Throw Them All Out

I saw an interesting article in the LSJ today. It seems that any taxpayer who filed jointly with a person having no social security number will not be receiving one of those wonderful economic stimulus checks. Now let’s forget for a moment that the checks are really just politics as usual, and not a great idea in the first place. If they’re going to be distributed, shouldn’t they at least be distributed equally to all taxpayers?

As I recall, we’ve been told for many, many, weeks now, that if you filed a 2007 tax return, you would be eligible for your rebate check. In Congress’ haste to buy some votes with public money (albeit borrowed), they didn’t take the time to get it right. They wanted to make sure that no money went to illegal aliens. So they added provisions requiring social security numbers. Unfortunately, lots of people here legally, and paying taxes, do not yet have social security numbers, and are therefore not entitled to stimulus. Making matters even more interesting, a legal immigrant, or American citizen who paid taxes, but imprudently filed jointly with one of the “unentitled” is also not entitled (guilt by association I guess). They not only don’t get the spouse’s $600, they don’t get their own.

But, it gets even worse. According to the article, a large number of American military personnel serving overseas are going to be rewarded for their service by getting stiffed, because they married “indigenous personnel”, and filed jointly. And, their spouses have not yet been approved for immigration, and therefore have no SSN’s. Now that’s supporting the troops!

And, sadly, this is apparently the best that Congress can do. For long periods of time, Congress is incapable of passing any meaningful legislation. Then, when something does squeeze out, it is something ill advised, and poorly constructed. Regardless of party, we seem to be rather ill served at every level of government these days. This latest fiasco is reminiscent of our Michigan primary, the Michigan budget, the infamous service tax, and the legislation which was intended to keep drivers licenses out of the hands of illegal immigrants, and resulted in keeping them out of the hands of legal immigrants as well. Congress is still well behind Michigan in legislative incompetence. But they’re trying hard to catch up. I think the Democrats are preparing to launch a major legislative offensive (read “election gimmick”) pretty soon. The Republicans will try to ride along with some added gimmicks of their own. Such well thought out stuff as this is usually rushed through the process so the politicians can grab some quick headlines, or meet a long neglected deadline. And, behind the headlines, ordinary people suffer.

Maybe, our legislative bodies, both state and federal, should just take the rest of the year off. They’d do less harm that way. They’re really just marking time until the election as it is. And, while we’re on the subject of the election, come November let’s throw out every incumbent, regardless of party. Based on recent performance, we couldn’t really do any worse if there was absolutely no experience in the legislative bodies. We can get shoddy legislation from just about anybody.

 

Comments

[rukidding]

With the exception of passing the extension of the tax credits to assure continued investment in alternative energy such as wind and solar, having the state and national legislature take the rest of the year off is not a bad idea.

I am really beginning to think the parliamentary system is a better system. If the coalition in power loses confidence, its out. The way things are going in Lansing and Washington, that would be weekly event until the politicians woke up.

[Jerry Scarborough]

Well said.

[Landser]

Pointless article. American gas prices at $4 per gallon. The danger lies when diesel hits $6. The semi-trucks that deliver groceries to stores may no longer be able to afford to deliver food. Detroit and Los Angeles riot over any racial slight. What will they do if there is no food. At $6 per gallon of diesel fuel the store shelves may go empty.

America schools did not teach systems management. Your politicians - such as the dreadful Senator Levin - did not allow any domestic energy exploration. Both Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico have great amounts of energy that your politicians will not allowed to be used.

Even if your nation went on a crash project to exploit the energy there is no way it would be ready inside of five years.

America will not allow any nuclear power plants. America will not allow any oil exploration in Alaska or any other area where it may be seen as unsightly. America turns food into fuel. You've let foolish environmentalists and pandering politicians make critical decisions. Terrorism will be the least of your problems.

You've made your bed and now you can lie in it. I will feel sorrow for your children who must live your folly.

[Timo Kokko]

Landser,
I read the first sentence and recognized the repetitive tripe that you continually spew. Perhaps it is time for you to return to Potzlow with your brethren.

Jerry,
I agree with almost everything you say except "Congress is still well behind Michigan in legislative incompetence." I think Congress has, remarkably, passed Michigan in their conscious ineptitude.

[Dave Woods]

IMPORTANT NEWS -- Wednesday evening -- Barack Obama just won the endorsement of JOHN EDWARDS.

A lot of pundits think this will finally be the last nail in Hillary Clinton's coffin. If Edwards' delegates all go to Obama now, it could well put him over the top.

I hope they will -- I want the party to pick a candidate soon, and I think Obama has run a much cleaner, more progressive campaign. Still, I don't understand how John Edwards, a puritanical Bible-thumping preacher who died in 1758, can remain so influential in 2008, let alone win all those delegates. Well, that's the Carolinas for you: they happily put up with Strom Thurmond for fifty years, after all.

One thing for sure: all you McCainiacs are sure to be sinners in the hands of an angry God now!

[MSUGeek]

Welcome back Dave! Obama seems to have the momentum to take the nomination. After all, he is pulling delegates from all 57 states he has visited. Now tell me, Dave, do we want a candidate who mixes up the Islamic sects or one who doesn't know how many states we have?