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
Thursday, July 21, 2011
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?
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?
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
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.
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.
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.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
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!
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
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
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
Monday, July 11, 2011
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?
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.
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.
Friday, July 08, 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, July 06, 2011
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.
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.
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