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.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Friday, June 24, 2011
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."
You had me at "Tucked into the hillside near Interstate 10 and Loop 1604 is a development that resembles a small European town."
Monday, June 13, 2011
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
“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
Thursday, June 09, 2011
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
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
Friday, June 03, 2011
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
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.
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
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
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
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.
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)