I am an undecided voter. Each day, or even each hour, I make a different decision about who to vote for. So, in an effort to have some sort of conviction when I get to my polling place next Tuesday, I've been reading a lot of articles about economics and health care and even some on education. My problem is that I agree with Obama on many issues, and I agree with McCain on many issues. I'm trying to prioritize the issues and then line up my candidates that way.

All that being said, one of my main focuses in this week's "research" has been the economy. Since reading Atlas Shrugged in college (my mom made me for a scholarship and now regrets it), I have been a strong believer in capitalism and the "virtue of selfishness." However, in the current economic times, I began to think about the New Deal and the Great Depression, and that had me leaning towards Obama's economic policies. However, I read the article that Scott previously posted and saw the error of that. My next progression has been to think "well, I would like some of these tax credits and tax breaks that Obama is talking about." They all sound really great! I mean, sure the really rich people are taking a major hit, but if my really rich employer is a huge Obama supporter, then why not me? We make well under $200,000 a year, so the Salsmans would benefit, right?

According to this article http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122385651698727257.html in the Wall Street Journal (a well respected financial news source, I do believe), my husband and I may actually come close to NOT receiving many of the breaks that Obama has been touting in his debates, ads, and even his most recent 'infomercial.'

I'm still undecided mostly (since I haven't finished my issue priority list), but I think this information is definitely worth reading. And I'm completely open to reading other articles which clearly explain policy plans for each candidate. However, I am not interested in personal attacks on Obama, calling him a Muslim or the Anti-Christ, or McCain, calling him George Bush III or whatever else is being said about him lately.

TareBear wrote:

According to this article http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122385651698727257.html in the Wall Street Journal (a well respected financial news source, I do believe), my husband and I may actually come close to NOT receiving many of the breaks that Obama has been touting in his debates, ads, and even his most recent 'infomercial.'

When it comes to WSJ, the journalism and reporting side is often first rate; the financial reporting is exceptional, the analysis decent enough. However, the opnion and editorial page has as far a slant to the right as FOX News.


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“Tomorrow, every Fault is to be amended; but that Tomorrow never comes.”
— Benjamin Franklin
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Ok, so maybe the WSJ is a bit right slanting. But what do you think about the Obama tax plan versus the McCain tax plan? I am certainly not comfortable with the government taking a huge percentage out of Scott's pay check and then writing a check to someone else who pays no taxes but decided they had a "right" to own a house they can't afford (in reference to the additional 10% mortgage credit). I do believe that America is the land of opportunity, but ownership of property is a privilege that one must work for and earn. It is not a right of anyone. Additionally, why should someone who is required to pay child support by law receive more of a tax break than a couple who has stayed together?

And beyond this, who says that just because someone makes more, their share should be more? If we are a society based on the equality of people, that should be equality in all things-- including wealth. Just because someone or their father or their grandfather worked hard to make money doesn't mean it's now their responsibility to put food on my table or a car in my drive way. That is still MY responsibility. While those in the lower tax brackets may consider it "fair" and "just" that they get a piece of the pie, how is it fair and just to the one paying higher taxes?

I don't know all the nitty gritty of anyone's tax plans, but I know no matter what I will get shafted (but I also firmly believe there would be a revolution if we had to physically write a check out for what government automatically withholds).

I wish Americans would get their minds around the fact that NO politician will make things better. I wish the majority that waits for something to be handed to them would instead get out and try to get something for themselves. It's hard...but that's why it's called "hard work."

And then of course we should all learn to work smarter. I guarantee there are businessmen who legally get out of paying tax dollars because they are aware of the options that are available.

Absolutely. Spoken like a true capitalist!


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scottntara.blogspot.com

This morning I woke up wondering two things:
1. Is capitalism simply common sense put into action?
2. Are people who decry capitalism jealous?

Have you read any Ayn Rand? I feel like I didn't understand anything about the world until I read the first 1/3 of Atlas Shrugged this year. It's Tara's favorite novel, and it completely influenced my vote yesterday.


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scottntara.blogspot.com

I haven't read any Ayn Rand. That's one that's on my list. Somehow my list ends up being a bunch of half-finished books.