Monday, March 27, 2006
Letter on Pork Barrel Spending Published Yet Again
My Letter to the Editor on Pork Barrel Spending has been published in the Waco Tribune-Herald. Find the link in my Recently Published section to the right.
American Center for Law and Justice
I've added a new link to my index - I really cannot believe I forgot to include them originally. I get a great deal of information from the American Center for Law and Justice. On the daily radio broadcast, they cover topics ranging from Abortion to Eminate Domain. If you're not familiar with them, check out the link.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
Teaching the Bible as Literature
A friend sent me the link to a great news story on the use of the bible in the classroom. I really like the quotes from Benjamin Franklin and Noah Webster. Thanks for the link Josh.
The Bible. It is the first book ever printed and the best selling book of all time. In early America, reading primers used Bible verses and biblical ideas to teach children Christian morality even as they taught the youngsters to read. Benjamin Franklin wrote that schools should teach "the excellency of the Christian religion above all others, ancient or modern" in his 1749 plan of education for public schools in Pennsylvania. Noah Webster said that "Education is useless without the Bible," and for many years, the Ten Commandments were posted on classroom walls. Read more here.
The Bible. It is the first book ever printed and the best selling book of all time. In early America, reading primers used Bible verses and biblical ideas to teach children Christian morality even as they taught the youngsters to read. Benjamin Franklin wrote that schools should teach "the excellency of the Christian religion above all others, ancient or modern" in his 1749 plan of education for public schools in Pennsylvania. Noah Webster said that "Education is useless without the Bible," and for many years, the Ten Commandments were posted on classroom walls. Read more here.
Monday, March 20, 2006
The Biblical Role of Self and Self Government
From The Josiah Project.
The beginning point to discuss any type of government will always be “self” and we will always find “self” originating from the family. Hence the first two of the four governments established by God, self government and family government are closely linked. In addition the remaining two, church government and civil government are also greatly effected by this foundation. Read more here.
The beginning point to discuss any type of government will always be “self” and we will always find “self” originating from the family. Hence the first two of the four governments established by God, self government and family government are closely linked. In addition the remaining two, church government and civil government are also greatly effected by this foundation. Read more here.
Congress on Congress
I found this on Government Bytes: The Official Blog of The National Taxpayers Union. It's amazing to me that Congress has to spend money to discover why people have lost confidence in them.
Congress on Congress
Posted by Elizabeth Terrell - March 16, 2006
As I was reviewing bills today, I came across H.R. 4738, the "Commission to Strengthen Confidence in Congress Act of 2006". The bill creates a 10 member commission to take a look at how Congress could improve its public confidence figures to "evaluate and report the effectiveness of current congressional ethics requirements". To achieve this goal, it allows for an unspecified number of staff members to be hired (all to receive security clearances) and the ability to contract additional consultants as necessary.
In typical Congressional fashion (displaying a reason why Congress lacks public confidence):
SEC. 10. FUNDING.
There are authorized such sums as necessary to carry out this Act.
Yes, that's right-- a blank check.
Congress on Congress
Posted by Elizabeth Terrell - March 16, 2006
As I was reviewing bills today, I came across H.R. 4738, the "Commission to Strengthen Confidence in Congress Act of 2006". The bill creates a 10 member commission to take a look at how Congress could improve its public confidence figures to "evaluate and report the effectiveness of current congressional ethics requirements". To achieve this goal, it allows for an unspecified number of staff members to be hired (all to receive security clearances) and the ability to contract additional consultants as necessary.
In typical Congressional fashion (displaying a reason why Congress lacks public confidence):
SEC. 10. FUNDING.
There are authorized such sums as necessary to carry out this Act.
Yes, that's right-- a blank check.
The Heritage Foundation Article
The Heritage Foundation website posted an article on the budget proposed by the Republican Study Committee (RSC). Why can't real budget cuts like these pass in our Congress? Read more here.
A True Fiscal Conservative on Republican Spending
"A USA TODAY analysis of 25 major government programs found that enrollment increased an average of 17% in the programs from 2000 to 2005. The nation's population grew 5% during that time." Read more here.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Letter on Pork Barrel Spending Published Again
The same letter I had published in The Hill newspaper in Washington D.C. was also published locally March 15 in The Hometown News - Community Flyer. I posted the letter here on March 13 as a Letter to Congress.
The FairTax Solution to Unfair Tax Breaks
In this Washington Post article, "EU Warns of Sanctions on US Goods", we find another example of the many problems with our complex tax code. The European Union will soon reimpose trade sanctions on the US for tax breaks given to US companies that export products to the EU. Because of the complexity of our tax system and the cost to these companies, they have a competitive disadvantage overseas. To offset this disadvantage somewhat, Congress further complicated the tax code by giving specific tax cuts to these companies. These are the tax cuts the EU has problems with. Here's a response from Americans for Fair Taxation.
Karen Walby, Ph.D., Director of Research for FairTax.org :
"The FairTax would solve this problem. The FairTax is automatically border adjustable because it is a destination principle tax which means that the location of the purchaser determines whether something is taxable. So American produced goods sold to US citizens are taxable, American goods exported to other countries are not. Foreign tourists visiting the US would pay tax on hotels, services, meals, admissions to various attractions, etc. because they are consuming the item in the US.
By repealing the federal income tax system and replacing it with a national retail sales tax, the FairTax would eliminate the federal taxes that are embedded in the cost of goods and services exported overseas. Our foreign competitors have an 18% advantage over American producers because their consumption based taxes (VATs) are adjusted out at the border. The cost of the US federal tax system is not.
As a result, the US tried to adjust for this problem by creating subsidies, which the WTO has found illegal; instead of addressing the real problem – our current tax system."
Karen Walby, Ph.D., Director of Research for FairTax.org :
"The FairTax would solve this problem. The FairTax is automatically border adjustable because it is a destination principle tax which means that the location of the purchaser determines whether something is taxable. So American produced goods sold to US citizens are taxable, American goods exported to other countries are not. Foreign tourists visiting the US would pay tax on hotels, services, meals, admissions to various attractions, etc. because they are consuming the item in the US.
By repealing the federal income tax system and replacing it with a national retail sales tax, the FairTax would eliminate the federal taxes that are embedded in the cost of goods and services exported overseas. Our foreign competitors have an 18% advantage over American producers because their consumption based taxes (VATs) are adjusted out at the border. The cost of the US federal tax system is not.
As a result, the US tried to adjust for this problem by creating subsidies, which the WTO has found illegal; instead of addressing the real problem – our current tax system."
Friday, March 17, 2006
A Movie We Should All See
I've followed the progress of a lawsuit against the government challenging the legality of a direct tax on labor and wages. There's tremendous, overwhelming evidence supporting the plaintiffs in the case. A new documentary by Aaron Russo discusses the IRS, the Federal Reserve Commission, and much of the evidence in the lawsuit. I hope you will take a moment to watch the preview and watch the movie when it comes to your area.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Give Credit Where Credit Is Due
It has been brought to my attention that I have not properly credited someone for the creation of my blog. I need to thank my wife, Katrina. She created the flag graphic from a photo, and set up the layout of the blog. She chose the colors of the text and backgrounds. She's also working on the improvements we have planned. Behind every great man is a great woman. My great woman is Katrina. Thank you Katrina.
Monday, March 13, 2006
The FairTax Rate of 23% - Too High?
Some Senators and Representatives have been making comments that the 23% suggested FairTax rate is a FairTax “rule” AND that it may not be enough. Here is some food for thought.
In answer to the question: "Is 23% too much?”
Yes, 23% is too much! But that number is the equivalent of what the IRS is collecting NOW from ALL THE TAXES THAT THE FAIRTAX REPLACES. Once the taxpayers see the 23% amount printed on every purchase invoice (for new goods and services), they will demand that federal spending be reduced, thereby reducing that REQUIRED amount of 23%.
The 23% is realistic as determined by a $23 million, 10 year study. These ARE the facts:
In 2003 the federal government collected $1.7 trillion (so that is what they are asking the FairTax to guarantee) which is computed as follows: The GDP was $11 trillion. However only 79.4% is taxable at the FairTax RETAIL level, which is $8.7 trillion. The 23% FairTax on that amount would be $2.0 trillion. After the retailers and state governments get their 1/4 of 1% for collecting this 23% and after the prebate is paid, that will leave the $1.7 trillion, the required GOVERNMENT requested guarantee.
Marv Kuhn, State Director, Volunteer
Americans for Fair Taxation
In answer to the question: "Is 23% too much?”
Yes, 23% is too much! But that number is the equivalent of what the IRS is collecting NOW from ALL THE TAXES THAT THE FAIRTAX REPLACES. Once the taxpayers see the 23% amount printed on every purchase invoice (for new goods and services), they will demand that federal spending be reduced, thereby reducing that REQUIRED amount of 23%.
The 23% is realistic as determined by a $23 million, 10 year study. These ARE the facts:
In 2003 the federal government collected $1.7 trillion (so that is what they are asking the FairTax to guarantee) which is computed as follows: The GDP was $11 trillion. However only 79.4% is taxable at the FairTax RETAIL level, which is $8.7 trillion. The 23% FairTax on that amount would be $2.0 trillion. After the retailers and state governments get their 1/4 of 1% for collecting this 23% and after the prebate is paid, that will leave the $1.7 trillion, the required GOVERNMENT requested guarantee.
Marv Kuhn, State Director, Volunteer
Americans for Fair Taxation
Letter to Congress - The Tax Code Termination Act
Thank you for using National Write Your Congressman Mail System
Message sent to the following recipients:
Senator Hutchison
Representative Edwards
Mr. President
Message text follows:
Steve Harris
Address
February 17, 2006
[recipient address was inserted here]
Dear [recipient name was inserted here],
Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06), has joined with Democratic Congressman Collin Peterson (MN-07) to introduce a bipartisan bill to abolish the Internal Revenue Code. The bill, H.R. 4725, is entitled The Tax Code Termination Act and will repeal the entire tax code, except portions that deal with Social Security and Medicare by December 31, 2009, and calls on Congress to approve a new Federal tax system by July of the same year. This legislation has already been passed twice by the House of Representatives, first in 1998 by a vote of 219-209 and then in 2000 by a vote of 229-187.
Congressman Goodlatte stated, "Today's tax code is unfair, discourages against savings and investment, and is impossibly complex. The Tax Code Termination Act will force Congress to finally debate and address fundamental tax reform. Whichever simple tax system is adopted, the key ingredients should be: a low rate for all Americans; tax relief for working people; protection of the rights of taxpayers and reduction in tax collection abuses; promotion of savings and investment; and encouragement of economic growth and job creation."
As you know, I believe the answer to Congressman Goodlatte's desires relative to what the new tax collection system should contain is the FAIRTAX! While passage of this bill would not get us to the FairTax, it would force the debate on a national scale that FairTax supporters are dying to have. I think we will win if the debate is forced upon our leaders in Washington. I want you to support H.R. 4725 as well as H.R. 25/S. 25.
Message sent to the following recipients:
Senator Hutchison
Representative Edwards
Mr. President
Message text follows:
Steve Harris
Address
February 17, 2006
[recipient address was inserted here]
Dear [recipient name was inserted here],
Republican Congressman Bob Goodlatte (VA-06), has joined with Democratic Congressman Collin Peterson (MN-07) to introduce a bipartisan bill to abolish the Internal Revenue Code. The bill, H.R. 4725, is entitled The Tax Code Termination Act and will repeal the entire tax code, except portions that deal with Social Security and Medicare by December 31, 2009, and calls on Congress to approve a new Federal tax system by July of the same year. This legislation has already been passed twice by the House of Representatives, first in 1998 by a vote of 219-209 and then in 2000 by a vote of 229-187.
Congressman Goodlatte stated, "Today's tax code is unfair, discourages against savings and investment, and is impossibly complex. The Tax Code Termination Act will force Congress to finally debate and address fundamental tax reform. Whichever simple tax system is adopted, the key ingredients should be: a low rate for all Americans; tax relief for working people; protection of the rights of taxpayers and reduction in tax collection abuses; promotion of savings and investment; and encouragement of economic growth and job creation."
As you know, I believe the answer to Congressman Goodlatte's desires relative to what the new tax collection system should contain is the FAIRTAX! While passage of this bill would not get us to the FairTax, it would force the debate on a national scale that FairTax supporters are dying to have. I think we will win if the debate is forced upon our leaders in Washington. I want you to support H.R. 4725 as well as H.R. 25/S. 25.
Letter to Congress - Pork Barrel Spending
Thank you for using National Write Your Congressman Mail System
Message sent to the following recipients:
Senator Hutchison
Representative Edwards
Mr. President
Message text follows:
Steve Harris
Address
March 5, 2006
[recipient address was inserted here]
Dear [recipient name was inserted here],
My Congressman brags about misbehavior. Even after Congress promised to reign in their pork barrel spending, Congressman Chet Edwards recently wrote a boastful article touting the federal tax dollars he procured for McLennan County in the past year. $1.25 million for Waco International Aviation Park, $2 million for an Animal Waste Removal Program at Texas A&M, $1 million to the Waco Police Department, $1.6 million for renovation and upgrades to Paul Quinn Campus, and $5.6 million for McLennan County transportation projects. That’s $11.5 million of federal tax dollars spent on local projects. With each of the 435 House members and 100 Senators doing the same thing, it’s no wonder they cannot balance the budget and have such a growing appetite for taxes. Instead of thanking Chet Edwards, we need to send a strong message that our taxes are too high and we demand fiscal responsibility. Stop approving pork.
Message sent to the following recipients:
Senator Hutchison
Representative Edwards
Mr. President
Message text follows:
Steve Harris
Address
March 5, 2006
[recipient address was inserted here]
Dear [recipient name was inserted here],
My Congressman brags about misbehavior. Even after Congress promised to reign in their pork barrel spending, Congressman Chet Edwards recently wrote a boastful article touting the federal tax dollars he procured for McLennan County in the past year. $1.25 million for Waco International Aviation Park, $2 million for an Animal Waste Removal Program at Texas A&M, $1 million to the Waco Police Department, $1.6 million for renovation and upgrades to Paul Quinn Campus, and $5.6 million for McLennan County transportation projects. That’s $11.5 million of federal tax dollars spent on local projects. With each of the 435 House members and 100 Senators doing the same thing, it’s no wonder they cannot balance the budget and have such a growing appetite for taxes. Instead of thanking Chet Edwards, we need to send a strong message that our taxes are too high and we demand fiscal responsibility. Stop approving pork.
Guest Editorial on Immigration
Submitted to The Waco Citizen paper, but not yet published
The federal government should be ashamed that Governor Perry and the leaders of the other border states have been forced to take the lead on border security. Considering all the things federal officials should not be involved in but are, it would seem they would excel in those activities specifically given to them under the constitution. Protecting us from foreign invasion should be the number one priority of the federal government, but to date they have failed on many fronts.
Through my job, I ask people about immigration reform all day long. Almost unanimously, people tell me that they have no problem with immigration done right, but illegal immigration must be stopped. It should not matter why immigrants want to come to America. Along with well intentioned laborers seeking a better life and political exiles with legitimate reasons to fear their home government, we also have terrorists with deep hatred of our government and people. There are also Mexican nationals deliberately involved in a "Silent Conquista," the stealthy conquest of the southern states many Mexican nationals believe were wrongly taken from Mexico. We simply cannot continue to allow the bad to enter beside the good.
Our border security program should act as a filter, to let in those we want and need, and also stop those that may harm us. Some immigrants may not even be aware of their potential to hurt us. The Center for Disease Control reports new strains of Tuberculosis and other diseases have been detected when illegal immigrants get sick and take advantage of our superior medical care system. Biological agents like these could reach epidemic scales if not caught and stopped quickly.
Our citizenship laws should be updated to reflect the problem of illegal immigration. When our Founding Fathers allowed for babies born on US soil to automatically be eligible for US citizenship, most immigrants entered the country at the ports, so there was not a great illegal immigration problem. The intent of the Great Fathers was certainly noble, but the system has been taken advantage of. Now our schools and hospitals have a great population of children, whom we have a responsibility to educate and medicate, whose parents entered our society illegally. The financial burden has become so tremendous in the border states, that some cities have closed Emergency Rooms, and our own school funding problems have escalated. Border patrol agents have reported pregnant women, risking their lives and the lives of their unborn babies, racing through the hot dessert to enter our country to make sure their babies were born on our soil. We need to remove this incentive to madness.
I'm pleased to see the federal government finally taking notice of the issue. Although the problems caused by illegal immigration have become severe, I know we can recover. America is the land of opportunity and ingenuity. When the borders come under control, we will find a way to help our schools and hospitals adjust and afford those they serve. Then we will find ways to deal with the illegal population already here. Let the politicians debate work visas and increased fines to employers, but demand that border security escapes the quagmire of politics. "We the people of the United States of America" must insist that our elected officials deal with this issue.
James Madison, 1778
“We have staked the whole future of American civilization, not upon the power of government, far from it. We’ve staked the future of all our political institutions upon our capacity - to sustain ourselves according to the Ten Commandments of God.” [James Madison, 1778 to the General Assembly of the State of Virginia]
Letter to Representative Chet Edwards on Student Loans
Steve Harris
Address Omited
January 28, 2006
The Honorable Chet Edwards
Dear Representative Edwards,
Thank you for writing the column on January 27, regarding cuts in federal student loan programs. I agree with your position on some issues; but not, however, on this one. It is true that the costs of higher education in America has skyrocketed, and many families will have a harder time affording these costs. But why?
Colleges and Universities continue to raise tuition and housing prices year after year. Each time prices increase, students and their parents are forced to seek out more loans, grants, and jobs to anti up. Because the perceived value of higher education is so high, they're willing to make the sacrifices necessary to pay. I believe one reason tuition prices increase is exactly because universities know the government will subsidize the students more each year, and students will funnel money to administrators. Stop, or slow down, the flow of federal subsidies and the costs will level out.
There's another reason to stop the federal subsidies of colleges and universities. This is a principle I've brought up with you before. James Madison stated, "I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents." When government takes money from one citizen to give to another, for whatever reasons you justify, you have ignored the intentions of our Founding Fathers. You have told those students who work extra hours in a job to pay cash for their education, rather than borrow, that their work and principles are not good enough. Now those students must also help to pay for other students as well. They have no choice to give out of charity, the government will tax the money from them. The Founding Fathers wrote extensively on this subject and I believe as they did, the federal government should not be involved in benevolence.
I also want to address the way you link tax cuts to the cuts in student loans in such a negative way. You said, "The $11.9 billion student aid cuts won't reduce the deficit. Instead, they are being pushed so the Congressional leadership can pass a few weeks from now an extension of recent temporary dividend cuts that give a $220,000 annual tax break to those making $1 million a year in dividend income." That's how you see it.
The way I look at the federal budget, I think the $11.9 billion student aid cuts are being pushed so the Congress can afford a $2 million Hike and Bike trail in McGregor, TX, and money for the Waco Transit buses, and the thousands of other earmarks our leaders in Washington have passed in the last few years. The reason you cannot balance the federal budget has nothing to do with the tax cuts. Tax cuts actually bring in more tax revenue in the long run, because the economy booms, businesses open and expand, jobs are created, and wages increased. Short sighted Congressmen, however, want to blame the tax cuts for undermining the budget, while in reality the budget shortfall can be placed squarely on the shoulders of legislative earmarks. Your Pork Barrel Spending is out of control, and you know it. But you like to buy votes with these favors to your constituents, so you don't want to admit it.
Thank you again for writing the article. I enjoy healthy dialog, and agree or disagree, I like to respond to your views. I would love to hear back from you in response to my comments.
Address Omited
January 28, 2006
The Honorable Chet Edwards
Dear Representative Edwards,
Thank you for writing the column on January 27, regarding cuts in federal student loan programs. I agree with your position on some issues; but not, however, on this one. It is true that the costs of higher education in America has skyrocketed, and many families will have a harder time affording these costs. But why?
Colleges and Universities continue to raise tuition and housing prices year after year. Each time prices increase, students and their parents are forced to seek out more loans, grants, and jobs to anti up. Because the perceived value of higher education is so high, they're willing to make the sacrifices necessary to pay. I believe one reason tuition prices increase is exactly because universities know the government will subsidize the students more each year, and students will funnel money to administrators. Stop, or slow down, the flow of federal subsidies and the costs will level out.
There's another reason to stop the federal subsidies of colleges and universities. This is a principle I've brought up with you before. James Madison stated, "I cannot undertake to lay my finger on that article of the Constitution which granted a right to Congress of expending, on objects of benevolence, the money of their constituents." When government takes money from one citizen to give to another, for whatever reasons you justify, you have ignored the intentions of our Founding Fathers. You have told those students who work extra hours in a job to pay cash for their education, rather than borrow, that their work and principles are not good enough. Now those students must also help to pay for other students as well. They have no choice to give out of charity, the government will tax the money from them. The Founding Fathers wrote extensively on this subject and I believe as they did, the federal government should not be involved in benevolence.
I also want to address the way you link tax cuts to the cuts in student loans in such a negative way. You said, "The $11.9 billion student aid cuts won't reduce the deficit. Instead, they are being pushed so the Congressional leadership can pass a few weeks from now an extension of recent temporary dividend cuts that give a $220,000 annual tax break to those making $1 million a year in dividend income." That's how you see it.
The way I look at the federal budget, I think the $11.9 billion student aid cuts are being pushed so the Congress can afford a $2 million Hike and Bike trail in McGregor, TX, and money for the Waco Transit buses, and the thousands of other earmarks our leaders in Washington have passed in the last few years. The reason you cannot balance the federal budget has nothing to do with the tax cuts. Tax cuts actually bring in more tax revenue in the long run, because the economy booms, businesses open and expand, jobs are created, and wages increased. Short sighted Congressmen, however, want to blame the tax cuts for undermining the budget, while in reality the budget shortfall can be placed squarely on the shoulders of legislative earmarks. Your Pork Barrel Spending is out of control, and you know it. But you like to buy votes with these favors to your constituents, so you don't want to admit it.
Thank you again for writing the article. I enjoy healthy dialog, and agree or disagree, I like to respond to your views. I would love to hear back from you in response to my comments.
Sunday, March 12, 2006
Welcome to my blog
Well, I now have a place to share my thoughts with everyone. My hope is that this blog will encourage people to stay informed on the issues of the day. I want my readers to think about their priorities in life. I want to model a life where the priorities are: God, family, country. I will brag about my family, share stories about the great Americans I have the privilege of visiting with, and post opinions on what I feel is right and/or wrong with our government.
I firmly believe that our Founding Fathers were inspired and directed by God to establish this country for the glory of God. As a Christian, I believe I have a responsibility to be involved in government to help preserve the form of government first established. Unfortunately, our government has strayed far from the original plan. Human nature is sinful. As in my own life, there must be a deliberate effort to keep government from being corrupted by evil forces. Edmund Burke said it best when he said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." The good men and women of this country must be more involved.
I hope you enjoy reading my blog. I will post often, but not necessarily every day. Take care and God Bless!!!
I firmly believe that our Founding Fathers were inspired and directed by God to establish this country for the glory of God. As a Christian, I believe I have a responsibility to be involved in government to help preserve the form of government first established. Unfortunately, our government has strayed far from the original plan. Human nature is sinful. As in my own life, there must be a deliberate effort to keep government from being corrupted by evil forces. Edmund Burke said it best when he said, "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." The good men and women of this country must be more involved.
I hope you enjoy reading my blog. I will post often, but not necessarily every day. Take care and God Bless!!!
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God, family, and country. My allegiance stands in that order. Church and State will illustrate my opinions on issues of religion and politics, along with regular thoughts on family.
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