XL Eminent Domain

          It may have gotten lost in the shuffle that eminent domain is granted to government entities for the purpose of doing public good. Things like improving urban housing to eliminate substandard conditions, thus promoting the general welfare, and building roads for citizens’ public use. Eminent domain permits the government unit using it, to compensate and take private property from its citizens for public use or public good.

           Along comes the XL Pipeline and suddenly everybody gets amnesia. The pipeline is owned and operated by a private company for the private gain of the owners of tar sand fields in Canada, the pipeline, refiners, and the Chinese. Proponents want to invoke eminent domain to use American citizens’ land for the benefit of oil industry owners and foreign consumers. This is NOT for public good. It is for the good of capitalists and corporations.

           Amid all the strong feelings about petroleum development and the consequences or lack thereof related to using fossil fuels, a great many people, excluding Native Americans, have forgotten that eminent domain is for public good, not for corporate welfare. Not for the enrichment of capitalists. And certainly not for permitting these foreign interests to endanger America’s precious resources with the dirtiest petroleum on earth.

           Around here, we think the eminent domain issue alone makes support of the XL Pipeline an abandonment of established governing principles, and an act of abject servitude to special interests. Your Senators and Congresspersons need to hear your opinions repeatedly between now and February!

Grace 11/26/12

                                                                                                                            R.R. Clark

Bless us Lord with restful sleep that heals us till we wake,

Bless us Lord with industry, a better world to make.

Bless us Lord with wit and charm, the doubtful mind to turn,

Bless our curiosity, for wisdom let us yearn.

Bless us with prosperity, with well-earned fruitful gain,

Bless our acts of charity, the needful to sustain.

Grant to us discretion, Lord, to which our deeds consigned,

We judge not selves or others, but act with thoughtful mind.

Grant to all, their lives to live according to their lights, and

Bless O Lord our loved one’s lives and all their days and nights.

Bless wayfaring strangers Lord and absent friends this day

See them safely to our hearts and bid them there to stay.

Bless today this gathering which gives our spirits lift,

And bless this food before us Lord, thy bounty’s gracious gift.

Amen

No Big Surprise

           Congressional leaders profess cooperation with the President, but there is no evidence of their sincerity. The evidence indicates mere posturing. You don’t start a cooperative relationship (and after six years, it hasn’t yet started) by issuing ultimatums to the President. Crap like, ‘If you do anything about carbon emissions,’ or ‘do anything to help immigrants, you are poisoning the well of good will,’ (that we have never extended and now allegedly offer) is so transparently nasty that it will be an achievement for reasonable people to accept.

           Congress, this self-serving, obstructive, juggernaut of special interest has just had its license renewed by a mid-term election comprising a small percentage of America’s eligible voters. By no means does it have a mandate to crank up the corporate steam roller. Anyone who interprets the election result as a passport to ignore the persistent issues of fairness, so far abandoned by congress, is making a mistake. The election merely validated the tactics used by campaigners and state governments. In short, voters failed to hit ‘refresh’ and now we’re back on a familiar and well-worn path.

           Our President is far from perfect, but our congress has no room to talk—it is, and has been, profoundly dysfunctional. Around here, we think somebody has to do something to move the needle for ordinary Americans, and for our planet. It’s clear that congress isn’t going to be that somebody. They’ll be the ones, once again, complaining that their failures are the President’s fault. “Surprise!” said nobody.

Cheating On Taxes

           The principle from which all taxes derive justification is that they should equally burden people according to their ability to pay. Thus, income taxes are graduated, increasing as income (and ability to pay) goes up. Reasonable sales taxes are not levied on things everyone, rich or poor, must have to survive. And property tax is based on the value of property being taxed. See a pattern here?

           It’s popular these days to claim that graduated income taxes are unfair—that there ought to be a flat income tax rate so everyone is treated the same. In America, sadly, everyone is not treated the same. Lobbyists, often former Congresspersons, are bankrolled by people and organizations of great wealth to “get things into the law” that benefit them. Like minor-sounding exemptions and exclusions that reduce their tax burden or provide other government benefits. Inch by inch, and mile by mile, equal treatment is compromised. That is why the flat income tax idea is a ruse—a geek trick—that lulls unsuspecting voters with specious promises of fairness.

           Around here, the flat tax idea falls flat. It’s something people who hire lobbyists like. There are, however, many important things that fair play requires Congress to get into our tax laws. How about taxing all income the same, whether it was made from work or capital? Maybe closing access to offshore tax havens? Or raising the number of corporations who pay income taxes from 25% to 80%? Why not just stop the cheating?

Bainwarble Clubs It Up

           Now that Siobhan has returned home, Bainwarble has taken to clubbing on his days off. He joined the Dull Men’s Club. Each member has to have an invigorating hobby. Bainwarble chose collecting photographs of “Do Not Enter” signs. The Club meets daily, so he has a horrible attendance record. On one absent day, he was named President of the stateside Roundabout Appreciation Society, but he doesn’t mind. It complements his photo collecting activity nicely.

His only complaint was that he therefore had to buy a car. He of course chose the smallest one he could find, a stunning if somewhat tired yellow Yugo. He had to cut a hole in the roof (for headroom) which he covered with a flaming red stock pot, weatherstripped and screwed neatly into place. Now, whenever he drives around it looks like his head is on fire.

“I can’t imagine how anybody thinks this whole thing qualifies as dull,” I told my wife, Ducky Bumps. “He’ll be on Dancing with the Stars next!”

           Ducky Bumps’ only comment was, “I would have thought pictures of jet engine exhaust might be more exciting!”

          We learned of his first moving violation ticket, issued for entering a roundabout in the wrong direction. He confided that he had talked his way out of several others by showing his British motoring license. He also told us it was the only way to get really good pictures of those “Do Not Enter” signs.

          “The things we do for our hobbies,” I remarked.

Don’t You Dare Do Nothing

          The 113^th Congress has been worse than a do nothing Congress with its sad record of bull-headed incompetence. Both the 112^th and 113^th have been “Do Damage” Congresses. By refusing to resolve in a positive way the issues that create fairness for ordinary Americans, they have damaged our economy, our world standing, and our future.

           No climate change action, no gun background checks, no immigration reform, no meaningful job or street-level economic recovery actions, no minimum wage action, no action to overturn “citizens united,” no revision of trade agreements or deliberative action thereupon, no tax reform, no elimination of “too big to fail,” and no counteraction on voting rights and other Constitutional infringements, are all among their abject failures.

Congress has cheated America out of seven years of prosperity, and generations of Americans out of enduring improvements. Perhaps because they misunderstood what was going on, or they didn’t want average Americans to succeed in the present political situation. Perhaps because those who own their genuine allegiance thrive when the young, the poor, and the dwindling middle class are broke, hungry and scared.

           Elections are coming soon. If the young, the poor, and the middle class don’t remember, and turn out and vote to replace these do damage demagogues with representatives who are worthy of the office, then they (we) deserve the sorry result—the hostage-taking-Hell-with-America obstruction.

Around here we think we owe it to America to suit up, show up, and vote. Doing nothing is too “last century.”

I Wanted To Be Nonchalant

          Around here, we always thought leaders need time to work things out. But they aren’t doing that. The “leaders” are accomplishing nothing.

          Minimum Wage? Taxpayers are subsidizing poverty wages with costly social programs because it’s the right thing to do. But the minimum wage needs to be raised immediately, with increases linked to cost of living so we don’t have to pass a new law when costs go up. Congress is doing nothing.

          Immigration reform? Congress is doing nothing. Waiting to get re-elected and letting the lives of lots of good people go to Hell.

          Climate change mitigation? Congress is doing nothing. Denying the problem exists or denying the science, and kicking the can down the short road.

          Job creation and economic recovery? Congress did everything it needs to do—the stock market is fine, and the rabble aren’t marching yet.

          Gun legislation? Ha Ha Ha! What most Americans agree on (background checks and closing the gun show and mail order loopholes) doesn’t matter. So, Congress is doing nothing.

          Voting rights? Thing of the past. In many states, restrictions are being placed on voters. Congress is doing nothing.

          Too Big To Fail? Those huge financial houses are even bigger than they were when taxpayers saved them last time. NO private bank should be too big to fail. Instead, Congressmen retire to those big institutions! Congress is doing nothing.

          Your issue? Don’t be surprised to learn that Congress is doing nothing, and that being patient gets you more of the same!

Wiley Stinks Chef Entrepreneur

          Our chef, Wiley Stinks had a great idea. “That Stinks!” said my wife, Ducky Bumps, after I explained the plan. I wanted to help, but didn’t have enough to financially back him. Obviously, I had to find other ways to help Wiley.

           His idea was “The Recliner Diner,” where people could eat like they do at home. Each customer sat in a recliner, in front of a TV, with headphones. There was no talking. Diners chose food from TV menus and then picked a show to watch. Food was brought out on paper plates, along with either paper towels, or if they paid extra, cloth hand towels. Occasionally, food would be served with flimsy plastic knives, forks, and/or spoons. Cup holders were placed over chair arm rests for plastic cups of customers’ beverages of choice. Drink choices were bread/milk smoothies, sodas, sports drinks, or just plain corn syrup.

           The best way I could help was to paint the signs that said, “Please tip 25% or more—we have to clean these chairs!” I did them in old saloon style lettering.

           Ducky Bumps did the decorating, plastering the walls with pictures of handguns and football memorabilia, so I also had to do signs that said, “No throwing, and no packing.”

           I am sorry to report that the Recliner Diner lasted only a short time, and to add that Wiley has asked for a raise. He also wants to sell smoothies and recliners in front of our house. I’m painting the signs.

It’s Time!

           It’s time for citizens to start messing with cable TV and internet providers. If you’re not getting all the cable channels you want, and none that you don’t want for less than $25 per month, without bundling (the penultimate joke), then you are paying to line somebody’s pockets with your hard-earned cash. You are being made a fool of by greedy corporate folks with nothing to do but fill the time you buy with lucrative and annoying commercials. Why are there commercials on cable?

           Whatever happened to the idea that customers could choose each channel they want and pay only for what they want? I know it’s not the most important ball in the air right now, but somebody should start an initiative to mandate cafeteria selection and fair pricing of cable offerings. Write a screaming letter to the FCC and Congress.

          What’s going on with free broadcast TV? Even cable users should be actively supporting the maintenance of free TV. It gives them leverage to keep prices from skyrocketing further and gives them an alternative if cable providers get too high-handed. Write to the FCC and Congress.

           Internet access should be free to all, and MUCH faster. Chattanooga Tennessee did it. Let’s get the ball rolling. Write to the FCC and your state legislators.

           Around here, we know if enough people join in, decision makers will listen. Problem is it takes LOTS of people. Don’t you think these charlatans have messed with us long enough? Don’t you think it’s time?

A Tax Idea

           We hear so much about corporations (1 out of 4 or 5) that pay no federal taxes. We know that billions of dollars worth of help, through deductions and incentives, are lavished on businesses every year.

           What would happen if every dollar’s worth of state and federal tax benefits to businesses were taxed by states as income? Including the cost of social services due to poverty wages, and the cost of benefits withheld from part-time workers.

           Here’s how it would work. Say that in 2014, businesses with 50 or more employees, and franchise installations with any number of employees, received $240 billion in federal tax benefits. They would owe each state a share of tax revenue on their $240 billion in benefits, say $4.8 billion of income to be taxed by each state. Any state that did not have a robust state income tax would of course forego significant revenue. The $240 billion could be allotted equally at 2% per state. Thus Wyoming could get the same amount to tax as Georgia, etc.

           Furthermore, state Legislatures could reduce business tax liabilities by granting incentives for actual (VS. promised) job creation or quantifiable tax generating commercial activity in the state, etc.

           Around here, we think freaky ideas like this will help end the obstruction of comprehensive reasonable tax reform in America. Congress needs to end partisan bickering and reform taxes. And a flat tax is NOT the answer. That’s just another freaky idea being pimped around to comfort the comfortable.

Bainwarble’s Little Acre

          I recently noticed Bainwarble weeding and sprinkling around a spot in the yard. When I went to investigate, I discovered a foot-high clump of marijuana, apparently thriving on his attention. “I talk to it two or three times a day,” he said. “Sometimes I sing classic country songs to it, under my breath.”

           I’m game I decided, and rendered a few bars of “Cowboys they are ladies men alright…” but then I noticed Glassshard frowning and shaking his head. “WHAT,” I demanded!??

           “You have to stop! You’ll make it sick! It only understands Welsh! It was a gift from God, dropped by some bird, so I sing to it in God’s own language, which of course is Welsh.”

           Ducky Bumps and I were returning from Colorado days later when, as we relaxed at a rest stop, I told her about “Bainwarble’s little acre.”

           “Are you going to turn him in,” she wondered?

           “Spwffsss’ I sputtered! “You’re joking. He’ll never find a useful banker in jail! No, I’m going to help him harvest.” Just then an Edsel with a “Nixon” bumper sticker screeched to a halt nearby. The driver raced into the restroom carrying something green. In less than a second, a Highway Patrolman ran in after him, and hauled him out in handcuffs, “groceries” and all. I looked at Ducky Bumps.

           “Don’t do it, NO,” She winced! She shook her head from side to side, but I said it anyway:

“There but for the grass of God go I !”

The Business Bonus Boondoggle Act

            Our patriotic friends in the House of Representatives have turned the Jobs For America Act into the biggest business bonus boondoggle of the decade.  Here's why: Every couple of years lately, Congress has re-authorized a bonus depreciation provision  supposedly helpful in mitigating the Great Recession.  It allows businesses to accelerate depreciation on assets that would normally take years to reach zero.  This is not a cheap thrill for taxpayers, but the idea (allegedly) was to spur business expansion.

            Congress' own Congressional Research Service has told these patriots that this action does not help create business investment or jobs.  But their lofty intellects can't grasp factual information contrary to their beliefs.  When the corporate donations come rolling in, it's hard not to be a believer!  Instead, they passed several measures last year to permanently extend bonus depreciation and otherwise line business' pockets. Fortunately their attempts went nowhere in the Senate.

            So, this year our patriotic House friends tacked permanent conversion, plus a diaper-load of other expensive goodies for business, on to the Jobs For America Act.  Facts indicate the provisions will not create jobs.  Instead they will create bigger federal deficits.  But, clinging to their corporate coat-tails, our House patriots slammed it to the taxpayers again, to the tune of half a trillion dollars over the next ten years.  

            Around Here we think the Act should be called The Business Bonus Boondoggle Act, at least until the bonus depreciation and other wasteful parts go into the trash where they belong.  

Bainwarble Brings A Friend

            Wales is a long way from New York, where the Cardiff giant hoax (a trick not lost on P.T. Barnum) was perpetrated years ago.  Our Butler, 6’-11” tall Glassshard Bainwarble, hails from Cardiff the former.  We don’t always understand his ways.  He has been busily building a canvas enclosure on top of his camper in the alley.  I expected it was some kind of beer garden where he could quaff and trumpet to his heart’s content, hidden from the neighbors. 

He told us today that he wants to bring his girlfriend, Siobhan, for a visit.  She would stay on the second floor of his (now) two-story camper.  He says not to worry, she has her own health care. Siobhan, which by Gaelic linguistic magic is approximately pronounced Shivawn, used to be a steamfitter, but now assembles automobiles.  We couldn’t wait to get a look at the girlfriend of our Cardiff giant. 

Presently Siobhan arrived, but we didn’t see her for days—Bainwarble, we thought, was being shy.  Meanwhile, neighbors, lots of them, took to walking the alley.  Crowds of guys loitered in lawn chairs.  Something was up!

            Then we met her—a ginger haired Miss Ireland of a thing who looked like if she ever did any steam fitting, it was done by batting her eyelashes.  She explained that with automotive robots, it was all programming and buttons, and she was very good with buttons.

            "Bless my buttons," I told Ducky Bumps.  "Cardiff seems to be the very seat of surprises."