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Rambling: Forget "fair tax;"
voters to stick to status quo
By
Marshall Miller
Special to GwinnettForum.com
LILBURN, Ga. Oct. 27, 2006---You do not have to worry about the
"Fair (national sales) Tax" going into effect. Remember
the flat tax? I voted for Steve Forbes, the flat tax man, twice
in the Republican primaries, ' 96 and ' 00. He would have been far
better than G.W. Bush, an establishment Republican. George Bush
the elder was Ronald Reagan's big mistake (nice guy, clueless, chosen
for ticket balance), just another liberal Republican, a lot like
his son.
Yet liberals hate both, no matter how much they attempted to accommodate
the left. Reagan was savvy; the Bushes are not, they're lucky to
be there. Forbes was vilified by other Republicans in the primaries,
who knocked Forbes out long before the Democrats would have to deal
with him.
Establishment Repubs were jealous of Forbes and wished they had
thought of his ideas first. Actually, they just wanted the nomination
for themselves. Remember (UGA graduate) competitor Sen. Phil Gramm
in 1996 calling Forbes "Richie Rich" during the primaries,
ridiculing his reforms? He might be rich but has good proposals.
The others had little to offer.
Compared to the national sales tax, the flat tax was only a minor
change in the system. I still prefer the flat tax, also privatized
retirement accounts. Forbes pushed these reforms twice and went
nowhere, a big mistake by the voters. His numbers worked. He would've
been great.
Voters stick with the status quo. GWB is a huge disappointment
to me. He ran on his name. Voters were familiar with the name. The
trouble is, the Demos are the socialist party USA these days and
Bush knows people will reject such competition. He wins by default.
As you can see, there is no apparent drive for these reforms in
Congress. It's just talk. Don't waste your time going to "Fair
Tax" rallies. I'm not being negative, just realistic. The reality
is, the impetus for change isn't there in D.C.
Prediction : the media-left will soon start pushing Barack Obama
for president, nonstop, just as they did ultraliberal Colin Powell
10 years ago. He will be all over the covers of "Newsweak"
(I never read it) and similar publications, also the network news
(I never watch), just free publicity for the media's liberal heartthrob.
Good toll-free message from Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas), America's
best politician : 1-888-322-1414. Also, we need to get out of Iraq
and dump all foreign aid. Ron Paul agrees. These excursions have
a way of not working out. Thanks for listening.
New sure-fire way to determine for whom to
vote
By
Elliott Brack
Editor and Publisher
GwinnettForum.com
OCT. 27, 2006 -- It has taken me a long time, but finally here
is my new-found formula for determining who to vote for in most
elections.
Brack |
Vote for the other party, the guys who are "out."
That's right, no matter what the election, try to elect people
from the "other party," when you do your voting. What
can be a better watchdog than the guys not in office now?
By continually electing people to office from the party not in
power, if we do this right, we'll keep rotating the people in power.
Do that enough, and they can't get set in their ways while in office
and stretch their power out for years and years.
Constantly changing the party in power will mean that their real
power won't last long, but will rest where it belongs, with the
people, the voters.
Just consider how Georgia Democrats would have viewed the voters
for years and years when they were in office. We elected Democratic
governor after Democratic governor to office, helped along by the
Democrat-controlled Georgia House and Senate. The Democrats were
in total control. They looked after themselves: hence the fat pensions
many, even some low-level bureaucrats now retired, draw.
The big problem for Georgia is that once it discarded the Democratic
governor, it also elected both a Republican House and Senate. So
Georgia's back to where it was before, only with another party in
complete control.
So our philosophy in any election from now on: which ever party
controls the governor (or presidency), vote for the other guy. Or
if that same party holds both the executive office and the legislative
branch, be sure vote for the other party. (After all, if a person
has been governor four years, why give an "endorsement term?"
He should have gotten the job done in the first four years!"
The goal is to have a different party in control of at least one
legislative house….from the person who is the executive, (governor
or president). Then in addition to the people being a watchdog,
we'll have the other party forming some semblance of balance. We
won't load one party up with every elected job, and get better government
as a result.
This philosophy comes, as you may have guessed, from the long-held
concept that: "Power corrupts. And absolute power corrupts
absolutely."
* * * * *
Of course, the philosophy above is far too simple.
This solution does not address issues at all; it doesn't look at
a multiplicity of factors. Instead, you're voting on one bum being
a watchdog of the bums in office. Too, this uses the "single
issue" approach, which in itself is both dumb and wrong.
By this reasoning, you could vote for the andidate who might actually
support segregation, or want to eliminate money for public schools
or public health care because these would be a tax, and he would
advocate that all taxes need to go.
You'd be hoisted by your own petard.
There is no short cut nor easy way of picking candidates to support.
You must study the issues, and make your best choice….and then
hope and hope and pray that the right person is in office. And yes,
they not always are.
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To subscribe to the newspaper, call 770 522-4141.
Modern kids and Halloween
Another great cartoon from Bill McLemore:
10/27: Nothing fair
for most people about so-called fair tax
Editor, The Forum:
I read with amusement the piece by Bob Foreman on the so-called
"Fair Tax." (Focus,
10/24). The name is a misnomer if there ever was one, as
the proposed tax is anything but fair.
It is widely known by economists that a sales tax is the most regressive
tax there is, hitting the lower income population far more heavily
than those with great wealth.
A person who is struggling to get by on something near the minimum
wage is forced to spend all his income just to survive, and is taxed
on it - 100 percent of it as 100 percent is taxed as it is spent.
On the other hand, a person of great wealth who does not require
all his income just to survive pays tax only on what is spent, and
many times this is only 10 percent or so of what is earned. This
person is then free to bank or invest the balance of his income
tax-free, assuring him of an even larger income in the future.
So this is what we have:
Recent column on redevelopment
only brings him confusion
Editor, the Forum:
We have enough trouble with politicians now with clearly written
laws. One can only imagine the problems that are possible given
the vagueness of the ballot question regarding the Re-development
Powers Law.
I am told that if I understood the question I would vote YES. Isn't
that the same argument the guys at Enron used when analysts questioned
the soundness of their business model?
A recent GwinnettForum column (October
24) apparently attempted to explain the question but I ended
up knowing three things the ballot question ISN'T. Apparently it
may help declining areas revitalize, may help reduce congestion
and sprawl and may help build infrastructure with private investment.
If the Redevelopment Powers Law of 1985 gave local governments a
way to revitalize declining areas, why is this question even on
the ballot?
At the end of the previous Forum there was a web site for more information.
Upon going there I found the same column in effect telling me I
would be dumb not to vote yes and the next article was questioning
the successes cited in the first article as justification for voting
yes.
Quite frankly this leaves me very confused and I believe the best
thing to do when the politicians confuse me is to vote no.
-- Patrick Malone, Snellville
Forum
presents questions to be on Nov. 7 ballot
A November 1 forum will focus on questions appearing on the November
7 ballots in Gwinnett. The Forum will start at 5:30 in the Stephens
Education Room at the
Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce.
The items under discussion will include:
Restrictions of the use of eminent domain: State Senator Don
Balfour speaking.
The ballot question reads: "Shall the Constitution of Georgia
be amended so as to prohibit the use of eminent domain by certain
non-elected authorities and to prohibit the contested use of eminent
domain except for public use as defined by general law?'
One percent sales and use tax for educational purposes: Mike
Levergood to speak.
The ballot question reads: "Shall a special one percent
sales and use tax be continued in the special district of Gwinnett
County for a period of time not to exceed 20 calendar quarters
and for the raising of an estimated amount of $1,100,000,000,
to be distributed among the Gwinnett County School District and
the City of Buford School District for the purpose of funding
the multiple projects. If continuation of the tax is approved
by the voters, such vote shall also constitute approval of the
issuance of general obligation debt of the Gwinnett County School
District in the principal amount of not to exceed $425,000,000
for the purpose of funding all or a portion of the Gwinnett Projects."
Re-Development Powers Law: Mike Sullivan as speaker
The ballot question reads: "Shall the act be approved which
authorizes Gwinnett County to exercise redevelopment powers under
"The Redevelopment Powers Law," as it may be amended
from time to time?"
Small business finalists
to panel at Chamber Nov. 7
The 2006 Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the
Year finalists will present "Secrets to Small Business Success"
at a luncheon on November 7 at the John D. Stephens Room of the
Chamber. The finalists will tell of what obstacles they faced in
their business, and how they overcame them.
The finalists were: Al Karnitz, Ace Truck Body & Trailer Repair,
Inc.; Bruce Arnett, Carnett's Car Washes; Roger Green, Green Financial
Services, LLC; Bob Williamson; Horizon Software International, Inc.;
and Brian Perdue, Salon 124, Inc.,
Cost is $45 for Chamber members; $55 for non-Chamber members. Registration
deadline is October 30.
Gwinnett Philharmonic
presents Inman trio on Nov. 9
The Gwinnett Philharmonic will present the Inman Piano Trio in
concert on Thursday, November 9, at 8 p.m. in the Gwinnett Performing
Arts Center. The Inman Piano Trio "Café Music and More"
concert is the first presentation in the Philharmonic Presents 2006/2007
series, and features violinist Beth Newdome, cellist David Bjella
and pianist Brent Runnels performing works by Dmitri Shostakovich
and Paul Schoenfield.
Inman Piano Trio |
Beth Newdome is associate professor of violin at Florida State
University, joining that faculty in Fall 2002 after 17 years with
major symphony orchestras in the United States. She most recently
served as the Associate Concertmaster of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
David Bjella is associate professor of cello at Stetson University
in Deland, Fla. and visiting professor of cello at Florida State
University, as well as a member of the Iris Chamber Orchestra in
Memphis, Tenn..
Brent Runnels has won critical acclaim for his performances in
the US, Europe, Australia and Russia as an orchestral and recital
soloist, chamber musician, and jazz pianist.
The program for the November 9 concert will include "Trio
# 1, Op. 8" by Dmitri Shostakovich; "Café Music"
by Paul Schoenfield; and "Trio in E minor, Op. 67," also
by Shostakovich. Nichols states, "the 'Cafe Music' by Schoenfield
will make for a fun listening experience. The trio's performance
of some of the amazing music of Shostakovich will fill out a great
concert program. Our Gwinnett audience will be quite captivated
by the imagination and energy of the Inman Piano Trio."
The Gwinnett Philharmonic both presents concerts by guest artists,
such as the Inman Piano Trio and the Atlanta Symphony Brass Quintet,
and performs in concert as an orchestra of professional musicians
in its own right. The Philharmonic is in its 12th season bringing
quality orchestral music to Gwinnett County and neighboring areas.
For more information on this or the Inman Piano Trio, visit the
Philharmonic website at www.gwinnettphilharmonic.org
or call 770-418-1115.
Aurora
Theatre plans third annual Spooktacular event
Aurora Theatre plans to celebrate the Halloween season in style.
For its third annual Monster Mash Bash, it is offering a dinner
and show in the private dining room upstairs at Lil' River Grill.
Guests will enjoy a three-course menu.
The events will be two nights only, October 30 and 31, at 6:30
and 9 p.m. each night. Cost is $40 for children and $55 for adults,
which includes cost of the food and play. For reservations, call
770 339 0689 or log in at www.auroratheatre.com.
Aurora Theatre will feature the best of Broadway's spooky side
in a dynamic musical presentation. The room will be appointed for
the Halloween Season and guests are encouraged to come in costume
as there will be prizes for the best dressed. This Spooktactular
event includes selections from The Phantom of the Opera, Little
Shop of Horrors, Rocky Horror Picture Show, even Weird Al and more!
Gwinnett Place CID
starts on comprehensive plan for area
Gwinnett Place CID leaders have started a 120-day process of completing
a Comprehensive Redevelopment Plan for the District. Consultants
with Street Smarts will work in conjunction with Jordan Jones and
Goulding and Pond and Company on the study.
The resulting plan will provide CID organizers with a complete document
that focuses on land use, pedestrian access, traffic circulation
and urban design as well as strategies for stimulating reinvestment
in the greater Gwinnett Place area.
Consultants will meet with CID board members, District property
owners, county agencies, the Chamber of Commerce, developers planning
high-rise buildings for the area and other stakeholders to generate
a thorough, realistic outlook on future revitalization efforts.
Executive Director Joe Allen said the CID's efforts will build on
the Gwinnett Revitalization Task Force study completed in 2004 and
the Atlanta Regional Commission's Gwinnett Livable Centers Initiative
report completed in 2001.
Walker Drive-In, Jackson, Miss.
We realize that many Gwinnettians don't routinely go to Jackson,
Miss., but if you do, there's a dining experience you should take
in. If you have not heard of the Walker Drive-In before, you may
overlook it, north of the main part of the city on State Street.
It's a 1950's style former drive-in, spruced up stylishly with semi
art deco style. But the real draw is the food, prepared in quite
an exquisite manner, in real tasteful surprises. The menu is extensive,
the seafood is flown in fresh daily, and the imagination of the
chef is superb. You'll come away with a fresh view of Jackson because
of this outstanding restaurant. It's a little pricey, but well worth
the visit to their world of dining. ---eeb
- An invitation: What
Web sites, books or restaurants have you enjoyed? Send us your
best recent visit to a restaurant or most recent book you have
read along with a short paragraph as to why you liked it, plus
what book you plan to read next. --eeb
Georgia
Aviation Hall of Fame located in Warner Robins
On April 19, 1989, Governor Joe Frank Harris signed a bill authorizing
the creation of the Georgia
Aviation Hall of Fame (GAHF). Since then GAHF has been in continuous
operation and is housed in the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air
Force Base in Warner Robins.
Hall of Fame |
As of 2005, 70 Georgia aviation pioneers have been enshrined in
GAHF. Among these are Eugene Bullard, the African American pilot
who became an ace for the French Air Service in World War I (1917-18);
aviation pioneer Ben Epps Sr. and his son Ben Epps Jr.; General
Robert Scott, an ace during World War II (1941-45) and the author
of God Is My Co-Pilot; Eddie V. Rickenbacker, renowned World War
I ace and commercial aviation pioneer; astronauts John W. Young
and Manley L. "Sonny" Carter Jr.; George H. Gay Jr., the
lone survivor of the first wave of U.S. naval aircraft to attack
the Japanese fleet at the Battle of Midway; famed Tuskegee Airman
Charles W. Dryden; Medal of Honor winner Joe M. Jackson; aviation
pioneering brothers Charles J., Frank S., and Ben Faulkner; and
Major General Cornelius Nugteren and Robert E. Hails, both former
commanders of the Warner Robins Air Logistics Center at Robins AFB.
Six women have also been honored as of 2004, including the stunt
flyer and World War II veteran Hazel Raines and the aviation record
setter Jacqueline Cochran.
In 2000 the GAHF board created the Chairman's Award, presented
annually to a person who has made distinguished contributions to
the Museum of Aviation, GAHF, Robins AFB, or the local community.
Recipients include Denmark Groover (2000), Alpha A. Fowler Jr. (2001),
Carl E. Swearingen (2002), George J. Berry (2003), and Robert H.
Sprayberry (2004).
Did you eve wonder:
"Why didn't I think of that?"
"Millions saw the apple fall, but Newton was the one who asked
why."
-- Philosopher Bernard Baruch (1870-1965).
Send your thoughts, 55-word short stories, pet peeves
or comments on any issue to Gwinnett
Forum for future publication.
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MORE: Contact Gwinnett Forum at: elliott@gwinnettforum.com
© 2006, Gwinnett Forum.com. Gwinnett Forum
is an online community commentary for exploring pragmatic and sensible
social, political and economic approaches to improve life in Gwinnett
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