Flat Tax

Unlike Most Democrats, I am a proponent of the flat tax. My rationale is two-fold. One, it's the job of government to treat it's citizens as equally as possible. This egalitarian ethic is why I'm against affirmative action and also for gay marriage. No one should have to pay more than a third of their income for tax. I'm sick and tired of the government assuming it's their right to take much of taxpayer's money and then provide arbitrary political tax cuts and exemptions. Another reason for the flat tax is to counter the cynical class warfare that the "progressive" tax system propagates. As long as there is a provision for the poor to pay no tax and the flat tax not enlarging the defecit further, I don't see a problem with it. Imagine a world where we can reduce the number of lobbyists, tax attorneys, and the IRS.

Veterans Day

"We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he today that sheds his blood with me, Shall be my brother; be ne'er so vile, This day shall gentle his condition. And gentlemen in England now abed, Shall think themselves accursed they were not here, And hold their manhood's cheap whiles any speaks, That fought with us upon Saint Crispin's day...From now until the end of the world, we and it shall be remembered."
- William Shakespeare ("King Henry V")

Arafat Is Dead

1929-2004
The million dollar question after Arafat's death - what will happen to the peace process? Will there be war? The second in command of the PLO - Mahmoud Abbas, took command of the organization. Abbas was appointed as Prime Minister under Arafat, although he abruptly resigned in September of 2003. Arafat will be known as the father of Palestinian Nationalism and the PLO. He won the Nobel Peace Prize, along with Israeli Prime Minister Rabin, because of the Camp David Accords which were mediated by President Clinton in 1993. My guess is he will most be remembered for not signing an agreement with Ehud Barak and Clinton in 2000 which would give the Palestinians the statehood which they claim to desire. I weep for innocent people who suffer needlessly in the Holy Land, but not for Yasser Arafat. He proved, even with the diplomacy he claimed, once a terrorist, always a terrorist. Let's pray for peace, and also fight to protect it.

The Speech

Listening to McGreevey's farewell address I couldn't help but have pity for the tragic story of the current NJ Governor. Quoting Aeschuylus, he spoke of his transformation regarding his coming out process. Perhaps in the future candidates can figure out these issues before they are thrust in the political spotlight. It is unfortunate that politicians records are marred by their human imperfections. There has possibly been some good done by this Administration: The Highlands Act, stem cell research, the civil unions bill, but it will be forever overshadowed by the five words, "I am a gay American." Some people have said that McGreevey's coming out is probably the most honest thing he has said. Perhaps that is true.

McGreevey

UNRAVELED
More to follow....

"Values Voters"

In 1996 we had Soccer Moms. Then we had Security Moms and NASCAR Dads. The most recent media phenomenon is Value Voters. People need to realize that there are Democrats who are Evangelical Christians and liberals who care about the GWOT (Global War on Terrorism) just as much as conservatives do. Supposedly the issue of gay marriage put the Republicans over the top in the Presidential election. I guess this is the new abortion. The compassionate conservatism that President Bush espouses, or espoused, should not include scapegoating a commonly demonized group of million Americans for political points. End of story. President Bush, don't overplay your hand.

Abuse At GTMO?

County by County Map

Interesting map.

Even more interesting maps.

Election

November 7, 2004

Still pondering the aftermath of the election. I'm still proud to be an American, and this is still the greatest country in the world. We need to support the troops fighting for freedom and get behind the President as much as possible. Many of my friends are threatening to move to Canada, just like the Hollywood types claimed in 2000. What a joke. These were the same people that voted because they somehow knew that the draft was impending. From an Al Gore line in the 2000 campaign, "stay and fight."