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On Your Mind

Published/Last Modified on Friday, Aug 15, 2008 - 05:25:34 am MST

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On Your Mind is the Herald/Review’s telephone opinion line and is intended as a public forum for our readers. Comments represent the opinions of callers and do not necessarily represent the opinions of the newspaper or any specific knowledge that we have. Readers may share their opinions by calling 458-0332, or by e-mail to svhoym@transedge.com or regular mail at 102 Fab Ave., Sierra Vista AZ 85635. Due to the volume of submissions, comments will be limited to 150 words or fewer. Comments are edited. The Herald/Review’s also has a policy regarding On Your Mind comments due to the primary election on Sept. 2. On Your Mind comments on the primary will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Aug. 20 and printed on Aug. 25. This policy is to allow candidates time to answer any comments that might be made.

Aug. 4

To recent OYM Obama bashers: McCain also recently went abroad to promote his candidacy (Canada and Latin America) “at taxpayers’ expense,” remember? Also, Obama should keep troops in Iraq forever just so oil doesn’t “go through the roof?” So, our blood and treasure for their oil? A reader states McCain is “a candidate that most reflects our values.” Just exactly would those values be, “white values?” And to the reader who says Obama has not been vetted regarding his past acquaintances and believes McCain is squeaky clean, I suggest you take a hard look at www.vietnamveteransagainstjohnmccain.com. Yeah, we need eight more years of Bush. No thanks!

After so many years as a subscriber, your renewed war on national charities is again making me rethink my subscription. You do realize that several thousand people, many probably subscribers to the Herald/Review, regularly participate in national charitable events in this town? You do realize that dozens of local businesses, many probably regular advertisers in the Herald/Review, both sponsor and participate in these events? It is troublesome the personal bias of one staff member can so obviously drive the editorial opinion of an otherwise objective source of information. The United Way, The Combined Federal Campaign and the Internal Revenue Service all see some merit in the national level charities to which I and many others in this town contribute. I see merit in them as well. That you think I am wrong, calls into question only the money I spend on your product, not my charity.

I recently had cause to contact the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office to discuss speeding problems in our residential area. The deputies I talked to made some promises that never materialized. I attempted to call again, only to get answering machines. I requested a deputy return my calls. My efforts were to no avail.

I applaud the efforts of state leaders to curtail off-roading on state trust lands. The poor air quality and loss of federal funding warrants such actions. Now our leaders must implement a law against noise pollution generated by off-road vehicles, quads, dirt bikes and automobiles — once the law is in place, it must be strictly enforced. The above issues need to be addressed. It’s long overdue.

Aug. 5

Barack Obama’s plan to raise taxes of only those people who earn over $250,000 will ultimately gut small businesses which happen to provide most jobs in America. Small businesses will have less money to invest and be forced to cut back on overhead, namely, workers. High unemployment is inevitable. The essentials of the economy dictate this happening.

The front-page article on Monday says a lot about the county, state, and federal governments and how none of them are responsible for roads in the county. They put their heads in the sand and cry, “It’s not our job.” The sad thing is that the county, state, and federal governments are there at tax time with their hands out. Pay up or be punished. My copy of the Constitution says all citizens must be treated equally. The county owes every taxpayer the same service. They take our tax money. They owe us service no matter what road we live on.

I read the article regarding “keep your weeds pulled and property cleaned up” with great interest. The city wants the private citizen to do this. The city can’t or won’t do the same for itself. Private citizens who live along Andrea and Carl Hayden Drive have called the city many times asking for the street easement along the wash on Carl Hayden Drive to be cleaned up. Calls have also been made to the Neighborhood Watch officer. Nothing, nothing, nothing. The city needs to practice what it is asking its citizens to do. Also, they might send their employees to a class to learn to be more helpful and have some sort of manners.

In the past I have been a Democran and a Republicrat; then a dumb Dem again. Today I changed my registration to independent. Now I can see who’s still running or even able to stand up and talk above a whisper, and therefore viable or remotely electable on primary day. I can then choose which ballot to use. Every ballot does count (it says here in fine print) at least until the Electoral College starts messing with it. Then God help us all.

I wonder if one of the mayoral candidates in Bisbee knows that stapling political literature to telephone poles is illegal?

Tim Bee is a straight shooter. I’ve called his office several times, and each time he has gotten back to me. He’s more visible than they say. He’s been more truthful than I have read in Our Readers’ Views. We only have seven voters in our family, and Tim Bee is getting them all.

Aug. 6

A few years ago I purchased furniture from two large stores in Tucson. One charged $25 for delivery and the other charged nothing. I recently made a purchase at a store on Fry, and they charged $50 for delivery! I realize that today the Tucson stores would charge more for delivery, but they have a 150-mile roundtrip to make. $50 for an eight-mile roundtrip is a rip-off. Merchants, you want us to buy local, then stop screwing us.

I use grocery coupons, and when I give them to the cashier they put them aside while checking my items. Many times I leave the store only to later discover that they did not apply the coupons to my bill. Do the stores still submit them to the manufacturer for reimbursement, increasing their profit? Or do the employees later put the coupons in their drawer and take the money for themselves? Shoppers beware. We are being ripped off.

Here we go again! Another school budget override. Another crushing blow to taxpayers at a time when we can least afford it. I’ve never been so incensed. It’s time to start cutting programs such as art and music, and making the school system live within its budget like the rest of us. They need to start making parents dig deeper into their wallets and bill them for the excesses of this massive bully we call the school system. Every time we turn around, the school system is lurking behind us, waiting to pounce. Never mind all the havoc they created with our taxes last year. No, just keep on steamrolling the taxpayer into submission. Well, I for one will not vote for this override nor any of the existing school board members.

Instead of sending street sweepers around town, why doesn’t the city cut its weeds? At some intersections you can’t see if any cars are coming unless you get way out into the intersection. This is a dangerous situation and makes the city look trashy.

In blissful ignorance, there’s a comment in OYM about “orange jumpsuit free labor force.” Rest assured that the labor force that is prison labor is not free. A portion of the salary they’re paid is paid to the state. The state in turn pays a very small percentage to the individual. Rest assured it isn’t free. Commit a crime, go to jail, and you’ll find out just how small it is.

I was just reading the article about the farmers markets in Bisbee and Sierra Vista. At least Bisbee’s farmers market is open for normal working people on Saturday. I don’t know who thought up Sierra Vista’s noon to 4 p.m. on Thursday. What an idiotic timeframe and date to have it.

I thought that person who wrote in stating it’s not a parent’s job to raise his child was funnier than hell. I think he or she is right. It’s not the parents’ responsibility anymore. It’s just the government’s, because parents have no rights or power over their children.

Here we go again. Another budget override is being proposed for the ballot. We haven’t even gotten rid of the last override, and they’re already pushing for another one. Only 9 percent, they say. What they haven’t said is that our county assessor has raised our secondary valuation by 10 percent. That means on top of the 3 percent that they would get, they would also get another 10 percent. We are being taxed to death. Work within your budget and make your budget work.

This is in response to the letter submitted by Laura Bailey, titled “What does it say when bad behavior is rewarded?” I think what we’re trying to say to younger as well as older generations is that a person convicted in a court of law serves their sentence within the rules and stipulations of the sentence is entitled to move on and recapture a new or modified way of life without being constantly chastised for here wrongdoing because of her celebrity status. Also, don’t lump all celebrities together. They should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Finally, to err is human; to forgive is desired.

This is a comment about Tim Bee. He claims to be an independent-thinking Republican, yet his political platform nears that of Bush and McCain. So, if you’re happy with the status quo you know whom to vote for. Have you noticed that the political non-vets claim they would rather fight terrorists in Baghdad than here at home? Sounds great if you would do just that. The Army is now waiting for his call to enlist.

Aug. 7

To the person who wrote “as to the High Knoll area getting washed out during the rains, these people live there for a reason. They don’t want to pay county taxes to pay for maintained roads. They chose to live there, etc.” Please be advised the residents of the High Knoll area have no choice but to pay county taxes like everyone else and that all road maintenance is paid from gasoline taxes. Therefore, people in the county pay more for road maintenance than the average person in the city because they drive greater distances and use more for road maintenance than the average person in the city because they drive greater distances and use more gas and therefore pay more taxes used to maintain roads. The residents of High Knoll pay taxes that help maintain the road in front of your house, but they get zero financial assistance for maintenance on the county road named High Knoll Road, which is their only way home or to work. If your home is ever flooded or hit by lightning and destroyed, I hope the residents of High Knoll will remind you that you “chose to live there.”

Thirty-four-hundredths of rain in the gauge. Countless gallons have flowed down the street Aug. 4. So when will rain harvesters meet with recyclers? Will ever the twain shall meet? When and if it rains again?

HERALD/REVIEW more On Your Mind in Monday’s edition of the Herald/Review.

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Billy Hill wrote on Sep 6, 2008 9:11 PM:

" Never mind you have obviously never written a government report. Even if it is a regularly scheduled report you get "guidance" as to what it is to find. "

Billy Hill wrote on Sep 6, 2008 12:30 PM:

" No they order someone to write them. "

hummer wrote on Sep 5, 2008 7:12 PM:

" What does any of that have to do with the report and who wrote it? Executive Directors don't write reports. "

Billy Hill wrote on Sep 4, 2008 9:58 PM:

" An Executive Director is an Executive Director, regardless of which agency they moved up in. What makes you think any of the Directors camme up through the ranks. What was Chertoff, Ridge, etc. "

hummer wrote on Sep 4, 2008 12:09 AM:

" You also had to be qualified to do the job you were transferred to and have the proper skills and background for the job. A Biologist specialist from HHS, CDC wouldn't qualify as an accountant at SSA. Not without the right education and background and skill sets. "

Billy Hill wrote on Sep 3, 2008 8:46 PM:

" What does it matter they are both agencies of the same government. It's not like people in one agency don't transfer to another. When my job in DOD was eliminaated they found me one in the VA "

hummer wrote on Sep 2, 2008 7:33 PM:

" No, SSA doesn't fall under HHS. It is part of the Independent Agencies and Government Corporations.
http://www.usa.gov/Agencies/Federal/Executive.shtml "

Billy Hill wrote on Aug 29, 2008 11:37 AM:

" Isn't SSA part of HHS? It doesn't really matter, as long as they are Political Appointees "

to Billy Hill wrote on Aug 29, 2008 12:38 AM:

" Again Billy it wasn't the director of HHS. They have nothing to do with Social Security. It was an SSA Report. Stay focuses please. "

to Billy Hill wrote on Aug 28, 2008 7:49 PM:

" Jo Anne B. Barnhart was in charge of SSA in 2003. Social Security is a Federally supported Ponzi scheme or Pyramid scheme. It will experience a crash because of the baby boom era. Let me guess you've bought into multi-level marketing too? "

Billy Hill wrote on Aug 28, 2008 6:07 PM:

" Having worked in the Government I know darn well that "Studies" are done to prove a preconcieved point. The Director of HHS tells his/her people that they need a study to show whatever point he/she wants to show. Given that the person who appointed him/her is touting privatization there you have it. "

Drinking and Gambling wrote on Aug 28, 2008 7:13 AM:

" There's nothing wrong with drinking and gambling if done responsibly. Most children will do better in the long run if they have a good role model regarding drinking and other activities than if they don't see it at all, or only see other teenager's drinking. "

To Billy Hill wrote on Aug 28, 2008 6:03 AM:

" Let me get this right, you think that everyone in the federal government agrees with or does the will of whatever administration? Interesting, so if a lower federal employee say, comitted a major crime, by, say removing classified documents from a secure location by shoving them in his pants, it's because its the president's will? "

Billy Hill wrote on Aug 27, 2008 4:51 PM:

" And who was in charge at SSA in 2003. That was right at the time when Bush was pushing privatisation and it was commissioned by the Bush Administration.
Just like WMDs in Iraq "and you believed them" "

Concerned Parent wrote on Aug 27, 2008 2:09 PM:

" It amazed me to see on the website a video of people drinking and gambling to raise money for our childrens high school. Are we really setting a good example here?? "

To Id Like to Vote wrote on Aug 26, 2008 7:08 AM:

" Yes, I agree, it is so sad to see the US be degraded to the point where we only have a choice of going Left, or Hard Left. While there are a few who seem to think the Messiah is now on the ticket for one of the parties, there are far more that say they will have to hold their nose when they vote, or wont vote at all. "

to Billy Hill wrote on Aug 26, 2008 5:13 AM:

" It is only slanted because you don't agree with it. That is hardly an educated rebuttal. Health and Human Services is hardly an agent of the current administration. All of these agencies are social bureaucrats employed by the big government. Besides the HHS didn't complete the study. Social Security isn't in their lane. The October 2003 report was generated from the Social Security Administration (SSA) office itself. Another social bureaucratic office that probably knows a little bit more about the issues of Social Security then yourself. The study was on eliminating the wage cap completely. "

Veteran wrote on Aug 25, 2008 11:05 AM:

" Recently I had to go to Bisbee to get a copy of my Military DD214. Upon entering the records department I explained to the clerk my name and that I needed a copy of my DD214. She took my name down without checking any identification and then proceeded to get the copy for me. I really upsets me to see that noone verified my identity from the beginning nor did they check afterwards upon releasing my information. And we talk about identity theft? "

Billy Hill wrote on Aug 25, 2008 9:07 AM:

" The HHS study was slanted by the Administration which favors privatization. Total removal of the cap would restore solvency to Social Security indefinately. As an interim measure I think Arthurs $5 million level would be good. "

to Billy Hill but to Citizen wrote on Aug 25, 2008 8:31 AM:

" Well I certainly wouldn't endorse just immediately switching over people to not paying into SS. A phase-out period is required. The case you suggested, where raising the cap would be simply to ease the burden while switching to a new system, would be about the only time I would agree with raising the cap. I'm not for raising the cap just to buy a few more years, but if it's a means to a better solution then it's good. "

Id like to vote for Obama wrote on Aug 25, 2008 6:36 AM:

" What great things has Obama accomplished as a political “mover and shaker” in Illinois? How many years has he served as an Illinois politician? What has he achieved? I’ll admit his confusing the 57 states of Islam with the 50 States of the U.S. troubled me. But if he is so pitiful at the State level, what would suddenly make him better as a President? Incompetent at the State level; Redeemer as the President? McCain isn’t much of a candidate, but still MUCH better than Obama in every area of merit. These two are THE BEST the parties can offer?! "

questioning speed limit wrote on Aug 24, 2008 10:01 PM:

" Speaking of speed limit signs. Campabello has a 25 mph. When is the country going to change it to 45 mph? Ramsey road is more congested then Campabello. What is going on. Doesn't the county watch for things like this? even 7th street has 40 mph and they have many cars going down the roads. "

hummer wrote on Aug 24, 2008 8:56 PM:

" I think it is too late for those of us who are 45 years of age and older to realize any benefits from a privatized Social Security system, but for the youth of American and their off spring I think a privatized system will benefit them and provide them a viable retirement that will protect them against inflation. I agree if we are to lift the cap it should be short term so that we can complete a transition to a new system that won't be bankrupt for our children and their children, etc. "

Citizen wrote on Aug 24, 2008 5:03 PM:

" Continued… Those that are over a certain age group will continue to draw from the traditional Social Security System. Removing the cap will help fund those that fall into the old system. There has to be a transition from one system to another at some point. Allowing the system to collapse is irresponsible. Mathematically there is no way to save the current system, so solutions need to be implemented now rather than later. "

Citizen wrote on Aug 24, 2008 5:03 PM:

" I don't think we can allow people to just opt out. The American Tax payers will still have to support those that remain. Removing the cap completely makes sense if you have a cut-off point for those that will stay with the Social Security system and those that won't. Those that are under a certain age limit will inherited a new privatized system where 6% of their employers pay and their own contributions are paid into a 401K type account where they have control over the type of funds like the TSP. Continued.... "

TO New Resident wrote on Aug 24, 2008 12:39 PM:

" If U don't like it here, MOVE. Dogs R cleaner than most humans. My 11 year old son sees people all the time in the restroom that fail to wash after they go. Nasty. If I can get a service dog so easily, please do tell me how...i'd love one! I've got bad knees & fibromyalgia & oh yeah, I've been known to suffer from depression from time to time when the military sends my husband on missions, sounds like I should qualify really easily according to you. I mean, I might suffer from PTSD from having my husband deployed&goPSYCHO "

Arthur Dent wrote on Aug 24, 2008 9:22 AM:

" I have a compromise, since Citizen McCain puts the not rich line at $5 million, lets raise the cap to $5 million. That way the rich will still get by. "

hummer wrote on Aug 23, 2008 11:26 PM:

" And so we should continue to allow the government to mis-manage social security and Medicare for their own use? Privatize Social Security and let people control what they and their employers contribute to mutual funds. The Government can't guarantee that we'll have Social Security in the future. Look at all of the treaties that the government has busted; all of the benefits they have taken away from those who serve the military; how they conduct foreign affairs and we should trust them to have our backs with Social Security and make Social Security solvent? "

to Billy Hill wrote on Aug 23, 2008 11:02 PM:

" So you want to put more money into an admittedly broken system? I vote we make it more "fair" by reversing the scenario. Allow people to opt out partially or fully from the social security tax. Just accept the consequences of not having it there for retirement or disability. It wouldn't fix social security (but neither would raising the wage cap), and I would have more for my 401k. "

Billy Hill wrote on Aug 23, 2008 8:39 PM:

" In the dream world of what is supposed to be, in actuality much of the money gets thrown into the General Fund and pays for the operation of the government. It becomes income tax. "

to Billy Hill wrote on Aug 23, 2008 6:25 PM:

" The cap is somewhere around $100k, they pay in like they earn $100k and collect like they earn $100k. They do not collect any more. You do not pay for them. You DO NOT pay for them. If they paid more they would just get more back from Social Security. With medicare, all pay in the same %. It is percentage based and all get the same benefit in return. So in reality, with medicare the rich are already paying more for medicare than you are, and they are supporting you. "

to Winston Smith wrote on Aug 23, 2008 5:15 PM:

" The rich pay more into Medicare than you and I. Again you miss the point, there is no cap on Medicare taxes, and yet Medicare is going bankrupt. Why do you think the same wouldn't happen to Social Security? Medicare and OASDI are two separate taxes. You are throwing up smoke screens to confuse those who don't know any better. "

Billy Hill wrote on Aug 23, 2008 4:01 PM:

" all I would like to see is equality. Why should we all pay more so the rich can not pay at all "

Achmed bin Silly wrote on Aug 23, 2008 3:59 PM:

" For the eleventy third time. I made no comment aboutt the article, only the source. So at this point it isn't me who is being silly "

hummer wrote on Aug 23, 2008 12:06 PM:

" Six years is all any candidate would worry about anyhow. By the time Social Security began to crumble it would be the next POTUS candidate's problem. All anyone is interested in is short term resolutions. Long term solutions are too painful to wait for and we are too impatient of a society to implement a long term solution. "

hmmm wrote on Aug 23, 2008 11:57 AM:

" Listen Silly, I read the article in the USA Today. When I searched for the article in Google the first link that popped up was the washington times and topix. The story was the same. The story elaborated on points I did not cover in my post, which is why I posted the story. The information in my post came from statistics gathered from the Census Bureau. It doesn't matter to me who publishes the story...it's an AP story and it remains unchanged. If you have a problem with the Washington Times that's not my problem I don't subscribe. "

Winston Smith wrote on Aug 23, 2008 10:59 AM:

" Truth is we all pay more into Medicare because the Rich do not pay into Social Security. So if you enjoy paying for the rich keep the cap. "

Billy Hill wrote on Aug 23, 2008 9:38 AM:

" What is radical about the rich paying the same 6.2% on thier SALARY that everyone else pays and thier employer matching that, the same as they do with everyone else. The studies I saw showed that it would not only make Social Security Solvent but would probably allow an overall lowering of the percentage, if Congress stopped raiding Social Security. Like I said, it'e the same as Steve Forbes Flat Tax. I assume you must be one of the top 1% if you are for giving the rich aa bye "

to to to Billy... wrote on Aug 23, 2008 8:35 AM:

" And if you don't believe me...
http://www.heritage.org/Research/socialsecurity/wm1319.cfm
"An October 2003 report from the Social Security Administration (SSA) examined the effects of not just raising the wage cap, but of eliminating it completely.[4] Under this radical approach, Bill Gates and Donald Trump would pay Social Security taxes on every dollar that they earn. They would also receive benefits on those earnings. The SSA study showed that that eliminating the payroll tax cap entirely would only delay the start of Social Security’s annual deficits by six years." "

to to to Billy... wrote on Aug 23, 2008 8:29 AM:

" Nope, just the medicare tax has no cap. As to the cap on SS, see below examples. You get out what you put in (below examples left out growth by interest and time for ease of explanation). If you put in less because of a cap, you'll get out less because of the cap. "

To to Billy Hill wrote on Aug 22, 2008 10:42 PM:

" Are yyou telling me thaat OASDI has no Wage Cap? "

Achmed bin Silly wrote on Aug 22, 2008 9:59 PM:

" Never the less I did not question the article, I questioned your source. Just like Fox """News""" the Moonie Ti9mes is pushed down the throats of our troops as if it were real news. Just Propaganda. "And you believed them" "

Billy Hill wrote on Aug 22, 2008 8:30 PM:

" I don't know about you but my trash is pretty stinky even twice a week. The idea that we would save money by only collecting once a week is a farce. Putting the Trash Truck drivers out there with a weed whacker won't help "

to Billy Hill wrote on Aug 22, 2008 6:45 PM:

" I'm not talking about income tax. I'm talking about the social security wage tax. If they paid in that much they would be entitled to take that much out, leaving no extra to balance the budget. Making the rich pay into taxes simply to cover what the lesser incomes have not paid for themselves is socialism. Go live in the UK if you want that, they're working their way to it faster than us. Oh, and the medicare tax has no wage cap in case you didn't know, and it's still in financial crisis. "

OBAMA LOWERS TAXES wrote on Aug 22, 2008 6:25 PM:

" Again repubicans are cringing because their thunder is gone. It is pretty simple I will type slower so the repubicans can understand... If you earn less than $250,000 your income taxes will go down = more money in your pockets. If you are a senior and earn less than $50,000 then you won't pay any taxes. McCain's plan is the exact same as bush's hence the name McBush. McBush only continues the economic woes. I know this as hard for repubicans to comprehend seeing as how they don't even know how many houses they own :) "

hummer wrote on Aug 22, 2008 5:23 PM:

" The "moonie" times did not change the article. Whether I pulled it from Yahoo, Google or Washington times the content is the same. "

Achmed bin Silly wrote on Aug 22, 2008 5:07 PM:

" I didn't question the article, I questioned your use of the Moonie Times as a source. Pay attention or better yet go watch a Danny Glover movie. "

Billy Hill wrote on Aug 22, 2008 4:02 PM:

" One Exxon Exec was paid $400 million, so 12% of that would be $48 million. Cheyneys salary ar Halliburton was $35 million that would be $4.2 million.
If the Poor are paying it why shouldn't the rich pay at the same percentage?
I'm not asking them to pay a higher percentage. Steve Forbes flat tax is the same thing. I suppose he's a Socialist too. "

notsotrashy wrote on Aug 22, 2008 2:12 PM:

" how about reducing the trash collection to once a week and spending the savings on trimming up the city owned property? The same goes for the choices in trash receptacles, why do we have three different sizes? That makes for a costly inventory issue. Make all the bins the same big size and get rid of the wasted costs of retaining a diverse inventory of trash cans. "

Winston Smith wrote on Aug 22, 2008 1:31 PM:

" With $9.5 Trillion in debt this Country is Bankrupt and living on Credit. The next President will take the blame for the last 20 years. We will soon be doing the same as Robert Mugabe, Printing money and lots of it. In ten years that dollar you have now will be worth 25 cents. Good job Democrats and Republicans. "

hmmm wrote on Aug 22, 2008 1:02 PM:

" To "preposition" please show your source to confirm your assertion that "most" seniors make more than $50K. If that's the case then Obama's plan has no impact on Seniors. The statistics I provided aren't from the AP article, they are from government statistics that have been reported. I'm sure you can look those up for yourself to confirm. I have to question the legitimacy of campaign promises, when someone introduces all of these social programs and then says he will not raise taxes for those who earn under $250K and not tax Seniors making $50K or less. It doesn't compute. "

hmmm wrote on Aug 22, 2008 12:45 PM:

" "Silly" it is an AP story so it was covered in a number of newspapers and magazines. Pay attention. Real news is generated by AP, Reuters, UPI and a few other news distributors. Not from your Fox, ABC, NBC, MSNBC or CBS. "

Pure socialism Billy wrote on Aug 22, 2008 9:44 AM:

" Now remove the wage cap. Mr. Richguy now has to pay fully $20/week for a total of $20,800. Fairly he should get $20,800 back in retirement. The only way this would help pay down the SS debt is if he still only got $15,600 (the amount he got before the cap was lifted.) and the rest went to people that paid in less.
Rich paying for poor's retirement... One step closer to a Socialist state. "

Pure socialism Billy wrote on Aug 22, 2008 9:42 AM:

" Let me explain this to you, Billy.
Say on your wage you put in $5/week to Social Security (SS) for 20 years. In total you put in $5200. The amount you would get out from SS would be based on what you put in... Hypothetically $5200. Say someone with 4x your income pays in, but he's over the wage cap and the cap puts him at $15/week. In 20 years he puts in $15,600. He would get out in this scenario $15,600. He does not get more out because he earned more.(cont'd) "

To Service first wrote on Aug 22, 2008 8:59 AM:

" I quote your original post, so there is no confusion about what you said:
"As for people waiting, they are welcome to shop when it's not busy. " "

Billy Hill wrote on Aug 22, 2008 8:30 AM:

" Each senior pays over $90 a month for Medicare yet the rich are not paying into the Wage Tax. If that cap were removed Social Security would be solvent and they could reduce the Medicare Cost "

Acmed bin Silly wrote on Aug 22, 2008 8:25 AM:

" to Hmm, great source, the Reverend Moons Moonie Times. I get all my news there, but I'm silly "

To upset wrote on Aug 22, 2008 8:00 AM:

" So you will be happier when the Army decides to close the Thrift Shop because it doesn't want to spend the money needed to update that building? "

Please learn to read AND comprehend wrote on Aug 22, 2008 7:34 AM:

" Didn't I say I shop when it's least busy? ::looks back at previous comment:: Why, yes, I did. Guess that makes you a blithering idiot. "

Winston Smith wrote on Aug 22, 2008 6:43 AM:

" Did you looka at the back page of todays TV section? Castle & Cooke houses for Zero Down Zero for settlement. They must be sure that if these "buyers" who haven't a penny pay ZERO on thier mortgage, the taxpayer will bail them out "

Arthur Dent wrote on Aug 22, 2008 6:37 AM:

" To Hmmm, it amuses me that you get your "truth" from a paper owner by the Rev. Sun Young Moons Unification Church, the MOONIES "

To hmmm wrote on Aug 22, 2008 6:08 AM:

" Most senior earn more than $50,000 a year. When you figure in their pensions, social security, and investments, the percentage of seniors over 55 who earn less than $50,000 is much less than what is reported. The report is obviously biased with manipulated facts. Bottom it is a great way to thank our seniors for there contributions to our country. I know McCain doesn't think seniors should get a break, because he wouldn't qualify, but the rest of America does. Seniors who are on the lower end deserve some help from their country, that help is Obama! "

hmmm wrote on Aug 22, 2008 2:00 AM:

" Even if 50% of the Senior population made more $55K (which is a huge stretch) that means at least 12% of the population, will not have taxes collected. That 12% will come from the middle 40% of citizens who pay taxes. The upper 30% of the population already pays 65.3% of the taxes collected. Where do you think Obama's plan is to make up that 12% of revenue? Businesses will be taxed at higher rates and inflation will rise. Many Senior Citizens live on fixed incomes and can't afford continued double digit inflation rates. "

Randle Patrick McMurphy wrote on Aug 21, 2008 10:27 PM:

" So let me get this straight Mr."OBAMA HUSSEIN HIGHERS TAXES". We're all begging for food, and our savior Robin Hood Hussein Obama is going to come along and save us from those evil Republicans? Barack Hussein's disciples have been drinking too much of the Koolaid again. I guess my question for you Mr. Obama/taxes since you all say McCain will simply carry on current Bush policies, are YOU rich or are you begging for food? Unless you're at the library I'm assuming you can afford to own your own computer and can afford monthly internet- Not starving. "

upset wrote on Aug 21, 2008 9:47 PM:

" why does the Military (our Government that sets rules for us to follow) get away with not having a wheelchair accessible Thrift shop? Some of the employees say it is accessible, then why don't they try fitting into the bathroom with a wheelchair or a walker! "

hmmm wrote on Aug 21, 2008 8:39 PM:

" It amuses me how easily those that don't think for themselves are persuaded by campaign promises. No tax for Seniors (people 55 and over) with incomes less than $50,000. If you look at demographics 12.5% of the Population is >65 years old; 4.52% are between 60-64 years old; and 6.5% are between 55-59 years old. The average income per capita in the US is $33,070. So you are looking at potentially 23% of the population, minus the small percentage of senior that are corporate executives. The middle 40% of citizens pay 28.4% of taxes collected. hmmmm.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/aug/12/obamas-no-income-taxes-on-seniors-draws-critics-2/ "

To Geez wrote on Aug 21, 2008 6:14 PM:

" I guess you are not familiar with history. Every single Congressional class features people who completely disagree with how to make America work. I am glad there are differences. It is actually what makes America work. If our government was dysfunctional we would never have laws passed. That is obviously not the case. You can hate and compromise at the same time. The only thing dysfunctional is believing that it doesn't work. Do you honestly think there are republicans that don't like democrats? Get real mr dysfunctional. "

Geez wrote on Aug 21, 2008 4:50 PM:

" Sen Reid states that he "can't stand" John McCain. Why is it so personal with the Democrats? Why is it that they hate someone from another party? It's no wonder we can't get anything done in Congress. Everything is personal, everthing is about hatred. How does someone negotiate with hatred? How does someone make compromises on the Senate floor when they hate the people they debate against? How dysfunctional is that? "

OBAMA LOWERS TAXES wrote on Aug 21, 2008 2:11 PM:

" I know my name makes republicans cringe, but that is just the facts of life people. Seniors, if you earn less than $50,000 a year you won't have to pay income taxes any more. McCain would rather give tax breaks to the rich so normal middle class Americans have to beg for food to feed their families. America needs help, and Obama can and will provide that help. How many seniors want McCain to vote against your veterans benefits as a president? Look at how many times he did it as a senator. Don't give him that chance again! "

New Resident wrote on Aug 21, 2008 1:39 PM:

" I don't know who pays for this service dog scam but it would be worth writing to somebody about. "

To Service first wrote on Aug 21, 2008 1:32 PM:

" Stop wasting all of our time! Why don't YOU go shopping when it's less busy! And with all the free time on your hands, here's another idea, instead of you having to slow down the line and frustrate the cashier, why don't you CHECK your receipt and bags AFTER the sale and AFTER you've moved out of the line. Then, if there is a mistake, you can complain to a manager. "

Who pays for the dog wrote on Aug 21, 2008 9:37 AM:

" Who foots the bill for the service dogs? It is my understanding there are waiting lists for this service . If you know that someone is abusing the insurance system, you need to report them. It is unfair for someone who has a legitimate need to wait because someone wants a travelling companion.
Do the local taxpayesr pay for this?
Does anyone know? "

hmmm wrote on Aug 19, 2008 10:06 PM:

" Congress has relinquished all of their power to the Executive Branch. There is hardly a balance of power in the Federal Government. Because of partisan politics they can't even pass a meaningful bill. Pretty sad. "

Winston Smith wrote on Aug 19, 2008 10:41 AM:

" The President doesn't tax, Congress does. If Congress really wants to pass a law they will overide a Presidential Veto. It's only been during the Bush- Clinton Monarchy that Congress has become a room full of sniveling cowards "

Arthur Dent wrote on Aug 19, 2008 10:38 AM:

" If oil is down to $113 a barrel why isn't gas down to $3 a gallon. Looks like Randal's flippin out, it's a good thing he has that service dog "

New resident is right wrote on Aug 19, 2008 7:07 AM:

" I know a woman who got a doctor to say she needed *two* dogs with her as service dogs for her 'nerves.' She laughed about it because there was nothing wrong with her, she travelled a lot and wanted to take the dogs with her everywhere. There are a lot of people who do this. Legally, you may only ask if it's a service dog. You can't ask what for or ask for papers to prove it. People working the system know this and have no problems lying. In my experience, about 60 are not in need of service dogs. "

Arthur Dent wrote on Aug 19, 2008 5:35 AM:

" Me too "

To Senior wrote on Aug 18, 2008 10:12 PM:

" As someone else pointed out. Congress passes the laws. So what in Obama's speach makes you think he can change the tax for seniors? He may push for changing the tax code but I don't think he can just change it without involvement. Since this is a campaign speech I assume as like all other campaign promises so far, these are empty promises that he can't really provide; only propose. Think about it. "

Randle Patrick McMurphy wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:59 PM:

" Grow up! Name stealer deserves a service dog because he is immature and has no substance. If you have something to say about something I said that's one thing, but leave me out of your stupid dog arguments. "

Randal Patrick McMurphy wrote on Aug 18, 2008 8:28 PM:

" I qualify for a service dog because I suffer from the delusion everyone cares about my opinion "

To Arthur Dent wrote on Aug 18, 2008 7:13 PM:

" At what pump can I buy oil for $3/gal.? "

Good Lord. wrote on Aug 18, 2008 6:15 PM:

" I didn't say I thought clerking was easy. I said they depend on computers to spit out the right price. I don't expect them to know the price of everything, I consider that *MY* job, which is why I insist they wait until I can see what prices ring up. I can't understand why that's a bad thing. As for working, so do I, full time. I shop when it's least busy mostly so I can take my time at the registers with the least inconvenience to others. You might try a reading comprehension course. "

A checker wrote on Aug 18, 2008 4:27 PM:

" Funny how so many people think checking is a mindless, simple job. Most people are quick to criticize things they know little or nothing about. They also wouldn't last five minutes on the register. "

Support our Troops wrote on Aug 18, 2008 1:57 PM:

" There is an EX Marine Sergeant standing trial in Riverside County Ca. for "Murdering" Iraqis while he was on Active Duty in Iraq. What Morons passed this law? What imbecile signed it into law? What imbecile US Attorney brought these Charges?
If he did it on Active Duty he should be tried by the Military "

New Resident wrote on Aug 18, 2008 1:36 PM:

" Since anybody can go to a doctor and get diagnosed with an emotional disorder and thus qualify for a service dog, why don't we just cut through the game and let anyone bring their dog into a restaurant, period. I am not allowed to bring my dog into a restaurant, but anybody sinister enough to go to their doctor and feign emotional distress does get to. Why is that? I see it all the time here. We are not talking folks that are blind or have epilepsy either. "

Jimbo wrote on Aug 18, 2008 10:35 AM:

" Whether it is Barack Osama who wins or John McCain, I hope they can do what Bush hasn't. Improve our economy and catch Obama Bin Laden. "

Hey Service first wrote on Aug 18, 2008 9:43 AM:

" Wow....Since I WORK for a living I am glad you are considerate of me wanting to get home after a 8-10 hour day (giving me limited time to shop at less busy times unlike yourself). If you are that concerned you should do self checkout and blame yourself for mistakes. Since you think being a cashier is such an easy-mindless job I would like to see YOU up there for 10 hours straight! "

Billy Hill wrote on Aug 18, 2008 8:17 AM:

" Then why no post about McCains hidden Taxes? We all pay more to Social Security and Medicare to make up the hundreds of billions the rich do not pay to support those systems. I too wish Ron Paul were a candidate. I know Obama is a liberal, i also Know that McBluster is a Facist in a Conservative cloak. "

Arthur Dent wrote on Aug 18, 2008 8:13 AM:

" Oil is under $120 a barrel, why is it over $3 at the pump? "

A checker wrote on Aug 18, 2008 8:02 AM:

" Just to let you know, it is the shopper's responsibility to ensure that they have the proper coupons for their items. Don't just hand over a stack of them and expect them all to go through the computer without having actually purchased the item. The store loses money if we take a coupon for an item that wasn't actually purchased. Again, please verify that the coupons you give us are for items you purchased beforehand. You'll save us both time and trouble. "

Winston Smith wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:47 PM:

" The Russians keep talking about American troops but no evidence so far.
I would think they would have called for a security council Meeting by now to show off any evidence. BBC had Sakasvili eating his Tie live on TV. "

hmmm wrote on Aug 17, 2008 8:43 PM:

" I guess if any Americans were captured it hasn't occurred to anyone that they might have been there assigned to the State Department as part of the OSCE mission. Call me crazy but I still have faith in American missions around the world. "

Obamas hidden taxes wrote on Aug 17, 2008 8:31 PM:

" Well I found the article linked by a Harvard professor's blog, and thought it deserved some merit. Though I don't think it deserves much of a defense, I'm a middle-class earner, right in the middle of that chart... And I don't care for McCain much either. I wish Ron Paul had a shot. "

Doh wrote on Aug 17, 2008 8:26 PM:

" Well, there's a real elitist magazine if I've ever seen one...ha ha ha. RAG - Real Artistic Genius.
http://www.ragmagazine.com/
or maybe RAG means (Residents Apparel Gallery). Maybe that's where they get their expensive shoes.
http://www.ragsf.com/ "

hmmm wrote on Aug 17, 2008 8:13 PM:

" Well Jimbo, maybe that's why we haven't found enemy #1...It seems that some people can't even remember his name. Osama bin Laden. "

SO wrote on Aug 17, 2008 7:58 PM:

" No avail from the sheriff's office is right. Let me guess, you were promised "extra patrol""we'll check the area." That's common from the SO, they'll tell you what you want to hear. The only way to make a change is to start from the top down, Dever needs to go! "

SENIORS wrote on Aug 17, 2008 5:56 PM:

" Seniors over 55 who make less than $50,000 a year will live tax free under Obama. Make your vote count. You deserve a break from your country and Obama will deliver that break for you. You earned it.

http://obama.3cdn.net/b7be3b7cd08e587dca_v852mv8ja.pdf "

ex-cashier wrote on Aug 17, 2008 4:18 PM:

" About the coupons... It's an honest mistake. While the cashier should take more time to ensure you get your discount, they don't do it with greed in mind. I know for a fact that at Fry's the computer checks the coupon to see if the item was purchased in that order. If it wasn't (i.e. the cashier trying to "take the money for him/herself or the store ringing it up later) the computer will reject the coupon, requiring manager intervention to run it through. I do recommend watching the register and prices when you shop, however. "

Winston Smith wrote on Aug 17, 2008 2:46 PM:

" any moron can shop around the internet until they find a few sites to back up thier opinions, there is more crap on the internet than anywhere in History.
The site given Vietnamveteransagainstmccain.com was a great example. They seem to hate everyone except Duncan Hunter. While I am interested that the Russians contend that they have captured Americans in Ossetia, I will have to wait and see if they produce them. "

Arthur Dent wrote on Aug 17, 2008 1:07 PM:

" These people all have agendas and the magazine they write for is a RAG. If i were one of the top 1% I'd be worried about Obama too. I assume you are wearing $520 Italian Loafers like John McCain, so you should be worried "

Service first wrote on Aug 17, 2008 12:33 PM:

" I have to admit I don't really care if the clerk gets in trouble for scanning slowly nor do I care if people behind be have to wait. I'm paying for the service and it will be done in a way that I can make sure I'm not being ripped off. Believe me, the clerks will save time doing it slowly to make sure it gets done right than if they have to argue with me, call for price checks, etc. at the end of the sale. As for people waiting, they are welcome to shop when it's not busy. "

Doh wrote on Aug 17, 2008 12:16 PM:

" Doh! "Obama hidden taxes", brilliant...touché "

Jimbo wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:39 AM:

" I'm really hoping Barack Osama is not elected. But if he is, I'll support him. I just hope that whoever is elected makes sure to take out Obama Bin Laden. "

New Resident wrote on Aug 17, 2008 10:36 AM:

" O.K., then you'll help push for legislation in which all of us can bring our dogs into restautants, and not just the people who know how to word the system? "

good checker wrote on Aug 17, 2008 8:48 AM:

" Grocery clerks:
You should be aware that it is not the computers' fault, it's the people who program the information into it that is the problem. Second, grocery checkers are being timed by the computers. They get in trouble if their time goes down by scanning slow. And, it slows the line down to have to wait for the customer to get everything on the belt first and then for them to watch each item being scanned. But, please do not annoy the checker by telling her each and every price as they comefault "

Obamas hidden taxes wrote on Aug 17, 2008 8:21 AM:

" The article authors:
Alan Viard- senior economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, assistant professor of economics at Ohio State University. He's also worked for the Treasury Department’s Office of Tax Analysis, the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers, and the Joint Committee on Taxation of the U.S. Congress
Alex Brill- former senior adviser and chief economist to the Committee on Ways and Means of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Source :The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research
How can you not, Arthur? "

To Iris wrote on Aug 17, 2008 7:48 AM:

" Under your mentality then I guess we will have to blame the republicans for 9-11 seeing as how they controlled Congress and the white house. I guess that would mean the republicans are weak on defense and foreign affairs. "

Dogs are cleaner than wrote on Aug 17, 2008 1:09 AM:

" To the complainer of service dogs, you should realize that the dogs are probably much cleaner than many of the food preparers that have a direct impact on your health. The dogs are not preparing and handling your food. Most service dogs are far better behaved and groomed than many of the patrons, (including young and uncontrolled children, questionably groomed or unsanitary patrons, etc.). Unless the dogs are eating off of your plate, you really should have no concern. "

Randle Patrick McMurphy wrote on Aug 17, 2008 12:46 AM:

" I find it interesting that the liberals and the media tout Bill Clinton as one of the most popular presidents in history and George Bush as THE most unpopular president in history. Though Bush is indeed at historic lows right now, we need to put this into perspective. The most amount votes Bill Clinton ever got was during his 1996 re-election in which he recieved 47 million votes, yet in his re-election bid George Bush got 62 million votes- the most votes of any president in U.S. History. Now Obama's also going to lose even with Iraq/economy/Bush. "

Langer wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:40 PM:

" This evening I watched the "debate" from the church in California. While I don't care for either candidate and didn't particularly appreciate the context of most questions, the format was genius. Not having to hear someone say he can't answer a question until he responds to the response to his earlier answer is great. One candidate says, "wa, wa, blather, um, blather, er, blather, ah, blather, blather," while the other candidate says, "bam!" What a surprise. "

Doh wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:21 PM:

" Wow...that's a stretch! Accusing someone who lives in Sierra Vista and contributes to this forum as being in the top 1% income bracket...Doh! Well you certainly got a chuckle out of everyone. "

DONT VOTE FOR OBAMA wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:16 PM:

" Don't vote for Obama if you want to avoid indirect tax increases and decreased buying power. The separation between poor and rich will widen and the middle class will find themselves with a higher cost of living. The term Rags to Riches will become an obsolete term. "

Camelback Forum wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:12 PM:

" I watched the Q & A forum of Obama and McCain tonight and I was very impressed. Obama came out and did a very,very good job. But I have to say that McCain BLEW HIM OUT OF THE WATER. I can see why Obama is scared of participating in a debate with McCain and refused all but the three "traditional" debates. Obama's really got his work cut out for him. If he hopes to be president he will have to do much better than he did tonight. "

To Dont Vote wrote on Aug 16, 2008 6:01 PM:

" You must be one of the top 1% "

DONT VOTE FOR OBAMA wrote on Aug 16, 2008 11:49 AM:

" Don't vote for Obama if you want your hard work to pay off with promotions or pay raises. His Tax plan will negate those raises. "

Arthur Dent wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:16 AM:

" To Obamas Hidden Tax Increases, could you explain to me how a grown person could believe that crap. Hopefully the next President will not be ruling by decree like the current President did for six years. That's how we got in this mess. "

Aint it great wrote on Aug 16, 2008 10:08 AM:

" Grumpy the Dwarf calls obama an Elitist while wearing $520 Italian Loafers "

Iris Lynch wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:02 AM:

" To the person who complained about the status quo, it surprises me that so few people understand or have read the Constitution. It is CLEAR that it is the CONGRESS who makes the laws ...NOT the president. Blame the Democratic controlled Congress for the high price of gas and all the other problems we have since they took over. That is the REASON the president has higher approval numbers than Congress. But you have the right to openly display your ignorance in On Your 'Mind'(?) "

Randle Patrick McMurphy wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:48 AM:

" You Obama supporters better be praying that McCain picks Tom Ridge for is VP running mate. Many people, including myself WILL be going third party. "

New resident wrote on Aug 16, 2008 8:46 AM:

" Please do not call me dumb. I am not talking about having them for the conditions you mentioned. I find the rationale for those things valid. However, handing these dogs out to people just because they are bi-polar or have some other psycological conditions is wrong. So if I want to bring my dog anywhere that they shouldn't be, an eating establishment, all I have to do is find the right doctor and say I'm going to freak out and then I get to break all the laws that everybody else has to abide by. Ridiculous. "

MCCAIN GIVES AWAY YOUR TAXES wrote on Aug 16, 2008 7:33 AM:

" McCain will give your tax dollars away to oil company executives so they can buy bigger yachts and control more of your life. McCain supports big government which supports big companies. He wants the top 1% of America's wealthy people to get more of your tax dollars. He would sell his soul for greed and wealth. He would sell your soul and your body even quicker. Vote for McCain so the rich can get richer! "

Obamas hidden tax increases wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:14 PM:

" On the middle class... Read it if you can follow it. If you can't let me know and I'll be happy to explain it for you.

http://www.american.com/archive/2008/august-08-08/the-folly-of-obama2019s-tax-plan "

To New resident wrote on Aug 15, 2008 3:48 PM:

" That has to be the dumbest comment I have read on here and believe me (since ur new) that there has been some DUMB comments on here. Service dogs are not just for blind people. They are also for people who have seizure alert, deaf, and mobility. People should not be confined to their home just because you don't approve of what they need their service dog for! "

The Neighborhood Officers wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:31 AM:

" are on permanent vacation. You'd be better off to cut the weeds yourself and be a part of keeping your own neighborhood neat and clean. It's called pride. "

The Neighborhood Officers wrote on Aug 15, 2008 11:30 AM:

" are on permanent vacation. "

New resident wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:51 AM:

" I just moved here 6 months ago and have noticed something I have not seen in any other state. All other places only issue service dogs to blind people so they can get around. I have noticed here that the threshold for getting a service dog is VERY lax. Seems that here anyone can go in with just about any emotional disorder and qualify for a "service animal", which they then get to take into any eating establishment. "I might freak out" doesn't justify breaking health codes. How did this stupid policy ever come to be? "

grocery clerks wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:51 AM:

" It's true they make mistakes nearly every time I buy stuff, or the register doesn't reflect the sale price. You have to watch like a hawk. I doubt the staff are trying to pocket money, I think it's just a result of mindless dependency on computers. My way to combat this is to ask the cashier right off not to start scanning until I'm ready (I have all items on the belt and my 'club card' number put in). Then I ask them to go slowly so I can see all the prices. They will do this for you. "

equal treatment wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:44 AM:

" Ha ha ha! Surely you jest. Just take a look at the scholarships offered at UofA for 'specific populations": asian-americans, african-americans, native americans, females, hispanics, military, disabled, italian-american, athletes, foreign students. You want equal treatment, you'll have to move. To another planet! (And how is it not illegal to decline a goods or services based on race or ethnicity?) "

the SO can suck wrote on Aug 15, 2008 7:33 AM:

" Yeah, good luck with the SO. I called once because a young, hispanic man jumped my four' fence (damaging it) while another lurked in the driveway. After threatening him away from the door, I called the SO. Someone drove by an hour later. They didn't even stop to talk with me! Granted they probably couldn't send someone in time to catch them on the property, but it's fairly remote in terms of places to go, they probably could have managed to locate them with some tiny little effort. "