Rethinking the “Bush Tax Cuts”

I no longer support a “Bush Tax Cuts” extension.

Collectively known as the “Bush Tax Cuts”, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA) and Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003 (JGTRRA) made sweeping changes to the U.S. Tax code.

Among other things, EGTRRA and JGTRRA lowered the tax rate on the bottom fifth of income earners by 5 points, from 15% to 10%, a full one-third cut in their tax burden.  Also lowered were the tax rates for the next four income tiers from 28 to 25, from 31 to 28, from 36 to 33, and from 39.6 to 35 respectively.  The acts also increased child tax credits and eliminated the marriage penalty, while lowering the tax rates on inheritances, capital gains, and dividends.

The acts contained 2010 sunset provisions, but were given two year extensions through 2012.  President Obama and Congressional Democrats, in their desire to make the wealthy pay their “fair” share, have moved to block further extensions of EGTRRA and JGTRRA.  They intend to force sunsetting of the “Bush Tax Cuts” and allow them to expire at the end of this year.  Without those extensions, the tax rates will return to their former levels.

That will mean a 13.1% tax increase on the top one-fifth of incomes, with increases of 9.1%, 10.7%, and 12% for the next three tiers, and a whopping 50% tax increase for those in the lowest bracket.  The child tax credit will drop from $1,000 to $500.  The marriage penalty will return.  Estates will be gutted by a 55% death tax.  Return on investment, capital gains, will drop by one-third as the tax rate increases from 15% to 20%.   Dividends, a major funding source for retirement accounts currently taxed at 15%, will be taxed at the same rate as ordinary wages, up to 39.6% for those at the top level.

So, instead of supporting a continued “Bus Tax Cuts” extension, I now stand in full opposition to the “Obama Tax Increases”.  $500 BILLION in tax increases that could cripple an already struggling economy, starting January 1, 2013.


Dennis P. O'Neil

Dealing With Trolls

Trolls are those individuals who invade chat rooms and comment threads to post off-topic and the most vile of remarks in order to interfere with a free exchange of ideas and information.

Perhaps most important thing to know about most trolls is they are as insecure in their own lives as they are insignificant yours.  Their inane rants are the products of weak minds attempting to draw attention to themselves and away from the main topic.  Many trolls post their despicable remarks in hopes someone will respond in like prose.  That is exactly the recognition they seek, as it fulfills some warped sense of gratification because they have succeeded in hijacking the discussion.  Consider their unwelcome input a form of mental masturbation.

So, how does one deal with trolls?

1. NEVER respond to direct personal attacks.  Engaging them only feeds into their sick desires.
2. Do not acknowledge them directly. Instead, talk about and around them, but not TO them.  Hold them and their posts up for ridicule, but only referenced in the third person. e.g.
   

   “Can you folks believe the tripe 'TimmyTroll' is spouting? I wish he/she/it would stop the copy and paste of Mother Jones editorials to try and prove his/her/its idiotic point.”

3. Rebuke their assertions with FACTS, not opinion.  Cite authoritative sources demonstrating the fallacies of their arguments.
4. Above all, STAY CLASSY.  Remember, you are usually engaging with like minds or those of a differing political philosophy who are truly interested holding intelligent discussion.  Using words or phrases that could be construed as misogynistic, homophobic, racist, or otherwise offensive is an intellectually lazy trap you set for yourself, and only invites trolls to attack.

Following these four basic rules marginalizes trolls to the point they cease to be a problem.

Dennis P. O'Neil

Not With Pike, But With Pen

Many, if not most, Americans were incensed by President Barack Obama's hat in hand apology to Afghan President Hamid Karzai for the burning of Korans on a U.S. air base in Afghanistan.  Most disturbing was President Obama's promise of retribution against our own troops by, “... holding accountable those responsible.”  With that, President Obama threw our military personnel under the proverbial Afghani donkey cart, even as rioting crowds murdered them in cold blood.

One patriot, angry with this betrayal, took a few minutes out of her busy day to express her thoughts, then post the video with her version of a proper apology to President Karzi on YouTube and her blog (transcript included).  The video went viral within hours and, before a week passed, had nearly reached the holy grail for Internet videos – One Million views.

Kira Ayn Davis, the self-described “actress, writer, blogger and talker... also a mother, wife, proud American and black conservative... ” seemed awestruck by an overwhelmingly positive response from hundreds of thousands of fellow Americans who shared her sentiments.  As Davis posted on her facebook page:

“Woohoo! Video just crossed 900,000! How should I celebrate 1,000,000?”

I remembered the story of Revolutionary War heroine, Mary Hagidorn, who refused an order for women and children to shelter in a cellar during an expected British attack.  Mary defiantly replied, ”I shall not go to that cellar should the enemy come.  I will take a spear which I can use as well as any man and help defend the fort.”  With spear in hand, Mary took her place along the defensive line, holding her position until the battle was won.

So, to Kira, I humbly offer this counsel: Hold your children close, tell them the story of Mary Hagidorn, and whisper, “This I do for you, not with pike, but with pen.”

Please visit Kira's blog at KiraDavis.net and enjoy her writings, along with those of other talented young conservatives


Dennis P. O'Neil

Not So New Posts

To my past readers: Some of you may recognise many of the essays presented. Continued problems with Townhall software have forced me to repeat articles here, as I am not able to update older posts with broken or outdated links. My original posts will remain at Townhall. So, please bear with me if something looks "dated" or familiar.
To new visitors: Welcome aboard. I hope you enjoy your stay as we scan life's horizon together.

Would You Like to Become a Czar?

The Administration's naked power grab even has some Democrats shaking their heads in disbelief.  In a blatant end run of Congressional oversight, Obama is creating a multitude of extra-Constitutional positions for his favored friends and allies.  These so-called “Czars” may wield greater authority than the Cabinet level officials in charge of the departments where they work.  They will report directly to Obama and, as sure as God made little green apples, will claim Executive privilege if anyone questions their actions.  Obama is carving up and doling out the power of government for far-left radicals like a feudal king assigning serfdoms to those who are loyal and answerable to the king - and the king only.

I struggled for a way to address this insanity until I came across a great rendition of the Pat Donahue parody, Would You Like to Play the Guitar?  Thanks go out to the anonymous YouTube talent known only as Fret Killer for lightening my mood and inspiring the following:

Would you like to become a Czar?
With expense account and a car?
Hitch your wagon to Barry's star?
Here is your chance to make it big.

Cabinet appointees are hard to confirm.
Questions on taxes make them squirm.
They are watched like hawks by those on the right
And Congress insists on its oversight.
So, if you want a job with real vig,
Don't take a Secretary gig.

Would you like to become a Czar?
Work inside the DC bazaar?
Show how so much smarter you are?
You should be working for The One.

Obamessiah's building a second tier
Of policy wonks to rule through fear.
The White House has openings for more than a few,
Obedient Czars and Czaresses who
Will work to get his left-wing changes done.
Who needs a Constitution?

Would you like to become a Czar?
Throw your weight around near and far?
Write regulations? Har-dee-har-har!
Well then, this may be your shot.

It really doesn't matter which job you should choose,
It's only the peons who lose.
Health, banks, environment, maybe energy
Or geek Czar of Technology.
So, Marxists come pick your favorite slot.
It's yours, qualified or not.

All the monkeys aren't in the zoo.
Even monkeys can be czars too,
And they're good at turning the screw.
It doesn't matter who you are,
When having power without par.
Yes, it's good to be a Czar.

Dennis P. O'Neil

Originally posted at Townhall.com on April 21, 2009

NOTE: Broken links in original post updated here since, because of crappy software, I can no longer edit posts at Townhall.

Meanwhile, Back On the Farm

I was a high school freshman the first time I read George Orwell’s Animal Farm.  Orwell was a dedicated Marxist socialist who took great exception to Soviet style Communism.  He was especially dismayed with the brutality exhibited under Joseph Stalin.  Animal Farm was his anti-Stalin allegory decrying the excesses of the Stalin regime.

The story relates an uprising by the animals of Manor Farm against abuses and neglect inflicted by Mr. Jones.  Just as the 1917 February Revolution forced abdication by Tsar Nicholas II, the animal rebellion forced Mr. Jones to flee Manor Farm.  Other easily identified characters are the pigs (Politburo), led by Napoleon (Stalin).  It was Napoleon who eventually took control after driving Snowball (Leon Trotsky) off the farm.  Napoleon consolidated his power through executions (Great Purge), carried out by his personally trained pack of dogs (Soviet Secret Police).

Some may wonder why bring up an old story about something that happened almost a century past.  Perhaps because the OccupyWallStreet participants remind me of those Manor Farm denizens I read about over 40 years ago.  Today's seemingly clueless protesters are very much like those barnyard inhabitants who, unhappy with their lot, rose up against their perceived oppressors.  Only in this case, evil “millionaires and billionaires” have supplanted Mr. Jones and the humans as objects for their outrage.  As of yet, no clear Napoleon has surfaced, but the dog packs have already made their presence known in the form of union activists.

Many of those marching in the streets, demanding change, would be well served to read Orwell’s story, look about, and decide for themselves if they want to be among the sheep bleating, “Four legs good - Two legs bad.”  I would offer them one other bit of advice.  Consider the admonition of George Santayana from his Reason In Common Sense, Volume One of The Life of Reason:

“Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness. When change is absolute there remains no being to improve and no direction is set for possible improvement: and when experience is not retained, as among savages, infancy is perpetual. Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Dennis P. O'Neil

Reparations for Thee, Why Not Me?

Re-post of an earlier essay in response to renewed claims that white people can't understand the overwhelming support for Obama among black voters because white people never had to go through what black people endured.

Their history as human chattel in the New World is disturbing.

“They came as slaves; vast human cargo transported on tall British ships bound for the Americas.  They were shipped by the hundreds of thousands and included men, women, and even the youngest of children.

“Whenever they rebelled or even disobeyed an order, they were punished in the harshest ways.  Slave owners would hang their human property by their hands and set their hands or feet on fire as one form of punishment.  They were burned alive and had their heads placed on pikes in the marketplace as a warning to other captives.”

Harvard professor Henry Gates, central figure in the racially charged incident involving Cambridge police, is an ardent proponent of reparations to Black Americans for the atrocities of the African slave trade.  However, Gates's ethnocentric outrage conveniently ignores the full history of slavery in the Americas.  The above excerpt does not describe the plight of black slaves torn from their families in Africa.   It comes from White Slavery: The Slaves That Time Forgot by John Martin detailing the trade in Irish slaves.

The story of Irish slaves is one the politically correct manage to overlook while damning the United States for past transgressions against blacks.  It is not discussed in schools when teaching about slavery.  The history of Irish slaves is so completely buried that students gain a false impression that slave trade began when white Europeans raided Africa for cheap black labor.  In truth, the majority of early slaves in the New World were white, victims of that dehumanizing practice long before the establishment of an African slave trade.

“The Irish slave trade began when James II sold 30,000 Irish prisoners as slaves to the New World.  His Proclamation of 1625 required Irish political prisoners be sent overseas and sold to English settlers in the West Indies.  By the mid 1600s, the Irish were the main slaves sold to Antigua and Montserrat.  At that time, 70% of the total population of Montserrat were Irish slaves.”

Treatment of the Irish people under King James II and Charles I by the likes of Oliver Cromwell amounted to little more than state sponsored genocide on a scale not seen again for nearly three centuries.

“From 1641 to 1652, over 500,000 Irish were killed by the English and another 300,000 were sold as slaves.  Ireland’s population fell from about 1,500,000 to 600,000 in one single decade.  Families were ripped apart as the British did not allow Irish dads to take their wives and children with them across the Atlantic.  This led to a helpless population of homeless women and children.  Britain’s solution was to auction them off as well.

“During the 1650s, over 100,000 Irish children between the ages of 10 and 14 were taken from their parents and sold as slaves in the West Indies, Virginia and New England.  In this decade, 52,000 Irish (mostly women and children) were sold to Barbados and Virginia.  Another 30,000 Irish men and women were also transported and sold to the highest bidder.  In 1656, Cromwell ordered that 2000 Irish children be taken to Jamaica and sold as slaves to English settlers.”

Even a growing trade in African slaves did nothing to alleviate the hardships of Irish slaves.  If anything, it only made their lot worse as the lowest members in a perverse caste system.  African slaves were a prized commodity, often fetching prices 10 times that of the Irish.  To minimize expenses, slave owners forced Irish women and girls (many as young as 12) to breed with African men.  The “mulatto” offspring of these rapes were more valuable than their Irish parents, yet considerably cheaper than purchasing new Africans.

This trade in Irish slaves continued for well over a century as England sold thousands of Irish into slavery after the 1798 Irish Rebellion.  England finally renounced its official participation in slave trade in 1839, far too late for those hapless Irish dragged away in chains.  The Reconstruction Amendments after America's Civil War codified the rights of all men and women to live free of slavery's chains.

The horrors sustained by all people subjected to slavery are undeniable.  Many freed blacks returned to their ancestral homeland to restart their lives anew.  Many more Africans migrated to America on their own accord in search of the American dream.  Yet, as the Martin article concludes:

“None of the Irish victims ever made it back to their homeland to describe their ordeal.  These are the lost slaves; the ones that time and biased history books conveniently forgot.”

For anyone such as Dr. Gates to proffer slavery as a uniquely Black experience requiring reparations to descendants of Black Africans is an insult to everyone of Irish ancestry.  It is a ludicrous proposition that all whites now living in America are responsible for sins against blacks going back over 200 years, and therefore should be held monetarily accountable.  It would be equally ludicrous for me to demand some type of payment from all blacks now living in America for their ancestors' participation in the forced rapes of Irish women so long ago.

However, if Gates and others insist on pushing the reparation issue, I will be equally insistent that the Irish be the first recipients, at least to the extent that blacks have benefited so far.  I demand the atrocities committed against the Irish be finally recognized and taught in our schools along with those of the Africans.

http://afgen.com/forgotten_slaves.html

Note: Although enslavement of the Irish may have been the most egregious as far as numbers and percent of population, the treatment of other white European slaves from Spain, Portugal and Scotland was no less heinous, and equally deserving remembrance.


Dennis P. O'Neil

Originally posted at Townhall.com on July 26, 2009.