This is tax day. I knew I wanted to submit something on this most hated of all days. But as I began to formulate some different thoughts on taxes, I found myself unable to come up with a single theme to describe my feelings on the subject. You see, I'm generally not one to grumble and groan about taxes. I see the government as having a very real and important function. Therefore, I have always reasoned that paying taxes is the way we ensure that needed services are there for me, and there for those who have not had my advantages in life. It is the price we pay for living in this country, with all its greatness. Fundamentally I believe that America has some great qualities, and that being a citizen here offers some wonderful opportunities. But I'm not blind to the entrenched problems with this country either. I'm not one who believes America is the best it can be; so I'm not a "love it or leave it" kind of guy. And, that's what leads me to some conflicts on the tax issue.
At the risk of rambling incoherently, I will try to sort out the conflict by talking about some items I like about taxes, and some items that just plain piss me off. I start with the premise that just about everybody wants to hang on to their money. It's not just taxes either- I hate paying for insurance, and gasoline, and food, and my garbage collection and water, and satellite TV, and electricity, and everything. But I pay for those things because I get something for it. Truthfully, I know I get something for the taxes I pay too. Only a mindless fool would argue that we don't get anything for our taxes. On every level of government we get something. We get national defence. We get an interstate highway system. We get safer products in every commodity we buy. We get regulations that protect our money (usually) in banking systems. We get currency that you can use anywhere. We get courts and systems of justice. We get care for our veterans. We get help to attend college. Our seniors get the dignity of social security so they don't die in poverty as they once did; and they get health care. Our farmers get supports to offset the price of food. Government protects our lives and property with police and fire departments. We get safe modes of transportation. We have clean water. Our kids go to schools. The list is practically endless, but I think you get the point.
Most of us take these things for granted. But I often think about what I would pay for these things if I had to buy them myself. Just for fun I called a local private high school- the biggest one in town. I learned that the tuition for one child to attend for one year of high school is over $9800.00. (my property taxes don't come close to that amount) I see the value of a government that spreads the burden. I wonder what we would say if each of us had to pay-as-we-go to build roads, sewage treatment plants, dams or parks. I would hate to have to personally pay someone to ensure my meat and vegetables were safe to eat. But let the government fail to maintain those things and somebody gets hurt- we will sue there ass but good.
In spite of what the tea party says, we are paying the lowest tax rates in many years. I used to pay around 18% federal tax rate. This year my tax rate is 14%. But everybody hates to pay. I hope we can ignore the feelings for a minute and really think about why we hate to pay taxes. Over the years we have been indoctrinated to hate "Big Government". I think that might be a misplaced hatred. Of course government is bigger- the country is bigger. There are 60 million more us than twenty years ago- dah! We have been growing at about 9.6 % every ten years. So let's get off the "big government" jag and talk about what really bugs us. It's BAD Government. Big is not necessarily bad- but bad is really terrible.
This brings me to the part of taxes that angers me. I hate that our tax code is so unfair. Big corporations have a high tax rate- but it doesn't matter because they don't pay it! Do some research on this and you'll find the biggest companies with the most profits actually get big refunds. They don't pay taxes! Rich people have had enormous tax gifts in the last ten years.The difference between them and us- we don't have lobbyists convincing congress to give us tax breaks. There are 35,000 lobbyists in Washington D.C. Those lobbyists are getting what they pay for. That's Bad Government!
I hate that so much of our budget goes to the military. We are in two useless, futile, and expensive wars that only serve corporate interests. Do we really believe we're fighting these wars to keep Iraq and Afghanistan from conquering us? The U.S. spends as much on its military as the rest of the world combined! And half the rest of the world are our allies. This isn't about defending America's freedom- it's highly evolved corporate welfare. That money could be used in so many better ways. That's Bad Government!
I hate that our government has lost it's way. It no longer serves the people. It serves the rich. There is no more statesmanship- only ideologues who will say anything. A Senator will lie on the floor of the Senate- then say his lie "wasn't intended to be factual".The idea of a loyal opposition has given way to those who say "if don't agree with me-you're not a good American". Then wasteful, fruitless political bickering degrades us all. That's Bad Government!
Unfortunately the "bad government" list could go on and on too. But we don't get to have everything the way we want it to be. There is good and bad in all of this. The Different Thought here is that we do get a great deal for our tax payments. Even the parts of government that are bad do not outweigh the fact that we are one people, and we must all work and pay taxes to ensure the general welfare, as our constitution directs us. Thanks for looking in.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
Elton John and Us.
About the time I was coming out of high school, the radio jocks were starting to play a new artist from Great Britain. I had been to my share of high school dances with live music, but music wasn't a big deal to me then. I went to a small Catholic school that didn't have a music department. I also had a couple of somewhat uptight parents- no music department there either.
When I got to college I began to discover and appreciate new things. I was exposed to new people from so many different places. They brought Elton John- and his music was a revelation to me. It struck me as very different from the rock music of the late 60's and very early 70's. So as a college kid I really came to be a fan. Lee and I would be together on Saturday nights, when we could, in the dorm rooms with friends. We would drink beer bought from the sidewalk distributors who would gladly buy beer for us, for a small gratuity. We would drink, laugh and learn about each other- all to the music of Elton John. He had only put out two albums by 1973, but I think we knew intuitively his unique sound was more than a passing rage.
By late 1974 Lee and I were married and had moved to Portland. Elton John was an absolute staple on the record player- yes, stone-aged (non-digital) stereo record players. The point is, that he wasn't just a flash in the pan and we bought every new album almost the moment it came out. We were working and going to school in Portland the second year of our marriage when the word came, like a shout from the heavens- Elton John was appearing in Portland. Seeing him IN PERSON would bring to fruition all of our fan-ness!
Ticket sales then were done in person. Elton John was huge by then, and acquiring tickets meant showing up the Coliseum box office, money in hand. So, I took the afternoon off and stood in line. Nervous times for sure, not knowing if I'd shown up early enough. But I got them! Elton John Live!
Conveniently, our first place was a small apartment right across Broadway street from the Coliseum. It was was meant to be. On show night we monitored the line from our window and went over when the doors opened. No assigned seating, which meant 14,000 of us rushed for the open seating. It was called "Festival Seating" then. Today, it would called attempted manslaughter.
The show was unbelievable. Young Elton John was beyond fantastic. He was all energy- unbelievable sound and musical genius. He was all sequined in silver and green to open- then feather boas and outlandish costuming throughout the night. He was at the keyboard- then suddenly off the piano bench and on top of the piano. Then, with elf-like quickness, he was at the edge of the stage exhorting his disciples, then back to his piano. The air was a haze of stage lighting and marijuana smoke. Everyone left exhausted and thrilled. That was 1975.
Over the years our lives changed and evolved, as life does. We moved, we had two children, we finished college, and began careers, we bought houses, because that's what most of us do. Elton John's music was always there in the background of now crowded and busy lives. He had his crowded period too-during the 80's he got on drugs, and we got on country music for a while. But normalcy returned and he began making more great music and we returned to our original tastes.
Now in our late 50's, we are kind of hard to buy for, when it comes to gift giving occasions. But we have two imaginative daughters. They must have heard that same shout from the heavens. Elton John was coming to Spokane- a birthday gift to both of us-two tickets to Elton John! What a great gift this was.
Things are a different now. No standing in line to buy tickets. A smart phone and smart daughters are all you need. No festival seating- reserved seats for a more reserved audience. But we were just as excited for this show as we had been 36 years earlier.
Last Friday night when Elton John took the stage, much was the same as it was in '75. He even began the show with the same song: Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding. Lee grabbed my arm and said: "that is freaky", recalling the first time so vividly. But, a lot was different too. No feather boas or crazy eye wear-this time; an embroidered black waist coat with tails, tuxedo pants and sensible shoes. No half-handstands on the keyboard or high-flying gymnastics atop the piano. Elton John is now a man in his 60's. He has more weight on now. He has a somewhat doughy physique-the face is rounder- his middle thickened and portly. If you didn't know who he is, you'd say he has the look of a polite salesman, selling four hundred dollar suits at the Men's Warehouse. He seemed to me utterly human now, which made him somehow even more appealing. I could actually imagine myself in a conversation with him. I suppose that's because he is more mature now, as am I. Rock idols eventually become human- even the truly magnificent ones.
But his age, and ours caused no disappointment- quite the opposite really. His movements were done with an incredible economy of movement and energy, all of it now directed at the microphone and the keyboard. He doesn't jump around the stage and he doesn't need to exhort the crowd. His music is stamped on all of us for good. He plays with the same virtuoso talent he always had. To watch his hands on the giant TV screen was a treat we didn't have in '75, but formed a close-up view of real musical genius this time. He and his piano are virtually one being. Elton John is a treasure along with Bernie Taupin, his always present, but never seen poet and lyricist. Everyone there knew these songs by heart, except a few new ones he threw in. You know, the new ones were great too.
We left the show after nearly three hours of making new memories. Lee and I talked a lot about how these two events have provided bookends, of sorts, to our life so far. In the 36 years between shows almost all of our married life took place; our children were born and are now adults themselves, in their thirties with their own kids; jobs have become the careers we wished for. Our lives have settled down to a peaceful, pleasant time filled with the family and friends. We've never defined ourselves by pop culture or its heroes; but it was just plain cool to know Elton John is still there, as he has been the whole time. Thanks for looking in.
When I got to college I began to discover and appreciate new things. I was exposed to new people from so many different places. They brought Elton John- and his music was a revelation to me. It struck me as very different from the rock music of the late 60's and very early 70's. So as a college kid I really came to be a fan. Lee and I would be together on Saturday nights, when we could, in the dorm rooms with friends. We would drink beer bought from the sidewalk distributors who would gladly buy beer for us, for a small gratuity. We would drink, laugh and learn about each other- all to the music of Elton John. He had only put out two albums by 1973, but I think we knew intuitively his unique sound was more than a passing rage.
By late 1974 Lee and I were married and had moved to Portland. Elton John was an absolute staple on the record player- yes, stone-aged (non-digital) stereo record players. The point is, that he wasn't just a flash in the pan and we bought every new album almost the moment it came out. We were working and going to school in Portland the second year of our marriage when the word came, like a shout from the heavens- Elton John was appearing in Portland. Seeing him IN PERSON would bring to fruition all of our fan-ness!
Ticket sales then were done in person. Elton John was huge by then, and acquiring tickets meant showing up the Coliseum box office, money in hand. So, I took the afternoon off and stood in line. Nervous times for sure, not knowing if I'd shown up early enough. But I got them! Elton John Live!
Conveniently, our first place was a small apartment right across Broadway street from the Coliseum. It was was meant to be. On show night we monitored the line from our window and went over when the doors opened. No assigned seating, which meant 14,000 of us rushed for the open seating. It was called "Festival Seating" then. Today, it would called attempted manslaughter.
The show was unbelievable. Young Elton John was beyond fantastic. He was all energy- unbelievable sound and musical genius. He was all sequined in silver and green to open- then feather boas and outlandish costuming throughout the night. He was at the keyboard- then suddenly off the piano bench and on top of the piano. Then, with elf-like quickness, he was at the edge of the stage exhorting his disciples, then back to his piano. The air was a haze of stage lighting and marijuana smoke. Everyone left exhausted and thrilled. That was 1975.
Over the years our lives changed and evolved, as life does. We moved, we had two children, we finished college, and began careers, we bought houses, because that's what most of us do. Elton John's music was always there in the background of now crowded and busy lives. He had his crowded period too-during the 80's he got on drugs, and we got on country music for a while. But normalcy returned and he began making more great music and we returned to our original tastes.
Now in our late 50's, we are kind of hard to buy for, when it comes to gift giving occasions. But we have two imaginative daughters. They must have heard that same shout from the heavens. Elton John was coming to Spokane- a birthday gift to both of us-two tickets to Elton John! What a great gift this was.
Things are a different now. No standing in line to buy tickets. A smart phone and smart daughters are all you need. No festival seating- reserved seats for a more reserved audience. But we were just as excited for this show as we had been 36 years earlier.
Last Friday night when Elton John took the stage, much was the same as it was in '75. He even began the show with the same song: Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding. Lee grabbed my arm and said: "that is freaky", recalling the first time so vividly. But, a lot was different too. No feather boas or crazy eye wear-this time; an embroidered black waist coat with tails, tuxedo pants and sensible shoes. No half-handstands on the keyboard or high-flying gymnastics atop the piano. Elton John is now a man in his 60's. He has more weight on now. He has a somewhat doughy physique-the face is rounder- his middle thickened and portly. If you didn't know who he is, you'd say he has the look of a polite salesman, selling four hundred dollar suits at the Men's Warehouse. He seemed to me utterly human now, which made him somehow even more appealing. I could actually imagine myself in a conversation with him. I suppose that's because he is more mature now, as am I. Rock idols eventually become human- even the truly magnificent ones.
But his age, and ours caused no disappointment- quite the opposite really. His movements were done with an incredible economy of movement and energy, all of it now directed at the microphone and the keyboard. He doesn't jump around the stage and he doesn't need to exhort the crowd. His music is stamped on all of us for good. He plays with the same virtuoso talent he always had. To watch his hands on the giant TV screen was a treat we didn't have in '75, but formed a close-up view of real musical genius this time. He and his piano are virtually one being. Elton John is a treasure along with Bernie Taupin, his always present, but never seen poet and lyricist. Everyone there knew these songs by heart, except a few new ones he threw in. You know, the new ones were great too.
We left the show after nearly three hours of making new memories. Lee and I talked a lot about how these two events have provided bookends, of sorts, to our life so far. In the 36 years between shows almost all of our married life took place; our children were born and are now adults themselves, in their thirties with their own kids; jobs have become the careers we wished for. Our lives have settled down to a peaceful, pleasant time filled with the family and friends. We've never defined ourselves by pop culture or its heroes; but it was just plain cool to know Elton John is still there, as he has been the whole time. Thanks for looking in.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Asking the Question
I have reason to be happy over a trend I've seen lately. Given the news of the week, you might think this is a strange time to be excited over the events occurring now. After all, we're on the razor's edge of a federal government shut-down; we are all fearing the worst from the disaster in Japan; there is a stalemate of sorts in Libya; and we are still lingering in the Great Recession. But I have taken heart- I am seeing the tide of public opinion turn away from the mantra of those who would just turn the country over to the corporations and the rich.
Let me tell you what I've seen. Over the last month or two I have seen Letters to the Editor in the local paper I have not seen before. I'm in a conservative town and the opinions I've seen lately are quite different from the norm. I've also seen the narrative change in other forms of media- the magazines- the radio talk- the water cooler talk. I've seen and heard people asking different questions and really challenging some old, tired assumptions. I think we all get a bit numb and worn down by the constant dumbing down of news and ceaseless mantras of silly politicians. I don't agree with Sarah Palin on anything- except this: "Lamestream Media". Actually, I don't agree with her reasons for calling it that either, but I do like the name. I guess it stands to reason the media is lame, because they are owned by large corporate interests too. Watch an interview with a leader and you'll see that our best "journalists" serve up softball questions and never ask a follow-up or even ask "why?". Pathetic, what we put up with.
But take heart at the what the people of this country are doing. People are expressing themselves in those letters and finally questioning whose interests are being served. People are showing up at rallies- just look at Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, and our own state capital too. Big numbers of folks are coming out like we haven't seen in a long time. All these folks are asking the right question- finally!
-Republicans in Congress have just proposed a huge 10 year budget plan that cuts $6 trillion from domestic programs. It privatizes medicare and medicaid- cuts funds for environmental protection, eliminates a huge piece of college financial aid, reduces other education services- and on and on with cuts (too many to list) while giving rich people and corporations bigger tax breaks. How can this be right?
-Middle class people are making less and less in real wages, and have been for the last thirty years, while Congress continues to give $60 billion a year in tax credits to oil companies. How can this be right?
-The twenty biggest Hedge Fund managers in this country earned and average of over $1 billion in personal income last year and they are just the tip of the iceberg. Starting teacher pay in most states is around $30 thousand- and according to conservatives, teachers are the problem! How can this be right?
-G.E. our biggest corporation, and Exxon Mobil our most profitable corporation, are among thousands of firms that pay no federal taxes. How can this be right?
-With no slow down in world oil supply, the cost of gas at the pump has gone sky high- all due to Wall Street rich guys speculating on oil futures (i.e.betting on your misery). Expect record oil company profits; while the Republican House has voted to eliminate heating oil aid for the poor and the elderly. How can this be right?
-Many state governors and legislators are voting to eliminate worker bargaining rights. They start with the teachers who have somehow been made the bad guy, then move on. Last Week the Republican House voted to remove collective bargaining from aviation and Railroad workers. How can this be right?
-2% of our population owns 90% of our wealth- and the Republicans simply refuse to even talk about raising taxes on the richest people. A 3% tax hike on the wealthiest 2% of Americans would pay for half the deficit- but Congress won't even think about it. How can this be right?
I could go on and on with the list. But the good news is that the people are really seeing what's going on here; AND THEY ARE SPEAKING UP. We're not broke- we have just let the rich buy our politicians who make rules and laws that benefit their masters. All the injustices listed above are legal- but they aren't right! The different thought for today is to always ask the question: how can that be right? If enough of us keep asking and demand answers that make sence, we can liberate our counrty from the robber-barons of today. Thanks for looking in.
Let me tell you what I've seen. Over the last month or two I have seen Letters to the Editor in the local paper I have not seen before. I'm in a conservative town and the opinions I've seen lately are quite different from the norm. I've also seen the narrative change in other forms of media- the magazines- the radio talk- the water cooler talk. I've seen and heard people asking different questions and really challenging some old, tired assumptions. I think we all get a bit numb and worn down by the constant dumbing down of news and ceaseless mantras of silly politicians. I don't agree with Sarah Palin on anything- except this: "Lamestream Media". Actually, I don't agree with her reasons for calling it that either, but I do like the name. I guess it stands to reason the media is lame, because they are owned by large corporate interests too. Watch an interview with a leader and you'll see that our best "journalists" serve up softball questions and never ask a follow-up or even ask "why?". Pathetic, what we put up with.
But take heart at the what the people of this country are doing. People are expressing themselves in those letters and finally questioning whose interests are being served. People are showing up at rallies- just look at Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, and our own state capital too. Big numbers of folks are coming out like we haven't seen in a long time. All these folks are asking the right question- finally!
-Republicans in Congress have just proposed a huge 10 year budget plan that cuts $6 trillion from domestic programs. It privatizes medicare and medicaid- cuts funds for environmental protection, eliminates a huge piece of college financial aid, reduces other education services- and on and on with cuts (too many to list) while giving rich people and corporations bigger tax breaks. How can this be right?
-Middle class people are making less and less in real wages, and have been for the last thirty years, while Congress continues to give $60 billion a year in tax credits to oil companies. How can this be right?
-The twenty biggest Hedge Fund managers in this country earned and average of over $1 billion in personal income last year and they are just the tip of the iceberg. Starting teacher pay in most states is around $30 thousand- and according to conservatives, teachers are the problem! How can this be right?
-G.E. our biggest corporation, and Exxon Mobil our most profitable corporation, are among thousands of firms that pay no federal taxes. How can this be right?
-With no slow down in world oil supply, the cost of gas at the pump has gone sky high- all due to Wall Street rich guys speculating on oil futures (i.e.betting on your misery). Expect record oil company profits; while the Republican House has voted to eliminate heating oil aid for the poor and the elderly. How can this be right?
-Many state governors and legislators are voting to eliminate worker bargaining rights. They start with the teachers who have somehow been made the bad guy, then move on. Last Week the Republican House voted to remove collective bargaining from aviation and Railroad workers. How can this be right?
-2% of our population owns 90% of our wealth- and the Republicans simply refuse to even talk about raising taxes on the richest people. A 3% tax hike on the wealthiest 2% of Americans would pay for half the deficit- but Congress won't even think about it. How can this be right?
I could go on and on with the list. But the good news is that the people are really seeing what's going on here; AND THEY ARE SPEAKING UP. We're not broke- we have just let the rich buy our politicians who make rules and laws that benefit their masters. All the injustices listed above are legal- but they aren't right! The different thought for today is to always ask the question: how can that be right? If enough of us keep asking and demand answers that make sence, we can liberate our counrty from the robber-barons of today. Thanks for looking in.
Monday, April 4, 2011
What Moves Me
I was talking to a friend the other day who suggested that I ought to write an article in this blog that's humorous. I have written humor before. So the last few days I've been searching for somethings to write that would illustrate the lighter side. Know what? I couldn't just come up with funny stuff. That got me thinking that maybe, just maybe I've gotten a little obsessed with the political aspects of the world lately and it's keeping me from seeing the lighter side of things.
I thought about that for a while and really tried to figure this out. To my delight, I finally came to the conclusion that I haven't lost my sense of humor. I know because, upon reflection, I believe I'm enjoying my family and friends now more than any other time of my life. I cherish and enjoy the people closest to me so much, and that gives me a great deal of happiness. I certainly haven't stopped laughing or joking with them. In fact, I think it's happening even more. Whew! that's a relief.
Now, about these articles. I've written about the issues of human rights, unwed mothers, financial injustices, CEO pay, and poverty. I've shared photos of human suffering from another era. Admittedly these are pretty serious items, and to read my articles you must know I'm unabashedly progressive in my thinking. So, for now, I've chosen to write about the things that stir my passions and cause me to think more about the issues of our day. Funny stuff will come when it strikes me. I know there are those who get these articles, who hold very different views from mine. Politics and religion are often said to be topics not discussed in polite company-people can get very emotional and not discuss things nicely. At the same time these are are issues that shape our lives- so I am compelled to write about these issues because they will determine the kind of life my grandchildren will lead. I could never rest knowing I wasn't an informed voter-or an involved citizen, should our culture turn cruelly against tomorrow's adults.
Several times in the course of this blog I've said we're at a cultural crossroad. I think these are the most volatile times of change in 50 years. There are two very distinct camps forming. From my perspective, one camp consists of the poor and the working class; while the other camp is the made up of the corporations and the rich. The first camp is much larger -98% of us; and the other camp (2%) - is much richer than the first. These are the two roads our country will choose from. I write, and others write because I fear that if we don't, the rich will simply impose their will with the money and power they have; and the middle class will be lost forever. My grandchildren and yours will likely be in that 98%. I will continue to bring you facts and opinion. If I don't change some minds that's OK. But I do want you to continue reading and please think hard about the decisions being made today. No matter what side you're on- tell our leaders what you want- go to a rally- call your senators and representatives. If you don't, some one else will. We live in an age where Different Thoughts are the currency in the market place of ideas: so spend your currency. Thanks for looking in.
I thought about that for a while and really tried to figure this out. To my delight, I finally came to the conclusion that I haven't lost my sense of humor. I know because, upon reflection, I believe I'm enjoying my family and friends now more than any other time of my life. I cherish and enjoy the people closest to me so much, and that gives me a great deal of happiness. I certainly haven't stopped laughing or joking with them. In fact, I think it's happening even more. Whew! that's a relief.
Now, about these articles. I've written about the issues of human rights, unwed mothers, financial injustices, CEO pay, and poverty. I've shared photos of human suffering from another era. Admittedly these are pretty serious items, and to read my articles you must know I'm unabashedly progressive in my thinking. So, for now, I've chosen to write about the things that stir my passions and cause me to think more about the issues of our day. Funny stuff will come when it strikes me. I know there are those who get these articles, who hold very different views from mine. Politics and religion are often said to be topics not discussed in polite company-people can get very emotional and not discuss things nicely. At the same time these are are issues that shape our lives- so I am compelled to write about these issues because they will determine the kind of life my grandchildren will lead. I could never rest knowing I wasn't an informed voter-or an involved citizen, should our culture turn cruelly against tomorrow's adults.
Several times in the course of this blog I've said we're at a cultural crossroad. I think these are the most volatile times of change in 50 years. There are two very distinct camps forming. From my perspective, one camp consists of the poor and the working class; while the other camp is the made up of the corporations and the rich. The first camp is much larger -98% of us; and the other camp (2%) - is much richer than the first. These are the two roads our country will choose from. I write, and others write because I fear that if we don't, the rich will simply impose their will with the money and power they have; and the middle class will be lost forever. My grandchildren and yours will likely be in that 98%. I will continue to bring you facts and opinion. If I don't change some minds that's OK. But I do want you to continue reading and please think hard about the decisions being made today. No matter what side you're on- tell our leaders what you want- go to a rally- call your senators and representatives. If you don't, some one else will. We live in an age where Different Thoughts are the currency in the market place of ideas: so spend your currency. Thanks for looking in.
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