Andy Strum's Blog, page 6

A NEW SHOPPING MECCA FROM A FED-UP AMERICAN

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Federal Spending Is Growing Faster Than Federal Revenue

Federal Spending Is Growing Faster Than Federal Revenue


Since 1965, taxes and spending have been rising. Federal revenues have dropped recently due to the economic recession while spending has reached a record high.

We keep hearing taxes need to be raised to decrease the defecit. Until the spending side of the equation is addressed, the tax (revenue) side won't matter. Congress enjoys spending more than the tax revenue can support.

PLEASE SEE THE LINK FOR AN INTERESTING GRAPH.
http://www.heritage.org/budgetchartbook/growth-federal-spending-revenue

The Perpetual Ten Year Promise

Have you ever noticed that much of the legislation requires a ten year time frame to be fully enacted? Not that there is anything wrong with a long term plan. We often hear how too many think short term and not long term; and that is not good planning. Certainly, some legislation requires enough time for the public sector and corporate world to make changes. These changes can take time, they cannot be implemented overnight.

It does appear, however, that this long term horizon is motivated by politics not practicality.

Ten Years Allows:

1. The potential benefit being enacted immediately while the funding is back ended.

2. Can give special interest groups a longer time to comply than the general public.

3. The opportunity to make adjustments prior to elections. "The primary requisite for any new tax law is for it to exempt enough voters to win the next election"

4. Ten years is a "lifetime" in the political process. Multiple Presidential Elections, numerous Senate and House Elections and several budgets to be enacted. All of which can threaten the current law's intent.

5. All of these, and more, give politicians the confidence to pass "long term" legislation.

6. Although, not researched, it is highly unlikely that any legislation passed with a ten year time frame; stayed within its budget, accomplished its goal or wasn't changed due to political pressure.

We deserve better. We deserve legislation that has a real opportunity to come to fruition on budget. We have a right to know why any organization will play by different rules under the legislation. We have a right to know the factual positives and negatives; not spun by a politician; but in plain English. Elizabeth Warren of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau wants documents to written in "plain English", so the public can understand them. Shouldn't we expect the same kind of reverence from Congress?

It's no wonder the public has lost some respect for politicians. They don't seem to treat us as intelligent adults. They tend to treat us as subjects lucky to have them making all the decisions.

To read more of my thoughts, read my new book: "Essays from a Fed-Up Middle Aged, Middle Class American"
You can preview my book on Amazon at:
Essay From a Fed-Up Middle Aged, Middle Class Ameican Preview

A Major Disconnect on How to Help the Economy

There seems to be a major disconnect between the business community and the administration on how to help our stagnant economy. The administration seems to believe we will only progress if they spend our tax dollars funding expanded unemployment compensation, keeping government and government related workers employed (and in some cases allowing them raises), and regulating the private sector. To add insult to injury, the administration would like to dramatically increase the taxes on many in the business community.

Many in the business community want to know their future liabilities when it come to corporate and personal taxes, benefit costs for employees, and government regulations. It is felt that they cannot make decisions until these are known. The private sector is, currently, not excited about investing in plant and equipment, hiring employees, spending their cash reserves and expanding.

When the business community have these questions answered and are convinced the proposed policies would be something they could work with, our economy will expand. People will be hired - Less need for unemployment compensation; more local, state, federal and FICA taxes paid; more money in the consumer's hands, and a more confident public.

When the business community feels they are appreciated instead of vilified a better working relationship between the administration and business community will be realized. This will be a plus for everyone.
It is time to stop putting a band aid on the problem and cure the patient; Private Industry in America.

To read more of my thoughts, read my new book: "Essays from a Fed-Up Middle Aged, Middle Class American"
You can preview my book on Amazon at:

http://www.amazon.com/Essays-Fed-Up-Middle-Class-American/dp/1453640460/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1286806457&sr=1-1

Add a Choice on the Voting Ballot

I was looking at a sample voting ballot and wondered if they should add a box for each office:   
____"NONE OF THE ABOVE"

The Golden Rule

"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you."

There are many principles that we should live by; but the Golden Rule should be high on the list.

Why has this rule been so easy to ignore? Why is it when people leave their place of worship, they often leave what they heard behind? It's a question for the ages.

Two recent occurrences are good examples. One is building a Mosque near ground zero in New York City and the other is the right to protest near a Military Funeral. In both cases, our Constitution, Bill of Rights and Amendments seem to allow both of these activities to take place. Our Founding Fathers wanted us to be able to express ourselves without Government's intervention. That's a good thing. One must also believe that our Founding Fathers expected us to use those privileges with a sense of common decency.

It's hard to imagine that disrupting the family and friends, burying a loved one who gave his life for our country, is how they expected their good intention to be used. Our Founding Fathers might have believed that a reasonable man, when given a choice as to where to build a Mosque, would choose a place so as not to offend local citizens.

Yes, we should be thankful that we live in a country that affords us rights that are not found throughout the world. But, yes, we should use common sense, common decency and restraint when exercising those rights. We should take into consideration those around us when we initiate an action. We should weigh our right versus the anguish that may be caused.

See excerpts form my book: Essays from a Fed-Up Middle Aged, Middle Class American on Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.com/Essays-Fed-Up-Middle-Class-American/dp/1453640460/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1286544082&sr=1-1

Discount on my book "Essays From a Fed-Up Middle Aged, Middle Class American"

I would like to offer my blog readers a 20% discount on the purchase of my book.
Click the link below and enter the code: HMNP5Q65

It is an easy to read, thought provoking view on the changing of America.

Here is the text from the back cover:

The constitution is not neutral. It was designed to take the government off the backs of people ~ William O. Douglas

Remember John F. Kennedy saying, "And so, my fellow Americans: Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." President Kennedy's intent has clearly been forgotten. Many do not want to "do for their country"- they expect the "country to do for them."

Generations ago, immigrants came to this great country for the opportunity to live and work hard. They wanted a better life for themselves and their children. Many now come to America for the social programs our government provides. They would prefer to be a beneficiary instead of a contributor.

Our parents and grandparents were appalled when the Government's spending and debts were put in numbers as Billions and Tens of Billions. Now our government expects us to accept Trillions as the norm.

Children were sent to school to get an education. They felt safe walking to school, being in the classrooms and playing with their friends. Now we have guards and metal detectors at the school doors. We need special rules to keep weapons out of our schools. Parents are happy to have their children come home safe and sound, let alone get an education.
My Essays discuss why, how and when our Founding Fathers' principles were ignored. They will evoke agreement and anger and most of all conversation.

I hope you enjoy them.


"Essays From a Fed-Up Middle Aged, Middle Class American" By: Andy Strum http://www.createspace.com/3462397

Another Election of Negative Campaigning

This election is looking like all the others. Negative campaigning, very little policy information, and very shallow. The American people deserve better.

Let the candidates tell us what they will do and why we should vote for them. Why are they different then the person in office now? What is their track record on issues? What accomplishments are they proud of? Or why should the incumbent be re-elected. We don't need, and frankly are tired of, the opposing candidate telling us about their challenger. Let them speak for themselves.

Just because a candidate has more money to spend, produces more ads than the opposition, has a great advertising team or speaks louder doesn't make him or her a better choice.

We don't need to hear what the opposing candidate did 10 years ago, who they slept with, what they did in college or who they associated with while growing up. Some of us have changed over the years and would like to be judged for whom we are now and what we represent.

If you're tired of the same old campaigning, raise your hand (okay, put your hand down). It's time (actually, past the time) to be treated like intelligent adults. We will make decisions on what a candidate has to offer, or, for or against what an incumbent has achieved. The negative campaigning needs to stop. Maybe we should not make donations to candidates that use our money to pursue this track.

Please take a moment and read excerpts from my book: "Essays from a Fed-Up Middle Aged, Middle Class American" Just click the link.
 "Essays From a Fed-Up Middle Aged Middle ClassAmerican

Definitions from "Essays From a Fed-Up Middle Aged, Middle Class American" glossary

Bail Out The Government giving (or lending) a company in danger of failing, money in an attempt to save it from bankruptcy. Usually associated with "Too big to fail," not one of the better uses of tax payer money.

Balanced Budget Government spending equaling government revenue. Nice idea, but not realistic.

Budget Surplus Government income exceeds government spending. There isn't a lottery large enough that the Government could win to have a surplus. The Government has a way of taking from one Government program and using it for another to make the budget look good. It's creative accounting; Robbing Peter to pay Paul.

Common Sense Using reasonable judgment when faced with a decision. Warning labels would not be needed if common sense was practiced.

Debt Ceiling The amount of debt the Government may have at any time. Debt ceiling is set by Congress. Should not be considered a real number since Congress raises it at will. Not aware it has ever been lowered.
Endangered Species An animal species whose population is so small that the species is at risk of extinction. If politicians don't change their "business as usual" ways, the public might want to see them on the list.

Franking Privilege The privilege of Senators and Representatives to send mail without paying postage. It is for "official business" mail only. It seems around election time, the public is inundated with "official business" mail.
Two Party System A system where two parties dominate elections. The United States has a two party system. In business this would be an oligopoly and very near a monopoly. Not good in business and not good in politics.


See excerpts from my book on Amazon at:
http://www.amazon.com/Essays-Fed-Up-Middle-Class-American/dp/1453640460/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1286208805&sr=1-1

Reds Under Investigation For Celebratory Smoking

Is this what the law was supposed to accomplish? Is there a fine line between the letter of the law and the spirit of the law? Do we need to monitor weddings, births, graduations and other celebrations? When will common sense return?
Please click on link for the story
http://www.wlwt.com/r/25229494/detail.html