Pardon My Politics

After the thoughtless campaign in Iraq, the deaths of over 4,000 brave US troops, and countless Iraqi civilians and militants, there was some hope that the reconstruction effort might attract employment to the US economy. After all, we made the mess, so we should help clean up, right? A reconstruction effort is underway, but very few of those contracts to rebuild Iraq have fallen to US contractors, and very few have resulted in new employment opportunities for American citizens. At a time when the American economy is patchy at best, the fact that jobs continue to be outsourced by the American government as a cost saving device, rather than helping the US economy, is yet another tragedy for the millions of unemployed Americans feeling the pinch in the current economic climate. So who's to blame?

The Bush administration labels the$15 billion in the Neighborhood Stabilization Act of 2008 (HR 5818)—legislation to help stabilize hundreds of communities swamped by foreclosures across the country—as a bank "bailout." Advocates of the funding in Congress and around the nation argue that the $15 billion is essential to keep communities from falling into blight, and to help millions of additional American families from losing all equity in their homes and then facing foreclosure. What is the correct view? The questions and answers below should help clarify the issue.

This applies to you, my real estate investing friend! And even if you're not normally interested in politics, it's urgent (to protect your own financial interests) that you take 60 seconds and read this article, because it will affect you profoundly. "Capital gains taxes" are the taxes that you pay whenever you sell your real estate investment properties. Right now the capital gains tax rate is 15%. Obama has stated (and reaffirmed in a debate with Hillary Clinton a few days ago) that he wants to raise the rate to 28%.

In an interview carried by CNN Monday April 15, 2008 McCain answered the questions about his age and whether he had the stamina for the job with an invitation for anyone who doubts his stamina to come along with him on his campaign. That silenced everyone. The following day McCain outshined all his opponents in his bid for the White House by outlining his economic strategy for the country. In an Associated Press article April 15, 2008 the details of Sen. McCain's plan look like the most practical short and long term proposals for the economy that anyone has heard of in a decade. McCain's proposal has a raw common sense appeal that is garnering the interest of everyday Americans and some top economists for whom the economy is a strong suit.

Ron Paul supporters who swarmed the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the April 15 Freedom Rally came from near and far.  One dynamic duo from Maryland, Mike Hargadon and Collins Bailey, are both running for Congress on Paul's platform. In fact, four of the eight people seeking House seats representing Maryland are on board with Paul on at least most issues.