United We Stand

United we stand is something we learned early on in grade school. So fundamental, so necessary for the success of any organization. There was no way we could loose site of something so basic and important, I thought.

Well, look at us now. On the brink of losing it all. Divided we fall. Congress and the American public divided just about 50/50. These are struggling times, times of growth, change, complacency maybe?

Too much trust in our government may have led us here. Believing "they" will do what's right. Lack of education in all levels of our education system. It is not taught that we are the guardians of all that is good in America. We should not abdicate our responsibilities to anyone. It's far too important.

So what do we do? Well, for starters, we look at how our politicians vote. Do they vote with America's interest in mind, or to keep in good favor with the party leaders and the lobbyists who contribute to their campaigns?

It's nice when a politician brings home the earmarks to your state to buy your vote, but we can't let this over ride the national interest any longer. We are so divided we can't even supply our own energy any more.

Holding their feet to the fire is a solution. If they don't do what's in the best interest of the country, we must vote them out. Sometimes it's a difficult decision booting out someone with seniority. We must look beyond our own interests to the greater good.

So voting record is the number one and best indicator and make sure they do what they promise at election time.

Stranger

Economic Stimulus Surprise

So you got your economic stimulus money. Good for you.

Congress is hoping you'll go out and spend it. Buy anything. Just like it does. Just like your own personal earmark.

Excessive buying on credit (ours and Congress') helped get us to this point. Now, even if you're maxed-out on your cards, you can just charge it against your taxes.

I couldn't find this in the IRS FAQs, but according to H&R Block, this money is actually an advance on next year's tax refund. So, if you got $600, when you file your taxes in 2009, $600 will be deducted from your refund. But, if your refund next year is less than your rebate this year, you don't have to pay back the excess.

The bottom line? Have just the right amount of federal taxes withheld in 2008, so that you won't get a refund, and you get to keep the $600.

Now that would really be an economic stimulus.

Guest Blogger,
Stranger's Wife