Politics & Government - 16 November 2007

2007-11-16 10:49:46 · 6 answers · asked by realitycheck 3 in Politics

McCain says he's seen them before. Romney sez it's not American to put him down for a religious choice. And the people interviewed having received the calls speak of John Edwards and bashing him. No where did ABC News mention Hillary '08.

They also mentioned these are usual yet coming early, as with everything this campaign season it's all happening way ahead of schedule.

Do you wonder where 300 million dollars goes? As I stare in amazement at emails I can not get rid of from Hilliam More money Bill sez yesterday. Is there no end?

If you have some comments, any info about 2000 when these were very evident? Planting information ? Maybe I just wanted to let you know it is happening. All responsible ideas welcome.
Thank you.

2007-11-16 10:48:46 · 3 answers · asked by Mele Kai 6 in Other - Politics & Government

hypothetical situation: all Americans leave the USA for mars, venus etc. and the control of the government is given to illegal mexicans. How long would it be before it just became another poor country? years, months, days etc.

2007-11-16 10:48:24 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Immigration

Just curious if you chumps have your priorities straight.

2007-11-16 10:48:04 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics

2007-11-16 10:37:58 · 9 answers · asked by Rip Torn 2 in Elections

I have a friend who recently was terminated from this company. And now some employees who work there are saying that he was terminated because he is on drugs. Is there anything he can do?

2007-11-16 10:37:48 · 5 answers · asked by The Most Beautiful Men 1 in Law & Ethics

To show to his people that his brave actions match his brave words?

2007-11-16 10:36:44 · 27 answers · asked by Anonymous in Military

2007-11-16 10:32:37 · 17 answers · asked by ? 1 in Immigration

A deadline looms today, and it will not be met. Unless Congress fixes the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT), the IRS will have no choice but to print next year’s tax forms based on current law, which would force 25 million taxpayers to pay, on average, an unexpected, additional $2,000 in taxes.

If the AMT is fixed after today’s deadline, the Treasury Department announced in a letter to Congress, then the delay in printing proper IRS forms will create confusion for millions of taxpayers this spring and delay tens of millions of taxpayers’ refund checks by up to two and a half months.

Democrats are the ones responsible for this — for creating the tax in the first place, for raising it, and for failing to fix it in time. Most responsible of all for the current mess, and for Congress’s failure to act, is House Ways and Means Chairman Charlie Rangel (D., N.Y.).

The Alternative Minimum Tax was originally enacted by a Democratic Congress in 1969, in order to stop a handful of wealthy families from using deductions and loopholes to avoid tax liability altogether. But the high income threshold at which the tax is triggered was never indexed to inflation. In 1993, the Democratic Congress and President Clinton raised the AMT tax rate, but again failed to index for inflation.

As a result, inflation is carrying more and more workers across the AMT threshold each year. Congress, therefore, has had to “patch” the tax temporarily each year, raising the threshold at which it must be paid. If Congress does nothing, the government tax collections would increase through the AMT, dramatically and entirely by accident.

Republicans view the AMT’s expanding reach as a mistake. They passed a repeal of the tax in 1999, only to see it vetoed by President Clinton. In more recent years, they lacked the courage to fix it permanently because it would have invited screams of “tax cuts for the rich,” and made future deficits look much worse on paper. Yet when they controlled Congress, at least Republicans “patched” the AMT each year so that millions of taxpayers could avoid paying all that extra money.

Publicly, Democrats pretend that they, too, consider it a “mistake” for the AMT to ensnare roughly 25 million taxpayers. But their actions now speak louder than their words. They passed an AMT “patch” last Friday — H.R. 3996 — but it raises taxes on small businesses and entrepreneurs by $81 billion, in order to recover the revenue that is “lost” by not mistakenly ensnaring millions of Americans in the AMT.

With the Democrats’ so-called “pay-as-you-go” rule in hand, and under the guise of “fiscal responsibility,” Chairman Rangel is essentially blackmailing taxpayers: “Either support us in our mission to hike taxes, or we’re going to let the AMT have all 25 million of you!”

A spokeswoman for Rangel was sticking to this “fiscal responsibility” line on Wednesday, and indicated that the tax-hike bill that Democrats passed last week along party lines took care of AMT, and that was that. But the bill they passed has absolutely no chance of passing the Senate, and even less of being signed by President Bush — something of which House Democrats have been aware all along.

Senate Democrats are not happy about what their colleagues have done here. Even Democrats in the House resented that they were being pressured by their own leadership to vote for a large tax hike. “Why should House members have to walk the plank?” asked Rep. Jim Cooper (D-Tenn), speaking to Congress Daily. “This is a 130 percent tax increase.”

Rangel does not appear to have thought this one through quite as well as he usually does. By failing to act, he may be putting his party’s pinkie finger on a new “third rail” of politics.

Everyone expects the AMT to be fixed this year for the same reason it always has been fixed in the past — failure to do it could cause a taxpayer rebellion. If, as appears likely, Congress fails to pass a real AMT fix before today’s deadline, it will probably be fixed eventually. But many taxpayers will end up with obsolete tax forms (12 different forms are affected by the AMT), creating a huge snag for the IRS. An astounding $75 billion in tax refunds to as many as 50 million people could be delayed for up to ten weeks.

That’s great news if you’re a government bean-counter, because you’re essentially getting an interest-free loan of $75 billion from American taxpayers. It’s very bad news, though, if you are a taxpayer trying to pay your energy bills, your child’s tuition, or your overpriced mortgage.

It might also be bad news if you are a Democratic politician who helped create the Great Tax Confusion of 2008.

2007-11-16 10:30:30 · 13 answers · asked by mission_viejo_california 2 in Politics

Ok...here's the skinny! My daughter received a speeding ticket last Monday in Illinois. The officer took her license for 'bond' or something like that. Problem is, she is supposed to fly out to see family for Thanksksgiving, and she needs her I.D in order to get on the plane (as well as get her plane e-ticket). Her court date isn't until 20 December. Is there any way she can go tot he local courthouse and get her ID back and confirm the court date and let her signature be her bond? This was her first ticket.

2007-11-16 10:30:07 · 7 answers · asked by John C 2 in Law Enforcement & Police

2007-11-16 10:29:02 · 3 answers · asked by realitycheck 3 in Politics

2007-11-16 10:28:10 · 2 answers · asked by Map_Around_The_World 1 in Government

2007-11-16 10:27:16 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics

Everywhere I look about Ron Paul most people say they like him best for president. As do I. But im curious, what are your thoughts? I heard that most polls say that he already won the debate. What do you think?

I like him for his , I guess, his opinions on our problems.
About how America is getting the freedom taken away,
hopefully with his help we can push that aside and not be a 'nazi germany' kinda of place. Its gotta end now.


All the stuff about National Id card, and the Read ID act, taking your freedom and priveledges away. The chips and the FEMA concentration camps. This is a NWO. I dont like it, I hate it.

If this doesnt end, its like we dont wanna lve here anymore.
And if you dont take your national id card (please dont)
you wont be able to do basically...anything..
but most people are against it so if you say NO we can all probley stop this.

2007-11-16 10:26:46 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Elections

I know he was considered for the nomination but didn't get it. I honestly don't know too much about him, but I am interested to hear from experts.

2007-11-16 10:24:50 · 4 answers · asked by jimmytyler 1 in Military

im not really into politics--hello, im 17. but i never knew Bush done so much. What else did he do that people hate him so much?

2007-11-16 10:24:28 · 33 answers · asked by Evaの 6 in Politics

2007-11-16 10:21:40 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Other - Politics & Government

are they trying to change it to "undocumented workers"?? Why do we only see this kind of spin and change from the left? Is illegal, the new N word? haven't we gone too far with this?

2007-11-16 10:20:58 · 11 answers · asked by Ancient Warrior DogueDe Bordeaux 5 in Politics

Please have a read of this link .. and consider the path that Howard is taking us ..
http://www.oprah.com/tows/slide/200604/20060414/slide_20060414_284_102.jhtml

even with the (currently small) difference in the interest rate .. COULD YOU live on $4.20 US$ an hour ????

where people have to be prepared to accept the lowest wage offered in order to GET a job ?
where the company maximises their profits and the rich get richer and the poor just bust their guts and die along the way?

I understand a company's need to make a profit ? BUT do they understand a workers NEED to at least live without having to work one's self to death ?

are Howard's IR laws and his WORKCHOICES whatsi going to affect how YOU vote ?

2007-11-16 10:20:54 · 12 answers · asked by ll_jenny_ll here AND I'M BAC 7 in Elections

Gambling is illegal in most southern states as well unless it's run by the gov't. Do the same people who run around spotting "illegals" for the gov't think we ought to spot gamblers too? Do you agree that kind of thinking is monopolistic on the part of the state?
In several states Sodomy is illegal. Should somebody run around pointing out people they think are sodomizers? Both are illegal. What's the difference?

2007-11-16 10:20:46 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Immigration

My life dream has always been to become the president, and I was wondering anyone knew any good steps to get their. I have always figured that to become president you need to find your way into the public eye, but how?

Just a little bit about me. Im a junior in high school and the top of my class. I have always tried to stay up to date with current affairs and our economic situation. Ive been told Im a good public speaker and I feel (atleast i hope) that i get along well with most people.

What are some steps to take in order to fulfill my dream?

Also by the way, I can consider myself an independent because i dont want to close my side off to good ideas for opposing parties and like to look at each election seperatley. On the whole I agree with one party much more but for the sake of not cutting off half of the possible respondees ill keep that to myself.

2007-11-16 10:19:27 · 5 answers · asked by jim 2 in Elections

Once I complete my 14-18 months over there. Can the army MAKE ME do another tour, if I don't want to go again? Thanks!

2007-11-16 10:19:26 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Military

"Why, all of a sudden, in a world where we are told that we are hated and we have to rebuild or image, how come pro-American conservative leaders are being elected in all these democracies, like France, like Germany, and a number of other places?"

Here’s what Frances leader had to say about us

SARKOZY (via translator): To the millions of men and women who came from every country in the world and who, with their own hands, their intelligence, and their hearts, built the greatest nation in the world, America did not say, "Come, and everything will be given to you." Rather, she said, "Come, and the only limits to what you will be able to achieve will be those of your own courage, your boldness, and your talent."

SARKOZY (via translator): The America that we love throughout the world embodies this extraordinary ability to grant each and every person a second chance, another chance -- because, in America, failure is never the last word. There is always another chance. Here, in your country, on this soil, both the humblest and the most illustrious citizens alike know that nothing is owed to them and that everything has to be earned. That is what constitutes the moral value of America.

SARKOZY: America liberated us, and this is an eternal debt we owe America.

SARKOZY: Every time, whenever an American soldier falls somewhere in the world, I think of what the American army did for France. I think of them, and I am sad as one is saddened to lose a member of one's family.

SARKOZY (via translator): We need France to be stronger. I am determined to carry through with the reforms that my country has put off for all too long. I will not turn back. I will implement all of them because France has turned back for all too long. I have come to present to you today a France that comes out to meet America, to renew the covenant of friendship and alliance that Washington and Lafayette sealed in Yorktown. Together let us be true to their memories. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I say this to you on behalf of the French people: "Long live the United States of America! Long live France! Long live French-American friendship!"

2007-11-16 10:15:00 · 15 answers · asked by mission_viejo_california 2 in Politics

If so are they in violation of the Hatch Act after they've been elected one term and decide to run again?

2007-11-16 10:13:56 · 8 answers · asked by Nes Fan 2 in Law & Ethics

and Musharref gets axed and an Islamic fundamentalist nut case group takes over, will that put Pakistan at the top of the list to be hit next? Or will their Bomb make us pause to think? What do you think are the long term consequences of an Al Qaeda supporting government that is a major military power, unlike the Taliban?

Now this is all worst case scenario. I'm interested in what people think.

And please no "George Bush lost Pakistan". That's as inane as the "Jimmy Carter lost Iran" nonsense I see here. Lots of things are out of our control

2007-11-16 10:12:08 · 5 answers · asked by iwasnotanazipolka 7 in Politics

my teacher was talking about that the government will release files in 2033 involving several issues such as who killed JFK and more.

2007-11-16 10:11:42 · 5 answers · asked by a milli 1 in Other - Politics & Government

i joined th NAVY in 2005 & was supposed to leave for basic in sept of 05...i was in a bad relationship at the time & he was threatening me. so i called my recruiter & told him that i was pregnant even though i wasnt. my question is could i still join after all that. i still want to...just dont know if i can

2007-11-16 10:05:53 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Military

graduating december 7th

2007-11-16 10:05:45 · 7 answers · asked by !*navy wife*! 2 in Military

Do you think that the great scientists, astronomers and other intelligent humans who move our civilization ahead would stop inventing and creating things and we all lived in caves now? Or do you think they in general were born to do those things and would keep doing that even without money and our life would be better now? What about those talanted poets, writers etc. do you think they did their job because of money?

2007-11-16 10:04:48 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics

2007-11-16 10:04:23 · 9 answers · asked by soldya boy i'll tell em 1 in Elections