Monster now devouring the creators

WEAPON USED TO DAMAGE FOX AND TRUMP NOW OUT OF CONTROL

THROWING ROCKS WHILE LIVING IN GLASS HOUSES

The media and political operatives who weaponized sexual harassment allegations are now being damaged by their own tactics. This tactic was started in the U.S. Military by the Clinton administration to force many Generals and Admirals to resign. These of course were replaced by those more friendly to the administration. 

Then we saw how media matters and others perfected this tactic to bring down the management of fox news. 

It has now gotten out of control and may be enhanced by operatives like Steve Bannon. It has now tainted democratic politicians and the liberal mainstream media. There is no end in sight.

While many of these accusations are probably true. It is hard to tell if they are exaggerated or possibly not true at all.

It has now become possible for anonymous accusers to bring about the firing of many high placed individuals, without any release of the facts or the possible cross examination of the accused or their attorneys.

This has brought down numerous well known  news and entertainment personalities. Politicians, who are used to allegations, seem to be able to hold their ground and have refused to step down. We will see if the voters are as concerned about these issues in the coming elections.

Again, no one doubts that there is a basis for many of these allegations but we will see what the remedies will be in the future. If this trend continues  no one will be safe from allegations including some women. We can expect to see some women also caught up in this hysteria.

The political, entertainment and media business is a tough business. Many enemies are created , just by the nature of the business. Some are winners and some are losers every day. Many have had no recourse to being passed over, pushed aside etc.  They have now been given the chance to vent their frustrations.

Happy Thanksgiving

WE SHOULD ALL BE VERY THANKFUL

IT HAS BEEN A GOOD YEAR FOR AMERICA

Thanksgiving is truly an American holiday. It is by far my favorite day. 

Often during the year we can get discouraged or unhappy by things that go on in our lives, but today we should focus on how fortunate we are.

As we sit down with family and friends we all need to thank God for the country we live in. For the opportunities for a full and prosperous life. How we and our country have been blessed.

We also need to pray that God will lead and inspire our leaders, protect our military, and guide us all  on the right course in the coming year.

We live in the best country on earth in providing security, opportunity for success and freedom for all those who will strive to attain their dreams.

Please God, bless America, and thank you for a wonderful year.

Thoughts on Tax reform

WHY IS DISCRIMINATION PRAISED WHEN IT COMES TO TAXES

ARE OUR TAX POLICIES IMMORAL?

We hear all the arguments about tax reform, that it favors the rich, is unfair to the poor, does not raise enough money for the state.

How about looking at tax policy from a moral point of view.

1. In what other matter would it be alright to charge one group more than any other group.?

2. Why should some segments of society get a pass on contributing to the so called common good.?

3. What rate of taxation becomes downright immoral?

4.Where did the state come up with idea that they had the right to confiscate the assets of anyone at death?

I believe that income tax rates should be fixed and could only be raised during war or other catastrophes. 

The maximum income tax rate should be no more than 20 or 25% . Punishing hard work and success is immoral.

The taxing of any assets, including re-estate, negates the principle of private property. It should be a constitutional issue. How about a constitutional amendment to ban all asset taxes? You worked, earned the money, paid the taxes, now they want to tax your possessions. Enough is enough.

Is it moral to confiscate the accumulated wealth of someone when they die. Many business's and farms are built over generations. The wealthiest hire lawyers and accountants to minimize inheritance taxes, but the family of those who die suddenly or unprepared are often destroyed by the taxes. Inheritance tax is Immoral!

With fixed tax rates, government would need to manage their income, not just raise taxes to satisfy their wish list or buy votes by redistribution.

There should be a minimum tax of 1%, levied on everyone without deductions.

All citizens should contribute to the common good. 50% of citizens are now exempt from any income tax. Minimum tax on everyone who enjoy the benefits of our country.

Tax rate should be low and fixed without exemptions of any kind. Exemptions for interest is really a subsidy for the banks, encourages taking on debt and discourages savings. The government should not be manipulating behavior through tax policy.

Everyone agrees we have a stake in common endeavors, roads, defense, education. But it has become an unlimited extortion that always cries for more, more. Everyone looks to reap the benefits of the coffers of the state. From bureaucrats who never are paid enough, never have a big enough pension, to contractors hoping for the big contract. To those who spend unlimited time and effort qualifying for a new government benefit. Not to forget the suppliers of goods and services to the state who contribute large sums to politicians who will preserve their incomes. 

If we added up all the taxes that are levied, income, social security, real-estate, sales, taxes on and fees on all utilities and communications, taxes we pay through the taxes on producers, and many more, it would approach 50% of income.This is very similar to being a sharecropper or the  taxes in a fuedel system. There needs to be a limit on the total tax burden.

Again, governments need to have an income that is a fixed rate and need to be good managers. As the economy grows their income will grow and when things are not so good, they will need to adapt.

Yes, tax reform is needed, but we need to adopt a few moral principles as a guide as to what that result will be.

Focus on sexual harrasment

FLOOD OF ACCUSATIONS WILL HAVE LASTING EFFECTS

MAY HAVE SOME UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES

The daily revelations of sexual harassment claims has reached every aspect of American life. While this is an issue that is overdue in being addressed, the problems may not be that easy to solve.

First, somewhere there needs to be a clear definition of what constitutes sexual harassment. Most would assume that any unwanted physical contact is definitely out of bounds. When you get to some other things that are not that obvious, it may a little more difficult to define.

I do not doubt that sexual harassment is real and an issue that is overdue in being addressed. We also know that due to the possibility of large financial settlements and the possibility of a political or vindictive motive it is not always clear what is the truth.

You can expect that due to the monetary aspects of these accusations, business is going to change many aspects of business life. This may very well bleed into every profession that has interaction between men and women. This may be similar to the practice that has long been a part of the medical profession, by always having a third party present in situations were questions could be raised.

There may very well be policies adopted that forbid any situation were men and women are in a private setting. There may have to be a third party present in all situations. This will protect both parties. It should be effective at preventing opportunities for harassment. The days of private conferences with the boss may be over. It also may be necessary to record all communications. 

There very well may be polices adopted to forbid any private communication or contact while on company time. Only communication that is focused on business will be allowed.

This may be an overreaction, but with the situation now that any accusations may lead to the end of a career, steps will  need to be taken to protect oneself.

Vice-President Pence was made fun of and criticized when he stated that he never places himself in a private situation with any women other than his wife. He may find that he has set a standard for all politicians of the future.

Ultimately those subject to harassment will need to make most of changes needed. It is unlikely that the government or third parties can police private behavior. Anyone who have a harassment problem should shout it out immediately, not 20 years later. If everyone who feels threatened faced the issue immediately, harassment problems would end. If someone is touched inappropriately in public drawing immediate attention to the incident should solve this problem.

Everyone understands that people often don't take action due to embarrassment, fear of repercussions in their job, or fear of being put under scrutiny themselves. This is the opportunity to solve this problem.

While the flood of accusations make it appear that every man is harassing women on the job, it should be stressed that that really is not the case.  It is really just those with an adolescent view of relating with the opposite sex.

With the spotlight now being placed on these issues we can predict that the workplace of the future may very well be a very different place.

Northwestern Lehigh Veterans day celebration

NORTHWESTERN LEHIGH ELEMENTARY 

FIRST ANNUAL VETERAN'S CELEBRATION

NOVEMBER 10TH 2017

Hats off to Mr. Maria Pulli and the elementary staff for a great assembly honoring veterans. It was a very enjoyable event for the veterans and also for the students. The fourth grade choir was very impressive with their singing performance. 

The Keynote speakers were Joe Zeller a veteran of the Navy and David Keller Admiral U.S. Navy.

Joe Zeller is well known in the Lehigh Valley having been a mayor in Emmaus and served as a State representative for 5 terms. He is now 99 years and still active in his support of veterans issues as well as other issues effecting the community. He was on active duty in world War 2 and Korea. His active life no doubt has contributed to his longevity.

Many students had the opportunity to state their feeling concerning veterans, the flag and the United States. 

This was a moving assembly for those veterans present. It was also a great learning experience for the students.

Again thanks is in order to Mrs. Pulli, the staff, Shawn Fies, the choir leader and all those that put so much effort into this assembly. 

Democrats stop the bleeding

WINNING DAY FOR MANY DEMOCRATS

NOW ALL THEY HAVE TO DO IS CONTROL THEIR MARXIST TENDENCIES

Democrats are rejoicing today that they have finally stopped their record losing streak. Have democrats changed their ways or have the voters forgotten why they voted against them for 8 years. Only time will tell. It would be a good thing if the Democrats would offer up an alternative method of skinning the cat, rather than making most voters the cat.

It must be acknowledged that they ran some strong campaigns, while the republicans were still basking in the glow of their past victories.  Everyone will have to rearm and sharpen their skills for the future.

As far as the Virginia Governors race, this state is the deepest part of the swamp. Most all of the residents enjoy the largess of the Federal government in one form or another. Anyone who promises to cut government spending or reduce the size of government will have a hard time winning Virginia.

Secondly Gillespie was an establishment type republican if there ever was one. He actually would have fit in nicely in Virginia.

The Governor of New Jersey is promising to make New Jersey a sanctuary state. It would be nice if they really do it. We will maybe start a fund to provide bus fare to Trenton.  This should be interesting and entertaining to see how this works out. 

Anyway, this was just a skirmish before the big battle next year. It will be a tough fight, lots of money, lots of dirt, lots of nasty campaigning. Put on your boots, and maybe a raincoat, it may be much more crazy than 2016.

Mueller, defender of the deep state

IS SIR ROBERT THE DEFENDER OF THE DEEP STATE?

HAS HE BEEN HIRED TO PRESERVE THE STATUS QUO?

The special council, Robert Mueller, has announced his first indictments, these are far off the goal of investigating Russian Collusion. The indictments are for alleged offenses that occurred before there was a Trump campaign.That seems to be what special prosecuters do. There is no doubt that he was chosen to look for any crimes he could find to connect to the Trump Administration. The goal is either to force Trump's resignation, set the stage for impeachment, or force Trump to back off on pursuing the policies he advocated in the 2016 election. 

He has the backing of the Bush's, the never Trumpers, the Democrats and the media. Deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein did not place any limitations on his investigation looking for a crime. It can be expected he will try to keep this going until the next election. 

It is no coincidence he has hired a bus load of former Clinton supporters to do the investigating and prosecuting. Does anyone believe this is an objective investigation?

Does anyone really believe he will investigate FBI director James Comey's behavior in the last election? I suspect his priority after getting Trump is to preserve the reputation of the FBI at all cost. 

It appears he is the lead warrior in the defense of the deep state. The group of leaders and bureaucrats that have been setting foreign and domestic policy for the last 30 years.

He basically has unlimited authority and power. Any attempt to shorten or put limits on him will be proclaimed to be attempting to cover up some egregious behavior by Trump.

He has been groomed for this occasion, he is the person that is advertised as above reproach, the utmost in integrity and objectivity. This was the same moniker given James Comey, until he needed to do the bidding of those in power at the time.

I learned a long time ago to distrust anyone who is labeled an expert, or above reproach. It seems that those proclamations are usually there to hide the reality .

I doubt it will be impossible to ever have any trust or confidence in anyone who has been part of the government for decades. We saw in the last administration, the politicization of every branch of the Federal government, from the IRS, FBI, Justice department, Dept. of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management and the EPA.  And of course the national media..

My only hope that if Trump can physically survive this onslaught, that he makes them go the whole route. Make them vote impeachment in the house and make the senate hold their trial. Lets expose the whole corrupt mess, even if it is all destroyed in the process.

Tax cuts and jobs act.

MORE TAX REFORM THAN TAX CUTS

SIMPLIFY TAX CODE AND STIMULATE BUSINESS ACTIVITY

The new attempt to reform the tax code has been introduced. It appears there will be some tax savings by the middle class, and also increased incentives for a growth in business activity. This should in the long run help to increase wages, and the formation of business in the country. This will hopefully lead to more growth, and eventually more income for citizens and the government.

The biggest changes for taxpayers are as follows:

1. Double the standard deduction to $12,000 for individuals, $24,000 for married couples and $18,000 for heads of households. This will apply to all income levels.

2. Eliminate the $4,000. personal exemption. and replacing it with a $300 tax credit for parents and other dependents and a $1600. tax credit for children. Remember tax credits are a reduction in your tax much more of a reduction in tax from a deduction.These credits will be phased out at incomes over $200,000.

3. Eliminate the Alternative Minimum tax. This was a complicated tax that was aimed at those who had a lot of deductions in one year.

4. Interest deductions on mortgages is retained, but will only apply up to $500,000 homes.

5. Deductions for state and local taxes are eliminated.

6. Deductions for real estate taxes are retained with a limit of $10,000.

7. Complete elimination of the death or estate tax.

Tax brackets.   0 taxes on first $12000. for individuals

                        0 taxes on first $24,000 for couples

                        0 taxes on first $18,000 for head of household

                        12%  up to $45,000 single $90,000 married.

                        25%  from $45,000 to $200,000 single., $90,000 to $260,000 married.

                        35% from $200,000 to $500,000  single, $260,000 to $1,000,000 married

                        39.6% over $500,000 single, over $1,000,000 married.

It is claimed that 90% of filers will be able to file on a 1 page return and that 90% of filers will be better off with taking the expanded standard deduction rather than taking itemized deductions.

Business will have the biggest changes:

1. The corporate tax will be reduced from 35% to 20%. This will bring the U.S. corporate rate to be more in line with the rest of the world. This should help retain industries and also attract new companies to the United States. This will help to provide jobs,drive up wages and increase revenues for governments.

2. Make the highest tax rate on small business 25%.

3. Allowing business for the next 5 years to fully deduct the cost of new equipment in the year purchased. This should create more business and more jobs for those sellers of equipment. 

While most Americans will enjoy a lessening of their tax burden. The greatest impact should be on increasing economic activity and making America a more competitive place to do business. It also simplifies the tax code. and does flatten the brackets some.

The fairest tax is a flat tax, where all citizens pay the same rate. It is simple when you earn more you pay more and visa versa. The time is not yet here for that.

I believe there should be a 1% tax on all income. All citizens have a stake and enjoy the benefits of America. All Americans over 18 should pay a 1% tax on all income without deductions. This would probably raise a lot more money than anyone could imagine and would make everyone contribute in some way to the cost of government.

Korean standoff continues

NO POSITIVE OUTCOMES ON THE HORIZON

AVOIDING CONFLICT IS UNLIKELY

While the American press and the public is obsessed with rehashing the 2016 election, the confrontation between North Korea and its neighbors and the United States is at a standoff. 

It is unlikely that North Korea will ever give up its quest for nuclear tipped ballistic Missiles.

President Trump and defense secretary James Maddis have made it clear that a nuclear armed North Korea with capabilities to hit the U. S. mainland is unacceptable. 

North Korea eventually wants a unified Korea under the control of the communist government of the north.

The United States cannot back down and the North Koreans will not curtail their quest to be a major nuclear power.

Congress will not likely give Trump the OK to preemptively strike North Korea but the preparations are underway for the possibility of a massive strike. 3 Carrier groups are now in position to strike North Korea. The Air force has called up 1000 retired pilots. The Air force has put the Bombers on alert as in the days of the cold war. The message is being sent that we are ready and able.

The next step will likely be an increase in sanctions on anyone dealing with North Korea. There is the possibility of a naval blockade on shipping to and from North Korea. The screws are being tightened until something gives. It will either be a submission by North Korea, unlikely, or a compromise by the U.S. equally unlikely. 

The most likely possibility is a a strike or provocation by North Korea that will allow the U.S. to respond in a massive defensive retaliation.

While this is a lose lose situation, it may be better to get it over with while North Korea is still incapable of retaliation against the U.S. mainland.

North Korea has threatened the U.S., formally threatened Australia, Japan and South Korea. Such threats can no longer be dismissed or tolerated.