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St. Louis Post-Dispatch

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Wednesday, March 7, 2007 10:18 PM CST

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Seth Perlman (AP) Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich speaks with the Republican side of the House chambers after delivering the State of the State address to a joint session of the General Assembly at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield Wednesday. Looking on is Rep. Elizabeth Coulson, R-Glenview, right.
Details: Highlights of governor’s state budget proposal SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Highlights of Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s budget proposal for fiscal year 2008, which starts July 1: BOTTOM LINE: $49.1 billion in operating expenses, an increase of 7.4 percent, plus $11 billion in construction and maintenance costs. WHERE IT GOES: 38.7 percent to education; 29.2 percent welfare; 20.1 percent human services; 5.4 percent public safety; 3.6 percent government services; 1 percent economic development; 0.3 percent business and environmental regulation. NEW MONEY: $3.6 billion, including $900 million in natural tax-revenue growth. EDUCATION: $1.5 billion in new funding, a 23 percent increase. Another $1.5 billion in construction funds would help districts build new schools and repair old ones. PENSIONS: More than $27 billion would be placed in government retirement systems, bringing them to 83 percent of full funding. Most of the money would come from a $10 billion plan to privatize the lottery and $16 billion in bond sales. Source: Governor’s Office of Management and Budget.

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Blagojevich offers big plans backed by big tax hikes

By CHRISTOPHER WILLS, Associated Press Writer

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich proposed the biggest tax increase in Illinois history Wednesday, portraying it as both a matter of fairness to average Illinoisans and the key to meeting the state's moral obligations.

In his fifth State of the State address, Blagojevich said the $7 billion in new business taxes should be used to provide health care to the uninsured and pump more money into public schools.

The state could cover 1.4 million uninsured adults, he said, while also providing a 23 percent increase in education spending next year alone.

But critics countered that the taxes, although they apply to businesses, would translate into higher prices for consumers and a blow to the economy.

Blagojevich argued that Illinois businesses don't pay their fair share of taxes, so taxing them more heavily would improve state services and ease the burden on regular people.

"The moral imperative is this: While the middle class pays more and huge corporations just walk, a child pays the price with increasingly crowded classrooms, the family in need of health care pays a price in health care they can't afford ..." he said in a 33-minute address that combined his annual State of the State speech and budget presentation.

The Chicago Democrat also proposed letting a private company take over the state lottery and borrowing billions of dollars. Those steps would generate about $26 billion that would be used to shore up the state's shaky retirement systems.

Business groups immediately condemned his proposals, particularly the taxes, as certain to drive up consumer prices and discourage companies from doing business in Illinois.

"This is nothing more than a hidden tax that will be passed through to consumers," said Doug Whitley, head of the Illinois State Chamber of Commerce. "Illinois continues to send a message that we are not business friendly."

The legislative response was mixed.

Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, embraced the governor's proposals even though he had been pushing for a "tax swap" that would increase school funding by raising income taxes and lowering property taxes.

Other Democrats showed little enthusiasm during the speech, applauding health care and education but falling silent at any mention of tax increases.

House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, declined to answer questions afterward. A spokesman said Madigan wants to see more detail before commenting.

Some downstate Democrats, who could be key to passing the plan, questioned whether it makes sense to expand health care and education if the state can't afford to do it without a massive tax increase.

"It will be probably the most contentious budget I've seen in the last 15 years," said Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley.

Blagojevich said little about the surge in electric prices that has angered so many consumers. He said he's eager to sign legislation protecting consumers but didn't spell out whether that means rolling back rates or phasing in the increases.

In all, Blagojevich's budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1 calls for a record $60.1 billion in spending, a 9.5 percent increase over the current year.

He called on lawmakers to support "Illinois Covered," his $2.1 billion plan to offer free coverage to the poor and subsidize coverage for the working poor and middle class. The administration says the plan would cost about $280 million the first year.

Blagojevich also proposed increasing education spending by $1.5 billion, a jump of about 23 percent. That would be accompanied by a $1.5 billion program to help districts build new schools and repair old ones.

Blagojevich would pay for his proposals with two new business taxes.

A "gross receipts tax" would produce about $6 billion a year by taxing business transactions -- a supplier selling raw material to a manufacturer, for instance, or a doctor delivering medical care.

The governor's administration says the tax would help capture money from the state's growing service sector. Service businesses would pay a higher rate than manufacturers and other traditional businesses, while small companies would be exempt altogether.

If a gross receipts tax is approved, the state's corporate income tax would be phased out.

The other new tax would apply to companies that don't offer health insurance to employees or spend very little on coverage. The 3 percent payroll tax would generate about $1 billion a year.

The taxes amount to the biggest increase in Illinois history -- seven times larger than the first full year of the state income tax, back in 1971.

Blagojevich won re-election partly because of his promise not to raise taxes. His aides said this budget does not break that promise because the governor specified that his pledge applied to the income and sales tax. In addition, his proposed increases apply to businesses, not individuals.

But experts disagreed.

"In effect, you're going to be socking it to low- and middle-income families," said Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability.

Blagojevich also proposed a major attack on the state's problem of retirement systems that need more money to pay future benefits.

State workers, university employees, downstate teachers and more have been promised billions of dollars worth of benefits, but the state hasn't put aside nearly enough money to pay for them. The gap, known as "unfunded liability," topped $42 billion at the end of the last budget year -- the worst mark in the country.

Ultimately, the state must pay. That means closing that gap will eat up a bigger and bigger share of state revenues. The last two years, Blagojevich and lawmakers simply cut back pension payments rather than pay the required amounts.

Now Blagojevich proposes privatizing the lottery, something he predicts will bring the state $10 billion. He also wants to borrow $16 billion at lower interest rates and pay off part of the pension debt, which is growing at an 8.5 percent rate.

The $26 billion from those two actions would make a huge dent in the pension gap, saving the state money and reducing the drain on scarce dollars, he said.

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Blago's Legacy wrote on March 08, 2007 3:47 AM:"Blago has proposed the largest tax increase in state history - what a legacy! Could the Gov please define corporation? Could he offer examples of the evil corporations who are not paying their fair share? How can this not be considered an income tax increase? Blago thinks gross receipts are not related to income? The experts disagree with Blago's tax scheme and report we will all pay more for goods and services. Thanks for nothing with regard to our power bills Blago, I for one can't wait to pay more for everything else too! How does everyone like our Chicago Democrat State Government now? "

Regular Person wrote on March 08, 2007 7:10 AM:"Who is the governors "regular person." Is he related to the "common man?" The "little guy?" Politicians and media really like to put us in our place by using these condescending terms. But I know a lot of the lefties in these forums will support this tax. Most really aren't smart enough to realize the implications. First businesses that can, will flee the state. New businesses will look elsewhere. Businesses that can't leave will simply pass the tax on to consumer, so it's the "regular guy" that will get the shaft--again."

Uhm Thanks. wrote on March 08, 2007 11:08 AM:"What is to keep corporations from simply relocating to IN, MO, WI, KY or IA? How can Blago force insurance companies to play ball? Especially since he won't even acknowledge the need for Tort Reform in this state. Frivolous lawsuits are killing our economy and suffocating the medical profession, and all of us are paying the price. Thanks, to all the people who voted for this idiot."

Logical wrote on March 08, 2007 1:09 PM:"Corporations do not pay taxes no matter how it is defined. They are pass through agents. The Gov. wants more taxes, the corporation will collect the additional funds through higher prices. We consumers/taxpayers pay for EVERYTHING that any government collects as a "tax", "fee", or anything else politicians spend."

feree2 wrote on March 08, 2007 2:28 PM:"Oh Rod you are such a stupid liberal nut case! We are already taxed to DEATH.Your going to leave small buisness out of this increase? Who's buying that? We need a two state solution here, one the state of chicago and the state of Illinois. That way you nut cases can pay your own bills and the state of Illinois can begin to get back the buisness's you rod have run out! When will the people wake up and stop putting socialist nut cases in charge then moaning about what happened to the once great state of Illinois?"

mister_d wrote on March 08, 2007 2:39 PM:"Its time to recall Blagojevich now."

Mrs. Y wrote on March 08, 2007 3:56 PM:"I agree with Mister D. Lets put a Governor in Springfield and not Chicago."

PC Pansy wrote on March 08, 2007 4:35 PM:"People who voted for Blago are probably the same ones who pushed to get rid of the Chief. While I'm at it, I may as well bring in the obligatory Ameren reference. What would a message board be on this site without some girly-whining about the rate freeze?"

gomez wrote on March 08, 2007 4:56 PM:" if george "the butcher" bush had proposed this, then everybody would complain. the people that are in this area are resistant to change, plain and simple! again, i have no political affiliations at all. i dont care who gets into office, as long as they take care, and get things right. we elect, they dirrect. that is their job. it is a step towards health care for everybody, it is not going to be perfect at conception. how many times did the wright brothers crash, before getting up and going. my point is, it is broke, lets fix it. stop complaining about this, as it will most likely benefit more than it will hurt. (by the way, ol' georgie would'nt propose this, only because he would be showing concern for american citizens) thanks (the one, the only)"

bring back decency wrote on March 08, 2007 5:11 PM:"I say let's restore honesty to state government, bring back George Ryan. Oops, he's headed to prison."

gomez wrote on March 08, 2007 7:19 PM:"if your going to use the monicker "lets bring back decency", at least be decent. george ryan has NOTHING, i repeat, NOTHING to do with this subject. stick to task people, or, if you prefer, "stay the course". wait i have to go brush my teeth. my mouth has never had such a bad taste in it, than to have quoted georgie boy. thanks (the one, the only.)"

zeke wrote on March 08, 2007 9:53 PM:"SO, let me understand this? We are going to expand government health care programs at at time when the current system has a one BILLION dollar back log in paying for current public aid committments. We are going to then tax the doctors for the services they render in their offices despite the fact the state is already not paying them for the services they have already rendered to public aid patients. And the doctors are not going to pass any of this along to the rest of us? I feel ill already. "

Kringz wrote on March 08, 2007 10:18 PM:"Pot - Kettle - Black - georgie - gomez"

Hey gomez wrote on March 09, 2007 2:29 AM:"If you don't want people giving you a hard time on this site, then cut out the (george "the butcher" bush) crap. If you want to start throwing around names, then I'm sure more than a few people around here have some choice ones for you."

Early Bird wrote on March 09, 2007 7:17 AM:"Watch it Gomez. You are committing the cardinal sin of criticising Bush on here. That will get you the wrath of every Bush supporter, who comes on here and continues to support his failed policies, and goes berserk if anyone dares to criticise him. Three things that get you into trouble on here are: criticising Bush, criticising Cheney's war profits, and of course never question the motives of Fox new. These seem to be the things that set the right wing side off. When things hit close to home, some people just go off in a tizzy. PS, keep posting, I enjoy reading your thoughts and feel you bring a lot to the table."

see ya wrote on March 09, 2007 7:39 AM:"im moving to indiana"

Taxpayer wrote on March 09, 2007 9:25 AM:"Gomez Oh yeah. The government is going to "fix" health care. The government is going to police the insurance companies, the doctors, the drug companies, and the hospitals while letting the ambulance chasers (malpractice attorneys) continue their frivolous law suits as normal. And in the mean time the Chicago Democrats will open bidding up to the highest paying lobbyists from the insurance companies, the doctors, the drug companies, the hospitals, and the ambulance chasers. And they will all agree amongst themselves that YOU AND I WILL PAY FOR IT ALL. Ask yourself this: What government run programs can you think of that are: Cost effective to the taxpayer and efficient. Go ahead. Name some. "

hey taxpayer wrote on March 09, 2007 11:18 AM:"Sounds like you're describing the Bush prescription plan and how it played out. As a matter of fact, that's kind of how Bush has operated, even as governor. Just call in the industry folks, and say, how do boys want it done, we'll do it that way. The Bush/Cheney school of government has always been to cater to the business interests. For Cheney, this philosophy has really paid dividends. Typical Republicans!"

Jack Sanders wrote on March 09, 2007 1:08 PM:"wITH GASOLINE PRICES GOING UP, ELECTRICITY PRICES ALREADY UP, COSTS OF GOODS GOING UP, BLAGO WANTS TO RAISE TAXES ON TRANSACTIONS. WHO IS GOING TO HAVE ANY MONEY LEFT TO BUY ANYTHING? YOU YOUNG, WORKING PEOPLE MIGHT STOP AND CONSIDER LIVING ON $700 A MONTH, LIKE SOME OLD PEOPLE. BLAGO WANTS TO GIVE MORE MONEY TO EDUCATION. DO ANY OF YOU READERS REMEMBER ANY TIME IN HISTORY WHEN EDUCATORS SAID THEY HAD ENOUGH MONEY? IF BLAGO GAVE EVERY SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY IN THE STATE 10 TIMES WHAT THEY ARE GETTING NOW, EDUCATORS WOULD SAY IT WAS A GOOD FIRST STEP! HERE IS A NOVEL IDEA NOT CONSIDERED BY ANY LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT: CUT SPENDING!!!"

gomez wrote on March 09, 2007 2:30 PM:"i'm sorry, you seem to think that chicago and democrat are one word. the childish prejudices against chicago, democrats, and anybody else that does not agree with your opinion. that again is very grammar school like, and when i graduated, i left that at the school. i didnt say it would be perfect, just that it is a step in the right direction. i know quit a few people that dont have any medical insurance at all. they get sick and have to go the hospital."

Voltaire wrote on March 09, 2007 3:32 PM:"Blagojevich is an idiot."

gomez wrote on March 09, 2007 4:56 PM:"first let me say that i dont really care if ANY of you has a name to call me, im not easily intimidated. second, in the country i live in, we can say anything we want. i dont really care for our whole political sytem. it is fouled by too many incumbents, on both sides. i dont live in the fantasy world, where only my prefered politicians can do the right thing. anytime a human being is involved, there is bound to be some problems. look at communism, it works great on paper, but does not work in life. that is because the human being, no matter how truthful they seem, or any other quality that makes them appealing, there is always some hidden agenda. i am not trying to be cynical, thats just the way that i was raised. so ,the next time you dis-agree with me, do it with a little respect and dignity. im not ignorant to anybody, and i dont think you have any right to edit my post. the next time, ill make sure to ask your permission, seeins how you run this webite, oh no thats right, you dont!!!!!!!!!!!!!! "

Taxpayer wrote on March 09, 2007 5:08 PM:"Gomez said- "i know quit a few people that dont have any medical insurance at all. they get sick and have to go the hospital.") And who pays for that?"

Taxpayer wrote on March 09, 2007 5:22 PM:"Oh of course! It's Bush's fault that Blogo has to go back on his campaign lie of no new taxes. The Chicago/Democrat school of government has always catered to trial lawyers. But they're willing to listen to corporate cash too. And Gomez in this state Chicago and Democrat are one word. Kinda like your mature name for the President. George "the butcher" Bush. Quite the double standard you have there. But then, you are a Liberal."

Dear Gomez wrote on March 10, 2007 12:34 PM:"You may want to check the profiles of our elected officials in Illinois. All state constitutional officers are Democrats from Chicago. The speaker of the Illinois House and the President of the Illinois Senate are Chicago Democrats. Are you naive enough to think we can seperate the Illinois Democrat Party from Chicago? "

Machiavelli wrote on March 10, 2007 10:05 PM:"gomez- I'm sorry you seem to think that government and health care are one word. Can you think of any government programs that aren't scr*wed up? I noticed you couldn't name any when you were asked before. So why don't you back up your words?"

gomez wrote on March 11, 2007 4:28 PM:"to taxpayer, you are a politiacal bully, that tries to force everybody to think your way. sorry, i cant name any programs that work, thats why i said its broke, lets try to fix it. the next time you decide to stereotype me, you would do good to get to know me first. as for you resorting again to grade school mentallity, is that where you get your political opinions? i just wonder, because it is almost like talking to my 8 year old nephew. as for my george bush statement, i stand by it. again i have the same rights as you, and nobodys complaining when you put little names on our political leaders. i dont choose a party, because the both lie, steal, and cheat. i make my decisions based on the person, not the party. most grownups do it that way. go ask mommy, she'll tell you all about it."

hey Machaivelli wrote on March 11, 2007 6:11 PM:"I'm sure you won't agree, but there seem to be several that work pretty well: FAA, FCC, Homeland Security, The Army Corps of Engineers, Medicare, Social Security, USDA, FDA etc etc etc. I think you get the point. Sure there are problems with any program, be it government or private. I have a hunch you are the type that would find the bad in anything."

Machiavelli wrote on March 12, 2007 7:48 AM:"The U.S. military is the only exception I would concede. As far as the rest, are you kidding? Medicaire? Where do I begin? Social (soon to be bankrupt)Security? Homeland (an unnesessary dept) Security? The USDA, with an enormous budget that goes towards food stamp fraud? The FDA? The FCC? Why not add that money-sucking black-hole known as Amtrak? Have you read a newspaper in the last ten years? Thanks for making my point. "

Taxpayer wrote on March 12, 2007 11:39 AM:"Gomez- I'm not sure which is worse: Your debating skills. Your typing. Or your incessant whining. You're obviously in over your head in an intelligent, informed debate. Perhaps you should stick to one of the many Far-Left blogs. This debate is for grownups. "

Ouch! wrote on March 12, 2007 11:59 AM:"Somebody grab a mop! We have a Gomez down! We have a Gomez down! Poor Gomez. That looked painful. Thank you Taxpayer. That was long over due."

gomez wrote on March 12, 2007 12:24 PM:"you acusse whinning, yet you whin. you were the one who started this stupidity, not me! again, i say, to task, people. if you could do that, and stop trying to TELL me what to do, i would give you an ounce of respect! your only angry because i wont lay down and take your bully attitude. i, am not scared of you. come get me!!!!!!"

Whoa wrote on March 12, 2007 1:49 PM:"Talk about mean spirited people. Who put you in charge here?"

Machiavelli wrote on March 12, 2007 2:20 PM:"Gomez- The government is not the answer to all of our problems. It is, however, the cause of most of our problems. We need to hold all elections in this country on April 16th."

gomez wrote on March 12, 2007 2:43 PM:"machiavelli, let me tell you something,you,as a citizen are not able to change anything by ourselves. therefore, our government is the only answer. to say they are not the answer to everything is correct. this is a problem that can be fixed. not easily, not quikly, but it can be fixed. as for you talking about my typing, i could get alot better grades if you would teach better. my point, stop messing with me for being myself, im not bothering you. if this continues, ishal ,and will begin insulting you, and see how you like to be attacked for your beliefs and thoughts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (the one, the only)"

br wrote on March 12, 2007 3:17 PM:"Did anyone read the comment that Blagojevich is giving the colleges more than they asked for? I wonder why!"

Hmmmm wrote on March 12, 2007 3:35 PM:"I think it is pretty obvious that we have one person posting as three different people on this thread. Hang in there Gomez, you are dealing with a mean spirited little punk, who is so insecure in his own worth and value that he has resorted to posting under several names. How sad for him. This creep is the reason a lot of people quit posting, so don't let him run you off too."

Giving colleges more wrote on March 12, 2007 3:37 PM:"br- Two words. Teachers Unions. It's a quid-pro-quo for campaign support."

Afraid not Hmmmm wrote on March 12, 2007 3:48 PM:"And just what name will you be using?"

Oops! wrote on March 12, 2007 4:09 PM:"I forgot to mention that he is now giving himself kudos, how pathetic."

Machiavelli wrote on March 12, 2007 6:53 PM:"Gomez- I never said anything about your typing. And I don't teach typing. Or whatever it was that you were saying."

Voltaire wrote on March 12, 2007 9:07 PM:""I am not sure which is worse -- your debating skills, your typing, or your incessant whining. You are obviously in over your head in an intelligent, informed debate. Perhaps you should stick to one of the many far-left blogs, because this debate is for grown-ups." I corrected a few things in your post. Isn't it time for you to use your favorite line about caffine? Thought so..."

Taxpayer wrote on March 12, 2007 9:55 PM:"Ah Voltaire. Or should I say Jim? I'm sorry to embarrass you, but the periods were intentional. "You're" is an acceptable contraction. And "Because" was not necessary. And I have no idea what "caffine" means. But I'm glad you agree with me. Blagojevich is an idiot. Now, I believe Gomez is in dire need of your limited tutoring skills."

Taxpayer wrote on March 12, 2007 10:51 PM:"And "Thought so..." is an incomplete sentence. On second thought, Voltaire; maybe you HAVE been tutoring Gomez."

gomez wrote on March 12, 2007 11:04 PM:"i need no tutor!! you should get yoursef together, and stop picking on me..."

Mister D wrote on March 13, 2007 6:39 AM:"Regarding my comment that Blagojevich should be recalled, could it be possible if the laws in Illinois allow it?"

Big Mama Ruby wrote on March 13, 2007 7:28 AM:"If you boy's don't start playing nice, Big Mama is going to have jump in and straighten all of you up. "

Give it up Gomez wrote on March 13, 2007 7:45 AM:"No tutor in the world would be able to help Taxpayer. Tutors can't increase brain capacity or help someone in the area of thinking, which is where Taxpayer falls short."

Tax and Spend Democrats wrote on March 13, 2007 9:51 AM:"Here they are. On full display in our new state, The Peoples Republic of Chicago. And never, ever, ever, do they utter those forbiden words "Tax cuts" When asked how much they need, the answer is always the same; More! More! More!"

Taxpayer wrote on March 13, 2007 10:25 AM:"Sorry Big Mama. I'll try to play nice. But gomez started it. *sniff* "

Answer wrote on March 13, 2007 12:12 PM:"Tax and spend, that's how our system is supposed to work. Our representative in government impose taxes to provide needed public services. We tax, and then we spend, seem simple, but has proven exceedingly difficult for Republicans, they only want to spend and borrow. That should be the mantra of the Republican party, spend and borrow. Credit card government, what a concept? Well, I for one want to pay the bills as we go. Novel concept I realize but one we need to embrace in Springfield and Washington."

Tax cuts? wrote on March 13, 2007 12:15 PM:"Are only for the super wealthy, see Bush Jr's wonderful plan for a full explanation. They get the gold mine, we get the shaft. Let me see now is Bush a Republican or a Democrat? Now don't try to say Republicans are wanting to limit the size of government. The two biggest spenders we have had in recent history are Reagan and Bush Jr. Deny that you right wing nutcases."

gomez wrote on March 13, 2007 12:34 PM:"i never said anything like what was posted last. and just so you know, the democrats didnt steal their offices, they were voted in, therefore, some of the people around here voted them in. again, can't undo a done bun. as for the sorry little punk that keeps stealing my name, you better hope i never figure out who you are. you have no value as a human being, and nobody here wants you here! go be a pest somwhere else."

just wondering wrote on March 13, 2007 1:03 PM:"I wonder if everyone on here is a legal citizen? That could explain some of the mentality on this forum. As far as our dummicrat governor goes, well I think the party he's in says it all."

Taxpayer wrote on March 13, 2007 2:55 PM:"Gomez- which one of your posts is phony?"

gomez wrote on March 13, 2007 3:55 PM:" i need no tutor... that was not posted by me. and now we start the whole name calling thing again, and just wondering, that is the second time ive heard somebody question a person nationality. i dont think that type of attitude is going to solve anything, only make it worse. again, i implore you people to act like the intelligent people i assume you are."

I see the problem, Gomez wrote on March 13, 2007 4:29 PM:"You seem to think you are dealing with adults on this site, you're not. These morons will not be satisfied until they run you off, too."

gomez wrote on March 13, 2007 7:05 PM:"i am starting to make friends, and i have no intentions on being run off by some moron who cannot even remember their own name. maybe we'll get lucky and he'll grow the h*** up, and let grown folks talk about grownup issues. this is why i do not intend to buy my child a computer, and if i do, he wont have internet.(the one, the only.) "

Really Answer? wrote on March 13, 2007 9:37 PM:""needed public services"? What's the difference in a "needed" budget and an inflated budget? I guess the Democrats are only taxing for what they "need". Right?"

Chad wrote on March 13, 2007 10:50 PM:"There are two quotes I'd like to share with you that can sum this up: "The government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases: If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it." and "We don't have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven't taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much." Quoted from, Ronald Reagan. "

gomez wrote on March 13, 2007 11:16 PM:"heres one for all of you "george is right" people, explain this, bet you can't. http://www.linkswarm.com/viewlink-35160.html"

gomez wrote on March 13, 2007 11:18 PM:"heres another, enjoy;http://www.linkswarm.com/viewlink-35143.html"

gomez wrote on March 13, 2007 11:27 PM:"look here, i found another. you people are really starting to bore me. thats pretty good, considering that i've not been bored for years. http://www.teambio.org/2006/09/joe-republican"

Taxation without Representation wrote on March 13, 2007 11:28 PM:"Is NOT how our government is supposed to work."