Beyond My Comprehension

I heard on the radio news that a far left political group called The Progressive Change Campaign Committee is going to be running an ad in Iowa, attacking President Obama as weak on taxes because he may compromise on repealing the Bush tax rates for all Americans, including "wealthy" American families making over $250,000 a year. Yes, I called them tax rates...they've been in effect long enough that they are now the tax rates, and not maintaining these rates is a tax increase. Just owning the argument...that's all.

As an interesting side note, the Pelosi followers in the House of Representatives passed a bill extending the Bush tax rates for the middle class, but implementing hikes back to the confiscatory Clinton era levels for single people making more than $200,000 and married couples making $250,000. House Republicans have already said that this bill has no chance of passing the Senate, so it's a purely politically ideological move by the people who were soundly defeated in the elections 1 month ago.

Anyway, back to my point. I can't understand the motivation of people who are so bent on taking other people's money that they would invest their own money to run ads that advocate the taking of other people's money. To me, that's what this ad by The Progressive Change Campaign Committee is doing. It's dividing America along economic lines and demanding that certain people pay more! Why would anyone ever think this is right or good?

I have theories. One theory is that these people simply hate people who have been successful because they believe they must have cheated their way to it. Another is that these lefties think that the job of the Government is to somehow force fairness in economics. Still another theory is that they feel that they are owed something by the government and to get what they are owed somebody has to pay the price. These are all my theories, but frankly I can't understand how anybody could possibly think this way.

Personally, I believe people are entitled to do with their money what they please. I think that some level of taxation is necessary, but I believe our government is bloated and spends too much, so I would never advocate tax increases until the government stops spending. I believe in helping my fellow man, but I believe in doing it on my terms, not on terms set by people in Washington. And, I believe hard work that leads to success should be rewarded, not despised.

The truth is, most of the people who we are talking about increasing taxes on, worked hard to get where they are. They are good at what they do because they take pride in their work and this has driven them to do better than others. They should not be punished or made the villain in this story. They should be held up as examples of what all Americans can be with just a little hard work and a lot of perseverance.

That's what I think anyway...maybe I need to run an ad.

"Surely you can't be serious."

"I am serious...and don't call me Shirley." - Dr. Rumack, "Airplane"

If you are my age, or around my age, or older, or a fan of really good movies, then you know that quote. You know it's from the classic spoof film "Airplane", and you know it was uttered by one of the greatest comedic actors of our generation, Leslie Nielsen. Leslie Nielsen died yesterday at the age of 84. For many, Nielsen will be remembered as Lt. Frank Drebin of Police Squad in the "Naked Gun" movies, or as Dr. Rumack in "Airplane". What many don't know is he started his career as a leading man in many more serious roles. If you read his bio on IMDB, you'll see that the man literally had a part in making well over 100 movies and TV shows.

"It's true what they say: Cops and women don't mix. It's like eating a spoonful of Drano; sure, it'll clean you out, but it'll leave you hollow inside." - Lt. Frank Drebin, "Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad"

In his later years, following the "Naked Gun" movies, Nielsen made several more spoof films. While I never enjoyed them as much as I did "Airplane" and "Naked Gun", Leslie Nielsen was always great, even in lesser roles. Today this world is a much more serious place with the passing of Leslie Nielsen. Fortunately, his deadpan humor will live on forever in the movies he made and the fans he picked up along the way.

"I just want to tell you both good luck, we're all counting on you." - Dr. Rumack, "Airplane" and President Harris, "Scary Movie 3"

November Golf

I just played 9 holes of golf. It's November 28th, making this the latest I've ever gotten to play since moving to Iowa. Who says there's no upside to Global Warming?