Here We Go...

A few things have me riled today. First, the number of grammatical, spelling, etc. errors in today's newspapers should have reporters and editors ashamed. "Then" for "Than." "Four plays was..." And others.

The other day, a guest editorial berated us for not being happy to pay more taxes, to show our gratitude for living in this great country and state. We (and I'm one who opposes new taxes) should be ashamed for not wanting to share our wealth and good fortune that the US and Michigan and others before us allow us to have. And, today there were a number of letters supporting this writer and his views. HUH!?!? First, other than our military, never has it been government that has been responsible for the prosperity of this nation. Prosperity has occurred in spite of government and the road blocks it throws up. Second, who in their right mind thinks that government makes better decisions with our money than we do? Third, who says we don't share our prosperity? Americans are and have been the most generous people the world has ever seen. Individual charity is always more efficient, reaching more needy people than government handouts. Third, if this guy and his supporters want to pay more taxes, why don't they make contributions to the state? Go ahead, put your money where your mouth is. Why should I have to pay for your pet projects? Why should I have to do what you want? Why can't you do what I want? Individual freedom, not government's concern with the "collective good," is what allowed this nation to be the greatest ever.

Finally, some people, even the taxers-and-spenders at the Free Press have figured it out. There were no cuts in the budget this year. There was actually an increase of more than $700 million! Gov Jenny has lied again, talking about the cut of $143 million. That's just the amount cut from her proposed budget that was more than $1 billion greater than last year's budget. Why do these people who favor more taxes call those who oppose them "greedy," "selfish," etc.? They are like the people in public schools, who can't really justify the stupid things they call policy, can't engage in dialogue, so they just call opponents names. And exactly who is being greedy, selfish, etc. in wanting to take more of others' money?

And what's this push to justify the "First Gentleman?" Oh, he claimed last week, that he has brought more than $500K in for various programs over the past 6 years. Hmmmm. OK. He doesn't draw a salary, but what about his two or three aides? Let's see, over 6 years, they would have to earn just about $30-40K a year just to break even. I don't think they earn that little.

I enjoyed reading the sports folks this AM. How typical! It's pretty well conceded that UM has a better football team, better athletes, a better program, etc. Instead of congratulating the underdog, undermanned MSU Spartans for being oh so close, the columnists--who likely never played anything in their lives except video games--dumped all over them. How easy to be a writer with no pressure other than some deadline.

BTW, I never received a response from either sports writer/editor concerning my letter last week. This was the one where I questioned their direct quotation of a Lions player who used a curse word--in a so-called family newspaper, a sports section that how many kids read? I asked how they would like it if someone used that word, or if they did, in front of their mothers or wives? Apparently they swear in front of their mothers and wives. Pretty classy guys.

And, in my running (now over) battle with the IRS.... My Congressman, McCotter, actually took an interest. He had me sign a waiver to allow him to see my returns. He questioned the IRS and sent me the response. It (the IRS reply) was what I expected, but at least he did something. My two US Senators, Levin and Stabenow, also sent me letters. Theirs were big helps, directing me to the IRS Web site. They both had the nerve, however, to end their letters with something like, "...if we can be of more help, don't hesitate to write." "More help?" They weren't of any help. Of course, they are both Dems who obviously want the IRS to take more of my money.

Out for the evening....