Fact Checking McCain's Tax Lies
FactCheck.org is the home of the FactChecker, a non-partisan initiative of the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center. In examining John McCain’s statements about Barack Obama’s tax policies, they determined the following:
1. “A Spanish-language radio ad claims the measure Obama supported would have raised taxes on "families" making $42,000, which is simply false. Even a single mother with one child would have been able to make $58,650 without being affected. A family of four with income up to $90,000 would not have been affected.
2. “A TV ad claims in a graphic that Obama would ‘raise taxes on middle class.’ In fact, Obama's plan promises cuts for middle-income taxpayers and would increase rates only for persons with family incomes above $250,000 or with individual incomes above $200,000.
3. “Another ad claims Obama would increase taxes ‘on the sale of your home.’ In fact, home-sale profits of up to $500,000 per couple would continue to be exempt from capital gains taxes. Very few sales would see an increase under Obama's proposal to raise the capital gains rate. “
4. “Yet another ad claims that Obama ‘promises more taxes on small businesses, seniors, your life savings, your family.’” But, says Fact Checker, that's untrue for the vast majority of small businesses, seniors and individual taxpayers, who would see their taxes go down under Obama's actual plan. He proposes to increase taxes only for those with more than $250,000 in family income, or $200,000 in individual income.
5. Alternatively regarding energy policy – tire inflation gauges notwithstanding -- a McCain ad shows pictures of wind-driven turbines while the narrator says: "Renewable energy to transform our economy, create jobs and energy independence, that's John McCain." But, in fact, his energy plan doesn't specify any new federal spending for renewable energy and says only that he'd "rationalize" existing tax credits to provide incentives. In the past, however, he's opposed extending such tax credits when paid for by tax increases elsewhere." Can you imagine his funding plan for the 45 new nuclear reactors he has proposed?
What the hell???
Tax Policies
I think we can all remember: "Read my lips, NO NEW TAXES!" That was a Republican president and generally, in those days Democrats were the party of tax and spend. Now the illness has spread to Republicans and they will pay the ultimate price in this election.
Obama's tax policies may not resemble anything close to the agenda he pursues once he is in office.
Common sense and a little intellect would dictate that there are not enough people earning $250,000 to pay enough taxes that our financial and social woes would be solved.
As far as a single mother making $58,650, she would struggle in cities like New York, San Francisco or Los Angeles. She could ill afford a tax increase.
A family of four earning $90,000 might sound 'rich' or 'well off', but, try to raise two children, balance household responsibilities, put food on the table with a weekly grocery bill of $200 (in todays prices), home heating at what will probably be $5000 in the average home this year and have anything extra. These are the folks that work 1.5 to 2 jobs to get the extras. Then what happens when they work an extra 40hours between them to make an extra$10,000 and the government takes $4,000 of that in taxes.
Four years ago, after the tax cuts took affect, a family of four earning approximately $90,000 paid, after home, local property tax deductions, etc. about $25,000 in taxes. That leaves $65,000.
Now lets fast forward to today an plug in some average numbers. Lets assume that food costs $10,000 per year, fuel to get to work with two people working $5000, a reasonable house mortgage $18,000, clothing for the household $3000, heat and energy $5000, car payments $7500, other living expenses around $5000. The rough total of expenses would be $54,000. That leaves about $11,000 for everything else including unexpected expenses, catastrophic events and other expenses I have omitted.
When I read something like:
"A family of four with income up to $90,000 would not have been affected."
it makes me think that McCain has a point. If they made $91,000 that scenario would change. If we even returned to the taxing before the tax cuts took affect, that $11,000 that I mentioned above would be reduced to about $8400. Divide that by 52 weeks and that is about $165 per week. Divide that by four and each family member has discretionary of about $41 per week. WHOOPEEE!
And that single mother...it is even worse for her......I guess that is the Obama compassion. YES WE CAN! Take more of your money!
Oh, I believe that Obama believes that his plan will work but the spending that will ensue once he introduces his socialized health care plan, will dictate that the perceived "wealthy" single mother earning $58,650 will have just enough to get by and maybe have to take up a second job!
My calculations above also omitted several expenses and did not allow for any health insurance costs that were not covered or auto insurance, registration, home insurance or local and state taxes (which our legislature is chomping at the bit to saddle us with).
Something that Democrats and especially Obama talk about is the "middle class" but always fail to define exactly who those people are. Couple that with their love of "working Americans", another emotionally charged phrase implying that some of us who earn too much in their estimation, don't really work.....is getting sickening.
So the MESSIAH must be planning on raising his arms in the fashion of Moses, when he parted the Red Sea and tax dollars will fall from the sky to fund every pet entitlement program so that hard working taxpayers will not shoulder tax increases.
2,850,000 households earn more than $200,000. So, if we took another 10% of their pre-tax income that would be approximately $20,000 per household, the net taxes collected would be, $57 billion dollars. Is that enough to solve all of the financial and social ills of the country????
Seldom do candidates reveal their true agenda and seldom do campaign promises come true with voters realizing their dream of utopia. That goes for McCain and Obama......neither will be able to institute their full agenda as Congress and special interest groups will stand in their way.
FactCheck.org is a nice site and 90% accurate. I will not at this stage provide a point for point rebuttal to your points, George. But, I will in a blog of my own, do the same at some point in time as we get closer and the falsehoods perpetuate themselves.
Let me translate the message of the candidates (Obama and McCain) as if they were George H.W. Bush:
"Read MY Lips.......No promise we will make good on any campaign promises, we just want to get elected and feed our egos"
Platforms, policy statements and campaign promises are for those who are not bright enough to understand the issues, looking for a reason to vote for a candidate that will make their lives easier or fulfill their idea of how the world should be .
They get fooled every time. As they say "Fool me once....."
Too often, partisans take what others say as gospel without doing the math and thinking for themselves; poster children for spending yet more, on public education!
Fair and Balanced
TO BE FAIR AND BALANCED FOR ALL READERS OF THIS BLOG, HERE IS AN EXCELLENT SITE AND FACTS CONCERNING BARACK OBAMA'S CLAIMS AGAINST MCCAIN.
These will appear on my blog in full detail as the election draws closer but for now, here is the link to a reputable non-partisan site:
http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/personalities/barack-obama/attacksby/
A stunning turn of events...
If George knows what Obama will do once annointed...er, um, I mean elected he is definitely someone you need to pay attention to. It would mean that he has one up on Barack Obama's own campaign spokespeople....
Flag lapel pin Or No flag lapel pin?
Visit the troops Or No visit to the troops
Drill for domestic oil or Maybe drill for oil, somewhere...maybe
Wants the support of bitter, angry, church going gun toter's Or Not so much then Yep need the bitter, angry, churchgoers and gun toter's
On and, on it goes where he stops nobody knows until January 22, 09 then and only then will you start to find out for sure.
But as you already know....it is then to late!
The only president ever
The only president ever "annointed" was George W. Bush, who failures have left this country, now a paper tiger, where it is. As far as taxes go, what would you call the current price of gasoline and home heating oil under the administration of Bush/Cheney and the rest of the crime family? If you're one of the 1% I guess you don't have to worry. But if you're one of the rest of us, well....good luck.
Not True Michael
Jimmy Carter the failed ex-president was a failed leader. Now of course he runs all over the world worshiping dictators and kneeling at the mantle of the corrupt United Nations.
No, I am not one of the 1% but your failure to answer my valid points about taxes was expected. I guess you think that a single mom earning $56,000 truly is "rich" and owes some of that hard earned money to others.
Progressives usually will say things like...."then buy a cheaper car or a cheaper house, don't spend on frivolous things; those are your choices to spend that way." I was surprised that you did not take that approach.
Progressives have no problem supporting increased taxes so that they can spend them for any frivolous entitlements (nice word, it means that it is 'owed"). Taxes are the fuel that you folks use to drive your agenda....of course you love them.
Want fuel prices to drop? Send a signal to the world......lift all drilling bans and watch the prices fall!
Of course, now that George Clooney is an "unofficial" advisor to Obama, we are all set. He advises Obama, evidently, on Middle East policy. And you worry about "anointment" of anyone. What a circus side show!
You folks are such "victims"....why don't you start to take responsibilities for your own woes and allow the rest of us to move forward with real solutions that will give working Americans who have ambition real "progress".........
I'd much rather pay taxes,
I'd much rather pay taxes, then put our expenses on your children's credit card, Bill. That's called being responsible, whether you like it or not. Why do your neocon hate your kids so much?
Nothing wrong with taxes
Nothing wrong with taxes Michael, it is how you folks think that you should take as much as we can from everyone to build your Utopian society. Progressives have never discovered a 'cause' that they did not want to fund with hard earned wages of Americans.
I am not a "neocon" but I will tell you that conservatives do not hate our children, we worry about our children and how your narrow agenda will make their lives less independent, prosperous and free than our own!
Your "shared society" is nothing more than a relative cupcake with socialist icing.
Again, I say, what??
Michael,
Do you believe that if you pay more in taxes, the rest of the costs of your survival are going to improve? You REALLY do have to be kidding us with this line of thinking?
Call me a "neocon" whatever, I'm not even sure I fit that bill anymore, I'd rather be Neal Boortz's Liberatarion Sister, the more I reflect on it.
Regardless, never given birth myself, but I have 6 nieces and nephews I love MORE than I could ever tell you, I want a good life for them and their future familes, long after I am gone.
More taxes, bigger government won't make their lives better. Even John Lynch said this today. I almost fell over.
Falling Over
Judy,
Lynch is a businessman, he understands things that the public employees running the legislature have no clue about...mainly....economy. Politicians do one thing well....spin the truth.
Stop falling over, you will hurt yourself.
Stop falling over, you will hurt yourself
Already did.
Threw my back out. No worries, all fine, just moving a little slower.
Sue
It won't make your back feel better but what else is a neocon to do with all that free time in between starving children, foreclosing on widows and enslaving undocumented workers.
Try and live up to Michael's delusions, it's all he has to keep him going!
Scott,
Scott,
You are so insensitive.............
I am surprised that you did not mention the elderly eating dog food or choosing between food and medication. (both innuendo and documented urban myths)
Most of us do have free time as we are definitely not part of the "working Americans" that the Democrats talk about. Our hard work has produced inequity, you know. We should all be ashamed at our greed. (From: The World According to Liberals)
Well, you can afford to take that kind of attitude as you have obviously won "life's lottery" as brother Al would say. Of course most of us have won on a scratch ticket while Gore obviously won POWERBALL.
That's OK,, he needs it to pay for the increase in electricity at his McMansion over the last two years. You know, the two years that have passed since it was revealed just how much electricity he was using and how that increased his "carbon footprint". The two years that have passed since he supposedly made improvements to reduce it. Well, it seems as if his usage has actually increased.
Not to worry, I am sure he will take one less private jet flight to make up for it. It will reduce the millions that he will make on carbon offsets (aka the new investment vehicle for the nouveau rich). Fiction writers are generally pretty wealthy anyway though, especially when they were the ones who invented the internet.
I think Judy should find someone to sue. Maybe the company who makes her shoes or the company that manufactured the floor. Maybe she was listening to a television network and it distracted her....those folks need to pay. I wonder if she could go back as far as the hospital that delivered her.....there must be malpractice there somewhere......hmmmmm......I am sure there are plenty of sleazy lawyers that would take that one on!
Judy, just don't hire Al Gore as he might tell you that there is "no controlling legal authority". However, there is a good attorney from North Carolina that might take your case and he has plenty of time on his hands, as demonstrated over the last week.
All is not lost, this week ultra progressive morals and ethics were front and center as one former presidential candidate demonstrated that everything comes in two's: two Americas, two failed presidential campaigns and two women......imagine if that were a conservative or a Republican....there would be no crickets!
Borrow and Spend
What's wrong with you people? Why do you hate your children? Why would you feel that it's ok to leave our debts to them? You people are just incredible. Talk about Greed and Selfishness. Does Evil fit in there too?
No Hate Here
The only hate is perpetuated by those who think that government needs to control our lives.
That debt that you talk about can be dealt with in ways that will not cause hardship and struggles. We can have government reduce their control and stop taking so much of taxpayers money.
We can use capitalism and the principles that have made this country great, rather than become the nanny state that you are supporting. Your socialized health care program that you are hoping gets crammed down our throats by Obama will cost much more that you ever dreamed and much more than Iraq by about 5X.
I doubt that you will be complaining about my children's or anyone's future once you mortgage it for your social 'feel good' agenda.
We've seen how well "voodoo"
We've seen how well "voodoo" economics works in the last 7.5 years. The country is about bankrupt thanks to those programs and the spending on unnecessary military programs. There is something wrong with a nation that spends more on military than the entire rest of the world each year, while kids can't get loans to go to college. There is something very wrong in a country where millions of people are losing their homes while the bankers who made the ill advised loans get bailed out by the government. There is something very wrong with a country who spends itself bankrupt in 8 short (or long if you prefer) years. There is something very wrong with a people who would rather charge their expenses to the children than bite the bullet and pay their own way. Amazing that people can be so greedy and selfish. The national debt today exceeds 53 trillion dollars. When China decides to call in that debt, America will no longer exist. Thank you neo cons.
Such Drama.......Such Theatre
Hey, we were talking about accuracy in ads by McCain when we started but it always devolves into progressive talking points.
I could say the same thing about entitlement (I am owed) programs as you mentioned about military programs.
As I have unequivocally proven the CRA forced lenders to lend to uncreditworthy customers and that is part of it. If we did not bail out those banks, how many Americans worked there that would have lost their jobs, how many their homes. You just want to see the country fall apart so that you can say...."see I told you so".
Proportionate to the GNP and GDP, we have been in worse shape before with the deficit.
All you see, Michael is greed and selfishness. That is because you have your nose in other people's business. Worry about your own well being first, have compassion for others but please stop telling others how to live, what to think, how much you think they should own and earn and spend and eat and give and be taxed and own, etc.
China is much smarter than that. They are so interwoven in capitalism that they need the WEST!
Do you have children?
I do, and I not you Michael will be responsible for loving, nurturing and helping them become engaged, caring and responsible adults. They are kind and decent people that lend a hand both in the community and in their personal lives. This was taught to them by example not mandated or forced. You see we believe the quality of an individual is not measured by what you force them to do, but what they choose to do freely because they know right from wrong and believe they can make a difference.
Using peoples children as a way to cast aspersions is a despicable practice. The left oh sorry ...progressives have seemed to adopt the strategy of denigrating and de-humanizing their opponents. It has worked before right???? NEVER FORGET!
You seem to believe that this debt is the product of the current administration and while you are correct that W has a large deficit it is not new. The debt has been there for longer then many people have been alive. The only thing that went away for a short time under Clinton is spending in deficit. Had the Democrats been able to pass a socialized medicine plan that result would have been different.
Should Obama be elected I will expect to hear you rail against his deficit spending and lack of responsibility. With all of the new plans and programs espoused by Obama it is quite clear that spending wil not be going down. Is that okay as long as it is your guy doing it?
For Michael who has doubts
Michael,
I know that you don't agree with the CRA being responsible for the housing mortgage mess but here is some information from the NY Post on April 28, 2008. Here is that proof that you want:
In his April 26 New York Post article on the CRA entitled "The Real Scandal," Professor Liebowitz explains how the government's Fannie Mae Foundation singled out one bank in particular as the role model for all other banks in America in terms of its commitment to CRA lending: Countrywide, the nation's largest mortgage lender, had committed to $600 billion in low-income or "subprime" loans as of 2003. Today, Countrywide is essentially bankrupted and has been merged with Bank of America.
The myth that the CRA would not be harmful to bank-industry profits was hidden for years by the Fed-created housing bubble, which allowed for easy refinancing of all the bad debt. "[The] CRA increased lending and homeownership in poor communities without undermining banks' profitability," Robert Gordon proudly proclaims. But now that the bubble has burst, all those unqualified borrowers — whom the government calls "subprime," as though their credit ratings are only a tiny, tiny smidgen below "prime" borrowers with the very best credit ratings — are defaulting on their mortgages in droves.
Template of BlogsNH Political Opinions
Template of BlogsNH Political Opinions – Starring Bill Bunker, Jehardy, Michael Evans, Scibmi and C Dog E Dog.
Feel free to simply use this template to construct your online debates, as this is how things work around these "pahts". It's a FUN and EXCITING new game from the Concord Monitor and BlogsNH.com!
- User (or "Original Poster" - OP) posts Political Opinion
- Bunker or Evans comments – likely making broad generalizations (Nanny states/Communism for one side, or Neo-Cons on the other)
- C Dog E Dog comments – likely agrees with Bunker or disagrees with Evans
- Comment by one side bashing the other – discrediting their original opinion with links (or direct cut-and-pastes) to news articles.
- Comment by other side discrediting the source of the article as one-sided, or mainstream.
- Comment by someone who uses the always polite terms “you people” or “you folks” as to subjectify the OP as a "Card-carrying" member of one political group or another.
- Comment by one side referring to (and likely bashing) the other side’s well-known pariah – Jimmy Carter’s ineptitude or Bill Clinton’s infidelity for the Reps, and Ronnie Reagan’s senility or Dubya’s foreign policy nightmare for the Dems.
- Throw in a few comments by both sides that border on insulting and trollish. Probably by more than one poster – “pig-piling” tends to be popular on this blog.
- Comment by someone neutral to the discussion that observes the irrationality of such blatantly pointless and completely partisan quarrels, and wishes for a magically strong third party to come into the fray and present a moderate viewpoint of the issue combining strengths of both sides. Oh wait, that doesn't - and will never - happen.
Your point?
What say you? Couldn't you find one more step for the template? I hate odd numbers...
My point...
My point is that the constant partisan bickering here is getting old and is needlessly becoming more and more personal. Period.
Well guys
Regardless of facts or partisan arguments, atari1977 (name obviously omitted and identity hidden) seems to be reading all of these posts.
Let me ask atari1977 a couple of questions:
What is a topic you would like to see on these blog posts? From Anyone?
Why are you not adding to the forum and interjecting some of your own ideas or neutral views???
I might tend to agree with you that it appears as piling on but at the end of the day it illustrates the bigger picture out there in the real world. It is much uglier than what is said on this blog.
My relationship with Mr. Evans is friendly and we share emails discussing many things off line unrelated to politics.
Atari1977, you commented on my music blog about a post I made to Michael. You were out of line as that was tongue in cheek....
Although you see what you want on this blog, you have no idea of the relationships between bloggers, on or off line. Sometimes it is entertaining and sometimes it is serious.
I am sorry that you do not like the posts, or topics or information as presented.
It would be enlightening for you to please tell me what you would like to see.
As far as calling the other side out on issues that affect my family, friends, colleagues and the future of my children, issues that impact our freedoms and prosperity and democracy, that will not deter me from bringing those to the forefront.
If your are not so inclined to be involved in those current events or in what others think then maybe reading a blog is not something that you should be doing. Blogs are about ideas and information. If you think this blog is radical and the bloggers are not civil then you must not have read more prolific blogs from both the Left or the Right that exist on the internet.
You are welcome to comment, but the civility you find distasteful bleeds through in your own posting. Sorry if any of this bothers you, but, that is what an open forum is about.
Pointing fingers is impolite
Hey old wrinkly outmoded computer guy -
Not nearly as much fun as PuNoPo-NH. I don't recall your contributions last match - tsk, tsk, you were noticeably absent. I have the sneaky suspicion your department is on the hit list given your arse's punctual departures at 4p.m. In what agency, department, division, or some such other bureaucratic construct do you putter about?
I digress. If you read more than a recent smattering of idle chit chat between Bill and me, you would recall that he and I do have our differences, though we mostly debate them with uncivil tongue in cheek while typing away our most profound thoughts. Of course, I don't find this nearly as much fun as my more profane exchanges with Mikey the Marm, but what's a Bad Boy of Blog supposed to do?
If you have something substantive to contribute regarding the topic under discussion, why don't you? We have all made our contributions along the way, and wish more would do so, but we have that damn cricket problem.
For the record, I have bashed both sides of the mainstream political scene, and have coughed up some fur-balls that neither represent DNC nor RNC talking points and platforms. Perhaps too subtle? Don't believe me? Then for whom or what am I a partisan?
To offer as evidence of my non-partisan nature (proof would be too revealing at this juncture in our relationship, don't you think?) and the enormity of my charitable character, I unfortunately think your last point to be both poignant and unfortunately true - the two-party system's here to stay till death do us part.
And remember, as you have stated before, there's no period until we say there's a period, period!
- Wondering when NH pols will change the slogan to "no longer living free, we're dead",
C. dog e. doG
My children are grown, but I
My children are grown, but I do have grandchildren. I have absolutely know interest in your children and why you suggest I might I don't understand. But I do think that this generation has done their children and grandchildren a very large disservice. This is the first generation not to leave their children in a better condition than what our parents left us. The US dept is now 53 trillion dollars, and if nothing is done, in 20 to 30 years this country will be a third world nation. And we can thank people like you, Bush and Reagan. We can't grow ourselves out of this one. Do some homework and educate yourself.
LOL... I'm certainly not old
LOL... I'm certainly not old nor wrinkly, and I've certainly read enough varied blogs in what seems like a lifetime in front of a PC. It's even possible that I am younger than you.
Re: PuNoPo - I'd like to think that my position provides value to the State and its taxpayers. I am lucky that my skillset is typically valuable to both private and public sector businesses.
I politely decline to disclose further personal information because it is none of your business to know, Mr. C. dog e. doG. My department is quite fine, thank you, and I bust my ass "puttering" for those 7.5 hours every day, until 4PM. I've made it quite clear that I don't work for free, though its supposedly such an "honor" to work in public service. Such an honor that I have to juggle 3 jobs just to pay the bills. Must be 'cause I'm just a "lazy pol". Hah.
I have kept tabs on this blog for a while now, usually quickly at lunchtime, and have just recently decided to post. (Usually I'm at work, unable to waste valuable taxpayer time on this type of thing - today was a rare day off).
I have every right to comment respectfully on my observations of the blog, as you have every right to add your insightful commentary on said blog posts. If I feel as if I need to add my two cents on a political topic, I will not be shy to do so. I believe that my template is a very tongue-in-cheek observation of the types of discussions that have bubbled up recently on this particular blog.
You Are Correct
You are correct, you have the right like the rest of us to express your opinion and you are very good at it.
Diversity of opinion is a good thing atari1977 and reading many articles and surfing many websites on blogging topics you are correct that often, blog posts initially start discussion and then others take if from there.
However, quite a few explain that to drive traffic and increase readership and build a blog, you should answer those responding.
I have your template pasted to Word and will over the next few weeks modify it to fit other circumstances.
As far as age is concerned, the Magic 8 ball says........30......no, no........31. I could be way off but I would be willing to be that I am closer than most would think. If I had to stab I would say that your passion might be sports, specifically the Red Sox but sports in general. Pure conjecture but that is my gut feeling? I would be willing to bet that you do not have political interests or very little. Just a loose hunch? I agree though that bloggers should not be asking your identity....that is your right to withhold that.
Please do respond when you feel like it......your comments are always welcome and if you can add perspective that you feel stops the oneupmanship, feel free to bring it on.
Let me know if there is any subject that you would like to see discussed as I write on about everything, here and on several other blogs, including, politics, history, collecting, astronomy, human relations, business management, marketing, employee retention and training, food service, retailing and on and on...... Pick one and I will cover it....... And, I would love for you to respond.
To me, that is what blogging is all about......thanks for adding to the debate!
You hate your children...
That was the statement you made. I answered that inflammatory remark. Are you confusing the deficit with the national debt? Deficits come and go. The debt has been around for quite some time and has had little relationship to which party is in power.
W has been a failure as a deficit hawk, when republicans ran the show they promised fiscal restraint but in fact spent like drunken sailors on liberty.They let all of us down. Voters showed their displeasure with that performance in mind. What replaced that congress in my mind is worse, do nothing and blame the other party. The jury is out until November on that strategy. As to the assertion that you cannot grow your way out of a deficit, the facts are clear lower taxes equals higher revenue for the government.Our current deficit is a product of over spending.If democrats win will they demonstrate fiscal restraint? The new programs they propose will cost billions...not very restrained.
As to the children they will be just fine! They live in a place where opportunity exists in abundance for those who work hard regardless of who inhabits the White House or sits in Congress. They are bright, energetic and full of hope as were we. They will make mistakes along the way, not much different then us. Hope lives in our hearts not at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
Scott
Yes, Scott.....correct
Not to be compartmentalized and defined by atari but you are correct.
But the feds and states have a thirst to keep on spending. It is simple "accounting" and business sense. The government utilizes sound business practices when it comes to administration but they fall short on the funding part.
i.e. they go to the public well or public trough to get their money. If they had to transact business to come up with funding, things might be different.
Hard work and responsiblity are not viewed as virtues today. Unfortunately, there is little that we can do to change that now beyond teaching our children how to be successful, self determined and self sufficient; able to thrive in any economy.
You speak about opportunity. People create their own opportunity. I have had to work two or three jobs at times to make ends meet and that was with a college degree. It comes around full circle in the end and things take care of themselves.
The pendulum may swing in this next election as it has many times before. People will get what they wish for with either candidate. In the end all we can hope for is the fact that the republic survives.
Mirrors hide wrinkles
Hey old wrinkly computer guy -
Like, 1977, is so yesterday, so waaayyy yesterday. Were you actually alive way back then? LOL indeed. Like, what is an atari, anyway? Wasn't that back when you cave dudes bashed rocks to pound out your ciphers, and called that computing? Me thinks you doth protest too much. (It shows your age). Any who, Paris, Nicole and I just love your mysterious nature; we stay up late at night fantasizing about you donning cape and exterior underpants, plodding your way to your Hazen Drive cubicle on your extra large foot pads, and applying your sexxxy skill set to solve our problems. (I shutter and quiver to think any more of it – sssshhhh!) Let's take our conversation offline to a private chat room. 
I do so fervently hope one day you'll remove mask from face and reveal yourself to me, though I do respect your anonymity this morning as you blog me from the privacy of your public job ... that's so oxymoronic - cool. 
Hey old guy, what's with your cranky super-sensitivity about your "right" to blah, blah, blah on a blog? I don't recall any of us challenging your Right to do so. In fact, I hope you continue to add your two cents, hell, don't be shy, add three if you feel particularly adamant about something, it amuses me. But while we're on the issue of rights, where's your right written to receive goods stolen by the state to perform your valuable services? What say you to this, hmmm, atari caveman? Is it written at the end of that big club you carry, by proxy? 
And what's with all this technical corporoid speak? "Skill set", "public sector businesses"? Next you'll be telling us you can't submit substantive material on topic because you're off to participate in a brainstorm session for an ad hoc committee to select a blue ribbon panel to assess the needs of the populace and other stake holders vis à vis the State's "revenue" sharing. Translation: a bunch of technocrats are getting together to figure out how they can squeeze "tax payers" for more coin. 
Like, I am so sure you are a vital cog working for za betterment and glory of Das State! I raise my hands in deference as is my public obsequious nature. 
But privately, behind the scenes, I'll insidiously continue my tireless efforts to minimize how much of my cash flows to the bloated corporate government beast, and hope many others follow suit so that one day PuNoPo-NH becomes more than just an updated atari computer game, it becomes the pols worst nightmare. But always look on the bright side of life: think of how many fewer taxes you'll have to pay as you juggle your two jobs to pay the bills. 
– Here's to hoping your "skill set" is publicly employed in the honorable private sector in the near future, cheers!
C. dog e. doG
Doggie
My guess is that Atari1977 was born in 1977 and I am having a premonition that he is a Virgo......
Hey, there are plenty of state employees who earn their keep.....generally those who work hourly have a point about having to work two jobs. However, anyone who is not satisfied with their job or pay or work and can not influence the outcome should look elsewhere.
That goes for private and public sector employees.
Dog, we are fortunate as we do live in a state where we pay some pretty low taxes and we have pretty efficient government.
The only thing that bothers me is driving by road workers where five of them are standing there watching one guy with a shovel. Join in guys.....get that job done quicker!!
Now I have to defend atari1977 on the "skill set" comment. Skill sets are very valuable. Generally skill sets are referred to when we talk about specific task oriented jobs like: administrator, accountant, planner, etc. Nothing wrong with that, Dog!
Of course you can have "skill sets" that are valuable like great sales skills or knowledge about the environment, etc.
One thing we know for sure, atari is reading the posts.....that means that we are making some kind of a difference.
I like your last comment, minimizing the back flow of your hard earned funds. Well put DOG! Make it a great day!!!!!!!!!
Bill – Yes, you are close
Bill – Yes, you are close to the mark on my info. Those “newfangled” search engines are fantastic for data gathering, aren’t they?
I am satisfied with my job (don’t recall mentioning that wasn't) , but I am certainly not afraid of picking up additional jobs to supplement my income during these times. And, in reference to another blog comment, I have no affliliation to any party, no matter what you may assume.
doG – Hey, "whatever you are". Not sure why you have so much angst, but I don’t really mind if you feel the need to vent out your piddly frustrations out on me. It’s cool. It amuses me as well. It must make you feel better to rail on someone else, and that’s OK. 
But, as it seems that you’re SO interested in my life, if you’d like to post your contact information (name, rank, serial), I’d be glad to consider posting mine.
Thanks for the supportive words,
-atari1977
Painless
Now that was painless atari1977.....yes the search engines are nice and there are sources if you can find them where you can find out just about anything.
I will protect your identity but I did include your first name on another post. I can understand about the pay at the state and how they must have you in a box. I once worked for the state in a position that was much less defined but it was frustrating.
No, I am not of the mindset that you would not pick up additional jobs, although I can tell that it aggravates you. If I could offer words of encouragement; I have had to do the same at about the same point in my life as you are presently. Things do get better but I really respect anyone who does whatever it takes....
Keep plugging and be a student of your job no matter where you work or what you do.
You are welcome on my blog anytime (we are not on it now but...). In the near future, there will be some posts involving some calculations that you might like.
Thanks atari1977
Nerd Crush
Dear Mom,
I think I'm falling hard for old computer game guy, the blogger I told you about last night. I know, I know, you told me to stay away from geeks, but I'm so darkly attracted to his big skill set. 
I have such angst over this monumental decision: reveal myself to him, not reveal myself to him. Whatever should I do? What should I wear? Will it work out? I think I'll sleep on it.
Goodnight super bureaucrat, atari1977, who ever you are. Keep doing the people's work from cubicle 1984-d.
- Counting sheep from my cave deep in the White Mtns,
C. dog e. doG
More stunning evidence from "fairly unbalanced" Duncan that politicians lie. I wonder what the other side of the ledger sheet looks like for Obama. Hmmm, what say you George? Or should we just shut our partisan eyes to shield us from the whole truth in order to push propaganda, innuendo, and agenda?
– I can't believe we elect any of these guys,
C. dog. e. doG