Telling you how it is.

So Newt Gingrich made some comments that poor kids should work as janitors after school because they don't have working role models. If you listen to what he said, it's not crazy. Look, it's probably not a good idea because there's too many problems with it and it's impracticable as a large scale program. But it's not totally crazy, like, for instance, accusing Bernanke of treason for pursuing a policy of quantitative easing.

So the NPR rebuttal was some poverty expert complaining that Gingrich is wrong and mean-spirited. It's not true that poor kids' parents don't work. Lots of their parents work multiple jobs. (Obviously it's important how you define "poor kids.") Here's where it gets good. Even in public housing projects, we're told, 50% of the non-elderly and non-disabled work. So it's simply not fair to say poor kids don't have working role models.

Hang on...the "non-disabled," huh? So cashing disability checks and watching TV all day shouldn't be considered setting a non-working example for the kiddos? Or am I to believe those people really are disabled, and are physically unable to work? Which one, NPR?

Memo to Gingrich: Obama not giving up on gay & lesbian votes easily.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration is announcing a wide-ranging effort to use U.S. foreign aid to promote rights for gays and lesbians abroad, including combating attempts by foreign governments to criminalize homosexuality.

In a memorandum issued Tuesday, President Barack Obama directed U.S. agencies working abroad, including the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development, to use foreign aid to assist gays and lesbians who are facing human rights violations. And he ordered U.S. agencies to protect vulnerable gay and lesbian refugees and asylum seekers.

Open Letter to the Patriots.

Dear Patriots railing aginst job-killing regulations and red tape from the bureaucrats in Washington,

Please identify some of these regulations you'd abolish. I think we'd agree some regulations are good. For instance, there are regulations against child labor and dumping radioactive sludge into rivers. These regulations probably kill some jobs, but maybe they're a net positive. On the other hand, there may well be regulations that are bad. What are the bad regulations you'd like to see eliminated? We're certainly open to the idea we might benefit by trashing costly, net-negative regulations. Just give us a few examples so we'll know where you're coming from. Thanks.

Regards,
luridtransom

Grand Bargain.

As you loyal readers know, we've long advocated ditching the U.S. Senate altogether. If we can't get the votes for that, can we at least agree Louisiana should forfeit one Senate spot for 6 years as a penalty for Mary Landrieu's free checked bag idiocy?

The case against Democracy.

Dear Sen. Landrieu:

I saw a story in the Washington Post where you introduced legislation to protect Americans' inalienable right to one free checked bag.

You were quoted as follows:

“Many airlines consider checking a bag not to be a right, but a privilege — and one with a hefty fee attached,” said Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), who has introduced legislation that would “guarantee passengers one checked bag without the financial burden of paying a fee, or the headache of trying to fit everything into a carry-on.”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/bill-targets-airline-fees-for-checked-luggage/2011/11/21/gIQAl5pHjN_story.html

Hey, great idea Senator. I tell you what else - I am sick and tired of restaurants charging for cheeseburgers. It is my RIGHT as an American to at least one free cheeseburger. Particularly in this economy, Americans should not have to bear the financial burden of paying for cheeseburgers. Too many restaurants consider me getting a cheeseburger not a right, but a privilege. And one they get to charge me money for - or as you might say it, "with a hefty fee attached." It's time for justice.

Now Senator, you probably think I'm not serious, and you're thinking to yourself that free cheeseburgers and free checked bags are completely unrelated. If so, please explain. Really, I want you to tell me how it's different. Otherwise, I look forward to pulling through the drive-thru and exercising my Constitutional right to a free delicious cheeseburger!

Regards,
luridtransom

Sen. Landrieu: Americans have Constitutional right to one free checked bag.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/bill-targets-airline-fees-for-checked-luggage/2011/11/21/gIQAl5pHjN_story.html

Too much carry-on luggage toted by other passengers recently emerged as the No. 1 complaint of air travelers, and with the Thanksgiving travel crush underway, Congress might consider limiting the bag fees that airlines can charge.

Those per-bag fees that airlines have been charging for checked luggage have led passengers to push the carry-on limits, slowing down airport security checkpoints and creating a mad scramble to lay claim to overhead bins once people board.

“Many airlines consider checking a bag not to be a right, but a privilege — and one with a hefty fee attached,” said Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-La.), who has introduced legislation that would “guarantee passengers one checked bag without the financial burden of paying a fee, or the headache of trying to fit everything into a carry-on.”

The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.), would allow passengers to check one bag for free and prohibit fees for regular-size carry-on bags. It also requires that airlines tell passengers about restrictions on size, weight and number of bags before they arrive at the airport. And it mandates that airlines make public their fees for all types of baggage and for preferred seating.

Big XII Time.

If Texas had to replace Mack Brown from within the ranks of Big 12 coaches, here's my list in order of preference:

1. Bob Stoops - The obvious choice. Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

2. Mike Gundy - He wasn't ready for the HC gig when T. Boone hired him, but he's got OSU in perenial Top 25 country, and his Pokes have a legitimate shot at the NC this year.

3. Art Briles - This is a tough one. I think Briles can coach, but how does he translate to Texas? How much success can you really have at Baylor? Could be a disaster, but Briles has "tons of upside" per Mel Kiper, Jr.

4. Tommy Tuberville - Is Tubs a Poor Man's Mack Brown? Not much wow factor. Tubs would excel at winning 9 games at Texas.

5. Mike Sherman - Most of these coaches come with the question: But how would he do at Texas, with all the resources and attendant expectations? Not Sherman. I think I know exactly how he'd do at Texas. Now watch Sherm make me look the fool when he rattles off five straight SEC championships.

6. Paul Rhoads - It's easy to deliver a fiery locker room speech when your Cyclones beat the Longhorns. What about when your Longhorns beat the Cyclones? Rhoads is easy to like, but I have no idea how he'd fare at a high pressure gig.

7. Bill Snyder - Without a doubt, he's among the all time great college coaches. But he'd HATE the Texas job and would retire after Year 1. Wonder if he'd beat K-State? If I thought he was a fit at Texas and would coach for another decade, he'd be at #2.

8. Gary Pinkel - Is Pinkel a Rich Man's John Mackovic? He's had some success at Mizzou, but I don't think he's maxed Mizzou out, like Leach did at Tech, for example. I'll admit one reason for his low ranking is he rubs me the wrong way, bad.

9. Turner Gill - Just imagine DeLoss introducing Turner Gill as the next head coach.

Yahoo! is also home to Dan Wetzel and Charles Robinson.

That's more like it, media. Zachary Roth, blogger at The Lookout, a Yahoo! Blog, actually bothered to look at Perry's plan to ditch the Departments of Commerce, Education and Energy. We still need to find out how much the FEDS would save if Perry actually eliminated these departments, as opposed to reassigning everybody to other federal agencies. Is Perry saying we're just not going to have a Patent Office? Not going to take another census? Or is he proposing moving water around while spouting zingers about Washington bureaucrats and Federal Red Tape? I hope he's proposing to eliminate these departments AND their functions altogether. At least that would be a real reform, not to be confused with desirable reform. But merely reassigning government offices to different federal agencies is a total waste of my time. Not to mention ironic, coming from a devoted hater of bureaucracy.

Anyhow, here's Zachary Roth's article:

http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/lookout/rick-perry-wants-scrap-three-government-departments-mean-212919120.html

Rick Perry's excruciating brain freeze as he tried to remember which government department he wants to eliminate was clearly the YouTube moment of last night's debate. But lost in the hilarity was the question of what Perry's plan would actually mean.

Perry said he wants to scrap the federal Departments of Commerce, Education, and Energy (even though that last one eluded him for a while). So it's worth asking: What do those departments do?

The Department of Commerce contains the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, which runs our system of intellectual property. Without it, America would have no way to ensure that inventors could fully profit from their inventions, giving them little incentive to spend the time and money needed for breakthroughs. The pace of American innovation would likely take a huge hit.

Commerce also includes the Census Bureau. The accurate count of Americans that the department provides each decade lets leaders and policymakers know how to allocate resources--housing, roads, utilities--around the country. And Commerce also encompasses the National Weather Service (NWS), which issues crucial warnings about severe weather like hurricanes and floods. When state and local officials make decisions about how and when to evacuate, they're generally going off NWS information.

The Department of Energy, created during the Carter administration, protects U.S. nuclear weapons from accidents or terrorist attacks that could release dangerous radioactive material, killing thousands. Without the oversight that the Energy Department presently provides, it would be difficult to maintain a nuclear weapons program at all. The Energy Department also plays a key role in funding and promoting the civilian use of nuclear power.

As for the Department of Education--likewise created under President Carter--its role is more limited, because the U.S. education system is highly decentralized. Indeed, Perry is hardly the first conservative to pledge to abolish it. The Education Department does have a role in shaping education policy, however, by handing out funds to states that adopt its preferred reforms, and it also enforces privacy and civil rights laws in schools.

Of course, Perry could eliminate the departments but maintain all these functions, by simply shifting them into different agencies. The Pentagon, for instance, might take over management over nuclear weapons. His economic plan, "Cut, Balance, and Grow," doesn't mention his plan to eliminate specific departments. Some agency functions might also devolve to state or local authorities in Perry's plan, but it's hard to see how major initiatives could get funded at the state or local level--particularly in rough economic times like the present. But we'll learn more about Perry's plan next week when he plans to give a speech on "government reform," a Perry spokesman told Yahoo News.

Until then, it's fair to say that doing what Perry recommends would mean either scrapping, or fundamentally reassigning, some key government functions.

The Media & Democracy.

So at last night's GOP debate Rick Perry has a brain fart and can't remember the name of the third federal agency he wants to shut down when he takes the reins at the White House (a/k/a presidential office).

He wants to shut down the Dept. of Commerce, Dept. of Education, and the Dept. of Energy. And on NPR and in the newspapers, the story is that Perry went blank on stage. Nowhere to be found is any discussion of his proposal.

Is that because Perry's so far out it we regard his proposal as irrelevant, and unworthy of discussion? Or is it because talking about what these departments do, and how much they cost, and the ramifications of dissolving them is toooo boring?

It's my money, and I want it now.

We hear repeatedly how parts of the Affordable Health Care Act (a/k/a Obamacare, like Sharpsburg/Antietam) are popular with Americans, while others are not. Specifically, Americans like the part where insurers can't turn you down for a pre-existing condition. Americans don't like the part where everybody has to buy insurance (a/k/a Unconstitutional Mandate).

Shocking. Hey, I like the part of my job where they hand me a paycheck. It's the part where I have to work that I don't like.

Look, here's the option. Would you prefer:

(a) No denial of coverage for pre-existing conditions AND a requirement that all Americans must purchase coverage; or

(b) No requirement to purchase coverage, but insurers can deny you for pre-existing conditions (i.e. status quo).

That's the choice. You have to pick one of those two options. But, I guess it's just us and the rest of the 1% who understand that.

This Is Spinal Tap.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/columnists/jonathan_gurwitz/article/Turning-up-the-volume-on-federal-spending-2252487.php

Dear Mr. Gurwitz,

I read with interest your Nov. 5th op-ed column titled "Turning Up the Volume on Federal Spending." (See link above) As a Spinal Tap fan, I appreciate the Nigel Tufnel reference. That reference serves as a fitting introduction to your commentary on federal spending levels under the Obama Administration. The sophistication of your analysis is about what I'd expect from Nigel. It's not your conclusion I have a problem with, it's how you get there. Perhaps you are correct that deficit spending under the Obama Adminstration could lead to a Greek-style crisis in this country. (Obviously, the long-term debt/deficit problems and structural deficits existed prior to Obama taking office. You don't mention this, but I assume you are aware of this fact.)

In reaching your conclusion, however, you provide anecdotal evidence rather than analysis. Talking points over substance. Let's look at your discussion of the economic stimulus package of 2009, which you call an "$800 billion monstrosity." You note the stimulus package didn't hold unemployment under 8 percent as "stimulus fans" claimed it would, and it paid for iPods for Utah high school students. Therefore, I'm left to conclude, the $800 billion stimulus package was a total failure. You seem to suggest we'd be better off with no stimulus at all, though you don't explicitly offer any solutions of your own. You don't even attempt to address the ramifications of having no stimulus. Economists across the political spectrum agree that increased government spending during an economic downturn increases demand, mitigates the effects of the downturn, and speeds recovery. What would the unemployment rate be without the stimulus? That's up for debate. Was the stimulus package poorly executed? Also up for debate, though you get zero points for telling me about the iPods. Was the stimulus package a simply bad idea, or too large, given the already high deficits? Should the Obama Administration and Congress have let the economy hit bottom on its own, as we'd be better off in the long run despite any negative short term consequences? How would the current debt/deficit picture be different had there been no stimulus? Again, up for debate. But you didn't bother touching on any of these questions.

I'm not claiming to know all the answers. But I know when I see a lazy, mailed-in column bereft of any actual analysis or thought. Perhaps your readers don't want numbers put into perspective, discussion of economic theory even at a basic level, critique of opposing views, or your suggestions of what federal spending should be, what you would cut to get to that level, and why it's preferable to the current level. Maybe they just want a few talking points, some buzzwords, and numbers in a vacuum. If so, that sure makes your job easier.

Regards,
luridtransom

Garbage In, Garbage Out.

It's official: cedar elms are trash trees.

F the Riff Raff and Absentee LLCs.

luridtransom is AGAINST that Family Dollar crap store going in at 2500 Broadway. That's a cool old building. It would be a great spot for a funkyzeit art shop, with lots of metal art and furniture.

The property is owned by:
WINDELL CANNON INVESTMENT PROPERTIES LLC
30045 FM 3009
New Braunfels, TX 78132

Worst LLC ever. But, I guess that LLC lives in New Braunfels so it doesn't care. Except the LLC's not even really in New Braunfels but out at some Tuscan-style ranchienda on 3009, so it extra doesn't care. Shame on you, WINDELL CANNON INVESTMENT PROPERTIES LLC.

Red, White & Blue, Mofos.

Country music star and registered Democrat Toby Keith has broken ranks with his party to support Rick Perry.

The 50-year-old superstar donated the maximum campaign contribution of $2,500, Federal Election Commission filings show.

http://blog.chron.com/rickperry/2011/11/democrat-and-country-music-star-toby-keith-donates-maximum-amount-to-rick-perry/

National Psocialist Radio! Woo!

So on NPR this morning Diane Rehm and a panel of bank-hating fake experts are talking about the recent study findings that the rich got way richer over the past 30 years.

This study found the top 1%'s income grew 275%, adjusted for inflation, from 1977 to 2007. The bottom 25%'s income grew 18%, adjusted for inflation, from 1977 to 2007.

Rehm at one point says, "But, 275% percent, Woo!" As in man, that's a lot, and it's UNFAIR!

Do you think Diane knows anything about what that number means? Because I don't, really, but I'd expect a disparity. For one thing, the top 1% get income (most of their income?) from wealth, not just their salary. Those big bank accounts accumulate more and more wealth over the years, and interest compounds. The bulk (virtually all?) of the bottom 25%'s income is wages from their job. Obviously that doesn't explain all of it, but that's part of it I'm sure.

Also, do you think Rehm exclaimed "Woo!" and just didn't mention that compared to the income growth of the top 1% in other countries, 275% is way high? Did she undertake that inquiry, and just fail to talk about all those boring statistics? Because I'd be curious to know those boring stats.

Or was Diane looking at 275% vs. 18% in a vacuum, and having no idea what it really means, she just knows it's not fair that CEOs and Wall Street bankers are getting obnoxiously rich while hard-working poor people are struggling to survive?

Maybe what she's really saying is this: "Comprehension of this income disparity study requires actual sophistication and math! I'm out! I just want some talking points! F Wall Street! Woo!"

From Rick Perry's website. We're speechless.

Big 12 Billionaires Club.

No more interviews with McCombs and T. Boone about the Big 12. How about let's hear what Mike Leach has to say.

Useful Metrics.

Mike,

I saw your article in the E-N re. Texas’s struggles in the red zone. You noted:

“After ranking 82nd nationally in red-zone efficiency last year, the Longhorns have been even worse in 2011. They’ve scored on only 18 of 26 opportunities (69 percent) inside the opponents’ 20, placing them 113th out of 120 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision teams nationally. Even more frustrating for UT is that six of those scores were merely field goals. Bryan Harsin’s offense has scored touchdowns on just 46 percent of its red-zone trips.” LINK: http://blog.mysanantonio.com/longhorns/2011/10/ut-football-horns-focusing-on-red-zone/

I assume you got your rankings here: http://www.ncaa.com/stats/football/fbs/current/team/1038

A couple things bother me about red zone stats and rankings. First of all, there’s the obvious problems comparing the results of an offense with 1st and goal at the 5 versus an offense that gets into the red zone with 4th and 5 from the 20. But, I guess you’ve got to lump some apples in with oranges if you want macro-analysis, and maybe it evens out over the course of 12 or 13 games. My real problem with red zone efficiency stats is treating all scores equally. A field goal is as good as a touchdown, according to the red zone efficiency rankings. That’s ridiculous.

A team with 10 field goals in 10 trips to the red zone is 100% efficient, and sits atop the rankings. On the other hand, a team with 5 touchdowns in 10 trips to the red zone is 50% efficient, and would rank dead last in red zone efficiency. The first-place team scored 30 points in its red zone opportunities; the last-place team scored 35 points*. Have you ever heard anybody say, “Hey, my team lost today 35-30, but who cares - we were twice as efficient team in the red zone!”?

The best metric for red zone efficiency is points per trip to the red zone. Because we value more points over less points. The two teams in my example are hypothetical statistical extremes. Most teams’ delta between their All Scores Are Equal ranking and a points per red zone drive ranking wouldn’t be that extreme. Nevertheless, you get my point. We don’t count field goals and touchdowns equally on the scoreboard. Why do we count them equally in Red Zone Offense rankings?

Mike, please join me in my quest for measuring a team’s red zone efficiency based on points per red zone drives.

Regards,
luridtransom

P.S. Texas averages 3.92 points per red zone drive.

*assumes all PATs converted for one point

Flat Tax: It's time for poor people to pay more taxes.

http://blog.chron.com/rickperry/2011/10/rick-perry-embraces-flat-tax-concept/

So now Rick Perry wants a flat tax. Funny he's just now getting around to mentioning this. Hey, at least it's an idea.

Don't worry - Gov. Mountain Dew hasn't gone totally tax wonk on us. “It’s time to bring tough medicine to Washington,” Perry declared. “No longer will policy going be set by (lobbyists on) K Street. It will be dictated by Main Street.”

Jobs Bill Conversation.

Ahhh yes, Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell both accusing the other's party of playing politics with the Jobs Bill.

Ummm, because, you know, it will be awesome!

Dear Mizzou,

What makes you think you're better off in the SEC than the Big 12? Because it's more fun to lose to LSU and Bama than Texas and OU? Seriously, explain to me how this is a good move for Mizzou. We have lots of Mizzou readers, right?

Time to have a conversation.

Governor Perry: “What we are seeing in America today is a conservative awakening, a revival born out of a deep concern that liberals have used the machinery of the federal government to impose a nanny state that limits our freedom and that targets free enterprise.”

Principal Rooney: "Wake up and smell the coffee, Mrs. Bueller. It's a fool's paradise. He is just leading you down the primrose path."

Constitution America

We should elect Senators and Representatives on American Idol, and strip Congress of all actual power. Did you see the dance routine Sen. Brittany Spears (R - LA) did yesterday at the Capitol? It was so awesome!

AARP Mailbag: Introduction.

As you know, for some reason we are on the AARP e-mail list. AARP addresses us as George. Here's a recent exchange, which we've posted in top-to-bottom format for the ease and convenience of our busy readers.

Right now there are four e-mails. As always, we'll keep you updated when AARP next responds.

AARP Mailbag: 1 of 4

From: Fred Griesbach
To: luridtransom
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2011 5:00 AM
Subject: Your retirement isn't a budget line item

Dear George,

The Congressional supercommittee will be meeting again tomorrow.

We just have a few weeks left to show Congress why it's so important to protect Medicare and Social Security benefits.

Send a powerful story to Congress today or tell your own.

Tomorrow, the 12 members of Congress on the newly created Congressional "supercommittee" will be meeting again to discuss a deal to reduce the deficit and your Medicare and Social Security benefits are on the table for possible benefit cuts.

George, activists like you have shared thousands of powerful stories to show the importance of Medicare and Social Security benefits to everyday people. We need to make sure Congress hears these stories NOW, before the supercommittee begins finalizing their recommendations.

Send an AARP activist's powerful story to Congress today or tell your own and show them why it's so important to protect Medicare and Social Security benefits.

For many in Congress, these critical programs are just numbers on a balance sheet in this debate. But here are the numbers that really matter half of Americans 65 and older have an income of less than $18,500 per year, and many spend over $3,000 a year on health care costs alone.

Cuts to benefits would mean that people like Elsie N., who relies on Medicare to help her afford her husband's critical medications, would be left with dangerous choices, especially in these tough economic times.

The supercommittee should be focusing on cutting waste and tax loopholes to address the deficit, not on cutting the benefits you've earned. Your real stories have the power to change minds in Washington, but it's up to us to make sure they're heard.

The supercommittee meets again tomorrow. Send a powerful story today, and show Congress that your retirement security isn't simply a budget line item, and why it's so important for them to say no to benefit cuts.

Thank you for taking action at this critical time - we just have a few more weeks to make our voices heard.

Sincerely,
Fred Griesbach
AARP Campaigns

AARP Mailbag: 2 of 4

From: luridtransom
To: Fred Griesbach
Sent: Friday, September 21, 2011 10:08 AM
Subject: Re: Your retirement isn't a budget line item

Dear Fred,

I am in favor of cutting Medicare and Social Security benefits. The current system is unsustainable.

What is your solution to the long term structural deficits? Thanks.

Regards,
luridtransom

AARP Mailbag: 3 of 4

From: "member@aarp.org"
To: luridtransom
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2011 4:16 PM
Subject: Re: Your retirement isn't a budget line item

Dear luridtransom:

Thank you for contacting AARP about our advocacy on Social Security and Medicare. I appreciate your taking the time to get in touch with us, and welcome the opportunity to respond.

Throughout the past several months, AARP has been focused on preventing cuts to Social Security and Medicare benefits for the millions of beneficiaries who have paid into the systems over their working lives. We are relieved that Congress has acted on a bipartisan agreement to address the debt ceiling and prevent default to ensure that seniors will continue to receive their Social Security checks and have access to health care. We are also gratified that after hearing from millions of AARP members, the President and Congress did not cut Social Security, Medicare and long-term care in the first round of deficit reduction.

Going forward, we are pleased that Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare benefits are protected if the so-called "supercommittee" fails to reach an agreement later this fall, but we will remain vigilant in our efforts to protect the health and retirement security of seniors and future retirees. We are concerned that a fast-track committee process will deny Americans a voice in the discussion about critical tax, health and retirement issues. We are also concerned about the potential use of a trigger that would arbitrarily cut provider payments under Medicare, which could unfairly shift costs to seniors.

As the deficit debate continues, AARP will continue to impress upon Congress the need to protect Medicare and Social Security from harmful cuts. We will continue to raise the voices of millions of Americans who rely on their Social Security and Medicare benefits and oppose benefit cuts for deficit reduction. Americans want a broader conversation around health and economic security, not one focused solely on deficit reduction.

AARP believes that the American public deserves a seat at the table in any forum, including the newly created super committee, which discusses potential changes to these critical programs. We believe that our nation's leaders should work together to strengthen health and retirement security for current and future generations.

AARP was founded more than 50 years ago to ensure that older Americans have affordable health care and financial security in retirement. While much has changed since those early years, our commitments have not. For more information, or to get involved, visit www.aarp.org/protectseniors.

Thank you again for writing. We always welcome your input. Please feel free to continue sharing your comments and questions.

Sincerely,

Darlene
Member Communications
Member@aarp.org

AARP Mailbag: 4 of 4

From: luridtransom
To: "member@aarp.org"
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2011 4:34 PM
Subject: Re: Your retirement isn't a budget line item

Dear Darlene,

Thanks for your response. However, you COMPLETELY FAILED to answer my question. Let me ask it again in a different way.

First of all, there is broad agreement among pretty much everyone who understands basic math, regardless of political persuasion, that Medicare and Social Security, as they currently exist, are financially unsustainable. By financially unsustainable, I mean the long-term structural deficits of these programs will consume an ever-increasing percentage of GDP, and the payroll taxes collected will no longer cover the benefit payments.

If you disagree with this, and believe Medicare and Social Security status quo IS sustainable, please say so and explain.

Otherwise, please explain AARP's proposed solution to the unsustainability discussed above. And don't just tell me you want to protect seniors. I know that already, and that is NOT an answer to my question.

I look forward to your response, which I will post on my blog.

Regards,
luridtransom

Oh my God, it's time to PARTY, San Antonio!

The San Antonio Talons are ready for some football.

It was confirmed today that the existing Arena Football League franchise in Tulsa, Okla., also called the Talons, has been sold to a partnership headed by California-based businessman Jason Lohe and will begin play in the Alamodome next March.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/article/Arena-Football-team-officially-moving-to-San-2182039.php#ixzz1Yd0CdWQF

One liners and talking points.

Much has been made of Wolf Blitzer's question to Ron Paul at the GOP debate.

Wolf Blitzer: You’re a physician, Ron Paul, so you’re a doctor. You know something about this subject. Let me ask you this hypothetical question.

A healthy 30-year-old young man has a good job, makes a good living, but decides: “You know what? I’m not going to spend $200 or $300 a month for health insurance because I’m healthy, I don’t need it.” But something terrible happens, all of a sudden he needs it. Who’s going to pay if he goes into a coma, for example? Who pays for that?

My question is who pays for that now? How does that work? I guess he goes to a county hospital and just doesn't pay the bill? Or if he has a good job, he ultimately files bankruptcy (thus discharging the debt and leaving the bill unpaid) or maybe he negotiates the fee way down and pays pennies on the dollar? And ultimately, the hospital district taxpayers and people with insurance make up the shortfall?

That's what I think happens, but I don't know for sure. Maybe one of you healthcare wonks in our readership can enlighten us.

Anyhow, if that's the case, there are three obvious positions:
1) Is Good System. Keep the status quo.
2) Make that dude pay for insurance. That is, Obama-style federal mandate.
3) If he can't pay cash and doesn't have insurance, that coma is his problem. Good luck.

I think Ron Paul chose #3, but disguised it by saying the churches will take care of him. Which is great, if that happens. But isn't the logical extension of Paul’s position that if the churches don't take care of him, that coma is his own problem, and good luck to you, sir?

Unless someone from the Ron Paul campaign tells us otherwise, we’re putting Paul down for position #3, and noting he hopes churches will help the dude out.

And, F you high-horse media, reporting the Tea Party crowd cheered when Blitzer asked Paul if you just let him die. First of all, it's not really accurate that the whole crowd cheered. There were a few "Play Freebird" style hollers. Second, letting the dude die is a legitimate option. Just because it offends your morals and view of the role of government doesn't mean it's wrong, self-righteous NPR reporter.

Legalize Dogfighting.

Congratulations to self-serving politics for its continued dominance over sound policy.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Barack Obama will not include reforms to the Social Security retirement program in his deficits proposals to Congress next week, the White House said Thursday.

Obama upset many fellow Democrats during this summer's bitter negotiations with Republicans on raising the debt ceiling when he expressed a willingness to change the way government benefits are linked to inflation.

Entitled to Delicious.

From: luridtransom
To: "LoneStar@hhsc.state.tx.us"
Sent: Thursday, September 8, 2011 5:47 PM
Subject: Lone Star Card.

Dear Lone Star Card,

Can I use my Lone Star Card to buy Dr. Pepper? What about Three Musketeers candy bars - can I use my Lone Star Card for them?

Thank you. I look forward to hearing whether I can use this government benefit to purchase a tasty snack of a cold Dr. Pepper and a rich, chocolatey Three Musketeers.

Regards,
luridtransom

Good points, except football is awesome and where in the Constitution does it say dog fighting is bad?

Column by Pamela Redmond Satran from the so called INTER-TRON.

I Hate Dogs: Does That Make Me Un-American?

Americans love football, a commentator on the Michael Vick case said today on CNN, but they love dogs even more. All Americans but me, I guess. I hate football. But I hate dogs even more.

Yes, okay, I said it. Come on, burn a big doggie biscuit on my lawn. Stone me the way you might a baby killer or a gay basher. I realize that coming out as a dog-hater puts me among the lowest of the low.

Abhor kids? Reasonable. Despise men? Makes sense. But don't you dare say a word against Fido. Let me pause right here and say that I'm not pro-dogfighting or dog torture or any of the other hideous things Vick is accused of and that undoubtedly go on.

On the other hand, America's dog worship has gotten way out of hand. One of the few reliable ways to sell a book these days is to make dogs your subject: witness Jon Katz's oeuvre, Cesar's Way, and of course Marley & Me. There's doggie chick lit (Jacqueline Sheehan's Lost & Found) and doggie lit lit (Mark Haddon's The Curious Incident of the Dog at Night Time).

Will Ferrell is reportedly set to star in Carolyn Parkhurst's Dogs of Babel, a bestselling and totally absurd tale about a professor who tries to communicate the only witness to his wife's death - you guessed it: his dog. Right this very minute, I'm sure market-savvy television producer is planning an update of Mr. Ed, only with a talking dog instead of horse.

Celebrities have fueled the dog craze by carrying their Yorkies - or whatever other brand of small dog is in right now - around as devotedly as they do their designer bags and iPhones and skinny sugar-free vanilla lattes. Unlike their babies, stars never seem to fumble or drop their dogs. Dogs seem to offer celebrities not only unconditional love but truly enduring relationships.

It's not that everybody in the world except me loves dogs, I think, so much that those people who do love them feel so very very strongly about it. Dog lovers are kind of like Jesus Freaks, or yoga masters, except their irrational yet single-minded devotion is to a barking, biting, shedding four-legged creature.

Some of these people are even my friends - or at least they were, before they read this piece. These friends try to persuade me how wonderful their dogs are, yet all my experience only hardens me against dog worship. When I visit, the dog starts yapping before I even ring the bell, and won't stop through all attempts at conversation. The dog lunges at me and bares its terrifying fangs. If we stay in the house, the dog inevitably and deliberately sheds its hair all over me, and if we go out, the dog insists on coming along, whereupon we're forced to pick up and carry its poop with us.

Excuse me but, I'm out. And it's hard for me to find a down side to living without a dog. My house is quiet, hair-free, and doesn't smell funny. When I take a roast out of the oven and set it on the counter, I'm pretty sure five minutes later it's still going to be there. In the middle of the night, I never hear those little doggie nails click click clicking across the wooden floor or wake up to find a black tongue probing my nose.

I guess on Sundays when the Raiders are playing the Jets and all your friends are busy, if you're dogless there's no one to lie on your chest and watch the game with you. But that's a price I'm willing to pay.

Disappointing news about the hepatits-infected, crime-ridden sand bar called Galveston.

From the Houston Biz Journal:

Nearly three years since Hurricane Ike ravaged the Gulf Coast, the University of Texas Medical Branch is moving forward with construction of a replacement hospital in Galveston. The $438 million Jennie Sealy Hospital, to be built on the site of the existing Jennie Sealy building, will feature nearly 250 rooms, surgical suites and intensive-care space. The facility was already in the planning stages before the hurricane.

I hate you, taxes.

Dear Lamar:

The Big Government Liberals are at it again, confiscating Americans' hard-earned dollars in the name of socialism. That's right, Alamo Heights ISD trustees approved a property tax rate increase of 3 cents per $100 of home value and adopted a 2011-12 budget of about $70 million.

You can read the whole disgusting story here, but I must warn you - it will make you want to vomit: http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/education/article/Alamo-Heights-ISD-raises-tax-rate-2142123.php#ixzz1WAak4KTL

It's a shame those trustees didn't sign Grover Norquist's pledge like you did.

Do you denounce this tax hike, or do you support it? Please answer the question directly and tell the American taxpayers whether you denounce it or support it. In fact, it can just be a one word response - either "DENOUNCE!" or "support." Thanks in advance for your straight-forward response, which I will post on my blog.

Regards,
luridtransom

More like Fredericksburg.

We're underwhelmed by both Brooklyn's Oktoberfest and Real Ale's Oktoberfest.

Yeah, but that's MY money.

Liberal Public Radio ran a story about Iowa farmers telling Obama at a town hall meeting to reduce federal regulations on them. Iowa corn farmers want to be in their tractor cabs first thing in the morning, not filling out paperwork for the federal government. He didn’t specify whether the paperwork in question was farm subsidy payment instruction forms.

Paging Mr. Norquist. You're needed in Alamo Heights.

We have 12 grades PLUS kindergarten. I propose cutting out the two or three least productive grades and lowering taxes on the hard-working citizens of Alamo Heights. The time to take a stand against the big government, tax-and-spend liberals at the AHISD is NOW.

From the Express-News:
The Alamo Heights Independent School District has proposed a property tax rate increase of 3 cents to cover the district's bond debt.

If approved, the portion of district's tax rate that pays for school debt would increase from 12.8 cents to 15.8 cents per $100 of home value, said Mike Hagar, the district's assistant superintendent of business and finance. The district's total tax rate would be $1.198 and the average homeowner would pay $119.75 more annually if the increase is approved.

Hagar said property values in the area have decreased in the past two years, a trend the district did not anticipate during its 2010 bond election.

The district will hold a meeting to discuss its proposed budget and tax rate Aug. 25.

From your blog to mine.

"Once any level of math or actual sophistication is involved, the average person is out. They just want some talking points to scream."

- Scipio Tex

Wait, often? Now I'm even more confused. Are you even in this country legally?

Key word is "often." Some should have signed up by now, a week before launch. This is very unusual.

Thanks for reading and writing.

barry

Inquiry to the Perry campaign.

Rick - What are the gaps in the theory of evolution? Thanks in advance for your response.

Regards,
luridtransom

Gatsby, but not Gatsby?

"The sign of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposing ideas in the mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function."

- F. Scott Fitzgerald

Barry,

You tell me that carriage deals are often struck just before midnight and both sides like to haggle to the last moment. But then you tell me that some carrier somewhere in the great state of Texas should have signed up to carry the Longhorn Network at least two weeks before the launch date. I’m confused. Which is it?

Thanks,
luridtransom

Network difficulties at the Longhorn Network
By BARRY HORN
The Dallas Morning News
August 12, 2011

As launch date nears, Longhorn Network is still looking for carrier

If a television network launches and no one can watch it, does it make a sound?

That's the philosophical question of the day. The Longhorn Network is scheduled to launch in less than two weeks, and not a single cable, satellite or telecom carrier in the state has signed on.

Can LHN launch as scheduled on Aug. 26 if no one can watch it?

Let's begin by saying it is likely that some carrier will add the network to its buffet menu of offerings before launch. Two weeks is an eternity in the game of chicken that ESPN and the University of Texas are playing with the likes of Time Warner Cable, DirecTV and AT&T.

Carriage deals are often struck just before midnight. Both sides like to haggle to the last moment over who will make how much from the subscriber fees that will be added to your bill when LHN is launched and placed on the same tier as the likes of ESPN, Fox Sports Southwest and CNN.

(Personal aside: I would love to eavesdrop on the conversation when a Texas A&M fan calls their carrier to ask about the extra 40 or 50 cents a month on his bill and is told it's for LHN.)

But I'll say this: Some carrier somewhere in the great state of Texas should have signed up by now. But no one has stepped forward. I checked with ESPN on Friday just to make sure the self-proclaimed Worldwide Leader wasn't holding back on a carriage announcement.

Of course, it isn't. Instead a spokesperson offered up the network mantra: "We are still in active discussions."

What is unusual here is that ESPN, LHN and Texas haven't made a single deal with say DirecTV or Dish or AT&T or Verizon Fios that it could try to leverage against the cable companies, as well as its satellite or telecom rivals.

I can see it now. DirecTV signs on for LHN while Dish doesn't and starts marketing itself as the place for Aggies, Texas Tech, Baylor, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State fans.

There's no question that Time Warner is the big dog that LHN needs in the state. That is the same Time Warner that is the lone holdout that has yet to make a deal with NFL Network.

Time Warner is the No. 1 carrier in Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin. Comcast is No. 1 in Houston, where Time Warner isn't a player. Maybe ESPN and Texas will have to bring the carriers on board as partners, much the same as MLB Network did to assure its wide distribution.

I'm sure ESPN and Texas considered the uniqueness of their situation before deciding to launch. They bet they would make their deals with the carriers. They probably will. Someday. But right now, they have to be holding their breath.

Quantitative Easing is Almost Treasonous.

"If this guy [this guy being Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke] prints more money between now and the election, I dunno what y’all would do to him in Iowa but we would treat him pretty ugly down in Texas. Printing more money to play politics at this particular time in American history is almost treasonous in my opinion.”

- Gov. Rick Perry, campaigning in Iowa.

H-E-B has 30 days to install a bike rack before I call for a city-wide boycott.

H-E-B
Attention: Customer Relations Department
P.O. Box 839999
San Antonio, TX 78283

August 15, 2011

Re: You should put in a bike rack at the Lincoln Heights H-E-B.

Dear H-E-B:

It recently came to my attention that the Lincoln Heights H-E-B doesn’t have a bike rack. This is very disappointing as I had planned to start riding my bike to the store. I’m told some people chain their bikes to a wooden flower display stand outside, but this is certainly less than ideal. I spoke to the store manager about the lack of a bike rack (I forget her name), and she said only the suits in corporate could approve installing a bike rack. Huh.

H-E-B supports community health and fitness and clean air, right? If so, please demonstrate that commitment by installing a proper bike rack. It should be cheap and simple – just buy a welded bike rack and anchor it to the sidewalk. (If you have any questions about procurement or installation, Whole Foods at the Quarry has one, so you might ask them.)

Thanks in advance for installing a bike rack at the Lincoln Heights H-E-B. I look forward to riding my bike to the store to buy groceries.

Very truly yours,
luridtransom

The failure of democracy and the triumph of great Italian food.

Dammit, blogosphere. I'm trying to link the 2011 Express-News Reader's Choice Awards. Google it, readers, and check it out.

Sir, what are you talking about?

Dear Mr. Centeno:

I read with interest your column in the Express-News (see link below). I'm not sure I understand the new paradigm you favor. I guess you're saying that instead of offering companies tax abatements (and the like) to move to San Antonio or expand in San Antonio, the city should use that money to decrease the poverty rate. Is that your point?

Thanks,
luridtransom

http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/commentary/article/It-s-time-for-new-economic-policy-driven-by-the-1920919.php

Mule with a Spinning Wheel.

Sept. 15, 1968. Two Hemisfair Mini-Monorail trains collided and derailed, killing one and injuring 47.

Dog Notebook.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/politics/article/Sculley-trims-7-from-city-s-budget-for-2012-1849181.php

City Manager Sheryl Sculley will recommend to the City Council today a $2.2 billion budget that's 7 percent smaller than the 2011 spending plan, once again staving off drastic measures such as layoffs or involuntary furloughs.

Sculley's recommendation includes keeping the property tax rate flat, increasing funding for Animal Care Services and the library system, and maintaining current appropriations to the city's 70 delegate agencies, including the controversial Project Quest.

Animal Care Services is the city dog pound. So in conclusion, we're cutting the total budget 7%, but INCREASING the dollars allocated to dog food for cur dogs.

Compatibility Test.

Mark these activities/things either COOL or NOT COOL.

Watching television
Elton John
Visors
Paesano's
Doing your own laundry
Flip Flops
Alamo Quarry Market (The Quarry)
Restoration Hardware
Catching red snapper at offshore rigs
Golf
Spare Hidey Key (Auto)
Spare Hidey Key (House)
Dogs
FJ62 Landcruisers
Bicycles
Microbrews
Smoking ribs and other meats
NCAA March Madness
Couples wedding showers
Toll roads
Vacation in France
Mig/Tig Welding
Backyard patio stereo speakers
Socialism
Credit Cards with 2% Yield
Wade Fishing for Speckled Trout
Canoe trips on rivers
Backyard landscaping & patio projects
Chevy Tahoe
Martinis
Outdoor tree lighting
Farmer's markets
Attending UT football games
Riding Jet-Skis
German Club
CCA
Vegetable Gartens
Stock Market
Skinny Jeans
Re-useable grocery bags
Academy Sports & Outdoors
Going to the movie house

Howard Schnellenberger is awesome.

Pay me for my mood disorder.

From the SA Express-News:

A San Antonio man was indicted Wednesday on charges of wrongfully collecting $171,000 in Social Security disability insurance benefits while he was running a plumbing company.

Court records said criminal investigators with the Social Security Administration began looking at Ernest Luckett, 52, after getting a tip that he ran First Priority Plumbing, and later confirming the information.

He was approved for disability benefits in 2005, claiming he had injured his back and had a mood disorder. Investigators found Luckett was never given approval to work after being approved for the disability benefits, and collected the benefits since 2005, records show.
http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Plumber-charged-in-171-000-Social-Security-fraud-1497622.php#ixzz1SkvIMvsA

Loopholes.

If I can deduct interest on my $1 million mortgage for my beach house, why can't I deduct the cost of a bicycle? Bikes are good for the environment and they make Fat America a little bit healthier. How does my $1 million beach house benefit America? I mean, besides the Americans I invite down for super relaxing weekends packed with pina coladas and Million Dollar Views.

Senator Hutchison!

The Gang of Six's plan is still mostly secret, but it's rumored to include some sort of curb on the mortgage interest deduction.

Here's from the AP:

For example, current law allows homeowners to deduct the interest they pay on home mortgages of up to $1 million.

One proposal would lower the limit to $500,000 and exclude mortgage interest on second homes.

Senator Hutchison, are you aware of this proposal?

Intergalactical Motivation.

Hey, turns out our own Lamar Smith was a co-sponsor of Cut, Cap & Balance Imaginarium.

Also, Lamar's website has a news release entitled "America Deserves a Better Space Program," where he bashes Obama for shutting down manned space flights. Apparently, even a government that shamefully borrows 43 cents of every dollar spent* should find billions to send Astronauts to the moon. The quote below is from Lamar's press release. Seriously, we did not write this. It's all Lamar:

In national polling, NASA enjoys a hugely positive approval rating, in the range of 65-75 percent — an amazing result for any government agency. However, when you ask people why, they are not really sure, but they have an innate sense that what NASA does is part of what makes our country great. At a fundamental level, NASA is in the inspiration business — a motivating example for young people to try what has never been done before. If we can go to the Moon, we can do almost anything.

* From Lamar's press release on his co-sponsorhip of Cut, Cap & Balance.

Taipei Shout Out.

www.itbtwnbf.blogspot.com
Check out Pavlic's blog about living in Taipei.

Obama is a Damn Liar.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/editorial/outlook/7656368.html

Turns out Obama lied about his mother's health insurance carrier denying coverage for her cancer treatments on the basis of pre-existing condition. That never happened. He just made it up and lied about it.

Next we should have an RBI Baseball tournament.

So Congress is voting today on Cut, Cap & Balance, which we know has zero chance to become law. Lamar, please attach a rider to the bill declaring mature, English-style cheddar the best kind of imaginary cheese to make in your garage. Man, that would be delicious!

Looking Awesome.

Media Watchdog.

Dear Eugene,

I read your recent column on the debt ceiling negotiations, which was posted on the San Antonio Express-News site: http://www.mysanantonio.com/opinion/commentary/article/Drop-false-narrative-GOP-is-to-blame-for-debt-1463063.php

You wrote, in part:

The story on the Republican side is entirely different. There are ways to finesse a “no new taxes” pledge, too. Instead of raising tax rates, you close loopholes in the name of reform; you add an enhancement here, a “user fee” there, and you can manage to get the revenue you need and still claim you haven't voted to raise taxes.

There has been much discussion of “tax loopholes” during the debt ceiling debate. However, I’m unclear on what exactly tax loopholes are. Certainly the word loophole carries undesirable connotations, so I assume you’ve used the term deliberately. Could you explain the difference between a tax loophole and other tax deductions and credits you don’t consider loopholes? Also, if you could cite specific examples of tax loopholes that would be a big help.

Thank you in advance for your response.

Regards,
luridtransom

Organic Fair Trade.

http://www.greensanantonio.com/

Water catchment barrels, vegetable gartens out front and A+ adaptive re-use architecture. The building was built in the 20s as a bakery. What's not to like?

Stingy Government.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/living_green_sa/article/Weatherization-an-ordeal-for-some-residents-1460425.php

Hulbert has mixed feelings about the repairs [to her house made by the government with stimulus money], saying they should have included new windows and a new front door. The windows have been in place since she bought the home in 1952, and the white putty around them is cracking and chipping onto the parched lawn.

We feel your pain, Mrs. Hulbert. We want new FREE windows at our house, too.

Local Politics.

It’s official. luridtransom hates dogs.

San Antonio, I hope you’re happy with what’s become of Alamo Plaza. Total embarrassment.

VIA hired engineering and architecture firm HNTB as VIA's in-house consultants on urban rail. Hey VIA & HNTB, I say put in a subway like in DC. The Blue Line should run underneath Broadway from downtown to the Airport. Include stops at the Pearl Brewery and Broadway & Basse.

Whose idea was it to build Wolff Stadium way out on Hwy 90? Whoever it was, you’re an idiot. luridtransom could have told you a thousand better places for the ballpark.

COSA: Shut down Brackenridge Municipal Golf Course, or at least just make it 9 holes. Put an open air ampitheater there. And let’s get Paul Simon to come play this fall when it cools off some. Publicly subsidized golf is ridiculous. Say it out loud and listen to how ridiculous it sounds.

Herzlich Willkommen

Congratulations and handshakes all around for newly minted German Club member Tall Karl. Nobody deserves it more than Tall Karl.

Serious Inquiries Only.

For sale: One $80 gift card to Fogo de Chão. $80 firm.

Open Letter to UTSA & NPR.

UTSA: I tell you what gets me interested in UTSA football. Not immediate die-hard fan with season tickets, but interested. Hire Mike Leach, join the Mountain West and play home games at Alamo Stadium. Now I’m listening.

NPR: You told me this morning that Democrats have proposed raising taxes on the "super wealthy," which Republicans oppose. Hey, why don't you tell me what the proposed tax increase is and what income brackets it effects, and let me decide who is "super wealthy"? I guess that's not how you do things over at Minitrue - I mean the NPR studios.

Listen Up.

The two biggest problems with democracy are voters and political parties. I'm not sure in what order. But, I'm open to your dogmatic, focus-group tested suggestions.

NPR 1: I can't listen to Diane Rheem. Please hire a voice actor and overdub.

NPR 2: What's worse: Diane Rheem or the dude that does movie reviews on Friday? I say the movie reviewer because Rheem can't help her problem. I heard the review of Green Lantern last week. Frothy praise and overwrought analysis of a movie about a B-List superhero I will never see. Neat.

NPR 3: NPR should stick to its core competencies and tell me more about tax loopholes and evil banks.

People's Republic of luridtransom.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/default/article/European-inspired-development-in-San-Antonio-1436019.php

You had me at "Tucked into the hillside near Interstate 10 and Loop 1604 is a development that resembles a small European town."

Turns out luridtransom agrees with Lamar that we need to construct a border fence.

Quick refresher. In response to President Obama’s speech on immigration reform, Lamar Smith released a statement including the following:

“The non-partisan Government Accountability Office has found that only 44% of the border is under the operational control of the Border Patrol, and only 15% is under actual control. Mr. President, 44% is a failing grade. And if 44% is the most secure the border has ever been, it’s time to get to work to improve the grade. The American people expect nothing less than an A+ on border security.”

luridtransom submitted the following inquiry: Please explain what the percentages you cited actually mean, and explain your plan for achieving an “A+” on border security. Also, please tell me the benefits of your A+ Plan versus the status quo. Finally, please tell me how much your A+ Plan costs, and compare that cost to the current cost of border security. List these costs in actual dollar amounts.

Here is Lamar's predictably underwhelming response.

Dear luridtransom,

Many thanks for contacting me regarding Congress' efforts to secure our nation's borders. I appreciate hearing from you.

We agree that every sensible means possible should be used to secure our border, including constructing a border fence. Border security is a matter of national security and national sovereignty.

No nation can survive with unrestricted amounts of immigration and lax border security. Illegal immigration hurts American citizens and legal immigrants who end up paying taxes that go toward health care, education, welfare, and other social costs associated with illegal immigration.

Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have made immigration reform one of my top priorities. I have repeatedly pushed for enforcement of our current immigration laws and have consistently supported legislation aimed at reducing illegal immigration, strengthening our borders, holding individuals who employ illegal immigrants accountable for breaking the law, and reducing the incentives that attract illegal immigrants to the United States.

As Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary and a member of the Immigration Reform Caucus, I will continue to work to strengthen our border security and continue my efforts to reform our immigration policies for the benefit of American families, workers and taxpayers.

For more information on my work in Congress or to send me an electronic message, feel free to visit the 21st District's website, http://lamarsmith.house.gov.

Sincerely,
Lamar Smith
Member of Congress

Tip of the Cap to Sen. Cornyn.

As you recall, luridtransom sent an inquiry to Sens. Hutchison and Cornyn about the mortgage interest deduction as follows: Please tell me whether you are FOR or AGAINST keeping the mortgage interest deduction status quo.

Senator Hutchison is aware that mortgage interest is deductible, but she refuses to answer the inquiry. All she knows is she will “continue to review recommendations aimed at addressing our nation's mounting debt.” luridtransom will present Sen. Hutchison with an official Goldbrick Award when we run into her at Rick Perry’s Prayer for America Extravaganza in Houston on August 6th.

Senator Cornyn, however, gets a luridtransom Tip of the Cap for answering our inquiry and providing an ACTUAL IDEA. Are you listening, Lamar? Look, we’re not saying Cornyn’s idea is a good one, and we’ve got some questions about it (stay tuned), but at least it’s an idea. Here you go, America, Senator Cornyn’s 23% federal retail sales tax idea:

Dear luridtransom:

Thank you for your recent letter regarding efforts to simplify federal tax laws. I appreciate having the benefit of your comments on this matter. Uhhh, that’s not exactly what the letter was about, but we’ll look the other way on that.

The Internal Revenue Code is unnecessarily complex and is an impediment to economic growth at a time when the United States faces more competition from India, China, and Europe than ever before. According to the National Taxpayer Advocate, Americans spend $193 billion per year filing their taxes. This is equivalent to a surcharge of 14 percent of all income taxes collected. In addition, tax-code changes have averaged one per day over the past eight years, with 500 changes in 2008.

In response to these challenges, the Fair Tax Act, which I was proud to co-sponsor, was introduced in an effort to replace the federal income tax—including capital gain taxes, all payroll taxes, the estate and gift tax, and corporate and self-employment taxes—with a 23 percent federal retail sales tax. This tax would be collected at the final point of purchase of new goods and services for personal consumption. Additionally, the Fair Tax Act provides a universal rebate in an amount equal to the sales tax paid on essential goods and services, to ensure that no American pays taxes on the purchase of necessities. Finally, the Fair Tax Act would eliminate the Internal Revenue Service as we know it today, ending the convoluted tax-filing process.

It is important to provide taxpayers with a simple, fair method of funding their federal government. By converting to a tax system that is transparent and simple, the United States would remove the complex tax burden for hardworking families, strengthen our financial system, and ensure that our economy remains the strongest in the world.

I appreciate having the opportunity to represent the interests of Texans in the United States Senate, and as a member of the Senate Finance Committee, you may be certain that I will keep your views in mind should efforts to reform the tax code be considered during the 112th Congress. Thank you for taking the time to contact me.

Sincerely,
JOHN CORNYN
United States Senator

I expect a good answer from Sen. Cornyn.

Dear Senator Cornyn:

I see you issued the following statement regarding Chief U.S. District Judge Fred Biery’s recent order prohibiting Medina Valley Independent School District from allowing public prayer at a high school graduation ceremony:

“As valedictorian of Medina Valley High School, Angela Hildenbrand has earned the right to deliver a graduation speech that is uncensored by a federal judge. The district court’s decision, to quote the late Chief Justice, bristles with hostility to all things religious in public life. This heavy-handed, activist decision is exactly the wrong civics lesson to teach to the Class of 2011 and it should be overturned by the Fifth Circuit.”

What do you mean by “activist decision”? Perhaps if you would explain your understanding of the popular term “judicial activism” that would clear up any confusion.

Thank you in advance for your candid response, which I will post on my blog.

Regards,
luridtransom

Straight Outta Belmont.

BYU @ Texas is set for Sept. 10 at 6 p.m.

So, the FLDS. Are they BYU fans or not? We encourage our FLDS readers to chime in on the comments section.

Official Inquiry: What Are Tax Loopholes?

Dear Mara Liasson,

Please be aware this is an official inquiry from luridtransom. We announced that the next NPR reporter we heard use the term “tax loophole” would receive an official inquiry. This announcement was made on the public internets. So don’t say you weren’t warned.

On June 1, I caught the tail end of a story you did on the Congressional negotiations to raise the debt ceiling. In fact, here’s a link to your story – http://www.wbur.org/npr/136855840/house-gop-obama-hold-frank-talk-on-debt

This is from your story: “Democrats say they're open to some changes to Medicare, but not unless Republicans agree to more revenues — either tax hikes or a limit to tax loopholes.”

What did you mean by the term “tax loopholes”? Have the Democrats made specific proposals to limit tax loopholes? If so, what are they? Is tax loopholes your term, or did it come from someone else?

We’ve noticed during the recent talk of debt and deficits that NPR reporters are quite fond of the term tax loophole. Being all ignorant, we’re unsure what it means. Is a tax loophole different from a tax deduction or credit allowed by the Internal Revenue Code? If so, what is the difference? Please explain.

Thank you in advance for your candid and thorough answer, which we will post on the intertronica.

Regards,
luridtransom

Charlie Gonzalez says get the F out.

luridtransom directed the FOR/AGAINST inquiry to Rep. Charlie Gonzalez regarding the balanced budget amendment. (See inquiry sent to Rep. Lamar Smith.) Because you're ignorant I'll tell you Charlie Gonzalez is the U.S. Congressman for the 20th District of Texas. He's a Democrat.

Upon submission of inquiry, Rep. Gonzalez's webtron says: "Regrettably, I am unable to reply to any email from constituents outside of the 20th District of Texas."

luridtransom's corporate HQ is outside the 20th. If you, brave reader, live in the 20th, ask Rep. Gonzalez what his position is on a balanced budget amendment. America deserves to know.

Letters to Lamar: Balanced Budget Amendment.

Dear Congressman Smith:

Are you FOR or AGAINST a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution?

Please feel free to explain your answer all you like. In particular, if you are FOR a balanced budget amendment, please send me the language of your proposed amendment or at least outline how you would structure the amendment.

Thank you in advance for your candid and thorough answer.

Regards,
luridtransom

I ask for your vote for Senator not to solve our nation's problems, but only to acknowledge them. Oh, and God Bless America.

Dear Friend:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the future of the Social Security system. I welcome your thoughts and comments.

The Social Security program is financed by the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) tax, a payroll tax that is collected from today's workers and used to pay benefits to those seniors currently drawing from Social Security. The FICA tax is levied on both employees and employers on wages up to a limit of $106,800. Traditionally, the Social Security tax is 12.4% of wages and is split evenly, with the employee’s share of the tax at 6.2% of gross compensation and the employer subject to an additional 6.2% FICA tax. However, through the extension of the broader tax relief of 2001 and 2003, the employee share of the FICA tax is reduced to 4.2% of gross compensation for 2011. To make up for the lower FICA taxes, the Treasury Department is authorized to transfer funds equal to the amount that would have been contributed into Social Security Trust Funds in normal years.

The Social Security Board of Trustees reports to Congress on the status of the Social Security Trust Funds. The trustees project the balance of the Social Security Trust Funds to peak in 2024 but to be fully depleted in 2037. Thus, while the Social Security program is sound for today's seniors and for those nearing retirement, it needs to be improved for our children and grandchildren.

The impending financial problems of the Social Security program are why Congress must work together now to strengthen Social Security for future generations. The longer we wait, the more difficult and costly it will be to fix the problem. Every year that passes adds $600 billion in unfunded liabilities that the next generation will have to pay.

Congress is considering a wide range of reforms, including proposals to raise the retirement age or increase the cap on the FICA tax. I will continue to evaluate any plan to reform Social Security by how well it protects current recipients while ensuring the soundness of the system for future generations.

I appreciate hearing from you, and I hope that you will not hesitate to contact me on any issue that is important to you.

Sincerely,
Kay Bailey Hutchison
United States Senator

Third Rail Stress Test.

Dear Senator Hutchison,

I know you are aware of the looming problems with our Social Security system. In fact, this is from your own website:

Americans have paid their taxes into the Social Security system in good faith, and they deserve a return on their investment. However, by the year 2018, as the “Baby Boom” generation enters retirement, the program is projected to pay out more in annual retirement than it takes in from Social Security taxes. This would leave future generations with no benefits from a fund into which they poured their hard-earned wages. There are a wide variety of proposed reforms before Congress, including the creation of personal retirement accounts that give citizens control over their own savings.

I notice you don’t mention your own position on Social Security reform. What is your position? Do you favor the status quo, which is projected to run deficits beginning just seven years from now? Or do you favor reforming the system to make it solvent? As you noted, proposed reforms include the creation of personal retirement accounts. Proposed reforms also include raising Social Security taxes, cutting Social Security benefits, or some combination of the two. If you support Social Security reform, please state what reform(s) you support and explain the effect on the sustainability of our Social Security system.

America thanks you in advance for your candid response clearly outlining your position on Social Security. I will post your response on my blog.

Regards,
luridtransom

Sen. Jeff Wentworth voted FOR the Voter ID bill.

Dear Senator Wentworth,

Perhaps you read O. Ricardo Pimentel’s May 24th column on the Voter ID bill in the San Antonio Express-News. (Here’s a link to the column for your convenience: http://www.mysanantonio.com/default/article/Voter-ID-A-bogus-solution-for-a-pretend-crisis-1392650.php)

Mr. Pimentel contends there is “no credible evidence” of widespread voter fraud. He calls in-person voter fraud at the polls “Texas’s version of WMD.” In other words, voter fraud is a make-believe problem conjured up to justify the requirement to show a photo ID to vote. Making voters show a photo ID doesn't stop voter fraud, it just stops Democrats from voting. Because apparently lots of Democrats don't have photo IDs, but pretty much all Republicans do.

Is this true? Was the whole Voter ID bit just a clever scheme to keep the hordes of ID-less Democrats from voting? Or does Pimentel have it all wrong?

Let's settle this once and for all. Kindly point me to credible evidence of in-person voter fraud at the polls. Thank you.

Regards,
luridtransom

Readers: Please note a similar letter was sent to Gov. Perry. As you recall, Gov. Perry designated Voter ID one of the emergency items of this legislative session.

Ligers are real?

BEIJING (AP) — A Chinese zoo official says two rare cubs born to a male lion and a female tiger are being nursed by a dog after they were abandoned by their mother.

Cong Wen of Xixiakou Wildlife Zoo in eastern China says four cubs called ligers were born to the lion and tiger earlier this month.

She said Tuesday the tiger mother fed the ligers for four days but then abandoned them for unknown reasons. Two died of weakness.

Cong said staff at the zoo in Shandong province found a dog who had just given birth to feed the surviving cubs.

She said the two cubs had trouble at first drinking milk from the dog but are now used to it.

Ligers are rare and are sometimes bred in zoos by mistake.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Dog-nurses-2-ligers-after-tiger-mom-abandons-them-1392892.php#ixzz1NOJ75QSy

Dr. Vannoy Update.

Last time we checked in on Dr. Vannoy (4/21/2011), the ongoing mania was transforming a 1973 Sidney Vannoy 16' hull into an ass-kicking, ultralight, tiller steer poling skiff. This plan has been modified. The 1973 Sidney Vannoy 16' hull is now slated to become a tomato planter.

Dr. Vannoy’s New Skiff Plan is to build a modified Flats Stalker 18 (FS18) from scratch. (For more information on the FS18, check out Fruit Fly’s blog. He blogged all about building his FS18, the GB. He now uses his web presence to push novelty coolers. http://fruitfly-flatsstalker18build.blogspot.com/) Dr. Vannoy’s modifications are aimed at widening the bottom of the FS18. Long story short, Dr. Vannoy’s version of the FS18 will have a 46” transom instead of the standard 37” transom. This has the effect of making the skiff extra stable. Modified FS18 will have a manual jack plate. Trim tabs are unlikely.

The Vannoy trailer will be used for the modified FS18. It needs a new tire, a winch and a title (title?), but otherwise it’s in good shape and is a tailor-made skiff trailer. Ruben Lopez trailer is for sale, in case you know anybody who’s looking. The asking price is currently unknown, but we’ll post that as soon as we find out. So check back frequently for updates.

Three color schemes are under consideration. Each candidate scheme has 3 colors: two shades of the same color and a contrasting color. Dr. Vannoy is keeping the color concepts under wrap until a decision has been decided. Again, check back frequently for updates.

Letters from Lamar.

Dear luridtransom,

Thank you for contacting me about taxes and H.R. 1527, the Taxpayer Receipt Act. I appreciate hearing from you.

We agree that Americans are overtaxed. Lamar, you are LYING. I never said Americans are overtaxed. If you don't believe me, find the email I sent you and show me where it says Americans are overtaxed. You're a damn LIAR.

History tells us that tax reductions generate strong economic growth. They enable Americans to save, invest and spend more of their income. This creates a business environment that rewards creativity and innovation.

In the past, I have supported tax relief plans that benefit all taxpayers by reducing the marginal tax rate for all brackets, repealing the estate tax, increasing the child tax credit, and addressing the issue of the marriage tax penalty.

H.R. 1527 require [sic] the Secretary of the Treasury to provide each individual taxpayer a receipt for an income tax payment which itemizes the portion of the payment which is allocable to various Government spending categories. This bill has been referred to the House Ways and Means Committee, of which I am not a member. Be assured that as Congress considers legislation on this issue, I will continue to support reducing the tax burden on Americans.

Sincerely,
Lamar Smith
Member of Congress

Gentle Reader - For ease of reference, here's the question I posed to Congressman Smith regarding H.R. 1527: Are you FOR or AGAINST H.B. 1527?

I guess Lamar can't wrap his brain around my question because he's not on the House Ways and Means Committee. I hope you're proud, 21st District. I hope you're proud.

Attention Pulitzer Committee

Cats safe after North Side house fire
By Eva Ruth Moravec

A man and his four cats got out of a North Side home safely Tuesday morning, when a grease fire erupted in the kitchen, according to the San Antonio Fire Department.

Around 8:40 a.m., firefighters were called to a home in the 14000 block of Turtle Rock Street, where a small fire was reported, said Capt. Darryl Waltisperger. A man who lives in the home got out safely, but he feared that his four cats didn't, officials said. Firefighters said all of the felines were safe.

"All of those cats have either been accounted for or were seen running away from the house," Waltisperger said.

Flames caused an estimated $15,000 in damages to the single-story rock house. Waltisperger said grease fires are common but can be prevented.

"Don't leave things you're cooking unattended," he said. "Any little thing left unwatched can get out of control quickly."

http://www.mysanantonio.com/default/article/Cats-safe-after-North-Side-house-fire-1393264.php#ixzz1NHepL8fN

Remember the Alamodome.

SA City Council decides today whether to change the name of Durango Blvd to César Chávez Blvd. The proposed name change would cost the City $100,000.

UPDATE:
The City Council voted 7-4 on Thursday to rename Durango Boulevard in honor of civil rights activist and labor leader César Chávez.

Supporters appeared to outnumber opponents in council chambers and spoke passionately about Chávez and his contributions to their lives. Those against the proposal cited the $100,000 price tag for changing street signs and the burden that will be placed on property owners whose addresses will change.

http://www.mysanantonio.com/default/article/Durango-Boulevard-renamed-for-Cesar-Ch-vez-on-1386997.php#ixzz1MpZ1x3YR

Bauhaus School

You know that red mulch that looks like it's been soaked in red food coloring? If I had an NPR microphone I'd righteously call it NASCAR mulch.

I'm looking at you, NPR.

The next j-school grad with a microphone I hear use the term "tax loophole" for tax deduction or tax credit has an official inquiry email from luridtransom headed his way.

Gaining Momentum.

I'll level with you, Americans, Mexicans and illegal immigrants. I have low expectations for Lamar Smith's explanation of A+ border security.

How about this: Mr. Smith, if you prove me wrong, and you provide a thorough, substantive reponse addressing my questions on border security, I'LL VOTE FOR YOU NEXT YEAR.

America believes in second chances.

Dear Congressman Smith:

Thank you for your response. However, I noticed you did not even attempt to respond to my question. In fact, I’m left to wonder if you even read my original e-mail. Let me recap. Ezra Klein’s “insightful article,” which you reference in your response, discusses a proposal that to be eligible for Medicare, you would have to give someone power-of-attorney and sign a living will. You could tell your attorney-in-fact, and write in your living will, that you want every possible measure employed to keep you alive. You could say cost is no object, and neither is pain or quality of life. Or, you could instruct your attorney-in-fact not to prolong your life by extraordinary measures if you lost consciousness in a long, fatal illness or simply old age. You could make whatever choice, and offer whatever instructions, you want. You just have to do it. You have to make the decision.

So, I’ll ask again: Are you FOR or AGAINST a mandatory power-of-attorney and living will to be eligible for Medicare benefits? State whether you are FOR or AGAINST this idea, and then you can explain your position all you want. I know you will support only those changes to Medicare that do not penalize our nation's seniors. I want to know if you support THIS proposed change to Medicare.

Thank you in advance, Congressman, for your straight-forward response on your second attempt. Which I will post on my blog.

Regards,
luridtransom

You will have my views in mind? What views? I didn't tell you my views. I asked you a FOR/AGAINST question you didn't answer. Can you even read?

Dear luridtransom,

Many thanks for your thoughtfulness in forwarding a copy of Ezra Klein's insightful article. I appreciate having the benefit of this information.

We agree that all seniors should receive adequate and affordable health care. Over its thirty-two year history, Medicare has provided important services to millions of Americans. However, due to the rising cost of health care and the increasing number of individuals over the age of 65, Medicare will soon become insolvent if the program is not reformed.

Congress has increased, in the short term, the life expectancy of the Medicare trust fund. But Medicare still faces many challenges due to unexpected increases in medical cost. I will support only those changes that do not penalize our nation's seniors.

It is always helpful to receive input from friends and constituents. Be assured that I will have your views in mind when legislation concerning these matters are considered in the House.

For more information on my work in Congress or to send me an electronic message, please visit the 21st District's website, http://lamarsmith.house.gov.

Sincerely,
Lamar Smith
Member of Congress

So, in conclusion, what was the question?

Dear Senator Hutchison,

I appreciate your prompt and information-packed response to my inquiry regarding the mortgage income deduction. I am glad you are well-versed on the mortgage interest deduction, the federal deficit and debt, and the proposals to scale back the mortgage interest deduction. However, it appears you completely avoided my question.

In my inquiry, I asked you to state whether you are FOR or AGAINST the mortgage interest deduction status quo. After reading your response, I have no idea what your position is.

Americans deserve to know your position on the mortgage interest deduction. So once again, please state whether you are FOR or AGAINST the mortgage interest deduction status quo. You can explain your position all you want. If you refuse to take a position, please expressly state that you refuse to take a position.

Thank you in advance for clearly stating your position on the mortgage interest deduction. I will post your response on my blog.

Regards,
luridtransom

Senator Hutchison's Response to my Mortgage Interest Deduction Query.

Dear Friend:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the home mortgage loan interest deduction. I welcome your thoughts and comments.

Since 1913, households have been able to deduct the interest paid on home mortgage loans on their income tax returns. Homeownership is an essential part of the American Dream, and the mortgage interest deduction is very important to many Americans on the path to homeownership.

However, out-of-control spending has put the United States in a tenuous economic position. Over the past two years, the federal government has posted deficits of $1.4 trillion and $1.3 trillion, respectively. This increase in spending has put our nation’s debt on an upward trajectory. Our nation’s debt surpassed a historical $14 trillion benchmark in December 2010, and it continues to grow by more than $4 billion per day, on average.

With this long-term budget crisis looming, it is imperative that we address our nation’s fiscal situation in the near future and that we achieve fiscal sustainability over the long run. A number of ideas have been been proposed to address our nation's dire fiscal situation, and some have included scaling back the mortgage interest deduction.

One idea was submitted by President Barack Obama in his fiscal year (FY) 2011 budget proposal. Under the President's budget, Americans paying taxes in the two highest tax brackets would be limited to deducting their home mortgage interest at the 28% rate.

Another idea was suggested by the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform in its final report of recommendations aimed at addressing our nation's fiscal challenges. The fiscal commission's proposal would reform the tax code, lowering all tax rates but also removing a number of key deductions such as the mortgage interest deduction. In its place, households would be able to claim a non-refundable tax credit accounting for charitable giving and mortgage interest.

I believe that Congress must continue to strive to improve access to affordable housing, support community development, and increase homeownership, while not imposing an undue tax burden on Americans. However, we also need to get our nation’s financial house in order and have fiscal sustainability going forward.

I will continue to review recommendations aimed at addressing our nation's mounting debt, and, in particular, study the ramifications that such proposals will have on all Americans. You may be certain that I will continue to work toward spending cuts. I will also keep pushing for smaller government, a balanced federal budget, and lower taxes on families and small businesses.

I appreciate hearing from you. I hope that you will not hesitate to contact me on any issue that is important to you.

Sincerely,
Kay Bailey Hutchison
United States Senator

284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
202-224-5922 (tel)
202-224-0776 (fax)
http://hutchison.senate.gov

The mortgage interest deduction. Are Texas's senators FOR or AGAINST status quo? (Responses will be posted upon receipt.)

Dear Senator:

Currently the Internal Revenue Code allows deduction of mortgage interest on mortgages of up to $1 million. You can deduct mortgage interest for a first and second home. This is an over-simplification, of course – see http://www.irs.gov/publications/p936/ar02.html or consult your tax adviser for a more thorough explanation.

The nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation says the mortgage interest deduction will decrease tax revenues for FY 2011 by $93.8 billion. (Source: http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/23/business/la-fi-harney-20110123) To put this in context, the CBO projects total revenues of $2.228 trillion and total outlays of $3.708 trillion for a deficit of $1.48 trillion for 2011. (And really, if there’s no context, it’s meaningless, right?) So this means if you eliminated the mortgage interest deduction and kept outlays constant, the deficit would be $1.39 trillion for 2011. That’s a 6.1% deficit reduction.

Harvard economics professor Edward Glaeser has some interesting thoughts on the mortgage interest deduction. Most notably, Glaeser concludes that “the home mortgage interest deduction is poorly designed to encourage homeownership, which is, after all, the alleged desideratum.” I’m sure you’ll find Prof. Glaeser’s article of interest: http://economix.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/24/killing-or-maiming-a-sacred-cow-home-mortgage-deductions/

Please tell me whether you are FOR or AGAINST keeping the mortgage interest deduction status quo. If you are FOR the status quo, please explain why. Also, if you are FOR the status quo, perhaps you disagree with Prof. Glaeser’s conclusions. In that case, please feel free to explain your disagreements. If you are AGAINST the status quo, please tell America what changes you’d like to see made. Thank you in advance for your response, which I will post on my blog.

Regards,
luridtransom