The Democratic Party is essentially weak as my kitten, but it needn't be that way. Indeed, with the right platform, they may be able to make inroads to the Republican monopoly. In fact, an article in today's Jackson CLARION-LEDGER, page 2B, could help galvanize Democratic support.
I'm not a Democrat, but my opinion of the Rankin County GOP is unprintable. In fact, I seriously considered becoming a Democrat back in 2000. I went to the state Democratic Party convention in Jackson that year. I just wanted to observe what was going on. While there were your flaming liberals, I met a lot of conservatives who hated the country club wing of the GOP. If it had not been for a former Rankin County Democratic official who cursed and yelled at me when I was at the convention, humiliating me in front of a lot of folks, I just might have switched. Thanks to this jackass of a sea hag "lady", I decided I wouldn't switch. I would have hated to see her at Rankin County Democratic Executive Committee meetings and having her cursing me in the crudest terms.
Nevertheless, the Democrats are not hopeless in Rankin County despite the demographics. Let us assume the Democrats would nominate social conservatives (i.e., pro-life), otherwise they wouldn't stand a chance. Here is what they should propose and I believe they would be winning issues:
1. The article I referenced in the first paragraph referred to development in Castlewoods. There are a lot of people who are tired of all the development in Rankin County---including me. If I were a Democrat, I would say this: "From Florence to Flowood, from Pearl to Pelahatchie, we are becoming a concrete jungle." I would point out that all of this development has raised our taxes and destroyed the environment. Look at Airport Road. It used to be tree-rich. Now all the trees are being chopped down in the name of "development." Do we want a concrete jungle and traffic gridlock? Do we want to destroy the natural habitat in the name of "development?"
2. Taxes have gone up under GOP rule. I thought the GOP was the party of lower taxes and less government. That hasn't been the case in Rankin County. This unrestrained development is raising taxes and causing traffic congestion. Follow the scenario: We need a good tax base, so we allow more development. Development comes and there is more traffic congestion. So we raise taxes for infrastructure. Plus because more people move in, so more schools have to be built. So we raise taxes to build the schools. To pay for the taxes, we need more development. Notice the vicious cycle? Has the GOP done anything to stop the cycle? Do you believe in Martians?
3. Emergency bidding has cost the county money. Why can't we accept the lowest bids at ALL times, including the purchase of vehicles? I thought the GOP was conservative when it came to spending those coins.
4. Does the Rankin County Board of Supervisors give money to non-government organizations? If so, why? Does it give money to the Rankin County Chamber of Commerce? If so, why? If business is so great in Rankin County, why can't the Chamber of Commerce support itself and not get a dime from the government?
5. Why not zero-based budgeting? That has always been a Republican mantra, but they sure as blue blazes don't follow it. The Democrats would be wise to implement zero-based budgeting. They should turn the tables on the GOP and make them look like big spenders.
6. Have impact fees. If we are going to have unrestrained "cowboy" development in Rankin County, shouldn't some of these developers pay some impact fees to finance the infrastructure where their developments are located? If there are impact fees, shouldn't they be raised?
The Democrats in this county may be surprised at the disenchantment over all this development. The "concrete jungle" is a real possibility in Rankin County and this present bunch of supervisors doesn't even care. If the Democrats have any sense, they would address these issues and nominate candidates. Even in Castlewoods, Crossgates and the Reservoir, there is a lot more disenchantment with all this development than you think.
If I were the Democrats, I would come up with a thorough platform on how they would deal with county matters. People are tired of just the "Development Voice" as propagated by the Republican Party. They are looking for an alternative. Will the Democrats step up to the plate and provide the alternative? If they do, I'd be more than willing to help the Democratic nominee in the election (so long as that individual is conservative on social issues). My disgust with the county GOP is overwhelming. And believe me, I am not alone.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Why Richard Redfern Lost
I was very much surprised Richard Redfern lost. When the candidates qualified, I would have given Redfern the edge in being elected Chancery Judge. He is well-known and is a very likeable guy. I've talked to him before and found him to be a very gracious person. So why did he lose?
Here are the reasons I believe he lost. I've talked to a lot of people and here is what I found:
1. The fact he misrepresented Dan Fairly's record. He was cited by some State Supreme Court committee for that when he stated Fairly was never a judge (He was judge pro-tem for the city of Flowood). Earlier, he was admonished for using "Judge" preceding his name, letting voters think he was the incumbent.
2. A few long-time Rankin Countians remembered he ran as a REPUBLICAN for Justice Court in 2003. He was appointed as Justice Court Judge and later narrowly defeated Charles Tillman for the post. That special election was nonpartisan. So it was going to be interesting if he was going to run as a Democrat in 2003. After all, he was once chairman of the Rankin County Democratic Party in 1996 (He graciously invited me to the state Democratic convention as his guest.). He ran for DA in 1991 as a Democrat, losing by over a hundred votes to John Kitchens. Imagine the shock of a lot of Democrats when he ran as a Republican in 2003. In my opinion, I think he would have been elected if he had run as a Democrat. A lot of Democrats are angry over party-switchers and may have taken it out on Redfern at the polls.
3. It was "time for a change." Richard Redfern has been in politics in Rankin County for years. Dan Fairly was the "new kid on the block." People were willing to give Fairly the benefit of the doubt.
4. Dan Fairly wisely appeared on talk radio. In a low-profile race such as Chancery Judge, that was one way to get the message out. On at least three occaisions, Fairly appeared on WJNT's "Kim Wade Show", which airs Monday through Friday 5-6PM. Conservatives listen to that show and is the leading drive-by talk show in the area. Fairly came off as a staunch conservative whom conservatives could easily vote for. Redfern did advertise on WJNT, but did not appear on the show (at least when I listened to it, which is every day except Wednesday).
5. Fairly was a formidable opponent. He was well-funded and had plenty of advertising. I have at least four mailouts he sent out.
6. One of Redfern's fliers it stated the churches Fairly and Redfern went to--Redfern is a Baptist and Fairly a Presbyterian. This is not as innocuous as it seems. A few people felt it was to get fellow Baptists to vote for Redfern. What was the purpose of bringing out the denominations of the two candidates?
This is not to knock Richard Redfern. I believe he would have been a good judge. He is fair and honest. And as a person, I happen to like him. But this was not his year.
Here are the reasons I believe he lost. I've talked to a lot of people and here is what I found:
1. The fact he misrepresented Dan Fairly's record. He was cited by some State Supreme Court committee for that when he stated Fairly was never a judge (He was judge pro-tem for the city of Flowood). Earlier, he was admonished for using "Judge" preceding his name, letting voters think he was the incumbent.
2. A few long-time Rankin Countians remembered he ran as a REPUBLICAN for Justice Court in 2003. He was appointed as Justice Court Judge and later narrowly defeated Charles Tillman for the post. That special election was nonpartisan. So it was going to be interesting if he was going to run as a Democrat in 2003. After all, he was once chairman of the Rankin County Democratic Party in 1996 (He graciously invited me to the state Democratic convention as his guest.). He ran for DA in 1991 as a Democrat, losing by over a hundred votes to John Kitchens. Imagine the shock of a lot of Democrats when he ran as a Republican in 2003. In my opinion, I think he would have been elected if he had run as a Democrat. A lot of Democrats are angry over party-switchers and may have taken it out on Redfern at the polls.
3. It was "time for a change." Richard Redfern has been in politics in Rankin County for years. Dan Fairly was the "new kid on the block." People were willing to give Fairly the benefit of the doubt.
4. Dan Fairly wisely appeared on talk radio. In a low-profile race such as Chancery Judge, that was one way to get the message out. On at least three occaisions, Fairly appeared on WJNT's "Kim Wade Show", which airs Monday through Friday 5-6PM. Conservatives listen to that show and is the leading drive-by talk show in the area. Fairly came off as a staunch conservative whom conservatives could easily vote for. Redfern did advertise on WJNT, but did not appear on the show (at least when I listened to it, which is every day except Wednesday).
5. Fairly was a formidable opponent. He was well-funded and had plenty of advertising. I have at least four mailouts he sent out.
6. One of Redfern's fliers it stated the churches Fairly and Redfern went to--Redfern is a Baptist and Fairly a Presbyterian. This is not as innocuous as it seems. A few people felt it was to get fellow Baptists to vote for Redfern. What was the purpose of bringing out the denominations of the two candidates?
This is not to knock Richard Redfern. I believe he would have been a good judge. He is fair and honest. And as a person, I happen to like him. But this was not his year.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Why I'm Voting for Harold Taylor
I will be the first to tell you I don't agree with the Libertarian Party (LP) on a lot of things. Unfortunately, I cannot vote for the Republican or Democratic candidates. Senator Trent Lott and State Rep. Erik Fleming leave a lot to be desired.
Sen. Lott is no conservative. He can spend those Federal dollars like it's going out of style. That $700 million railroad crossing near a gambling casino is just too much. He may be conservative on the social issues, but not on economic issues. He'll bankrupt the government for Katrina relief efforts.
Erik Fleming, like Lott, is pro-life and pro-gun. He's also in favor of pulling out of Iraq ASAP, which I agree. But he wants to spend money for universal socialized medicine and other big government schemes. I can't vote for him.
Harold Taylor wants to reduce government and get out of Iraq. I'm not in favor of legalizing hard drugs and I'm vehemently opposed to abortion. But his positives far outweigh his negatives. He's far better than Lott or Fleming.
Taylor doesn't stand a snowball's chance in Key West in July. But at least he's got principles and is willing to stand up for them. Lott will sell out his beliefs for Federal dollars. Plus his dive during the Clinton impeachment hearings was despicable. Fleming would give voting rights to convicted criminals. If you are a principled conservative, you're only vote is for Taylor.
As for Congress in the Third District, I'm not voting for Pickering or Giles. My box turtle Pokey Jo has more brains than the two of them put together. I'll just leave it blank.
How sad this is the best we can do. I think Jim Hightower said it for me thirteen years ago when he said, "A third party? It would be great if we had a second party." I guess when God created politicians, He created many of them to be lamebrained idiots.
Sen. Lott is no conservative. He can spend those Federal dollars like it's going out of style. That $700 million railroad crossing near a gambling casino is just too much. He may be conservative on the social issues, but not on economic issues. He'll bankrupt the government for Katrina relief efforts.
Erik Fleming, like Lott, is pro-life and pro-gun. He's also in favor of pulling out of Iraq ASAP, which I agree. But he wants to spend money for universal socialized medicine and other big government schemes. I can't vote for him.
Harold Taylor wants to reduce government and get out of Iraq. I'm not in favor of legalizing hard drugs and I'm vehemently opposed to abortion. But his positives far outweigh his negatives. He's far better than Lott or Fleming.
Taylor doesn't stand a snowball's chance in Key West in July. But at least he's got principles and is willing to stand up for them. Lott will sell out his beliefs for Federal dollars. Plus his dive during the Clinton impeachment hearings was despicable. Fleming would give voting rights to convicted criminals. If you are a principled conservative, you're only vote is for Taylor.
As for Congress in the Third District, I'm not voting for Pickering or Giles. My box turtle Pokey Jo has more brains than the two of them put together. I'll just leave it blank.
How sad this is the best we can do. I think Jim Hightower said it for me thirteen years ago when he said, "A third party? It would be great if we had a second party." I guess when God created politicians, He created many of them to be lamebrained idiots.
Saturday, September 30, 2006
Knox Ross for Mississippi State Auditor?
I have talked to my political contacts in Rankin County and I have been informed Knox Ross is thinking of running for State Auditor on the Republican ticket next year. As a CPA and a mayor of a small town (Pelahatchie), he has the credentials to be an excellent State Auditor.
Here are the things working in his favor:
1. He is a CPA. The last time a CPA was State Auditor was when Hamp King held the post. He left in 1984. Since then, ambitious politicians have served in the post. Ross knows what constitutes a good audit and would be very effective as a State Auditor.
2. He has electoral experience. He is in his second term as mayor. Being a mayor of a small town (1100 people ain't big.), he would have hands-on experience on city financial matters. He would already understand a lot of the municipal financial and other governmental sector financial audits.
3. Being a CPA in Pearl, I know people who know him. They think very highly of him. Unlike the extremely arrogant pretty-boy Phil Bryant, Ross would be down to earth and easy to talk with. People tell me he is very polite and humble. They also tell me he knows his taxes and accounting.
4. If he is elected State Auditor, I think he will stay in that position and not use it as a
stepping stone for higher office. Hamp King never ran for higher office and he was one of the most respected public officials the state has ever had.
Nevertheless, he faces hurdles. First of all, he has no name recognition. Even in Rankin County, not many know him. Pelahatchie is on the far eastern tip of the county, far away from the urban areas. I know who he is, but I'm a political and accounting junkie.
Secondly, he will be running against a "name" candidate in the GOP primary: State Sen. Stacy Pickering. He is related to Congressman Chip Pickering and the Congressman's father, Charles Pickering. The Pickerings have money and contacts. Look for them to use them to help Stacy. And don't think Stacy is going to stay on for more than a term or two as State Auditor. He'll have other political ambitions.
Third, Ross is going to need money. Ross, like me, is a small-town CPA. He doesn't have the coins to finance his own campaign. He's going to need some big donors to help him. At least Ross is from GOP-rich in votes Rankin County. Rankin County casts between 15% to 25% of the GOP vote in a state Republican primary.
When I vote in the primary, I'll definitely vote for Ross (if Ross runs). If the State Attorney General's office requires an attorney to serve in that post, shouldn't the State Auditor's position require a CPA to serve in that post? Ross would not only know what is going on as a State Auditor when it comes to audits, he also wouldn't use it as a political post.
Ross is not a pretty-boy blow-dried politician. But he is intelligent, hard-working, honorable and has the qualifications to be an excellent State Auditor. He would be great for the state if he was elected to that post.
Here are the things working in his favor:
1. He is a CPA. The last time a CPA was State Auditor was when Hamp King held the post. He left in 1984. Since then, ambitious politicians have served in the post. Ross knows what constitutes a good audit and would be very effective as a State Auditor.
2. He has electoral experience. He is in his second term as mayor. Being a mayor of a small town (1100 people ain't big.), he would have hands-on experience on city financial matters. He would already understand a lot of the municipal financial and other governmental sector financial audits.
3. Being a CPA in Pearl, I know people who know him. They think very highly of him. Unlike the extremely arrogant pretty-boy Phil Bryant, Ross would be down to earth and easy to talk with. People tell me he is very polite and humble. They also tell me he knows his taxes and accounting.
4. If he is elected State Auditor, I think he will stay in that position and not use it as a
stepping stone for higher office. Hamp King never ran for higher office and he was one of the most respected public officials the state has ever had.
Nevertheless, he faces hurdles. First of all, he has no name recognition. Even in Rankin County, not many know him. Pelahatchie is on the far eastern tip of the county, far away from the urban areas. I know who he is, but I'm a political and accounting junkie.
Secondly, he will be running against a "name" candidate in the GOP primary: State Sen. Stacy Pickering. He is related to Congressman Chip Pickering and the Congressman's father, Charles Pickering. The Pickerings have money and contacts. Look for them to use them to help Stacy. And don't think Stacy is going to stay on for more than a term or two as State Auditor. He'll have other political ambitions.
Third, Ross is going to need money. Ross, like me, is a small-town CPA. He doesn't have the coins to finance his own campaign. He's going to need some big donors to help him. At least Ross is from GOP-rich in votes Rankin County. Rankin County casts between 15% to 25% of the GOP vote in a state Republican primary.
When I vote in the primary, I'll definitely vote for Ross (if Ross runs). If the State Attorney General's office requires an attorney to serve in that post, shouldn't the State Auditor's position require a CPA to serve in that post? Ross would not only know what is going on as a State Auditor when it comes to audits, he also wouldn't use it as a political post.
Ross is not a pretty-boy blow-dried politician. But he is intelligent, hard-working, honorable and has the qualifications to be an excellent State Auditor. He would be great for the state if he was elected to that post.
Thursday, August 31, 2006
Bush Hatred
I'm no big supporter of President George Walker Bush. I did not vote for him in 2000 (I voted for Pat Buchanan). I did vote for Bush in 2004, but there wasn't any choice. He was pro-life and promised to appoint conservatives to the Federal courts (A promise he has kept.). I bitterly disagree with his big spending policies and his big government programs (especially Medicare Part D). Plus, I do not think we should be fighting in Iraq. As an old rightist (philsophy, not age) , I think we should not be involved in any foreign affairs other than to protect the national security of the United States.
Nevertheless, I do NOT hate Bush. I have been in politics since I was ten years old--the 1960 Presidential campaign. With the exception of Nixon in his last year of office due to Watergate, I have never seen such hatred against a President than I have seen against Bush. Not even Reagan (My hero) faced such vile hatred. Yet Bush is more of a liberal than Reagan ever dreamed of. Bush can spend those Federal dollars. In fact, Bill Clinton was a tightwad compared to Bush. Yet the left goes bonkers in hatred over Bush.
Right now, a movie is being produced on the assassination of President Bush. The left-wing moonbats passionately hate the man. I know liberals who literally foam at the mouth if you say ANYTHING good about Bush. For laughs, I read some liberal publications. Believe me, they hate Bush with a vile passion. These moonbats would literally rejoice if Bush were killed.
I know there were conservatives who hated ex-President Bill Clinton. But there were none in the conservative movement who advocated his assassination. Conservatives hated his policies, but couldn't hate the guy. Look, I didn't like his policies and I thought he was a shameless womanizer and liar. But I actually LIKED the guy. He seemed like a fun fellow. He would have made a good fishing buddy.
I'm really sick and tired of the Bush hatred and the Bush-bashing. To have a movie on Bush's assassination is a sick low blow. These people shouldn't be in politics. They should be in a nuthouse and fed underneath the door. They are sick.
Nevertheless, I do NOT hate Bush. I have been in politics since I was ten years old--the 1960 Presidential campaign. With the exception of Nixon in his last year of office due to Watergate, I have never seen such hatred against a President than I have seen against Bush. Not even Reagan (My hero) faced such vile hatred. Yet Bush is more of a liberal than Reagan ever dreamed of. Bush can spend those Federal dollars. In fact, Bill Clinton was a tightwad compared to Bush. Yet the left goes bonkers in hatred over Bush.
Right now, a movie is being produced on the assassination of President Bush. The left-wing moonbats passionately hate the man. I know liberals who literally foam at the mouth if you say ANYTHING good about Bush. For laughs, I read some liberal publications. Believe me, they hate Bush with a vile passion. These moonbats would literally rejoice if Bush were killed.
I know there were conservatives who hated ex-President Bill Clinton. But there were none in the conservative movement who advocated his assassination. Conservatives hated his policies, but couldn't hate the guy. Look, I didn't like his policies and I thought he was a shameless womanizer and liar. But I actually LIKED the guy. He seemed like a fun fellow. He would have made a good fishing buddy.
I'm really sick and tired of the Bush hatred and the Bush-bashing. To have a movie on Bush's assassination is a sick low blow. These people shouldn't be in politics. They should be in a nuthouse and fed underneath the door. They are sick.
Saturday, July 22, 2006
A Rankin County Dilemma: Ross or Bryant
Next year, two leading politicians in Rankin County will be running for the most powerful job in the state of Mississippi: Lieutenant Governor. They will face off in the Republican primary. And believe me, it will be a heated primary.
On paper, Phil Bryant has the most political experience. He was a state representative from Jan. 1992 to Nov. 1996 and State Auditor from Nov. 1996 to the present. Charles Ross has been a state representative and later a state senator from Jan. 1997 to the present. Phil Bryant has more name recognition and probably more money.
I know both of them. Phil Bryant is friendlier, but he has lied to me and I have no use for him. As his race develops, I will post more information. I had the misfortune to serve with him on the Rankin County Republican Executive Committee for a couple of years (1988-1990). I could not stand him. I did not consider him to be very smart. I know former employees in the State Auditor's office who think he is a dim bulb. One former employee told me he is nothing but a pretty boy who probably gets his hair coiffed at Monique's.
Charlie Ross is arrogant and aloof, but he is very intelligent and honest. I've dealt with him before and found him to be straightforward, even though I was no friend of his. Charles Ross has served as State Senator for a couple of terms and he knows the legislative process quite well.
I believe he would be honest and fair in his dealings with the State Senate if he became Lt. Governor.
As far as looks and charm go, Bryant has Ross beat by a country mile. If you want brains and knowledge, Ross beats Bryant by miles. If I were to bet, Bryant would beat Ross in Rankin County and the state in the primary. But in the general election, I think Ross would be a lot tougher to beat. In a debate with the Democrat, Ross would club the Democrat but the Democrat would cream Bryant.
In Rankin County, Bryant would win. Chances are excellent Bryant would carry every major section of the county. He would easily win Pearl. But that is today's forecast. As I wrote before, this will not be a pretty primary. In a debate, Bryant would look handsomer and more debonaire but would be exposed as an empty suit. Ross would slaughter Bryant in a debate. It wouldn't even be close. You'd have to pick Bryant off the floor because he would be so badly beaten.
I'll make no bones as to whom I will vote for: Charlie Ross. At least he is honest and forthright. That is a lot more than what I can say for Bryant.
As for the general election, I'll wait and see who's the Democratic nominee. There's no way I would vote for Barbara Blackmon or State Rep. Jamie Franks, two flaming liberals. But if the Democrats can nominate a conservative, I could vote for him (her). If Ross is the nominee, I could vote for him no matter who the Democrats nominate. But there is no way on God's green earth I would ever vote for a phony like Bryant. I would either vote for the Democrat or leave it blank.
As time goes on, I will place more postings on my blog about this race. It promises to be a doozy.
On paper, Phil Bryant has the most political experience. He was a state representative from Jan. 1992 to Nov. 1996 and State Auditor from Nov. 1996 to the present. Charles Ross has been a state representative and later a state senator from Jan. 1997 to the present. Phil Bryant has more name recognition and probably more money.
I know both of them. Phil Bryant is friendlier, but he has lied to me and I have no use for him. As his race develops, I will post more information. I had the misfortune to serve with him on the Rankin County Republican Executive Committee for a couple of years (1988-1990). I could not stand him. I did not consider him to be very smart. I know former employees in the State Auditor's office who think he is a dim bulb. One former employee told me he is nothing but a pretty boy who probably gets his hair coiffed at Monique's.
Charlie Ross is arrogant and aloof, but he is very intelligent and honest. I've dealt with him before and found him to be straightforward, even though I was no friend of his. Charles Ross has served as State Senator for a couple of terms and he knows the legislative process quite well.
I believe he would be honest and fair in his dealings with the State Senate if he became Lt. Governor.
As far as looks and charm go, Bryant has Ross beat by a country mile. If you want brains and knowledge, Ross beats Bryant by miles. If I were to bet, Bryant would beat Ross in Rankin County and the state in the primary. But in the general election, I think Ross would be a lot tougher to beat. In a debate with the Democrat, Ross would club the Democrat but the Democrat would cream Bryant.
In Rankin County, Bryant would win. Chances are excellent Bryant would carry every major section of the county. He would easily win Pearl. But that is today's forecast. As I wrote before, this will not be a pretty primary. In a debate, Bryant would look handsomer and more debonaire but would be exposed as an empty suit. Ross would slaughter Bryant in a debate. It wouldn't even be close. You'd have to pick Bryant off the floor because he would be so badly beaten.
I'll make no bones as to whom I will vote for: Charlie Ross. At least he is honest and forthright. That is a lot more than what I can say for Bryant.
As for the general election, I'll wait and see who's the Democratic nominee. There's no way I would vote for Barbara Blackmon or State Rep. Jamie Franks, two flaming liberals. But if the Democrats can nominate a conservative, I could vote for him (her). If Ross is the nominee, I could vote for him no matter who the Democrats nominate. But there is no way on God's green earth I would ever vote for a phony like Bryant. I would either vote for the Democrat or leave it blank.
As time goes on, I will place more postings on my blog about this race. It promises to be a doozy.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Romney's Religion Problem
There is no doubt Mitt Romney is running for the Rpublican nomination for President. He seems like a fine person, an excellent husband and father and a good governor of Massachusetts. He is the only current governor running for President (although he has not announced). I followed his career as governor and I can tell you he was a good governor--considering he had a 6-1 Democratic margin in the state legislature. And most of those Democrats would make Lenin look like a flaming John Bircher.
Nevertheless, Romney is wasting his time running. My box turtle Pokey Jo would stand a better chance of getting on the Republican ticket in 2008 than Romney. Why? His religion.
Romney is a Mormon and a fairly devout one. Romney can call himself a devout Christian and tell people he believes in Jesus. It may play with liberal Protestants and some Catholics. But it will not play with fundamentalist Christians (which I am one). The great majority of fundamentalist Christians live in the South, which is the cockpit of Republican Presidential primaries.
In the Deep South, the Southern Baptist church is the main church of fundamentalist Christians. In the Baptist church, there is a thing called "Discipleship Training" (It used to be called "Training Union.") This training is usually held on Sunday night, an hour before the evening service (For more time, some of them are held on Wednesday nights.). During this training, one of the classes deals with cults. The Mormon church is considered a cult.
In one very large (5500 members) fundamentalist Baptist church, I remember going to a class years ago on the Mormons. We all freaked out when we read their beliefs and theology. The Mormons believe Jesus is a lesser prophet or god than Moroni. They believe you can baptize your dead ancestors. They believe if you follow the book of the Mormon, lead an exemplary life and have a large family, you can become a god on another planet. It is a secretive religion, which definitely conflicts with the openness of the Baptist faith. And Mormons wear some sacred clothing, which spooks a lot of us Baptists. The polygamy thing didn't use to bother us. But with the Supreme Court overturning sodomy laws and Massachusetts allowing homosexual marriage, will polygamous marriages become legal?
There is no doubt Romney is very charming and intelligent. At first blush, he'll appeal to Southern audiences. But once his religious beliefs become common knowledge, he'll be toast. He will have a horrible time explaining his beliefs to fundamentalist Baptists.
His religion will not be openly discussed. But in most Baptist churches, there is an organization called the "Men's Brotherhood." It's a bunch of men meeting very early (6AM) on a Sunday for breakfast. We discuss church mission projects and what to do, church events and secular politics. There are tens of thousands of meetings like this throughout the South. You can rest assured Romney's religion will be discussed. And you can also rest assured Romney will get no votes from Baptists who are aware of Romney's religious beliefs. If you think fundamentalist Baptists will vote for a Mormon, you are new in the South or you have been living in a swamp free from civilization.
Romney can have ten thousand people trying to mute Romney's Mormon beliefs and do all they can to convince us he's a Christian. Under NO circumstances will I vote for Romney if he's on the ticket. And take my word for it, there are hundreds of thousands of people like me throughout the entire South who feel that way.
If you want more information on Romney's religion problem, go to www.RealClearPolitics.com. and check the link on Romney. I wrote a little commentary on Romney. The website is excellent and very informative.
Nevertheless, Romney is wasting his time running. My box turtle Pokey Jo would stand a better chance of getting on the Republican ticket in 2008 than Romney. Why? His religion.
Romney is a Mormon and a fairly devout one. Romney can call himself a devout Christian and tell people he believes in Jesus. It may play with liberal Protestants and some Catholics. But it will not play with fundamentalist Christians (which I am one). The great majority of fundamentalist Christians live in the South, which is the cockpit of Republican Presidential primaries.
In the Deep South, the Southern Baptist church is the main church of fundamentalist Christians. In the Baptist church, there is a thing called "Discipleship Training" (It used to be called "Training Union.") This training is usually held on Sunday night, an hour before the evening service (For more time, some of them are held on Wednesday nights.). During this training, one of the classes deals with cults. The Mormon church is considered a cult.
In one very large (5500 members) fundamentalist Baptist church, I remember going to a class years ago on the Mormons. We all freaked out when we read their beliefs and theology. The Mormons believe Jesus is a lesser prophet or god than Moroni. They believe you can baptize your dead ancestors. They believe if you follow the book of the Mormon, lead an exemplary life and have a large family, you can become a god on another planet. It is a secretive religion, which definitely conflicts with the openness of the Baptist faith. And Mormons wear some sacred clothing, which spooks a lot of us Baptists. The polygamy thing didn't use to bother us. But with the Supreme Court overturning sodomy laws and Massachusetts allowing homosexual marriage, will polygamous marriages become legal?
There is no doubt Romney is very charming and intelligent. At first blush, he'll appeal to Southern audiences. But once his religious beliefs become common knowledge, he'll be toast. He will have a horrible time explaining his beliefs to fundamentalist Baptists.
His religion will not be openly discussed. But in most Baptist churches, there is an organization called the "Men's Brotherhood." It's a bunch of men meeting very early (6AM) on a Sunday for breakfast. We discuss church mission projects and what to do, church events and secular politics. There are tens of thousands of meetings like this throughout the South. You can rest assured Romney's religion will be discussed. And you can also rest assured Romney will get no votes from Baptists who are aware of Romney's religious beliefs. If you think fundamentalist Baptists will vote for a Mormon, you are new in the South or you have been living in a swamp free from civilization.
Romney can have ten thousand people trying to mute Romney's Mormon beliefs and do all they can to convince us he's a Christian. Under NO circumstances will I vote for Romney if he's on the ticket. And take my word for it, there are hundreds of thousands of people like me throughout the entire South who feel that way.
If you want more information on Romney's religion problem, go to www.RealClearPolitics.com. and check the link on Romney. I wrote a little commentary on Romney. The website is excellent and very informative.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
U.S. Senate Democratic Primary Runoff
I voted in the runoff today at 7:03AM CDT. I lingered on for an hour at the Crest Park polling place, since I knew some of the ladies working the polls. I serve as a city election commissioner and all the ladies lived in Pearl. We talked city politics and what was going on in the city. When I left an hour later, I was still the only voter. Because he was pro-life, I voted for Erik Fleming. I called and e-mail Bill Bowlin as to where he stood on abortion and I never got an answer.
In the last primary, only fourteen people voted in the Crest Park box. I was the second one to have voted and two more voted when I left. In Rankin county, only 814 people voted. There were some boxes where nobody even came to vote, such as the Antioch box. In the North Pearson box, only one person voted--at 5:30PM (The polls close at 7PM.)! In the Crossgates box, which is a very strong Republican precinct, only six people voted. In the two Castlewoods boxes, another solidly GOP area, only twenty-six voted. And in the two Reservoir boxes, which are solidly Republican, only eighteen voted. It was only in the black boxes where there was an appreciable voter turnout, such as Cato (38 voted), Dry Creek (29), Johns (23), Mullins (28), Monterey (49), Northeast Brandon (37), West Brandon (47) and South Pearson (53).
Erik Fleming, the only black in the race, won the county with 53.808% of the vote. I expect him to easily carry it in the runoff. He's a state representative from Clinton, which is in Hinds County and borders Rankin. In the general election, he'll get about 25% of the vote against the incumbent Senator Trent Lott.
In the first primary, the statewide vote was 104846. Erik Fleming took 44.05% of the vote. I think he'll get about 70% in the runoff. I expect only about 40000-50000 votes in the runoff. What could throw a monkey wrench in my prediction is there is a runoff in CD1, which is in Bowlin's stomping grounds. In the first primary, the big contest was in CD2, where 83.6% of the vote was cast and that was Fleming's stomping grounds. If there is a big turnout in CD1 and a very low turnout in the rest of the state, Bowlin could pull out a narrow win. But black voters are the majority of the Democratic primary voters and they may vote for Fleming because he is black.
Bowlin would be a stronger candidate against Lott. The reason is not racial, but political. Fleming has been connected to political cookoo Lyndon LaRouche in LaRouche's past campaigns. That will hurt him against Lott. Bowlin has no political baggage other than running two losing races for Congress (CD1) as a Republican. He switched parties some time go because he was angry at the GOP for wanting total control of the state and Federal government (Well, so do the Democrats. Isn't that what the party system is all about?).
We'll know more tonight around 9PM.
In the last primary, only fourteen people voted in the Crest Park box. I was the second one to have voted and two more voted when I left. In Rankin county, only 814 people voted. There were some boxes where nobody even came to vote, such as the Antioch box. In the North Pearson box, only one person voted--at 5:30PM (The polls close at 7PM.)! In the Crossgates box, which is a very strong Republican precinct, only six people voted. In the two Castlewoods boxes, another solidly GOP area, only twenty-six voted. And in the two Reservoir boxes, which are solidly Republican, only eighteen voted. It was only in the black boxes where there was an appreciable voter turnout, such as Cato (38 voted), Dry Creek (29), Johns (23), Mullins (28), Monterey (49), Northeast Brandon (37), West Brandon (47) and South Pearson (53).
Erik Fleming, the only black in the race, won the county with 53.808% of the vote. I expect him to easily carry it in the runoff. He's a state representative from Clinton, which is in Hinds County and borders Rankin. In the general election, he'll get about 25% of the vote against the incumbent Senator Trent Lott.
In the first primary, the statewide vote was 104846. Erik Fleming took 44.05% of the vote. I think he'll get about 70% in the runoff. I expect only about 40000-50000 votes in the runoff. What could throw a monkey wrench in my prediction is there is a runoff in CD1, which is in Bowlin's stomping grounds. In the first primary, the big contest was in CD2, where 83.6% of the vote was cast and that was Fleming's stomping grounds. If there is a big turnout in CD1 and a very low turnout in the rest of the state, Bowlin could pull out a narrow win. But black voters are the majority of the Democratic primary voters and they may vote for Fleming because he is black.
Bowlin would be a stronger candidate against Lott. The reason is not racial, but political. Fleming has been connected to political cookoo Lyndon LaRouche in LaRouche's past campaigns. That will hurt him against Lott. Bowlin has no political baggage other than running two losing races for Congress (CD1) as a Republican. He switched parties some time go because he was angry at the GOP for wanting total control of the state and Federal government (Well, so do the Democrats. Isn't that what the party system is all about?).
We'll know more tonight around 9PM.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Jason Reed Was Laid to Rest Today
I went to the visitation yesterday at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home in Jackson. It was heart-wrenching. I saw photos of Jason with his parents (His father died late last year.) and his siblings. They seemed so happy together.
Yet when I viewed his body, he looked totally different. Cancer had taken a toll on him. He had a knot on his head, which is where the chemo went thorough. He was nearly bald with blond tufts of hair on his head. I was in tears over his death. He had so much to live for. He was only 32 years old. I know he would have made an excellent husband and father. And as a CPA, he would have been a credit to the profession. He had a thirst for learning and always strove for excellence. Indeed, the very last time I would ever see him alive was at the Butler Snow O'Mara tax seminar on October 26, 2004. During one of the afternoon breaks, he and I talked. He told me he felt run down and he could not get out of bed in the morning. He was always sleepy and had no energy. A month later, I found out he had a very rare form of leukemia. He and I talked in early 2005. He said he had no plans to "check out" and was going to fight it. He did to the bitter end. To my bitter regret, I never spoke to him again.
His mother, brother, sister and fiancee' were there. His sister Jennifer held up quite well. But his mother and fiancee' were really shaken up. All I could do was express my regrets.
Today was his funeral at Southside Assembly of God. He was very active in his church and loved the people there. As I wrote before and I'll write this again: He not only talked the talk about living the Christian life, he walked the walk. Of all the words of tongue and pen, the saddest are "what might have been."
Farewell Jason. I'll miss you. Enter the joy of the Lord and rest in the Bosom of Jesus.
Yet when I viewed his body, he looked totally different. Cancer had taken a toll on him. He had a knot on his head, which is where the chemo went thorough. He was nearly bald with blond tufts of hair on his head. I was in tears over his death. He had so much to live for. He was only 32 years old. I know he would have made an excellent husband and father. And as a CPA, he would have been a credit to the profession. He had a thirst for learning and always strove for excellence. Indeed, the very last time I would ever see him alive was at the Butler Snow O'Mara tax seminar on October 26, 2004. During one of the afternoon breaks, he and I talked. He told me he felt run down and he could not get out of bed in the morning. He was always sleepy and had no energy. A month later, I found out he had a very rare form of leukemia. He and I talked in early 2005. He said he had no plans to "check out" and was going to fight it. He did to the bitter end. To my bitter regret, I never spoke to him again.
His mother, brother, sister and fiancee' were there. His sister Jennifer held up quite well. But his mother and fiancee' were really shaken up. All I could do was express my regrets.
Today was his funeral at Southside Assembly of God. He was very active in his church and loved the people there. As I wrote before and I'll write this again: He not only talked the talk about living the Christian life, he walked the walk. Of all the words of tongue and pen, the saddest are "what might have been."
Farewell Jason. I'll miss you. Enter the joy of the Lord and rest in the Bosom of Jesus.
Two Great Speeches Started Two Powerful Movements
In my lifetime, there have been only two great speeches that started two very powerful movements. One was Martin Luther King, Jr.'s August 28, 1963 "I Have a Dream" and the other was Ronald Reagan's October 27, 1964 "A Time for Choosing." Both speeches started movements which last to this very day.
It is bitterly ironic that the two greatest speeches in my lifetime--just within fourteen months of one another--started movements that are often at odds with each other. Indeed, the two movements are still with us.
The movements are the Civil Rights movement and The Conservative movement. Obviously, both movements were there before King and Reagan made their speeches. But the speeches galvanized the movements. I still remember liberals in tears over King's speech (I was just entering my teen years when King made his speech.) and conservatives mesmerized by Reagan's speech.
I have listened and read the transcripts of both speeches. Whether or not you agree, the rhetoric is flowing and musical. It rings in your heart and head. King, being a Baptist minister, used religious rhetoric to galvanize his followers. Reagan, being a former actor and a political activist, used facts and figures laced with emotion to galvanize his followers. Even though I am very conservative but a strong supporter of the struggle for civil rights, I was deeply moved by King's speech. But what got me involved in politics was Reagan's speech. There are people who joined the civil rights movement because of King's speech who are still involved in the movement. Yet there are people who joined the conservative movement because of Reagan's speech and are still involved in the conservative movement.
Both movements have had monumental success. The Civil Rights movement accomplished the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The Conservative movement eventually galvanized Reagan to the White House for eight years. Both movements have had their share of successes and failures. But they are still with us.
It is so rare when a political speech starts a movement. There have been other excellent speeches in my lifetime, such as Ted Kennedy's address to the Democratic National Convention in 1980, Reagan's speech to the Republican National Convention in 1976 and other speeches to the Democratic or Republican National Conventions. They may have moved their followers, but they never started a movement.
Indeed, their followers said about them, "How well they spoke. Let us applaud them." But when King and Reagan gave their speeches, the people said, "Let us march."
To this very day, they are still marching.
It is bitterly ironic that the two greatest speeches in my lifetime--just within fourteen months of one another--started movements that are often at odds with each other. Indeed, the two movements are still with us.
The movements are the Civil Rights movement and The Conservative movement. Obviously, both movements were there before King and Reagan made their speeches. But the speeches galvanized the movements. I still remember liberals in tears over King's speech (I was just entering my teen years when King made his speech.) and conservatives mesmerized by Reagan's speech.
I have listened and read the transcripts of both speeches. Whether or not you agree, the rhetoric is flowing and musical. It rings in your heart and head. King, being a Baptist minister, used religious rhetoric to galvanize his followers. Reagan, being a former actor and a political activist, used facts and figures laced with emotion to galvanize his followers. Even though I am very conservative but a strong supporter of the struggle for civil rights, I was deeply moved by King's speech. But what got me involved in politics was Reagan's speech. There are people who joined the civil rights movement because of King's speech who are still involved in the movement. Yet there are people who joined the conservative movement because of Reagan's speech and are still involved in the conservative movement.
Both movements have had monumental success. The Civil Rights movement accomplished the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and the 1965 Voting Rights Act. The Conservative movement eventually galvanized Reagan to the White House for eight years. Both movements have had their share of successes and failures. But they are still with us.
It is so rare when a political speech starts a movement. There have been other excellent speeches in my lifetime, such as Ted Kennedy's address to the Democratic National Convention in 1980, Reagan's speech to the Republican National Convention in 1976 and other speeches to the Democratic or Republican National Conventions. They may have moved their followers, but they never started a movement.
Indeed, their followers said about them, "How well they spoke. Let us applaud them." But when King and Reagan gave their speeches, the people said, "Let us march."
To this very day, they are still marching.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Jason Reed Has Entered the Portals of Heaven
On June 15, 2006 at 7:15PM CDT, Jason Donovan Reed breathed his last after a 20-month battle with a rare form of cancer. He died at the young age of 32 at UMC Hospital. Visitation will be tomorrow at Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home on High Street in Jackson from 4 to 7PM. Visitation will also be on Monday at 11:30AM at Southside Assembly of God in Jackson and the funeral service at 1PM in that church that he so passionately loved.
There are very few fine Christians I have known. Most of them give you talk and talk but never walk the walk. Jason was one of those who did walk the walk. I worked with him for four years. I got to know him. He lived the Christ-filled life to the best he could. He nearly died on May 13th--the day he was supposed to get married. His fiancee' had already bought her wedding dress before the cancer took a toll on Jason. He survived for another thirty-three days.
Jason was a big, burly guy with an infectious smile and a big laugh. We used to think of ways to joke around during tax season. He loved to make real strong coffee in the late evening. I always thought he was part Cajun because he made it so strong. We would greet each other with the upended "Peace sign" of both hands. It was a big laugh.
One time, back in February 2002 on a Saturday, Jason told me in the middle of the afternoon that "Girls Gone Wild" would be performing that night at The Dock (a popular watering hole). I asked him what that was all about. He said sex-crazed women performed for the cameras wearing skimpy outfits and doing provocative things. He said some of them are drunker than a skunk and throw their tops at guys. The girls could be anyone from anywhere--even in the audience. I asked him what time this Bacchanalian Bash began. He said it started at 10PM, but we had to be there around 7PM if we were to get in. After that time, it would be impossible to get in.
So I said, "Now let me get this straight. We could play hooky from work (We were to stay until 8 or 8:30PM.) and work on really complicated, boring tax returns OR we can go to The Dock and watch sex-crazed women dance on the counter and fling their tops at us. Is that our choice?" Jason replied, "Yeah, it really is tough to decide." We stroked our chins and thought. Then Jason asked, "Do you know a lot about the Alternative Minimum Tax?" I replied, "I know quite a bit about it. But the return will take us quite a while." Jason replied, "Whoops. There goes 'Girls Gone Wild.' They lost to the AMT."
There were really very few outstanding Christians I have ever worked with. I can literally count them on my right hand. Jason was one of those very few. I bitterly regret I never had a chance to talk to him in his last days. I would've loved to joke with him and talk about those days that we worked together. Someday, when we are in Heaven together, I will talk with him and relive those days. But for now, I will mourn his passing. He was a true giant among Christians.
There are very few fine Christians I have known. Most of them give you talk and talk but never walk the walk. Jason was one of those who did walk the walk. I worked with him for four years. I got to know him. He lived the Christ-filled life to the best he could. He nearly died on May 13th--the day he was supposed to get married. His fiancee' had already bought her wedding dress before the cancer took a toll on Jason. He survived for another thirty-three days.
Jason was a big, burly guy with an infectious smile and a big laugh. We used to think of ways to joke around during tax season. He loved to make real strong coffee in the late evening. I always thought he was part Cajun because he made it so strong. We would greet each other with the upended "Peace sign" of both hands. It was a big laugh.
One time, back in February 2002 on a Saturday, Jason told me in the middle of the afternoon that "Girls Gone Wild" would be performing that night at The Dock (a popular watering hole). I asked him what that was all about. He said sex-crazed women performed for the cameras wearing skimpy outfits and doing provocative things. He said some of them are drunker than a skunk and throw their tops at guys. The girls could be anyone from anywhere--even in the audience. I asked him what time this Bacchanalian Bash began. He said it started at 10PM, but we had to be there around 7PM if we were to get in. After that time, it would be impossible to get in.
So I said, "Now let me get this straight. We could play hooky from work (We were to stay until 8 or 8:30PM.) and work on really complicated, boring tax returns OR we can go to The Dock and watch sex-crazed women dance on the counter and fling their tops at us. Is that our choice?" Jason replied, "Yeah, it really is tough to decide." We stroked our chins and thought. Then Jason asked, "Do you know a lot about the Alternative Minimum Tax?" I replied, "I know quite a bit about it. But the return will take us quite a while." Jason replied, "Whoops. There goes 'Girls Gone Wild.' They lost to the AMT."
There were really very few outstanding Christians I have ever worked with. I can literally count them on my right hand. Jason was one of those very few. I bitterly regret I never had a chance to talk to him in his last days. I would've loved to joke with him and talk about those days that we worked together. Someday, when we are in Heaven together, I will talk with him and relive those days. But for now, I will mourn his passing. He was a true giant among Christians.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
U.S. Senate Democratic Primary
This is the third Democratic primary in which I've voted. In 2002, there was no Republican primary for the U.S. Senate or Congress, so I voted im the Democratic Primary. I voted for the late James "Bootie" Hunt. He lost. In the 2004 Presidential Democratic Primary, I voted for Howard Dean. And today I voted for Erik Fleming.
I voted for Fleming because he is a staunch pro-lifer. He even attended the Mississippi Right-to-Life banquet. I was going to vote for Bill Bowlin. I sent him an e-mail asking him where he stood on abortion. I never got a reply. The other two candidates did not comment on abortion. Also, Fleming has been a state representative for six years. I don't agree with him on a lot of the issues, but at least he's opposed to abortion. I've listened to him on the "Kim Wade Show" on WJNT 1180 (which airs from 5-6PM on weekdays). He's got some good ideas. Kim Wade does not flinch from his conservative views and he has some very good guests. Fleming has been on his shows a few times. Wade is one of the most listened to drive-by talk show hosts. He is one of the funniest and the most intelligent talk show hosts I have ever listened to.
Fleming will probably win, but there may be a runoff. No matter who the nominee is, the candidate will have no chance against the incumbent Sen. Trent Lott.
Whenever there is a Republican primary I vote in it. But if there is no GOP primary and there is a Democratic primary, I'll vote in that. That is the tragedy of not having party registration in Mississippi. I have known Democratic municipal officials vote in the GOP primary--even if there is a Democratic primary. There should be party registration in the state and a closed primary. But that will never happen here.
I voted for Fleming because he is a staunch pro-lifer. He even attended the Mississippi Right-to-Life banquet. I was going to vote for Bill Bowlin. I sent him an e-mail asking him where he stood on abortion. I never got a reply. The other two candidates did not comment on abortion. Also, Fleming has been a state representative for six years. I don't agree with him on a lot of the issues, but at least he's opposed to abortion. I've listened to him on the "Kim Wade Show" on WJNT 1180 (which airs from 5-6PM on weekdays). He's got some good ideas. Kim Wade does not flinch from his conservative views and he has some very good guests. Fleming has been on his shows a few times. Wade is one of the most listened to drive-by talk show hosts. He is one of the funniest and the most intelligent talk show hosts I have ever listened to.
Fleming will probably win, but there may be a runoff. No matter who the nominee is, the candidate will have no chance against the incumbent Sen. Trent Lott.
Whenever there is a Republican primary I vote in it. But if there is no GOP primary and there is a Democratic primary, I'll vote in that. That is the tragedy of not having party registration in Mississippi. I have known Democratic municipal officials vote in the GOP primary--even if there is a Democratic primary. There should be party registration in the state and a closed primary. But that will never happen here.
Monday, June 05, 2006
What a Deal
The U.S. Senate bill is a fantastic way for American taxpayers to make some bucks. Indeed, I can make quite a few bucks thanks to the tax provisions for illegal aliens. You see, under the Senate bill an illegal alien does not have to pay taxes on two of the five years he has an income tax liability.
So here is what I plan to do if the Senate version becomes law. I plan to go to Canada and renounce my American citizenship because the Department of Interior has not made the cockroach an endangered species. Then I'll enter North Dakota and work for a CPA firm (The Canadian border is really very pourous.). There is an extreme shortage of professionals in that state, especially in Fargo (with a low eye-popping unemployment rate of 1.1%). I'll make a deal with a CPA firm. For three years, pay me the minimum wage at 2200 annual billing hours for three years (That comes to $11330 a year, or $33990 for three years.). They can withhold Social Security and state income tax (Yes, North Dakota has an income tax.). My tax liability for those three years would be $313 (based on 2005 tax rates), or $939 for three years. Plus, I'd get a little earned income tax credit as well. What a deal!
For the other two years, which would be the last two years I work, the firm would pay me based on a 1099, or self-employment contract income. They would pay me based on what a CPA tax manager would make. Up North, that would come to $90000 a year (maybe more). For those two years, the firm would pay me $416010 ($90000 x 5 years less $33990.) That would be $208005 per year for those two years. And under the Senate bill, I wouldn't have to pay a penny tax on that $416010!! I'd get my American citizenship, move back to Mississippi and get with another CPA firm. (North Dakota may be a great state, but -60 degrees in the winter ain't toasty.) And I'd have $416010 to stash away in some mutual funds.
As Yakov Smirnoff would say, "America, what a country!"
So here is what I plan to do if the Senate version becomes law. I plan to go to Canada and renounce my American citizenship because the Department of Interior has not made the cockroach an endangered species. Then I'll enter North Dakota and work for a CPA firm (The Canadian border is really very pourous.). There is an extreme shortage of professionals in that state, especially in Fargo (with a low eye-popping unemployment rate of 1.1%). I'll make a deal with a CPA firm. For three years, pay me the minimum wage at 2200 annual billing hours for three years (That comes to $11330 a year, or $33990 for three years.). They can withhold Social Security and state income tax (Yes, North Dakota has an income tax.). My tax liability for those three years would be $313 (based on 2005 tax rates), or $939 for three years. Plus, I'd get a little earned income tax credit as well. What a deal!
For the other two years, which would be the last two years I work, the firm would pay me based on a 1099, or self-employment contract income. They would pay me based on what a CPA tax manager would make. Up North, that would come to $90000 a year (maybe more). For those two years, the firm would pay me $416010 ($90000 x 5 years less $33990.) That would be $208005 per year for those two years. And under the Senate bill, I wouldn't have to pay a penny tax on that $416010!! I'd get my American citizenship, move back to Mississippi and get with another CPA firm. (North Dakota may be a great state, but -60 degrees in the winter ain't toasty.) And I'd have $416010 to stash away in some mutual funds.
As Yakov Smirnoff would say, "America, what a country!"
Friday, June 02, 2006
Time for a Third Party
Peggy Noonan wrote in the Wall Street Journal a couple of days ago on why it may be time for a third party. As vice-chairman of the America First Party in Mississippi, I wholeheartedly agree. The AFP is a conservative party without any scintilla of racism, which we vehemently condemn and do not tolerate. We are a reformist, records-open party with a conservative bent. If we were to choose a legislator that most closely reflects our beliefs, it would be U.S. Senator Tom Coburn (R-Okla.) or Congressman Ron Paul (R-Texas). If you want to know what the AFP's political philosophy is, we are the Old Right. To find out what the Old Right is all about, read Joseph Scotchey's book Revolt in the Heartland.
I used to be a Republican Party activist. For twelve years (1980-1992), I served on the Rankin County Republican Executive Committee and was treasurer for eleven (1981-1992) of those years. I worked in many a campaign for a Republican candidate in Rankin County. It was the Reagan Revolution that got me involved, although I had been active in politics since I was 14 years old (The Goldwater campaign). It was Reagan's seminal speech, "A Time for Choosing," that galvanized me. And from 1964 to 1996, the GOP could count on me to work like a dog for them.
But when Bush 41 broke his "No New Taxes" promise in 1990, my support for the GOP diminished. I worked for Pat Buchanan in 1992 in the Republican primary. I stayed in the GOP (nominally, I'm still in the GOP for two-party purposes in the state) because of the GOP takeover of Congress in 1994, hoping things would change. I worked for Buchanan again in the GOP primaries. But I left to support Buchanan of the Reform Party in 2000 (a total disaster).
Bush 43 is no conservative. Other than the social issues, his judicial appointments and cutting taxes, he is no conservative. Indeed, he is one of the biggest spending liberals we have had since FDR. The old-line Republicans would never have gotten us into this unneccesary war in Iraq. But both Bushes have done so.
This Republican Congress is tone-deaf to the voices of the people. Illegal immigration is sweeping the nation and the GOP has done nothing. Manufacturing jobs are being shipped overseas and the GOP gives us NAFTA, CAFTA, ad nauseum. The grassroots GOP wants spending limits and Congress spends money like drunken sailors. The GOP screeched against Bill Clinton's healthcare plan but gives us drug coverage for Medicare, which will cost over a trillion dollars in due time.
The Democrats are even worse. They are ultraliberal on the social issues (abortion on demand and homosexual marriage), will vote to raise taxes and will spend money worse than the GOP. If the GOP is horrible, the Democrats are even worse. So where is a conservative to go?
While the AFP is in its infancy stages, it concentrates mainly on two issues: Illegal immigration and the shipping of manufacturing jobs overseas. But unlike a lot of third parties, it has a lot of sensible ideas on state issues as well.
The Republican Party has abandoned its conservative base. Isn't it time for a change?
I used to be a Republican Party activist. For twelve years (1980-1992), I served on the Rankin County Republican Executive Committee and was treasurer for eleven (1981-1992) of those years. I worked in many a campaign for a Republican candidate in Rankin County. It was the Reagan Revolution that got me involved, although I had been active in politics since I was 14 years old (The Goldwater campaign). It was Reagan's seminal speech, "A Time for Choosing," that galvanized me. And from 1964 to 1996, the GOP could count on me to work like a dog for them.
But when Bush 41 broke his "No New Taxes" promise in 1990, my support for the GOP diminished. I worked for Pat Buchanan in 1992 in the Republican primary. I stayed in the GOP (nominally, I'm still in the GOP for two-party purposes in the state) because of the GOP takeover of Congress in 1994, hoping things would change. I worked for Buchanan again in the GOP primaries. But I left to support Buchanan of the Reform Party in 2000 (a total disaster).
Bush 43 is no conservative. Other than the social issues, his judicial appointments and cutting taxes, he is no conservative. Indeed, he is one of the biggest spending liberals we have had since FDR. The old-line Republicans would never have gotten us into this unneccesary war in Iraq. But both Bushes have done so.
This Republican Congress is tone-deaf to the voices of the people. Illegal immigration is sweeping the nation and the GOP has done nothing. Manufacturing jobs are being shipped overseas and the GOP gives us NAFTA, CAFTA, ad nauseum. The grassroots GOP wants spending limits and Congress spends money like drunken sailors. The GOP screeched against Bill Clinton's healthcare plan but gives us drug coverage for Medicare, which will cost over a trillion dollars in due time.
The Democrats are even worse. They are ultraliberal on the social issues (abortion on demand and homosexual marriage), will vote to raise taxes and will spend money worse than the GOP. If the GOP is horrible, the Democrats are even worse. So where is a conservative to go?
While the AFP is in its infancy stages, it concentrates mainly on two issues: Illegal immigration and the shipping of manufacturing jobs overseas. But unlike a lot of third parties, it has a lot of sensible ideas on state issues as well.
The Republican Party has abandoned its conservative base. Isn't it time for a change?
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Illegal Immigration
The four Congressmen and two U.S. Senators are clueless about illegal immigration in our state. Let me tell you what is going on in the big city of Pearl (pop. 22360). Illegal immigration is flooding our city. When I drive to work around 7:10AM, there are Hispanics walking or riding their bikes. Even just a year ago, that was a very rare scene. Now it is a common one. Five years ago, there were only about twenty-five Hispanics in the Pearl School District. Today there are about 175. And the number is growing. Since they are not taxpayers because they do not own property, we taxpayers have to shoulder the burden.
Let me tell you of an incident that happened last April 29th. I was going to work on a cloudy humid Saturday around 12:40PM. I passed a Hispanic carrying a backpack on his shoulders. He was walking slowly and seemed to have a problem steadying himself. I got to the office, parked my car and went to work. About twenty minutes later, a police car and an ambulance came to my office. The illegal immigrant passed out right to the north of my bookkeeper's office. The policeman told me he had walked from Madison to Pearl and passed out from the exhaustion. Inside the backpack were drugs! This was unheard of even a year ago.
When I drive up Old Brandon Road going to the airport, I see a lot of rental homes. Most of them are occupied by immigrants. They keep their yards clean and are law-abiding. But I doubt if they are legal immigrants. The reason the immigrants come to Pearl is because it is the cheapest urban area to live in Rankin County. I talked to a client and he told me there are no Hispanics in Brandon. He hasn't seen any in Crossgates or any of the other well-to-do areas. But they are in the apartments and rental homes in Pearl. And it seems the number is increasing.
When I was working at H & R Block in 1983, I saw my first Hispanic. He asked us in Spanish if anyone could speak the language. We said "no" and he went on his way. But that was a very rare occurrence. Now they are a very common sight throughout the downtown area. I have no objections to legal immigrants. My grandparents--maternal and paternal--were immigrants. But they were legal immigrants.
It is time Congress put a stop to the illegal immigration in this country. We may have as many as 49000 illegal immigrants in this state. The State Auditor's office issued a report which stated illegal immigration is costing the state $25,030,051. Our Congressional delegation better wake up and get off their ivory towers and see what is going on here--especially in the city of Pearl.
Let me tell you of an incident that happened last April 29th. I was going to work on a cloudy humid Saturday around 12:40PM. I passed a Hispanic carrying a backpack on his shoulders. He was walking slowly and seemed to have a problem steadying himself. I got to the office, parked my car and went to work. About twenty minutes later, a police car and an ambulance came to my office. The illegal immigrant passed out right to the north of my bookkeeper's office. The policeman told me he had walked from Madison to Pearl and passed out from the exhaustion. Inside the backpack were drugs! This was unheard of even a year ago.
When I drive up Old Brandon Road going to the airport, I see a lot of rental homes. Most of them are occupied by immigrants. They keep their yards clean and are law-abiding. But I doubt if they are legal immigrants. The reason the immigrants come to Pearl is because it is the cheapest urban area to live in Rankin County. I talked to a client and he told me there are no Hispanics in Brandon. He hasn't seen any in Crossgates or any of the other well-to-do areas. But they are in the apartments and rental homes in Pearl. And it seems the number is increasing.
When I was working at H & R Block in 1983, I saw my first Hispanic. He asked us in Spanish if anyone could speak the language. We said "no" and he went on his way. But that was a very rare occurrence. Now they are a very common sight throughout the downtown area. I have no objections to legal immigrants. My grandparents--maternal and paternal--were immigrants. But they were legal immigrants.
It is time Congress put a stop to the illegal immigration in this country. We may have as many as 49000 illegal immigrants in this state. The State Auditor's office issued a report which stated illegal immigration is costing the state $25,030,051. Our Congressional delegation better wake up and get off their ivory towers and see what is going on here--especially in the city of Pearl.
Friday, May 26, 2006
Bancorpsouth Bank----Be Careful
I've been getting a lot of e-mails from Bancorpsouth asking for personal information related to my accounts with them. There is just one little item: I don't bank with Bancorpsouth. I use another bank. In that bank, I have only a checking account. All my investments are in brokerage accounts.
If you are getting these e-mails from Bancorpsouth--do not give them any information. This is a scam and the crooks could steal your personal information. Identity theft is increasing and one way this is accomplished is through e-mail. Be careful.
If you are getting these e-mails from Bancorpsouth--do not give them any information. This is a scam and the crooks could steal your personal information. Identity theft is increasing and one way this is accomplished is through e-mail. Be careful.
MEMORIAL DAY
This coming Tuesday is the official Memorial Day holiday (despite it being celebrated next Monday). Let us never forget this day of remembrance and give thanks to those who fought and those who died for our freedom.
I have surfed the Internet and read chilling books on the Croatian Holocaust during World War II and the Holocaust of the Jews during that hapless period. The horror of those two Holocausts will make your skin crawl. The Orthodox Serbs and the Jews were killed solely because of their religion. What possesses a person to slaughter innocent human beings because of their religion is beyond me. Truly a person must be evil.
As a person of Jewish ancestry, I am grateful I was born in the United States. I remember my maternal grandfather telling me what it was like to live in Poland. After Poland got its independence in 1918-1919, the Jews were promised they would live in a society where everybody would be equal. A year later, my grandparents found that to be a lie. Their town of Zarem was the focus of virulent anti-Semitic prejudice (Don't bother looking for the town on a map. The Germans literally wiped it off the face of the earth during WWII.). My grandparents got angry at the persecution and fled with their two sons (They had three sons. One of them died a few days after birth and was buried there. My mother was born in the United States.) to Hungary. The next thing they encountered was a one-hundred day Communist takeover by Bela Kun. So they fled and took a boat to the United States.
When my grandparents told me all this, I said "I sure am lucky to have been born in the United States." My grandfather yelled, "YOU'RE LUCKY? YOU'RE LUCKY???? At least I had a country to escape to!!"
We must never forget this nation, the United States of America, is the last best hope for freedom and liberty on this earth. Let us remember those who fought and died for us on Memorial Day and pray for those who are fighting for us today.
I have surfed the Internet and read chilling books on the Croatian Holocaust during World War II and the Holocaust of the Jews during that hapless period. The horror of those two Holocausts will make your skin crawl. The Orthodox Serbs and the Jews were killed solely because of their religion. What possesses a person to slaughter innocent human beings because of their religion is beyond me. Truly a person must be evil.
As a person of Jewish ancestry, I am grateful I was born in the United States. I remember my maternal grandfather telling me what it was like to live in Poland. After Poland got its independence in 1918-1919, the Jews were promised they would live in a society where everybody would be equal. A year later, my grandparents found that to be a lie. Their town of Zarem was the focus of virulent anti-Semitic prejudice (Don't bother looking for the town on a map. The Germans literally wiped it off the face of the earth during WWII.). My grandparents got angry at the persecution and fled with their two sons (They had three sons. One of them died a few days after birth and was buried there. My mother was born in the United States.) to Hungary. The next thing they encountered was a one-hundred day Communist takeover by Bela Kun. So they fled and took a boat to the United States.
When my grandparents told me all this, I said "I sure am lucky to have been born in the United States." My grandfather yelled, "YOU'RE LUCKY? YOU'RE LUCKY???? At least I had a country to escape to!!"
We must never forget this nation, the United States of America, is the last best hope for freedom and liberty on this earth. Let us remember those who fought and died for us on Memorial Day and pray for those who are fighting for us today.
Thursday, May 25, 2006
LAW ENFORCEMENT IS WATCHING YOU
The Pearl Police were out at the nexus on Airport Road and other areas on Highway 80. They were checking to see if you were wearing your seat belt and to give you a warning. Beginning on Friday, you can be ticketed if you are not wearing your seat belt.
I'll be the first to tell you that wearing a seat belt saves lives. I'm living proof of that. In July 1992, I had an auto accident at the intersection of North Ridgewood and Northside Drive in Jackson, Miss. A car tire blew out and I hit a telephone pole head-on. If I had not worn a seat belt, I would've gone right through the window and had been instantly killed. As it turned out, I had a simple fracture on my left leg, some bruises and a chipped back tooth.
But I am totally opposed to the government FORCING me to wear one. I am above the age of 21 and I can decide for myself if I want to be a jerk and risk my life. In Pearl, there is enough for the police to do without checking on drivers wearing a seat belt. The police might want to police the illegal immigrant areas a lot better instead of worrying if Granny is wearing a seat belt.
Another thing that concerns me is the slow but sure loss of freedom we have. Unless it directly affects another person's life or liberty, government has no right to force us to do things we do not want to do. You can rest assured there will be an effort to ban drivers from talking on cell phones. Sure, it's dangerous and stupid to talk on a cell phone while driving. (I have a cell phone but NEVER talk on it while driving.) But unless you hit me, I have no problem with you being a fool. If you DO hit me, I'll sue you for every penny you have. Should government monitor this, too? What about eating while driving? Or fixing your hair? Look, I know of a CPA who had a fax machine in his car and yakked on the cell phone while driving and faxing!
Be careful while driving this weekend. And buckle up!!
I'll be the first to tell you that wearing a seat belt saves lives. I'm living proof of that. In July 1992, I had an auto accident at the intersection of North Ridgewood and Northside Drive in Jackson, Miss. A car tire blew out and I hit a telephone pole head-on. If I had not worn a seat belt, I would've gone right through the window and had been instantly killed. As it turned out, I had a simple fracture on my left leg, some bruises and a chipped back tooth.
But I am totally opposed to the government FORCING me to wear one. I am above the age of 21 and I can decide for myself if I want to be a jerk and risk my life. In Pearl, there is enough for the police to do without checking on drivers wearing a seat belt. The police might want to police the illegal immigrant areas a lot better instead of worrying if Granny is wearing a seat belt.
Another thing that concerns me is the slow but sure loss of freedom we have. Unless it directly affects another person's life or liberty, government has no right to force us to do things we do not want to do. You can rest assured there will be an effort to ban drivers from talking on cell phones. Sure, it's dangerous and stupid to talk on a cell phone while driving. (I have a cell phone but NEVER talk on it while driving.) But unless you hit me, I have no problem with you being a fool. If you DO hit me, I'll sue you for every penny you have. Should government monitor this, too? What about eating while driving? Or fixing your hair? Look, I know of a CPA who had a fax machine in his car and yakked on the cell phone while driving and faxing!
Be careful while driving this weekend. And buckle up!!
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Pray for Jason Reed
Please pray for Jason Reed. I've known him for five years and I can tell you he is one of the finest Christian individuals I have ever known. He is a fellow CPA and he is only 32 years old. He has a very rare form of cancer and is in ICU at University Hospital in Jackson, Miss.
I met him back in 2001 when I was working for Smith, Tew and Phillips. We did work for the firm as a second job. He was great to work with. I never heard him cuss or even get nasty. When you work with someone for four years, surely you will have a cross word or two. That never happened between the two of us. I genuinely liked him and he was a very friendly, bear of a guy. He worked hard and knew quite a bit about taxes.
I'm hoping and praying for a miracle. He went into ICU in the early part of the month and nearly died. He's on life support. He was supposed to get married on May 20th. He'd make an excellent husband and father. There are very few Christians who talk and live the Christian life. He was one of them.
I met him back in 2001 when I was working for Smith, Tew and Phillips. We did work for the firm as a second job. He was great to work with. I never heard him cuss or even get nasty. When you work with someone for four years, surely you will have a cross word or two. That never happened between the two of us. I genuinely liked him and he was a very friendly, bear of a guy. He worked hard and knew quite a bit about taxes.
I'm hoping and praying for a miracle. He went into ICU in the early part of the month and nearly died. He's on life support. He was supposed to get married on May 20th. He'd make an excellent husband and father. There are very few Christians who talk and live the Christian life. He was one of them.
Don't Forget to Vote
Don't forget to vote on June 6th in the Democratic primary. There is only one race--that for the US Senate. Since there is no Republican primary (Sen. Lott is unopposed.), I can vote in the Democratic primary. I plan to vote for Bill Bowlin. I'm not crazy about the other candidates. It's all a moot point, since the Democratic nominee will lose to Lott.
Wouldn't it be a hoot if there was a runoff? While the first primary would have a good turnout because of the heated primary in Congressional District 2, the second primary would not have that race and voter turnout would dive in a second primary.
Wouldn't it be a hoot if there was a runoff? While the first primary would have a good turnout because of the heated primary in Congressional District 2, the second primary would not have that race and voter turnout would dive in a second primary.
Welcome
I am a CPA in Pearl, Mississippi. My goal is to keep others in the area what is going on in Pearl and the county it is located in--Rankin County. I will comment on politics, businesses, and what is going on in the area.
I am very conservative and I will comment on politics, taxes, the economy, religion and the culture. I will not pull any punches and I will tell it as I see it. I basically vote Republican, but I have been known to vote Democratic in some races.
I invite comments from all readers and keep me abreast as to what is going on.
I am very conservative and I will comment on politics, taxes, the economy, religion and the culture. I will not pull any punches and I will tell it as I see it. I basically vote Republican, but I have been known to vote Democratic in some races.
I invite comments from all readers and keep me abreast as to what is going on.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)