Politics

Constitution Day 2014

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I’ve yet to hear mention on the news today that today is Constitution Day, otherwise known as Citizenship Day.  Hopefully it is still discussed in our schools.

Our Constitution remains one of the most succinct documents of its type and despite being written centuries ago, it continues to hold the guiding principles that have made the United States great.  That’s why it is disheartening when our leaders, those sworn to uphold it, disparage it.  The most notable case of this that jumps to mind is Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg‘s comment during the reorganization of Egypt that, “I would not look to the US constitution, if I were drafting a constitution in the year 2012.” 

Take a moment today to remember the 39 brave men who signed that document in 1787.  Their courage and commitment should be celebrated.

If you are interested in additional links and comments I’ve made on Constitution Day, use the search bar to the right.

Vote for YOU!

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We’re entering the silly season of politics again.  Does it ever strike you how many politicians say, “Vote for ME” when they meet you?  I understand name recognition and why putting that name out there is necessary.  But in the constant litany of “Vote for ME”, some of them never get around to what they will do for YOU.  They’ll talk about their platform if you ask them, but generally you don’t get much opportunity.  They’ll badmouth their opponent WITHOUT you asking, but that’s not much better than hearsay at that point.

Next time a politician says, “Vote for me”, put them on the spot and tell them, “No, if I go to the polls, I’m voting for me.  Now tell me why it’s worthwhile for me to spend that time and invest my vote in you.”  Voting is important.  Be an educated voter and make sure you’re voting for the right person for you.  Not for the flashy ad or for the party that your parents voted for… Vote for YOU!

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Tax Day

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The news tonight will be full of people lined up to get their taxes in at the last minute.  I’m usually sending mine out today, but somehow I screwed up my withholding last year and got a refund.  That’s incentive to get it in early.  I’ve been pretty successful with TurboTax, despite having a somewhat complicated return.

Out of curiosity, I looked up Tax Freedom Day at the Tax Foundation website this morning.  The good news is that Indiana Tax Freedom Day is tomorrow the 16th of April.  Last year it was the 13th, so that’s not a good trend.  Unfortunately for the Nation, U.S. Tax Freedom Day is 6 days away on the 21st.  I probably should sit down and figure out what true Tax Freedom Day is for Becky and I, but it might be depressing.  I think taxes would be looked at quite differently if everyone literally had to pay their government obligation for the first part of the year in lieu of having it come out of their paycheck somewhat unseen.

And an interesting comment I heard on the radio today from Jonathan Hoenig.  To paraphrase, when President Obama has held press conferences saying, “I’m going to ask you to pay a little bit more…”, the reality is that he’s not asking, he’s telling…  Asking implies you have a choice.  When the alternate is jail, that’s not much of a choice.

Image Source:  Tax Foundation

Obamacare Advertising

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Obamacare Advertising Costs from Halt the AssaultI’d noticed a lot of ads for the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) on the radio and TV, but hadn’t really considered the cost until I got the graphic to the right from Halt the Assault…    That tops what McDonald’s spends per year and they are estimated to be the biggest advertiser spending at around $2 billion per year here.  And of course my google search also netted this article about McDonald’s getting an exemption on providing healthcare coverage in 2010…

 

PIDCO

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PIDCO Logo 1-21-14I attended the PIDCO (Plymouth Industrial Development Corporation) Annual Meeting today and was voted into a position on the Board of Directors.  I have voiced some disappointment with PIDCO’s squandered potential the last few years and I guess now I have to put up or shut up!  Easterday Construction has long been a shareholder in PIDCO.  We’ve believed in the mission and the work they have done for Plymouth and Marshall County has been impressive.  I look forward to helping them recapture and advance their agenda for the betterment of the community.

There was a presentation from Dan Zuerner of Garmong Construction regarding his thoughts on economic development and the new shell building that is being built on PIDCO property.  This project is a combined effort with PIDCO, MCEDC, City of Plymouth and the Plymouth Redevelopment Commission.  This will give us a flexible state of the art building to offer on the market.  The presentation was interesting and hopefully a wake-up call to the PIDCO members and city officials that were there.  He chastised the City for high fees and difficult requirements that have added costs and slowed the project.  If this is a difficulty for a company we’re partnering with, just imagine the view from a new business looking to expand here…