 acres, my mom a nurses aide in a nursing home her entire career. Super rich - hardly. "

 High Taxed wrote on July 21, 2008 10:05 am:
" My question, Has the ultra left wing rich increased thier tax payments to put thier money where thier mouth is, I bet not. Has the ultra rich left wing alterered thier lifestyles to lessen thier "carbon footprint" as they preach to the masses, I bet not. This retoric of there only being a "rich right wing" destroying America is getting real old. This "rich" class on both sides of the spectrum are just as bad. I really did not need to hear how hard it is for the "Obama's" to raise thier kids in a Chicago suburb on only $350,000 a year. The aristocracy has returned to America, in the form of our polititians. Seperate and better health care for polititians, seperate and better retirement plans for our polititians, and the list goes on, a true class of aristocrats. And no tax policy will change that.
Obama will wave down from the balcony to the masses from his throne and make sure he and his political elite benifit from his policies, on the backs of others, the nature of the animal we call polititians. SO there is no differance between the left and the right.
My vote consistantly goes to whoever will confiscate less of my hard earned money and place it in the pockets of those who prefer to remain "dependant" on the government and me. And yes, once the 51% can vote themselves a raise in benifits on the backs of the 49% expected to provide those benifits, that day will be the ruin of America as we know it. And a vote for Obama is another step closer to that date. "

 to Cit wrote on July 21, 2008 10:27 am:
" Why is ok for republicans to call Obama names and make fun of it but it isn't ok to mock McCain? Better get a thick skin because politics is a contact sport and things are going to get rough.

To Ray-J How is the tax cuts to the rich going to balance the budget? McCain just wants the rich to get richer and the poor to get poorer. All the money they save from tax cuts goes off shore and does not help out the US at all. The jobs they create are offshore, not here. We have seen an net decrease in the number of jobs in the US in the last 7 years. "

 Middle Class wrote on July 21, 2008 10:30 am:
" Obama has never explained what income bracket is considered middle class. With all of the redistribution he wants to do, he will need to raise taxes on the "upper" middle class, you watch. It will affect more of you Obama supporters than you think. The ultra rich will just move their assets overseas, and that will move the tax burden to others. Sounds like that's what you all want. "

 Mark wrote on July 21, 2008 11:07 am:
" How in the world can anyone trust Obama? His campaign slogan of change we can believe in is just that. He changes his mind and flip flops on more issues than even Bill Clinton did. He is nothing more than an empty suit.
Name one thing Obama has done to help the USA fight this war on terror, other than to take off his flag pin and attempt to redefine patriotism? What major decisions has he ever made? None!
Obama may be able to charm many of you into believing he will not raise taxes, and that he is the greatest thing since sliced bread, but there is plenty of information that contradicts that notion. So Berwyn Jones, you are just plain wrong. "

 Old Guy wrote on July 21, 2008 11:18 am:
" For all you die hard Republicans who think the rich should not be taxed, why don't you listen to Nebraska richest homeboy, Warren Edward Buffett. He says the rich are way under taxed and need to pay their fair share. He should know. "

 Stop the Spin wrote on July 21, 2008 11:25 am:
" Ok then, Individual taxes, on the richest Americans, under Obama's plan would be raised back to where they were before the Bush tax cuts. Business taxes are not affected. The individuals whose taxes will go back up don't create one single job. The CEO's of drug companies or other companies for example some of them making up to $500,000,000.00 per year would be affected. They creat no jobs out of their personal income. Business creating jobs, even mom and pop ones would not have their taxes reverted up. A tax cut for poor and middle class will instantly stimulate the economy helping everyone, including the rich. "

 Jon wrote on July 21, 2008 11:26 am:
" Berwyn, your allegations regarding the reasons for the current economy are not based in facts at all. Apparently, you have been reading the radical liberal blogs a little too much. Also, where is your evidence for a "massive redistribution of the wealth" from the middle class to the wealthy? You don't have any evidence because it doesn't exist, because this has not happened. Economics is not always a zero sum game. The rich got richer, but so did everybody else. "

 Empty rhetoric wrote on July 21, 2008 11:27 am:
" If tax cuts for the wealthy create jobs, then why were 22 million jobs created in the first seven years under Clinton but only 5 million in the first seven years under Bush II? The fallacy of tax cuts creating jobs is just another bankrupt talking point of trickle down economic theory.

If you want to use the tax code to encourage job creation, then grant favorable tax treatment to direct investment in start-up and growth companies because that is where job creation is centered. Buying and selling stocks, bonds, futures contracts and other paper assets does not create jobs, so how does the economy benefit from reducing capital gains taxes on the passive income of the investment class? How does the economy benefit from reducing income taxes on the earned income of the highest bracket taxpayers if it only results in increasing their passive investment portfolio? "

 wally wrote on July 21, 2008 11:40 am:
" Berwyn, correlation does not equal causation. I fail to see how Bush's tax cuts affect the real (inflation adjusted) price of oil. It's true, Bush's economic policies have created problems, but most of our current economic woes are tied to the middle class's penchant for spending beyond it's means (read Credit Crisis), not tax cuts for the wealthy. "

 Tim wrote on July 21, 2008 12:13 pm:
" Barbara, yet you expect me to load up my family and animals and drive to Lincoln so you can "get up close and personal" with my livestock regardless of what I have to pay in gas. Let it go, I will enjoy a shorter trip to the State Fair. When you haul a 20ft trailer and get 14 mpg at $4.76 diesil, do the math. Grand Island (110 miles)or Lincoln (208 miles), I pick Grand Island. "

 DearJon wrote on July 21, 2008 12:59 pm:
" I don't feel richer since my annual salary increase has not kept up with $4 gas, increased taxes on gas, LES 5 and now another 10% increase, etc. But congrats if something trickled down your way. Seems there shouldn't be a debate anymore about trickle down since our president is the first in history to have fewer jobs than when he took office. Time for a change. Don't be afraid, its a good thing. "

 Zoomie wrote on July 21, 2008 1:08 pm:
" Middle Class' complaint about Obama not defining the middle class for tax cuts typifies the right-wings constant use of false and/or misleading statements, which they either use (being nice) in ignorance because they can't be bothered to check, or (not so nice) they're doing deliberately (that is, lying). Obama has repeated, ad nauseum, his tax plans in great detail and spelled out repeatedly his plan raises NO taxes on anyone earning less than $250,000 (a generous definition, FYI, for the "middle" class, since the middle quintile of the American earners make less than 25% of that amount)! And in 1993, Dems RAISED taxes. We then has 7 of the greatest economic and job growth years in US history. In 2001 (and 2003) GOPers lowered taxes, mostly on the rich, and we've had the most sluggish job growth in 50 years (doesn't even keep up with population growth) and flat or declining salaries on the poorest 85% of the American population! And need I repeat the multiple studies of economics and politics which have all concluded more jobs are created and more money earned by more people under Democratic political leadership (at least over the last 70 years) than under GOP leadership! So if you want solid growth to our economy, history says the best thing to do is vote Democrat! "

 Don wrote on July 21, 2008 1:31 pm:
" Here are some figures on taxes. 86% of all federal taxes are paid by the top 25% of income earners. The top 50% pay 97% of all income taxes. The top 1% pay 39%, up 2% from 2000 when President Bush took office. "

 Josh wrote on July 21, 2008 1:36 pm:
" Some of the Republican apologists on this board crack me up. Let's forget about what tax raises or cuts do to you or me individially and talk about the big picture- who can honestly say that spending money like crazy on a couple of wars while CUTTING taxes makes good financial sense? And over the years goods and services get more expensive, so just like the costs of items we buy in the store are sure to go up a bit over a long period of time, wouldn't you expect that taxes would gradually have to go up over time, too? It's idiotic to think a growing country can get by years on end without raising taxes ever- or even in lowering taxes- especially when it runs budget deficits and runs up an astronomical national debt? "

 Luke wrote on July 21, 2008 1:50 pm:
" If there is something that you want, just steal it from someone who has it. Those darned rich people and their hard work and great ideas that make life better for us all. They must be punished! Ah, the good ol' Peoples Republik of Amerika. Got to love what it has become. "

 st wrote on July 21, 2008 2:07 pm:
" You want an example redistribution of wealth from the middle class to the rich?....here's one; from 2001-2005, the increase in income for the top 5% of people in the US(the increase mind you, not total income) was several billion dollars more than the entire income of the other 95%. The largest increase of its kind in history. And look at all the jobs that created. "

 D wrote on July 21, 2008 2:09 pm:
" I could care less about what Obama plans to to about the "War on Terrah" -- if we don't fix our economy and start worrying about things here at home, the terrorists won't have to lift a finger -- we'll collapse on our own. "

 Vote Responsibly wrote on July 21, 2008 2:29 pm:
" Far be it for me to use common sense, but just how can anyone that voted for Bush Jr twice, call anyone else an empty suit? "

 Facts from the right wrote on July 21, 2008 2:46 pm:
" Ah D, if we don't take care of terrorist first and they manage to come here and kill us, it makes no difference what our economy is doing. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to understand that. "

 Mark wrote on July 21, 2008 2:57 pm:
" Folks, trying to compare the economy from the 90's to the last 8 years is comparing apples to oranges. We were not at war in the 90's. Any wartime economy will not be the same as peace time. That has been shown to be true over and over.
Obama wants to raise taxes on anyone, single, family or business that makes over 100 grand a year. Considering 70% of all working people work for small business, does anyone really think business will expand and hire if their respective taxes are going up under Obama's flawed plan? Not in a million years. If anything, small business will be forced to layoff to pay taxes. Not a smart thing to do when trying to jump start the economy thats really not bad at all.
Considering all things, I think many of you like to join the loudmouths in the media and buy eveything they say. Our economy GREW this year. Maybe not as much as we all would have liked to see, but it grew. Things are not as bad as many like to portray them to be. Its funny how the sky is always falling if you listen to democrats. Must be a very depressing way to live life. "

 Hey Zoomie wrote on July 21, 2008 3:12 pm:
" How is asking Obama to clarify what is Middle Class in his eyes ignorant or lying? The definition hasn't come out of his mouth or his advisors mouths. When presented with valid questioning on liberal thought, why does the left feel the need to attack and slander right away? Obama will win the presidency, but wait and see what happens. I think the far left will become more moderate and politically mature when they see the policies they want enacted, and they don't turn out the way they hoped. Eight years of Bush Jr. has the far left furious and loud, and that unfortunately seems to be the voice of the Democratic Party. "

 Redistribution of wealth wrote on July 21, 2008 3:27 pm:
" Another redistribution of wealth example is worse than any tax increase I have ever experienced and is the root of the inflation and other economic woes. What started it off was Mr Bush stirring up the hornets nest in Iraq slowly but surely driving oil prices through the roof by stimulating the powers that be. Just one more example. George's oil buddies in Texas are erecting a shrine as we speak if they could stop high-fiving for 5 minutes. "

 Marie wrote on July 21, 2008 3:38 pm:
" Here is one for those on the left here in Lincoln. Why, with the high rate of taxation on the homeowner in Lincoln, NE, are new homeowners by the droves streaming to Lincoln, for all the services they will recieve with these property tax increases. And as more homeowners leave, and more benifits are planned for the "dependant" class here in Lincoln, the tax rate is just getting higher on us survivors. I am joining the flight, the sign is on the lawn, going to where my tax rate is actually balanced to the services I, the working man recieve.
The left continues to demonize anyone who does not conform to the idea of "equality" by socialism, as long as it does not effect them only the "rich" guy they envy for his success. The talking points are mute when you figure through all taxes combined the average Middle Class working man pays in @55% of his income. I just fear if Obama is elected I will go from Middle Class to Rich in the eyes of the confiscaters, to keep thier positions of power over the "dependant" in our society. Isn't that the way Marx explained it. As for tax cuts stimulating the economy, Kennedy figured it out, Reagan Figured it out, over taxation stagnates an economy, unless that economies prime goal is the redistribution to a "dependant" class to keep that government in power. As long as the peasants are eating cake and there are heads in the baskets, the people are happy, till you run out of cake, and the peasants demand more, and the bakery is empty. Whose heads go in the baskets then? "

 for jeff wrote on July 21, 2008 4:05 pm:
" Apparently you havent' heard of a 1031 exchange, where the person who sells property has a set period of time to reinvest the money to keep from having capitol gains. Better check with an attorney before thinking you or your parents will be stuck. I am too a once been republican who will try to find something good in every democrat who runs so I don't have to vote republican again. Obama outshines Mc Cain in every light. I don't want a I know war only president again. Bush is just plain stupid so I can see his problem. Cheney on the other hand is downright trecherous. This guy is a danger to everything and everyone. I'll take my chances with obama and his tax choices. signed a realtor. "

 New to Lincoln wrote on July 21, 2008 4:21 pm:
" Time for a Change, from the frying pan to the fire is not a good change. "

 Hey Mark wrote on July 21, 2008 4:39 pm:
" Where did you get that $100,000 number for Obama's tax increase. That must come from some right wing talking empty head. Obama has repeatedly said, the tax increase he is proposing effects people who make over $250,000. Big difference between 100,000 and 250,000. "

 D wrote on July 21, 2008 4:44 pm:
" So Mark, what's YOUR solution? Kill them all? Why not concentrate on keeping them out of our country, instead of wasting our soldiers' lives and spending BILLIONS trying to eradicate them over there? We really will be over there a hundred years! "

 Needing Clarification wrote on July 21, 2008 5:00 pm:
" Let me get this straight:

"Convenience" is restricted solely for persons without disabilities.

People are in so much of a rush in a McDonald's fast food drive through that they cannot possibly be bothered to wait an extra minute for their food because of a disabled person being given the same "convenience" as they themselves are entitled.

Said disabled person is expected to enter the restaurant on foot rather than the many critics who are (once again) entitled to their "convenience" of staying seated in their cars rather than going in themselves to avoid the "extra wait".

Somehow we are all well enough informed from a couple of news articles to make harsh judgements against a person who chooses to voice their grievances in our legal system if we deem them unnecessary via our own personal standards.


Hmmm....


If I had a speech-impediment, or a different skin color, or a piercing in my nose, and got treated the way this woman was (consistently) in a (certain) fast food drive-thru (and then by my own community), I would feel wronged. I would consider my alternatives, including those that involve the justice system, to make sure MY differences were not continually used against me (and others like me) in our society and everyday life. I don't see how "hearing-impaired" is any more different than these examples, or thousands of others.

We have developed our courts to help bring justice to the unfairly wronged in our country. This is not a case that would need a lawsuit to find justice if we were a more understanding, tolerant and forgiving society.

While I agree that we are a country with many citizens that have a "victim-mentality", this story has sure brought to light a whole new catagory of victims. Those who are intolerant, impatient, and/or offended by the actions of ANY disabled or different person need to take a closer look at themselves and their motives for criticism in this situation... "

 To Mark wrote on July 21, 2008 5:03 pm:
" Listen up. People are not complaing about the economy. They are complaining about the dad gummed inflation. Thats what hurts. "

 NotRacist wrote on July 21, 2008 5:52 pm:
" Donna Wood is happy to be alive in an age when we can hopefully have a president whose skin is a certain color. I'll be happy to be alive in an age when the color of a person's skin isn't an issue. "

 Re Mark wrote on July 21, 2008 6:31 pm:
" Most small business's bill over 250,000 per year that employee more than a couple of people. They will be hurt, along with average workers far more than anyone making over 250,000.00 will. Doesn't anyone understand economics, and the impact new taxes have on small business anymore? And I believe Mark is correct with the 100,000 dollar mark, not the 250,000.00 number someone through out there. Tha 100,000.00 number has been reported not by "a right wing talking empty head", but by numerous media outlets. "

 GrfulDude wrote on July 21, 2008 6:37 pm:
" The economy is driven by consumer spending, not tax cuts for the rich. That's why everybody got a stimulus check this year, too little too late, but that was the idea. "

 needing clarification also wrote on July 21, 2008 6:43 pm:
" I haven't been able to figure out why the restaurant failing to accommodate Ms. Tumeh's convenience of ordering at the window instead of the order box is discrimination but failing to accommodate the needs of every customer behind her is ok. Let me get this straight- the people in line behind don't have needs, they merely have impatient, intolerant entitlements. I imagine there are a lot of people who would prefer to give their order to a person at the window rather than at the box for a VARIETY of reasons, and that many of these people go inside to order as a result. Is the restaurant discriminating against them also? I personally don't care for drive-thrus, specifically because I don't like ordering at the box, and it IS difficult to hear. Is it only discrimination if I have some official dispensation that makes me "disabled"? How is it that the restaurant is allowed to set policies that apply to everyone except people who expect to be treated equally until some inconvienience gets in their intolerant, impatient way? "

 MarkyMark wrote on July 21, 2008 8:44 pm:
" Obama himself said "No tax increase on income taxes of under $250,000 (see ontheissues.org). Also the capital gains tax would revert or increase for anyone making over $250,000 and that's per year. He wants to roll them back to what they were in Clinton's tenure, which by the way, I don't recall things going badly at all with the jobs, and the economy, and the rich did not feel opressed. Also, his plan to give tax breaks to companies for creating new jobs (jobs only in America) can only be a good thing. "

 Dave wrote on July 21, 2008 8:58 pm:
" It is completely ridiculous to believe that the rich are rich because of "hard work and good ideas", Luke. Try family money and/or access to capital. Very few INVENTIVE ideas are creating this wealth. No, the modern entrepreneur simply takes advantage of tax, regulation, and moral loopholes to trick people out of their money. Hardly noble. And hard work? Shuffling papers around all day is not hard work. Go outside in this heat and humidity and lift some stuff all day- you'll see the difference. "

 Recovering Republican wrote on July 21, 2008 9:00 pm:
" I too a former moderate Republican have switched over since the Republicans have abandoned Conservatives. I was very happy in the last two Clinton years with him and our Republican Senate and Congress had worked their way into a budget surplus. With the Bush election and the Republican Congress I thought at least we would continue personal responsibilty by keeping within the budget. Our descendants don't need this debt and I despise giving China our loans. I despised my party spending money like a bunch of drunken Democrats. If the Republicans can ever learn fiscal responsibility and welcome the Conservatives back into the party, who knows? But for now, who cares? I despised all the lies this administration dished out while really not being very good liars.

Now at this time in my life, I despise walking into a voting booth and having the choice of another D+ student with an "R" behind his name. "

 Hey Neo-Cons wrote on July 21, 2008 9:12 pm:
" Thank you for all your ideological predictions. One fact you need to learn is that there is a huge difference between politics and policy. I have no idea why the Republicans have embraced you, while ignoring the old style Republican. Get back to the Conservative roots before you destroy the Republican party. "

 JR wrote on July 21, 2008 9:35 pm:
" Ya know what Nina, I agree with you. We tried trickle down and it did not work. What say we try something new. How about trickle up. Let the middle class all American family keep a little extra so they can take the family out to eat, or buy a new tv, or what have you. This gets more people spending more dollars on more small items which would then trickle up to the rich guys. What is better for America - one billionaire buying one house for $10 mil, or 50 Americans each buying $200,000 homes? Trickle up people ... what the heck, let's give it a try. "

 whatever wrote on July 21, 2008 9:41 pm:
" If a person actually took the time to study the tax proposals of McCain and Obama, it's VERY clear that Obama's plan will give additional tax benefits to over 95 percent of the population. If you believe otherwise you are a completely LAZY idiot. "

 Create Jobs wrote on July 21, 2008 9:58 pm:
" It is of the utmost importance that Paris Hilton keeps her tax cut. "

 Ronald Reagan wrote on July 21, 2008 10:00 pm:
" I hate to admit it, but the trickle UP economics you are talking about sounds like a no-brainer. "

 Lafferman wrote on July 21, 2008 10:06 pm:
" wow so many complain about the economy and know nothing about it. i have a minor in economics and all i'm going to say is get a book and do some research so you at least know what your saying "

 Dan wrote on July 21, 2008 10:43 pm:
" It is obvious from all this crap that Bush forgot his promise to be the a uniter instead of a divider. We are polarized to the point I don't think we will ever recover! "

 Lincoln Taxes are LOW wrote on July 22, 2008 12:52 am:
" I am sick of hearing a bunch of people that have never lived anywhere else (with an equivalent quality of life) complain about the taxes here. I have lived on both coasts and moved back to Nebraska because our decidely middle class income can buy us the best homes, schools, parks, crime rate, and quality of life in the Nation. We are parents so that enters heavily into the mix. If you are not sending your kids to Andover or Northfield or few other schools in the nation then you can not do much better than Lincoln. The quality of house and neighborhood for the cost is incomparable. So other states may have lower property taxes...they get you with income tax. They have lower income tax? Then the schools graduate small minded people that could not work a mill. If you doubt that Lincoln has an exceptional ROI on the tax dollars we invest then you have not really looked elsewhere. "

 Neo wrote on July 22, 2008 7:36 am:
" I find all the talk about the presidential candidates and the economy interesting considering whoever wins the election has very little real impact on the economy. Congress passes the tax and spending bills. The President can propose tax and law changes but only congress can pass them and with enough votes can override a presidential veto.

If the economy is your main concern this election year, focus on the congressional candidates and not the presidential candidates. That is where real change can take place. Currently it is Pelosi making all these decisions not President Bush. "

 Hey Far Left wrote on July 22, 2008 10:44 am:
" Not all Republicans are "neo cons". Thank you for the advice of getting the Republican Party back to it's roots. You shouldn't want that to happen, it would bury you into political irrelevancy for atleast 2 decades. "

 Holy Cow Neo wrote on July 22, 2008 11:16 am:
" If the Bush administration has taught us anything, it is that who is elected President is of the utmost importance.

If Al Gore were elected, (or rather if the votes were counted fairly), I can pretty much guarantee you that we would not be in Iraq fighting an unsconstitutional war. By not stirring up a hornet's nest in the Middle East, in turn, the oil speculators and futures would not have started moving up, increasing the price of oil. This in turn would have kept the prices at a reasonable level at the pumps and all the inflation we're incurring now wouldnt exist. In turn, with money in the pockets of the citizens, rather than the oil moguls, the economy would have continue to roll on at an enviably boring pace.

About a trillon more dollars would be in our treasury rather than indebtting several generations of our descendants. Life would be much better for all Americans especially the military families who've lost loved ones or those with severe injuries. The military could go back to protecting our country rather than embarking on misguided orders to create New World Order by the self-proclaimed dictator of the New Evil Empire himself, none other than George W Bush. Think again Neo! "

 True Conservative wrote on July 22, 2008 11:22 am:
" You are right, the new breed of Republican that borrows and spends us into embarrassing oblivion and is in no way Conservative, these are the Neo-Cons. The true Conservatives want the Republican party back. "

 Zoomie wrote on July 22, 2008 11:53 am:
" I'd be more sympathetic to the "true conservatives" who complain about the neocons and the borrow-and-spend Republicans who "stole their party", except I remember Al Gore pointing out repeated in 2000 that Dubya's math made no sense, and that he was going to (like Reagan before him) drive the deficit up tremendously. Of course, no "conservatives" would listen! And by 2004, when "conservatives" knew for sure Dubya was in a needless, wrong war and spending trillions we didn't have, they sure didn't hesitate to reelect him, did they? Only when he became the least popular President in modern US history, severely damaged our economy, wiped out our moral and political standing worldwide, and made the GOP a minority party again...only then did they suddenly seem to discover that somehow, magically, he was a pretender conservative who had somehow stolen their party right out from under their noses! Uhh, no! He is what he has always been, what he obviously was, but you cheered him on when it looked like he'd keep the GOP in power, and you have no one to blame for the GOPs demise but yourselves! "

 MarkyMark wrote on July 22, 2008 2:33 pm:
" Right again as usual Zoomie. The Conservatives allowed this hostile takeover of the Republican party by the Neo-Cons. If they would have done their homework, they might not have voted for a former 3 time CEO with 3 bankruptcies. On the other hand, they probably would have because of the "R". "

 If wrote on July 22, 2008 2:43 pm:
" If trickle-down worked, why the economic-stimulus checks? Aren't those trickle-up? Did you hard-line trickle down believers turn your checks back in uncashed? "

 Mr. T wrote on July 22, 2008 5:06 pm:
" I suppose if Gore had been president there would be no "global warming" and terrorist attacks would have never happened on US soil.

The economic slow-down has happened while the democrats have controlled congress (and yes, I said slow-down as we are not currently in a "recession"). Republicans have tried their best to pass drilling legislation, which would help the economy greatly, but Pelosi and friends won't let it pass. "

 Rxwoman wrote on July 23, 2008 5:44 pm:
" It's sad to see so many middle class, or poor people who still buy the "if you tax the rich there won't be jobs" line. Hey, wake up people, the Bushys gave the ultra rich all kinds of tax cuts, and there are fewer jobs than before!! Clinton raised taxes on the top 5%, and the economy boomed. Bush gave them all those moneys right back and look at the economy now. Wake up. "

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