Small Businesses Will Get Hammered Under The Cap And Trade Energy Tax

You know, the Dems try to paint themselves as friends of "the little guy," but since their takeover of Congress in 2006 and the election of Barack Obama to the White House, it is clear that the Democrats are all about big government and controlling the people. There really is no counter-argument to that since is it simply a fact that cannot be denied.

The energy tax that was passed by the House Dems (and 8 back-stabbing Republicans) is a perfect example of how the Dems really want to control "the little guy" through big government intervention rather than do anything to help.

McArthur's Bakery in St. Louis will be facing a very difficult time because of Pelosi's energy tax. The owner, David McArthur explains why.

From Fox News:

David McArthur, vice president of the 52-year-old family operation, a Gateway City institution, is one of a growing number of business owners and taxpayers nationwide who are mobilizing against the so-called cap-and-trade bill, which would levy harsh fines on energy consumption ... ... McArthur told FOXNews.com that every aspect of his business relies on the forms of energy targeted by the American Clean Energy and Security Act, and that his congressman, Carnahan, was supporting "a direct tax increase on small business" by voting for it. "We make (our product) with electricity, we bake it with gas, we refrigerate and freeze it with electricity and we distribute it with gas and oil," said McArthur, who said he worries that high prices could cost his company up to $15,000 a year in an industry with a very tight margin for profit.

Think about all the small businesses that rely on energy. Basically, all of them. If this energy tax passes the Senate, it will hit small businesses like 10 tons of bricks. Beauty salons that require electricity to run dryers and water heaters will begin to close. Delivery companies will have to raise their rates to account for the gasoline and diesel that their trucks use. Farming will become more expensive. In turn, food prices will go up as will the price of any commodity that needs to be transported from producer to market.

Very few small businesses will be able to withstand such an economic onslaught. Most will have to lay off workers in order to make ends meet. That will mean fewer people getting paychecks while prices will be going higher.

This cap and trade energy tax is a disaster waiting to happen and the Dems (and a few short-sighted Republicans) are completely blind to the danger. Instead, they have beholden themsleves to the junk science espoused by Al Gore.

What is even worse is that once again, the House of Representatives voted on a bill that members did not get a chance to read:

"He's killing small business -- he's killing us," McArthur said of Carnahan, who was one of a majority of Democrats who voted for the bill in a closely fought 219-212 vote. McArthur, who penned a scathing letter to Carnahan, is not alone in taking the message directly to his congressman. Dozens of small protests were organized at the end of June at federal buildings and outside the offices of national lawmakers who voted for the bill. Mike Wilson, who led a protest in Cincinnati of about 100 people on June 27 across from the offices of Rep. Steve Driehaus, D-Ohio, said he was appalled by the 1,500-page legislation, which was fast-tracked by House leaders for a vote Friday. A 310-page amendment was slapped onto the bill Friday morning. "It was, quite frankly, criminal passing a bill that you didn't read," said Wilson, founder of the anti-tax group Cincinnati Tea Party.

One thing is certain though. If this becomes law, the effects will be harsh and far-reaching. And the Dems will not be able to blame this on George W. Bush. Blame will rest solely and squarely on the shoulders of the current party in power.

You can access the complete article on-line here:

Small Businesses Irate Over Climate Change Bill
Joseph Abrams
FoxNews.com
July 7, 2009

Kennedy Health Care Chart

Does anyone here really think that government run health care will be more efficient and help more people than private health care? The horror stories coming out of Canada and Great Britain are ample evidence that socialized medicine is a disaster.

But here, we can see one of the reasons why. Click on the following chart (requires Adobe reader):



Given all the new bureaucrats who will now be involved in your health care decisions, how long do you think it will take before certain treatments are approved? Do you think that if you or someone in your family needs urgent care that you will get it in a timely manner? That has not been the experience of people in Canada and Great Britain. And it won't be the experience of people here if we move towards this disastrous health care system.

Go to the following website and get the facts about patients' rights:

Conservatives For Patients' Rights

Obama Administration Quashes Biden's Comments About Israel

I remember back during the 2008 Presidential election that libs and Dems were hurling insults at Sarah Palin saying that she was "stupid" or "not smart enough." Well, let's contrast that with what has been happening with Vice President Joe "Gaffe" Biden.

He made a gaffe about Franklin Roosevelt going on television when the market crashed in 1929. But Roosevelt was not president yet and television was not commercially avaliable at the time.

He made a gaffe when he asked a wheelchair-bound man to "stand up and take a bow."

Sarah Palin never did or said anything that even came close to these two gaffes and they are only a small representation of Biden's repertoire.

Now, the Obama administration has had to step in once again and undo whatever damage Biden did by talking.

From Breitbart:

The Obama administration poured cold water Monday on any notion it is giving Israel the green light to attack Iran or that it is reconsidering plans to engage diplomatically with the Islamic republic. Vice President Joe Biden said in an interview broadcast Sunday that the United States would not stand in the way of Israel in its dealings with Iran's nuclear ambitions. But State Department spokesman Ian Kelly rebuffed suggestions from reporters that Biden could be seen as giving the Jewish state a green light to attack Iran, which it views as an existential threat.

I think Biden was pretty clear in what he said and left little room for interpretation. Here is his quote: "Israel can determine for itself -- it's a sovereign nation -- what's in their interest and what they decide to do relative to Iran and anyone else. We cannot dictate to another sovereign nation what they can and cannot do when they make a determination, if they make a determination, that they're existentially threatened."

Seems petty clear to me.

You can access the complete atory on-line here:

US Not Giving Israel 'Green Light' To Attack Iran
AFP via Breitbart
July 6, 2009

Dr. Thomas Sowell: A Tangled Web Of Racial Politics

In this post-racial America that was supposed to be Barack Obama's hallmark, we find that things have not changed one little bit. Dr. Sowell reminds us that the recent Supreme Court decision which vailidated the complaints of several New Haven firefighters who were denied promotion because they were white may have been a good decision because it was fair, but also that the decision was a rare case of sanity in an insane political world.

In his latest column for Town Hall, he writes:

The original Civil Rights Act of 1964 was very straightforward in forbidding discrimination. But, even before that Act was passed, there were already people demanding more than equality of treatment. Some wanted equality of end results, some wanted restitution for past wrongs, and some just wanted as much as they could get.

Those that want equality of end results or simply to get as much as they can without having to work for it are the problem. Instead of making themselves better people, they play the race card or the victim card in the hopes of gaining something for little or no labor on their part.

More:

Opponents of the Civil Rights Act said that it would lead to racial quotas and reverse discrimination. Advocates of the Act not only denied this, they wrote the language of the law in a way designed to explicitly prevent such things. But judges, over the years, have "interpreted" the Civil Rights Act to mean what its opponents said it would mean, rather than what its advocates put into the plain language of the legislation. A key notion that has created unending mischief, from its introduction by the Supreme Court in 1971 to the current firefighters' case, is that of "disparate impact." Any employment requirement that one racial or ethnic group meets far more often than another is said to have a "disparate impact" and is considered to be evidence of racial discrimination.

The problem is that there is no evidence of such racial discrimination in these cases. Having grown up in predominantly black Prince George's County, Maryland, I have seen this up close. I went to public school with all my black peers. We all attended the same classes and were presented with the same study material. Those that scored better on the exams were those who applied themselves and made an effort to learn. Those that didn't do so well were those who were lazy and didn't do the work that was required of them.

It is that latter group that is most likely to play the race card or the victim card claiming some sort of discrimination when the truth is that they simply didn't want to work.

Why does this mentality survive today?

Read on:

The dogma survives because it is politically useful, not because it has met any test of facts.

That's it. No other reason. It is easy for leftists with political aspirations to buy votes by jumping on the victimology bandwagon and then promising to help those "victims" through government intervention. In other words, they promise to make other people pay by redistributing wealth.

But it is amazing that while minorities claim racial dicrimination in most areas, you won't ever hear them complain about it in other areas, such as sports. Dr. Sowell gives us some good insight on that:

Does anybody seriously doubt that blacks usually play basketball better than whites?

So, why aren't their any complaints of racial discrimination in the NBA or even the NFL? Because it would strip away the illusion of victimization.

If the Dems and other leftists were serious about transforming America into a "post-racial" society, their first step should be to tell all those who would play the race card to be quiet.

You can access the complete column on-line here:

A Tangled Web
Dr. Thomas Sowell
TownHall.com
July 7, 2009

Colin Powell Criticizes Obama Agenda

Well, I'm finally back from vacation with the family. Had a really nice time and the fireworks in Ocean City, MD were really good.

First, let me say "Congratulations" to all those principled Conservatives from Minnesoata who decided to stay home rather than get out the vote last November. I hope the next six years are everything you dreamt of.

But, let's look forward, not back. Colin Powell has finally seen the light concerning Barack Obama. Apparently, the retired General is now wondering whether or not voting for color of skin rather than actual issues was such a good idea.

From the Washington Times:

Colin Powell, one of President Obama's most prominent Republican supporters, expressed concern Friday that the president's ambitious blitz of costly initiatives may be enlarging the size of government and the federal debt too much. "I'm concerned at the number of programs that are being presented, the bills associated with these programs and the additional government that will be needed to execute them," Mr. Powell said in an excerpt of an interview with CNN's John King, released by the network Friday morning.

Well, those of us who were not blinded by a "Messiah complex" knew this to be true last year.

More:

"And we can't pay for it all," said Mr. Powell, who was the first African-American to serve as secretary of state, under former President George W. Bush. ... Mr. Powell's comments represent the growing concern that began with hard-line fiscal conservatives but is now spreading to moderates about the rate of government spending and debt under President Obama, and the long-term impact on the country's fiscal sustainability and national security. The national debt stands currently at $11.5 trillion and the deficit for the current fiscal year is projected to be close to $2 trillion. Mr. Powell expressed alarm at "budgets that are running into the multi-trillions of dollars" and "a huge, huge national debt that, if we don't pay for in our lifetime, our kids and grandkids and great-grandchildren will have to pay for it."

Welcome aboard, General Powell! It's good to see that you have finally realized what most of us have known all along!

This is what happens when people vote from their emotions rather than their rationality. They get the exact opposite of what they were expecting.

BTW, look for the Obama administration to throw General Powell under the bus soon.

You can access the complete article on-line here:

Powell Airs Doubts On Obama Agenda
Jon Ward
The Washington Times
July 3, 2009

How Stupid Does James Carville Think We Are?

I'm actually on vacation right now, but I will post a few things before I pack up the family and head to the beach for the rest of the week.

Got this in an email from James Carville as the DNC tries to beg for money from me:

At midnight tonight, the FEC deadline hits and we will have to report how much money we have in the bank. As of now, we're still $43,124 away from hitting our million dollar goal. If we hit our goal, that means the media is gonna judge that President Obama still has momentum on his side when it comes to health care and everything else. If we fall short, they'll be saying that Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin, with the over $14 million they just raised for Republicans, are stealing our thunder.

First, does Carville actually believe that the media will ever say that Barack Obama has lost momentum? If he really does believe that, then he has an IQ lower than the average American because Joe and Jane Average American know better than to believe something as crazy as that.

Second, does Carville believe that the media will ever place the philosophy of a Conservative Republican over that of a leftist Dem? Again, only the most gullible and naive will believe any of this.

The Dems really do need to come up with a better message if they are trying to outspend and outscore a political party they've been declaring "dead" over the past several months.

Just something to think about.

Sign The Petition: Stop The Energy Tax

The cap-and-trade legislation currently in the House of Representatives is nothing more that an energy tax that will cost the average American family over $1,800 per year.

Let your Representative know that more taxes on an already uncertain and unstable economy will mean nothing but trouble and worse economic times ahead.

Please take some time to sign the following petition:

Sign The Petition To Stop The Energy Tax

Blue States (Dems) To Pay Less In Carbon Tax Than Red States (Republican)

Now the truth comes out about why Obama and the Dems are so hot to pass this idiotic cap-and-trade carbon tax proposal. It has nothing to do with the environment and everything to do with political payoffs.

From Leland Conway of the Conservative Edge:

The Waxman/Markey Cap and Trade bill makes states like Kentucky, that produce energy through their rich coal resources, into the indentured servants of states like California and New York, who import that energy for their use. Here’s how it works. The bill, as it is currently structured, would impose massive fines on states that produce and export so called “dirty energy”. There would be a huge additional cost to the consumers in those states in order to carry this burden. Most conservative estimates put the additional cost to the average consumer in the Commonwealth at around $1700 per household per year. Meanwhile, states like California and New York actually pollute much more heavily than Kentucky does. They have a higher population, many more industries and many more cars on the highway. They import their energy however, so they will not be subject to the same fine structure that Kentucky and other coal producing states will be. In effect, that means we’ll be paying for the lifestyle and energy consumption of states that pollute much worse than we do.

If this were truly about the environment, states like California and New York would be more than willing to step up to the plate and pay their fair share, or even more than their fair share if their belief was honestly sincere.

But, they aren't doing so and are more than happy to have states like Kentucky and other Red states carry the burden.

Does anyone stand to gain from this massive energy tax that is being imposed on us? Yes. Read on:

As if this weren’t enough, many on the left side of the political isle stand to make a massive profit off of the lie of manmade global warming. Al Gore’s carbon trade hedge fund investments alone stand to net him somewhere around one billion dollars. Not bad for the prophet of an inconvenient truth who lives in a mansion that uses 21 times the energy of the average American. Many other lobbyists and elected officials in Washington stand to score a major windfall off of this policy as well. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is betting a large portion of her already massive fortune on the passage of this bill. The list of Washington insiders who are heavily invested in companies that stand to make big cash from government subsidies under the cap and trade scheme is endless and continues to grow.

Again, if they believed that this were truly about the environment, they would give up the money and their lavish lifestyles and live like they are demanding Joe and Jane Average American live.

You can access the complete column on-line here:

No Kentuckian Should Support Cap And Trade
Leland Conway
Conservative Edge
June 14, 2009

North Korea Threatens To 'Wipe U.S. Off Of The Map'

Been awhile since my last post. But, as I have said before, I do have a life outside of blogging.

Seen the new headlines? North Korea is rattling its sabre (however insignificant such a sabre is by comparison) at the United States.

From the Associated Press:

North Korea threatened Wednesday to wipe the United States off the map as Washington and its allies watched for signs the regime will launch a series of missiles in the coming days.

Now, why would North Korea make such an idiotic threat against a foe that could potentially turn the land north of the 38th parallel into a glass parking lot?

Read on:

Off China's coast, a U.S. destroyer was tailing a North Korean ship suspected of transporting illicit weapons to Myanmar in what could be the first test of U.N. sanctions passed to punish the nation for an underground nuclear test last month. The Kang Nam left the North Korean port of Nampo a week ago with the USS John S. McCain close behind. The ship, accused of transporting banned goods in the past, is believed bound for Myanmar, according to South Korean and U.S. officials. The new U.N. Security Council resolution requires member states to seek permission to inspect suspicious cargo. North Korea has said it would consider interception a declaration of war and on Wednesday accused the U.S. of seeking to provoke another Korean War.

This is another test of Barack Obama's leadership strength/weakness. It may very well be that there is nothing aboard the Kang Nam. But, North Korea is looking to find out how Barack Obama responds to the provocation. If Obama's response is weak, then that will most likely encourage North Korea to deploy ships like the Kang Nam more often and maybe even transport a nuclear weapon for real.

That prospect is so dangerous that no rationally thinking person would allow a suspected illegal cargo go uninspected. The Obama Administration needs to step up and take definitive action to let North Korea know that we will not tolerate such behavior from irresponsible dictatorships like DPRK.

You can access the complete article on-line here:

N. Korea Threatens US; World Anticipates Missile
Hyung-Jin Kim
Associated Press via Google
June 24, 2009

BTW, where are all those leftists who claimed that Fox News was just making this up?

More On North Korea Situation

It isn't enough that Japan is reporting a North Korean intent to launch on the 4th of July. We also have to deal with a DPRK ship that may be carrying an illegal cargo.

From Fox News:

The U.S. military is tracking a flagged North Korean ship suspected of proliferating weapons material in violation of a U.N. Security Council resolution passed last Friday, FOX News has learned. The ship, Kang Nam, left a port in North Korea Wednesday and appears to be heading toward Singapore, according to a senior U.S. military source. The vessel, which the military has been tracking since its departure, could be carrying weaponry, missile parts or nuclear materials.

What is Obama's response? Read on:

The apparent violation raises the question of how the United States and its allies will respond, particularly since the U.N. resolution does not have a lot of teeth to it. The resolution would not allow the United States to board the ship forcibly. Rather, U.S. military would have to request permission to board -- a request North Korea is unlikely to grant. North Korea has said that any attempt to board its ships would be viewed as an act of war and promised "100- or 1,000-fold" retaliation if provoked. If there is cause to pursue the ship, sources told FOX News the U.S. military would instead likely follow the slow-moving vessel until it goes into port to refuel. At that point, sources said, the U.S. military could request that the host country not provide fuel to the ship.

Uh-huh. That will certainly put DPRK in line, now won't it?

Why not just fire a shot across it's bow and give the command: "Heave to and prepare to be boarded!" Because Obama is a weak president and would prefer to wait until thousands of people have been killed in an attack before deciding on how to respond. It would never occur to him or the Dems to take a pro-active stance and err on the side of safety.

You can access the complete story on-line here:

U.S. Military Tracking North Korean Ship Suspected Of Proliferating Missiles, Nukes
Jennifer Griffin and Justin Fishel
FoxNews.com
June 18, 2009