Demoskratos

Exhibit 1 is a report released in 2005 from the US Congressional Budget Office, a time which the White House was ruled by Republican President G W Bush and Congress was ruled by a House majority of Republicans, and a Senate Majority of Republicans yet they did nothing to change the Corporate Tax which the US was and continues to be the 2nd highest tax rate for corporate capital investments in 2003 through to 2009.

Exhibit 1 – Read the whole document or skip to page 41 of the document itself.

Fast forward to 2008-9:

The hypocrisy of the Republicans in Washington continues as GOP members berate Democrats and President Obama for high corporate taxes when the GOP did nothing themselves as the Tax Foundation study (Exhibit 2) shows below that at least for the 6 years which GOP had ABSOLUTE RULE OVER THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

Exhibit 2

In particular, I wish to point out Republican Representative from Minnesota 6th District, Ms. Michele Bachmann who claims she is a Tax Attorney and “lived the life” of a tax expert, who today and many times before spoke before the House of Representatives session asking for Corporate Tax cuts.

For all to read, assuming you have passed high school equivalency standards.  Despite that Republicans are inflamed at the 600 plus page number written in legal format so the actual content is about 200 pages plus in a normal margin format, I was able to peruse it in 1 hour to get a general sense.

Truth be told, I don’t see anything as horrific as some have made it out to be.  But at the same time, no one is sure if everyone is going to benefit or it’s going to save the overall economy from further deterioration.  It appears that if you’re not in the healthcare, science research, construction, education, government and green energy, you may not get a whole lot of benefits directly.  Trickle down and sideways I guess is the new economic plan.  But before you post your next criticism or support based on media and party rhetoric, read it, understand it and then comment.

Click here for the proposed Stimulus Bill of 2009

Given the state of the economy and the alarming rate which Americans are losing jobs and homes, citizens are awaiting with high anticipation for the President Elect Obama and his administration to take office.

Going back to his first press conference after the election, the President Elect has made a broad outline to strengthen the middle class and keep people in their homes.

In the meantime, it appears the entrepreneurial spirit of the American people has taken over and the people have taken matters into their own hands creating an explosion of Obama paraphernalia for sale and services leading up the Inauguration on January 20.

This is a historical moment not just because it is the first African American to take the highest office but it comes at a time when Americans and others around the world are hurting.  So the expectations as well as the excitement levels are high (see photos:  Photo1, Photo2, Photo3).

The media is also paying big bucks to have exclusive rights to broadcast the events and by doing so will not allow all viewers to share the moment.

This writer has attempted to secure tickets to the inauguration event moments immediately following the election but without success.  One needs to be a big Democratic Party donor to receive reserved tickets it seems.

Supposedly, one can get tickets for free from our Congressperson.  When was the last time they returned a call with an answer?

While it is still possible to get airline tickets into Washington DC at a reasonable fare, the local hotels with normal room rates of of under $79 are now charging $400 per night on Expedia.com.

I’m glad some people have that kind of money to be spending to witness a historical event and are helping out the economy by paying for the merchandise and services.

I just hope with all the celebration and the rock star performances from the likes of U2, that someone is thinking about those who are less fortunate, don’t have $10,000 to give in contribution money and are worrying about landing a job that can pay the living expenses.  I’m still waiting anxiously for positive change and I don’t mean pocket change either to trickle down.