For Men and Women Who Still Dream
Dear Business-Builder,
A few weeks back, I asked you to tell me what you’d like to see me write about on this blog. The #1 answer was, “Whatever’s on your mind.”
So here goes …
This is not a happy time for any American who still harbors dreams of becoming rich.
Barring a miracle, we are about to make Barack Hussein Obama the next president of the United States. And, to ensure that he is given full reign to have his way with us, we’re about to give him a huge majority in both houses of Congress.
That means, if you believe Senator Obama’s campaign promises …
- He will soon add other people’s names to your paycheck if you earn $250,000 or more per year.
- He will use confiscatory taxes to punish small businesses — America’s #1 source of new job creation — and by doing so, he will send unemployment skyrocketing.
- He will raise taxes on investment; which can only diminish demand for stocks and wipe out trillions more dollars that we’ve invested in our retirement and college savings plans.
- And if he makes good on even half the new spending promises he’s made in his campaign, we’re likely to see a federal deficit approaching $2 trillion in 2009 and skyrocketing interest rates as far as the eye can see.
Make no mistake: Despite Obama’s populist tirades, none of this will cause the super-rich so much as a single twinge of pain. Billionaires and multi-millionaires have all the cash they need; they don’t need to have an income or to pay income taxes.
Nor is Obama declaring war on CEOs who have earned hundreds of millions per year … or on billionaires like Bill Gates or Warren Buffet … or trust fund babies who have millions in inherited wealth. They already have more money than they could possibly spend in many lifetimes.
Obama is declaring war on you, me and everyone else who hopes to become rich; on your dreams of wealth, independence and a better life for your kids and grandkids.
And he is declaring war on the millions who work for small businesses whose bosses are about to be faced with the dilemma of whether to pay their taxes or their employees.
A lot has been made, lately, of accusations that Obama’s redistributionist fiscal policies are “socialistic.” Obama and his spinmeisters address these claims not by debunking them, but simply by scoffing at them.
But cynicism is no argument. The simple truth is, Obama has made no secret of the fact that his mission is to “spread the wealth” by confiscating money from people who earned it; then giving that money to people who didn’t. And that is, by definition, the very essence of socialism.
I must also admit that Obama’s selection of, 20-year friendship with and praise of Jeremiah Wright makes me wonder if, like his pastor, Obama may also harbor extreme racist tendencies. And if this deadly combination — racism plus socialism — reminds you of another charismatic leader, a great speech-maker and National Socialist who swayed the proletariat with promises of “change” some 70 years ago, so be it.
The fact that Obama is telegenic and charismatic only makes him more dangerous — a far deadlier enemy of capitalism, free enterprise, of your right to possess the fruits of your labor and ultimately, of your personal liberty.
Mark my words: When Obama and his cronies in Congress — Nancy Pelosi, Harry Reid, Barney Frank, Christopher Dodd and Charlie Rangel — are through with us, we’ll hardly recognize this country.
Frankly, I blame George Bush for this. His idiotic “compassionate conservatism” — huge spending increases without a single effort to eliminate government waste — blew the federal budget to smithereens.
His failure to rein in Fed chief Alan Greenspan who slashed interest rates from 6.5% in 2000 to 1% in 2003 — and his failure to reform Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac — created the greatest asset bubble of all time … and of course, the greatest economic bust of our lifetimes.
And it was on Bush’s watch that Washington began seizing U.S. corporations — our largest insurer, our two largest mortgage brokers and buying the stock of scores of other corporations.
In short, George W. Bush’s abject incompetence set the stage for the Obama phenomenon that is about to change our nation and our lives forever.
For people like us — people who believe that adversity must be met with intensified resolve — only one response to these new headwinds of punitive taxation and regulation is worthy:
To cling to our dreams with our last ounce of strength … to refuse to allow ourselves to be made ordinary … to redouble our determination and our efforts to provide better lives for our employees, our families and ourselves.
Yours for Bigger Winners, More Often,
Clayton Makepeace
Publisher & Editor
THE TOTAL PACKAGE
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Comment by JudyAnn Lorenz — November 3, 2008 @ 1:43 pm
They can try to inflict a lot of damage and maybe get it done, but I don’t believe they can really beat US. Meanwhile, I plan to make my voting statement against them.
Comment by John Hernan — November 3, 2008 @ 1:48 pm
Clayton, are your political posts supposed to create FEAR in the minds of readers? The Republican Machine has used FEAR to get our country into the mess we are in. With the new President Barry, we can’t be any worse off than we are today… bailing out capitalistic tycoons who love capitalism until they need to be bailed out by the PEOPLE, killing millions of people costing trillions of dollars to position ourselves in the Middle East….. instead of using that massive amount of money to do R&D on alternative energy. Think POSITIVE! Someone in the oval office who can THINK will be a boon to our country!
Comment by Bill Barger — November 3, 2008 @ 1:49 pm
A well balanced summary, giving credit where credit was due, and blame in equal apportionment. It indeed is a long dark night that we are facing.
What I cannot understand is why Obama has not sought out the broadest support basis that any wanna-be could ever claim. As a 50% White, 42% Arabic and 7% Black individual, he could rightfully claim to represent all of us. But he singularly aligns with his 7% side, which bodes very poorly for the rest of us.
What will happen if the legal efforts to cause Obama to substantiate his citizenship bear fruit, and we find that he is either a non citizen or a naturalized citizen, and incabable of holding office? Will social order prevail, or will social discentent be the form of backlash we see? It indeed is a repeat of history when carisma overbears actual performance in deciding a person’s
worthiness to lead.
Comment by Harvey McKinnon — November 3, 2008 @ 2:01 pm
The Republican neo-cons have seriously damaged the US economy. Run up an enormous deficit. Got into an unwinnable war — based on lies. Chose a president who will go down as possibly the worst president in US history. Selected a candidate this time who thinks that a pretty, pretty inexperienced, and pretty dumb woman, would make a great vice president. This is the choice of a man who has a statistically reasonable chance to die in office.Plus the Republicans have all but destroyed the US brand, globally. Your readers know how important a brand is. If a president of the company damaged a brand as much as Bush has, they would be long gone. Electing Obama would give an enormous boost to the US globally. Plus he can’t do any worse than the clowns who have been running the country for the last eight years. Harvey McKinnon
Comment by STeve Newdell — November 3, 2008 @ 2:01 pm
FOAMING AT THE MOUTH
Clayton, you’re right about The Bush administration’s mistakes and to blame George is correct.
There’s more. The Republican Party has a long history of choosing someone who can raise money instead of choosing a candidate who would be best qualified to do the job.
We can both name several reasons why Condi Rice would have been a GRAND V.P. choice.
By nature she’s a diligent worker since adolescence
Holds a Ph.d
A professor of Geo Politics
A highly regarded Secretary of State world wide
Afro-American, Female, 8-years in the Oval Office
Well Spoken
Looks good on Television
Likely to live many more years
Smart enough to surround herself with War College people if necessary.
A unquestioned Christian believer
Who is Sarah Palin? What qualifications does she have? There’s enough dust in her closet to make her unqualified from the outset. McCain, in one choice, told the nation he can’t make far sighted decisions. What a mistake to choose Sarah!
Do you think for a moment that Condi Rice would say "no" to a request from the Republican Party to run for Vice President?
The Top Dogs running the Republican Party need to be replaced by smart people like YOU — so you could Make some Peace in the world. Uhhh, I’m disgusted
If we come out of this with the Republicans in tact it will be only because of what Gingrich found with his surveys. The majority of the Mid West wants a conservative God Fearing Free Enterprise man for President. So do I. I seldom get what I want, but perhaps this time….
Respectful regards,
SteveN
Comment by Ron — November 3, 2008 @ 2:02 pm
Clayton,
Right on Brother!
It’s about time someone like yourself explained to most of the country what folks like Obama, Pelosi, and Reid really want - a socialistic country where there’s no incentive to exceed or perform, where the government determines what you can earn
Make no mistake about it, Obama’s past associations with people like Bill Ayers who wanted to destroy the government by blowing it up, to Reverend Wright who wants to curse America to the convicted felon who got Obama his property to the folks at Acorn who want to enlist every able bodied illegal who walks talks or hasn’t been dead too long to vote for the Democrats.
Even the liberals from Canada are coming down from Canada to help steal this election!
Unchecked power in the Congress, who have done nothing, and the Presidency will only lead us down the same road we’ve been before with untested liberals like Jimmy Carter who when he was President we had 19% interest rates, heavy duty unemployment, and no respect throughout the world.
Change for change sake is not what we need!
One thing we must forget about the last 8 years with George Bush is this.
This country has been kept safe from an unrelentant enemy who would seek to destroy all of the democracy that has made this country the greatest country in the world.
Better think twice about how you view George Bush’s tenure. Streets are still safe, we have a rule of law, and are least threatened by the Muslim right who would seek to turn this country into a Muslim nation.
Better think twice about the Obama rhetoric folks. You may very be like the people who voted for Jimmy Carter who once things didn’t turn out the way they thought it was going to turn out, completely disavowed themselves about voting for another liberal with NO EXPERIENCE IN LEADERSHIP.
Comment by Peter — November 3, 2008 @ 2:03 pm
Although I understand where you’re coming from, there is much fear in this post. We individually create our own reality (including our wealth), so whoever occupies the Oval Office matters little. To believe otherwise, is to relinquish our power over our own destiny.
Comment by Dan — November 3, 2008 @ 2:04 pm
Well written and to the point. One comment so far says the money spent on the war in the Middle East could be spent elsewhere for other purposes. The money spent has been borrowed money, that is why the deficit has been so large up to this point. Besides, Obama stated that money was going to pay for health care. So we are going to continue borrowing money to pay for programs? Government programs do not create jobs. Government taxes kill jobs. Unless of course the government is the hiring agency. Think about this. Congress is currently considering another stimulus package. Part of that package would pay for infrastructure rebuilding. In other words create jobs. The jobs created will be in road and bridge construction and repair. With the unemployment rate so low and yes, 6% is low, where are all those laborers going to come from? Illegal immigrants that is exactly where. All the contractors bidding on those jobs can underbid each other by the number of illegal workers they can hire and get away with. Just look at all the road crews around you now. We might as well put a sign up at our boarders stating we are now hiring, come on it.
Comment by STeve Newdell — November 3, 2008 @ 2:07 pm
The Red Head for
President
Comment by Paul — November 3, 2008 @ 2:10 pm
Thank you, Clayton, for adding to the truth that needed to be told.
I have been spreading WORD around to everyone, not wealth re-distribution, in the hopes that the truth about what lies inside this "candidate" will be scrutinized by Americans BEFORE they enter the voting booth.
I am not swayed by the "public opinion" polls manipulated by a liberal media. I believe no matter what, that I know WHO is in control over all affairs, and whether the liberals attempt to mess with consitutional rights and other liberties, that the proper balances will weigh out in the long term. It just may take some re-designing of Washington long past tomorrow.
Kind regards,
Paul
Comment by Sam Brobek — November 3, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
Goodwin’s Law! LOL! You lose Clayton. Isn’t this supposed to be a marketing e-zine?
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 2:16 pm
Harvey … other than cutting taxes, thereby ending the post-9/11 recession in record time and doubling federal revenues, what has Bush done for you to label him a conservative? He is a fiscal liberal through and through.
Bush’s profligate spending and populist policies caused this mess. Electing a man who promises even greater spending PLUS higher taxation is a recipe for disaster.
We’re simply jumping out of the "borrow and spend" frying pan and into the "tax and spend" fire.
– Clayton
Comment by Timothy Millar — November 3, 2008 @ 2:24 pm
Great post Clayton,
If Obama’s own people are shooting him down in the religious arena and calling him the Anti-Christ, who are we to disagree. The United States of Mexico are in deep trouble.
Comment by Jason — November 3, 2008 @ 2:28 pm
‘And if this deadly combination — racism plus socialism — reminds you of another charismatic leader, a great speech-maker and National Socialist’???
I’ve never commented on a blog before, but come on.
I recently read a great book on Rhetoric by an English Professor who was very funny and talked about the ‘Argumentum Ad Hitlerum’…basically, when you have nothing to say, compare the other guy to Hitler.
Hitler was a real guy with real policies, none of which bare any similarity, that I’m aware of, to Obama’s.
Grow up, please.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 2:34 pm
Jason, Sam … I didn’t say "Hitler" — but if you connected Obama’s racist associations and socialist convictions to another demagogue, who am I to disagree?
Comment by Leon — November 3, 2008 @ 2:41 pm
"— reminds you of another charismatic leader, a great speech-maker and National Socialist who swayed the proletariat with promises of “change” some 70 years ago, so be it. "
You’re comparing Obama to Hitler?!
This is not a direct mail product where you build up a common enemy and drum up rallying points so the reader will buy a product.
The fear-mongering against Obama has been tried - and doesn’t work.
Comment by seamus — November 3, 2008 @ 2:48 pm
I hate when someone I respect(ed) throws it out the window with poor judgement. You’ve become a hack over this.
Sad.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 2:52 pm
Jason:
Hitler was a socialist.
Obama is a socialist.
Hitler was a racist.
Obama pleged his allegiance to a racist.
Hitler was a great orator who deceived good people.
Obama is a great orator who has deceived good people.
I’m not saying Obama will murder six million Jews or start World War III.
I am saying, however, that he will be elected despite his abject lack of experience … despite his past associations … despite his destructive policies …
That he will be elected entirely because of his populist rhetoric, speech-making and charisma makes him an extremely dangerous character indeed.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 2:54 pm
Now, Seth … no need to be rude. Follow the rules or you’re outta here.
Comment by David Neale — November 3, 2008 @ 2:58 pm
Just for the record Ron.
Canada has a strong and intelligent CONSERVATIVE government that will be re-elected again shortly.
There are more conservatives in Canada than Liberals.
This is 2008, not 1998.
Comment by chrislrob — November 3, 2008 @ 3:01 pm
Clayton,
I always enjoy this newsletter despite just how awfully wrong you are on the political issues. My motto is: "Absorb what is useful and discard what is useless".
But I gotta say that I’m shocked to see you throw in with those that claim that a progressive tax structure is "socialist". If it is, America has been a socialist country for a very long time, since we have had a progressive tax for a very long time. At least since the early 1900’s.
So while you may not be a fan of FDR , how do you feel about Reagan? What do you consider his Earned Income Tax Credit to be other than a redistribution of wealth? In short, The right-wing is attacking an American for supporting American policies going back to before the Greatest Generation and clear up to that right-wing paragon of virtue, Ronald Reagan.
To say different is to ignore history.
Please keep up the good work on this site. I appreciate it.
Chris
P.S. If North Carolina even makes a good showing for Obama, I am just gonna be fit to bust!
Comment by Alan Northcott — November 3, 2008 @ 3:02 pm
What a sad statement. This represents why Obama may really make a change - by not pursuing such divisiveness in a "United" States. I personally don’t want a President bordering on Alzheimer’s, whose campaign speeches only seek to misrepresent the opponent’s position, and do not even say what he plans to do.
Some issues may not be great, but the possibility that the populace can be inspired is worth that chance - the Mac cannot do that.
As for controlling government - how paralyzed do you think government has been in the last couple of years by Bush refusing to sign laws debated and agreed in the House? Let’s at least get a government that is allowed to govern - if it’s that bad, it will be pushed out in four years.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 3:08 pm
Chrislrob: Reagan didn’t invent the EIC — it was passed in 1975, although changed several times since then.
And yes, I’m unalterably opposed to all forms of income redistribution, no matter which party is responsible.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 3:09 pm
I agree Alan … McCain isn’t the answer, either. There were no fiscal conservatives running this time around.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 3:14 pm
Alan makes another excellent point: The mind-numbing number of lies told by both sides during this campaign.
For a complete list, check out Factcheck.org.
Comment by Johnny — November 3, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
For the record David Neale, the Canadian election was October 14th. The Conservatives were elected to another minority government. This in no way proves that there are more conservatives in Canada than liberals. In fact, the opposite is true. The Conservatives received 37% of the vote, the Liberals and the NDP party (both left wing parties) together received 45.4% with the remainder going to the Bloc and independents.
Regarding Obama being a socialist, even McCain when pressed (by Larry King of all people) admitted Obama was not a socialist. Perhaps, Clayton if you avoided alienating 50%+ of your audience with your far-right rants, you could make up for the 3.6% increase in tax you’ll be paying on your income over $250,000, once - God willing - Obama is elected POTUS.
Comment by Ron — November 3, 2008 @ 3:21 pm
To David Neale:
Just for the record David, the Canadian TV news station that I receive in northern New York, CTC, Channels 4 and 8 reported and interviewed these interlopers. They also reported that no one for McCain was coming south to “help out.”
I’m not making the story up, the Canadian media is talking with and reporting that Liberals in Canada are putting their sweet little back packs on and coming to the U.S. Florida, in specific, according to the NEWS REPORT FROM CANADIAN TELEVSION.
I don’t make the news, David, just report what the Canadian media is reporting.
I can just imagine that that isn’t the tip of the iceberg in terms of foreign intervention in our elections.
If folks in the U.S. were coming to Canada to “help out” with the election, you and your Canadian media folks would be screaming blood murder, I should think.
Just goes to show you to what length the Democrats will go to “steal an election”.
If you’ve ever paid any attention to Chicago politics, from whence BO comes from, people actually vote there to keep their jobs.
What a novel political approach by the Demon crats, who have lorded over Chicago and it’s people for years and years and years of Democrat Mayor Daley and his political cronies.
Wasn’t BO a community organizer in Chicago? Didn’t he earn his political tactics from the Chicago political machine?
Hmmmmmmmm! What else that is being widely reported are we willing to ignore just because someone can utter a speech?
Perhaps it’s time to move to the Caymans or Belize and not have to worry about outsiders, including BO, trying to undermine this country’s values.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 3:23 pm
Johnny — I don’t make a plug nickel on this blog, so even if 100% of the audience stopped reading, it would cost me less than Obama’s tax increase.
Comment by Brittni — November 3, 2008 @ 3:24 pm
Clayton,
Shame on you. We all know that there is two things you don’t discuss with your co-workers, clients or business in general and that is RELIGION and POLITICS. I’m pretty sure you lost a significant portion of your fan base even if they didn’t comment on this post.
Comment by Nick Burns — November 3, 2008 @ 3:24 pm
Sorry Clayton, but Obama’s sense of good American government is not to spread the wealth (it’s too bad he said that in his offhand remark to Joe the Plumber). It’s to pay for, not borrow for, the services that Americans want from their government. When did it become unpatriotic, even socialist, to pay taxes?
You know who’s going to pay for the republican party’s borrowing and incompetence? My kids…talk about destoying dreams.
I’ll bet the stock market will agree. Obama wins…adults in charge… stocks surge.
Respectfully,
Nick Burns, Copywriter
Comment by seamus — November 3, 2008 @ 3:28 pm
Rude is abusing my inbox with a link to this whimpering vomit. No need to toss me, RUB. I’m already gone.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 3:39 pm
I pray you’re right, Nick — bet you a sushi dinner you’re not.
Comment by Johnny — November 3, 2008 @ 3:42 pm
Clayton, I’m not talking about the money you make from your blog. I’m referring to the income you make from your e-letter.
People like to buy from people they like. Now I’m not saying I don’t like you, I’m just saying I prefer to buy from people who are "more open-minded" (to put it lightly).
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 3:45 pm
Brittini … you’re prolly right. But frankly, I’m sincere when I say I’m convinced that ultimately, the environment in which we entrepreneurs will be operating is a marketing issue.
At any rate, this is my last political post on this site. I’m setting up a new blog for these purposes. That way, I get to exercise my first amendment rights there AND focus on marketing issues here.
See? Win-win.
Cheers!
Comment by Bill — November 3, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
It’s not unpatriotic, even socialist, to pay taxes.
It’s unpatriotic, even socialist, to expect that others should share our personal responsibilities- particularly at the cost of our freedoms.
Government’s sole purpose is to uphold the constitution. It wasn’t created to secure anything other than the framework for people to pursue their life, liberty, and happiness.
Even the current tax code is structured to benefit job creation over charitable donation. The entitlement mentality gets us nowhere as individuals and as a group. If it takes educating people on the importance of creating value for others, then so be it. Regardless, it needs to end.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
Johnny: Just to be clear … 100% of my family’s income is derived from clients who pay me royalties in return for the promotions I create for them.
All revenues generated The Total Package e-zine, this site and all the products on this site are re-invested in an effort to help more people.
Cheers …
Comment by Dave C — November 3, 2008 @ 3:52 pm
Nick Burns asked: “When did it become unpatriotic, even socialist, to pay taxes?”
Taking money at gunpoint is always wrong… as is punishing people for being productive. It’s always been unpatriotic and socialist to steal money by taxing. Always.
Clayton wrote: “I’m not saying Obama will murder six million Jews or start World War III.”
To know what Obamanation will do – listen to him.
The 3% of those who will refuse to relinquish their money and guns will get exactly what they did the last time America elected an inexperienced lawyer from Illinois – 600,000 dead in a civil war.
And don’t give me that historical revisionist Bravos Sierra about the Civil War being fought for slavery. Southern boys who couldn’t afford shoes did not march 100 miles barefoot to kill Yankees for their right to own slaves. The Civil War was about taxes.
Sadly, this time Federal aggression won’t be aimed geographically. There are also databases and gun controls… so it’ll be easier for the Feds to win.
Comment by Steve Odette — November 3, 2008 @ 4:00 pm
Clayton:
I only disagree with you in that you imply that McCain/Palin would possibly be a better choice and that they would not be socialist leaning.
The saddest truth of all is that the real puppeteers holding the string of these puppets is, as very well planned out, hidden in the background and ignored.
Do you really feel that either of these candidates will be any different in the long run?
Can you, with all of your intelligence and education, honestly look back at the last 200 plus years and say that any president or party really made a significant change in direction from that which the machine keeps moving?
Frankly, give the Presidency to one or the other… then, give them Congress also, if we are going to elect either of them. Let’s get the ball really moving down that mountain and get the truth out in the open faster… so we can then see what is really going on right before our eyes. Why prolong the monster from showing itself any longer?
Bring the puppeteers out in the open… bring on revolution… get it over with so our children and our childrens children are at least aware of this beast.
Maybe they have not been too dumbed down yet to do something about it… maybe it’s too late? In any event, it’s time for the masqeurade to go public.
Tell the Federal Reserve to stick it… kick ‘em out, along with any other fiat creating, fractional reserve functioning institutions (like the IMF) and let them know we are no longer going to allow the blackmail. It’s done.
Short of that, do you really think that a policy here or a policy there is going to truly make that much difference in the direction of this fast rolling, momentum gaining train?
Also, the rhetoric is the same on both sides. The only real problem is that the Republicans haven’t figured out how to leverage what they fully capitalize on only in times of need… character elects the President… it’s a popularity contest, and the most eloquent spinner with the prettiest message wins… every time. (well… in Bush’s case, it was because he was better than the Democratic challengers in this regard… like the "lesser of two evils" kinda… though, I will never know how a president that can’t properly say "nuclear" has still failed to correct the problem).
Who can hypnotize the audience best with their verbal copy? Right?
Republicans use this well when they claim a person is not fit to be President because of fooling around… regardless of the mans qualifications or results.
Then… like always with the fundamentalist argument… they end up getting the same egg on their own faces trying to hold the moral high ground… get religeon and morals out of politics… focus on ethics and qualifications… it’s a secular job.
I’m interested in the person who can do the job for ALL Americans, not just for one demographic, personally.
But, I digress… back to the issue.
Your accurate and true, in that Obama is propagandized as a socialist… but I’ve NEVER heard any public official say to the public… "It’s your job as parents to set the example for your children, to read with them, to ensure they are educated…" (paraphrased) and THAT is certainly the least socialist thing I’ve ever heard from a politician.
In Obama’s infomercial he also stated that he would "… Create an environment for small business to thrive… because that is where the strength of our country has always been… in the creative, thriving, hands of the entrepreneurs…" (paraphrased).
Again… to me, not too socialist.
Regardless… I would LOVE to hear something besides slamming and character attacks from the Republicans. "Tell me what you are going to do that is so much different from the Democrats…"
Hell, at least spin it so I believe you are looking out for me anyway… like Obama so eloquently does!
We are moving into the Bermuda Triangle of our free market world, here in America. Neither of these puppets is the solution, and neither is really that different from the other if you look at their policies closely.
100 Senators
435 Congressman
= 535 people who have governed this country the same way since the drafting of the Constitution… in a manner that stretches the rules to their very limits or outright breaks them to the detriment of America, our people, and certainly our way of life…. or the "pursuit of it" so to speak.
To me… this argument is about as useful anymore as trying to discuss religeon with a fundamentalist, dogmatic… they have probably never read their own bibles, but they can sure quote what their minister spoon feeds them as the truth on Sunday.
I’m not too sure all of my studying of the Constitution, the Federal Reserve system, the laws, or the workings of our government have been to any advantage to me… in fact, they are painfully open wounds sometimes because seeing what others never take the time to even look at - especially when the facts are contrary to pupular sentiment or publicly held beliefs - only reminds me of the conversation I had one time with a religeous "fruitcake" whack job…
After trying to PROVE to me his perspectives and arguments, quoting several scriptures out of context… I simply asked him…
"So, it seems that you are actively studying your Bible, yes?" to which he replied "Why yes, I am and I can quote it on this issue fairly clearly…" And when I asked him further… "and, have you gotten to the book of Genesis yet?" He replied… "well, no I haven’t gotten that far yet…" I just smiled at him and told him I was so fortunate to have met him and to have spoken to such a scholar about matters of such consequence. Duh.
Most political discussions I have go about the same… "Have you read the constition yet? The policies of each canditate? Do you understand where money comes from? Can you tell me what Senators do and what Congressman do? (How ’bout this one… can you tell me what the role of the Vice President is?), blah, blah, blah…"
To which the reply is universally… well… I believe or I know or so and so says… in other words.
No.
People who have no knowledge of the facts, should not try to argue them. I am by no means a mental giant in this regard myself. Sadly, I only started to look into these matters about 4 or 5 years ago… so I am but a middle-schooler too. But at least I’m doing my homework sometimes, and not copying off of others!
It’s the age of "Sheeple" and all I have to say when we get what we end up with is… "Baaaaaa"… that way, the masses can understand me.
Steve
Comment by Johnny — November 3, 2008 @ 4:01 pm
Clayton thanks for clarifying, but it makes little difference whether you’re "making less money" or "helping less people".
Comment by Peter Black — November 3, 2008 @ 4:04 pm
Dear Clayton…no surprises in this post. Don’t have time to respond much, but I’m glad a lot of folks aren’t buying what you’re selling. Here’s what I’d say in brief: Some lawsuits are thrown out because they’re called frivolous. The judge isn’t willing to sit through a lot of nonsense just to disprove arguments that, prima facia, have no real merit. It wastes the court’s time. In this case, of course, you are the court and waste your time as you wish. But I’m afraid a number of your points fall into the frivolous category and deserve a scoffing rather than a well- argued rebuttal. But I will say this about so-called libertarians: They are almost always up in arms about the trillions being spent on domestic spending, but never raise a peep about the $1-$3 trillion we will probably end up spending in Iraq…not to mention Afghanistan. Leaving aside all of the humanitarian issues involved…leaving aside the criminality of our country’s behavior…somehow that sort of spending never catches the conscience of the libertarian when we get to arguing actual examples. Sure, Paul complained about Iraq. But it never really got his (or his followers’) dander up like, say, the gold standard. And the same thing here. You’re worried about the trillions Obama is going to spend on …what?…getting people health care. But you are apparently unfazed by the trillions we’re spending to arrive at 4,000 dead soldiers, tens of thousands of maimed soldiers, and millions of dead Iraqis. Don’t get me wrong, Clayton. I’m not calling you a bad guy or immoral. But a trillion is a trillion. You seem more concerned about "the war" Obama may wage against those making $250,000 (they must be sweating to get by) than the actual, and hugely costly, real war we’ve been waging since 2001…seven bloody years. Where is your sense of proportion?
Comment by Todd Herman — November 3, 2008 @ 4:10 pm
To Johnny and Ron in particular…
Think about something… if American’s (I’m Canadian) have learned anything from this election, it’s that the majority of your media can’t be trusted. I find it reprehensible that ‘news’papers actually announce who they’re supporting i.e. NY Times for Obama
I find it funny that a person living in upstate NY wants to cite the media of Canada for being the voice of a nation… if you think your media is liberal… try ours. So your facts are terribly wrong…
There are few things in the world view that has become endearing about a lot of America at this point… America used to be a glimmering light - but it lost it’s wattage a looongg time ago and it’s only now becoming glaringly apparent. So it’s easy to lay the blame on the current sitting president.
But think about it… is it the final swing of the axe which topples the tree… or is it the hundred previous whacks?? Obviously rhetorical…
I live in NYC and have been travelling around the area (Ohio, PA and NY) speaking on the importance from a CDN perspective on electing McCain.
Obama’s protectionist stance is a foghorn for just how out of touch he is with global economic policies… the guy is drastically immature with his policies.
If he honestly thinks protectionism is the answer in a global marketplace… than just watch how ineffective America’s other global policies will be… if the image of someone falling flat on their face springs to mind - than you’re onto something.
This only shows his lack of belief in the American people and their ability to adapt to an ever changing world… yeah, that’s the type of leader I want for my country. (dripping with sarcasm)
Do everyone a favor and vote for McCain… educated Canadians will cheer you on. We’d really like to see our friend and brother to the south… rise again after taking a bit of a beating.
Comment by Andy — November 3, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
Great Post Clayton, but think about this for a second. We needed Jimmy Carter to get Ronald Reagan. If and unfortunately when Obama is elected, who is the left going to complain about and point their finger at when the economy is worse, unemployment goes up, and inflation skyrockets? If you are a glass half full guy like myself you might look at this as the launching pad for the greatest conservative movement ever. It might be wishful thinking, but positive thinking is going to be needed to get through the next four years if Obama is elected.
Comment by chrislrob — November 3, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
Dave C. wrote:
"To know what Obamanation will do – listen to him. The 3% of those who will refuse to relinquish their money and guns will get exactly what they did the last time America elected an inexperienced lawyer from Illinois…"
Wow. I’m a big-time Obama fan and never would I have been so bold as to declare him the next Lincoln! I can only pray you’re right.
As for your argument that the Civil War wasn’t about slavery because many of the southern soldiers did not own slaves, I cannot offer a more perfect analogy than this: Joe the Plumber is barely named Joe, is an unlicensed plumber, owes on his taxes, and does not make anywhere near $250,000 a year. He doesn’t even make one-quarter of that.
And under Obama’s tax plan, he would see a tax cut. And yet, and yet, he supports McCain because he says that if he ever DOES one day maybe make $250,000, he doesn’t want Obama overtaxing him on it.
Which is precisely what Clayton is arguing to all of the Joes reading this blog .
The slaveowners told those shoeless, slaveless Rebs the exact same thing.
Comment by Clarke Echols (Resident scientist and rabble-rouser) — November 3, 2008 @ 4:13 pm
Those who fail to learn the lessons of history are doomed to repeat them.
I have a good friend who survived five years in a Soviet prison camp after World War II. He was a tank commander in Hitler’s army when they invaded Russia. He was a platoon leader during the invasion of Poland and France. We have conversed many times on the evils of communism, fascism, and socialism.
I have lived in a foreign country ruled by socialism. I sat in the home of a young couple, no children, both attempting to work and earn enough to save so they could buy a home. But income tax took it all away. I had a friend who was a building contractor. He showed me his income tax instructions where if he made more than $65,000 per year in that country’s currency, his income tax on any amount over that was 110%. In other words, if he made $75,000, he’d pay $11,000 tax on the last $10,000 he earned.
That was 1964. The country has been touted by some Americans as a model for U.S. healthcare and "high standard of living". I was very thankful to return to the US and stand on American soil. I have seen the evils of socialism — the destruction of incentive, the people who claim various maladies to avoid having to work (I caught one "bedridden" woman walking around in her home one day — perfectly mobile).
There are too many young people who lack exposure to the real world, whose minds have been permanently poisoned by "professors" no better than the Marxist-socialist utopianists infesting what should be our best institutions of higher learning.
One, a friend of Ayers and Obama is involved directly with the PLO! What’s a clown like that doing in a US university?!!!
Then they grow up and vote for some Pied Piper promising prosperity without effort. Unfortunately some think they’ll make it as copywriters. But what will they say when they hit the coveted six-figures and discover Uncle Sam has his hand out for 80% of their effort — a silent partner with zero invested in their "business".
Most of what is wrong in this country can be traced to the fact that we, as a people have become much too tolerant of what should never be tolerated. [I won't go further on that rant because I don't want Clayton kicking me off.
] But when people think certain personal issues are genetic rather than matters of environment and choice, we have a problem. And when we have blow-hard enviros led by the pockets-laden-with-cash Reverend Mister AlBore telling us we must quit using energy, we have only ourselves to blame when we don’t solve the global warming problem by simply plugging their pie holes with inpenetrable blockage and send them to another planet. Let them solve global warming on Mars first.
As for those responding on this blog who object to what Clayton is saying about "taboo" subjects of politics or religion,
their problem is apparent. They may be copywriters — even good ones. But until you’ve been an employer, or paid self-employment taxes, and understand overhead, cost of goods sold, and the *realities* of trying to make it in business, you can’t have a clue just how incredibly DANGEROUS Obama clown and his ilk are to society.
I suggest you quit looking at your own miserable little life, and consider the consequences for the next several generations if the people don’t exercise wisdom in choosing leaders. For proof, study history: Babylon, Egypt, Greece, Rome, and the ancient Americas for starters…
Just because someone makes a lot of money (Donald Trump, for example, or others seemingly incapable of staying married to the same spouse) or is a famous celebrity is no reason to consider them wise. When fools follow fools, all you get is fools engaged in mindless foolishness.
I rank Michael Moore an obese, ignorant, clueless moron. A rake with an IQ south of the freezing temperature of water (in degrees Celcius, not Kelvin. Most other celebs are little better.
How people can consider People or Us magazine worthwhile reading is beyond my comprehension.
Yet these subjects of public adoration, along with their adorers, willingly rant and rail against others who are laboring with great effort to preserve the greatest nation on earth, and pass a legacy of freedom and opportunity to generations that follow.
Would that we could create an *identical* nation in the midst of the great deep — perhaps the Pacific, then populate it with all those who think the socialist way is superior, leaving the current US as a land for freedom lovers who understand responsibility.
Then let them prove over 40 years that their system is really better, as they slowly starve to death, as has every other nation or society in world history that gave in to the siren song of socialism and utopianism.
I’m with Nathan Hale — Give me LIBERTY or give me death.
Clarke
Comment by Michael Angier — November 3, 2008 @ 4:13 pm
I applaud your courage, Clayton. And agree that Obama is far too risky and untested–especially with a Democratic Congress.
You will lose some subscribers over this, but you spoke your peace. No pun intended. Hats off.
Let’s hope common sense prevails.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 4:14 pm
Steve, my own feeling is that no matter who’s elected tomorrow, we the people are screwed.
The next president will have no choice but to borrow every penny possible and print dollars like there’s no tomorrow.
I’d be willing to bet that Obama’s middle-class tax cut will never happen — just like the middle-class tax cut he promised Illinois voters when he first ran for office never happened.
And if by some fluke McCain is elected, there’s no way he’s going to get any kind of tax cut through Congress, either.
George H.W. Bush promised "no new taxes," then raised taxes. Bill Clinton promised a middle-class tax cut, then raised taxes.
And neither of them faced anywhere near the economic crisis we’re facing now.
Comment by Susan Connors — November 3, 2008 @ 4:25 pm
Hi there Clayton and everyone
This is not an easy vote for anyone in the USA as there is so much to consider.
Me - I don’t have to vote as I live in Australia.
Know that I wish everyone well and pray that whatever decision is made tomorrow, that it will be the one that is best for your wonderful country.
The people make the country, not the rulers. The people vote rulers and leaders into power. So whichever way the votes go, the people will make the decision in the end.
I enjoy reading different points of view Clayton as it keeps the information fresh. Gives a person a different way of looking at things and people.
Here in Aus, we have had a change of government with a huge swing in the favor of the working class. Yes, even the wealthy and the ones in the middle to higher end are being looked after. We are
different and its a better kind of different.
I read horror stories in the media - equal to horror movies as this voting day approaches. I also see good, the bad, the ugly and things in between.
Its gotto be tough for everyone given what your people and country have and are going through. I am not giving opinions on either of the candidates or parties.
All I can say Clayton and everyone is think. Think deep, long and hard on what you want for you, your family, friends and country.
Think about and consider what each candidate has to offer. Keep an open mind and listen to what people have to say.
Make up your own mind - no one else can.
It is your future you are thinking of and your families. This decision may seem like an easy one - its not so simple.
Make your vote count as you are important!
Wishing you all well,
Sue in Aus
http://www.marketingforlife.com.au
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 4:31 pm
<Hit "Submit" too soon>
That means that the smart money is on tax increases across the board — with those of us who create jobs and invest being hit hardest and as a result, able to create fewer jobs and invest less.
Comment by James — November 3, 2008 @ 4:38 pm
Clayton, you have become quite the cry baby spreading your fear doom and gloom garbage. This is pretty much the second piece you have done regarding the election. The first like this piece is pretty much filled with inaccuracies in the time line and your historical recounts. It was funny that you never mentioned how the republican congress passed a law that allowed the side betting on the market that was once outlawed by congress after the great depression you instead blamed Carter and the CRA. You are attempting to use the fear and lies to drive people into your latest copy writing course offerings. John McCain is no better maybe even worst than Bush. His campaign as been all about attacking his opponent most people do not know what McCain’s game plan is all they know is the bullsh*t and lies… about Obama just like you’re sharing here. Look at Obama’s team to turn things around and look at McCains. It’s always amazing the few self serving people always cry the sky is falling when things are not going their way. You’re too old for that Clayton!
Comment by Steve Odette — November 3, 2008 @ 4:38 pm
Clayton:
Now you are speaking my language… a clearer truth has not been stated.
"Da**ned if you do, Da**ned if you don’t"…
Curtain #1 or Curtain #2 - the problem is… behind those curtains, sits the same prize!
Still an avid follower and even more so because you speak your mind… even if I don’t always agree.
Steve
P.S. sent you a couple of personal notes… did you get them?
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 4:55 pm
Not crying, James — although no matter which way it goes, we probably should all be weeping for our kids and grandkids.
Oh — and James: If I was trying to use my views to sell a product, why would I state views that I knew would be unpopular with roughly half of our readers?
I wrote about this today because I know that the other half of our readers are deeply concerned about a what a fiscally liberal Congress and White House will do to our wealth and liberties in 2009 and beyond — and to offer them a few words of encouragment in the last two paragraphs of the article.
And unlike those on this blog who object to my voicing my own sincere opinion — I invite you and anyone who disagrees with me to air your views here …
In a forum that I’ve provided for you, for free.
Comment by Joe Derer — November 3, 2008 @ 4:57 pm
B.O. in the white house - who would have thunk it. Would it bother most people if they invited someone over to their home w/small children… if they knew that person hung out with child-molesters?
Our next president hung out with former Weather-men and SDS supporters… ah but they were just sewing their oats… America will get the Commander in Cheif they deserve… Fascist Capitalism is alive and well in America and has been for some time.
Its as if the republic-rats ran McCain because they wanted to lose…
Lets face it - George Sorros has money on both horses… it makes little difference who is in the Out House… the President does not run this country anyway… Wall Street does and the foreign bankers - they have destoryed this country… Whay will the sheeple say when NATU is official… "How could this have happened"… bahaa bahaa… good news is tough times don’t last forever - tough people will servive… buy ammo…
My name is Joseph Derer… and i approve of this message.
advertisingcsi@gmail.com
Comment by faz — November 3, 2008 @ 5:03 pm
"Hitler was a socialist"
This is very insulting to all socialist that died fighting Hitler and Franco.
Hitler killed many socialists in concentration camp, FYI.
Many resistant here in france were socialist or communist. Spanish socialists, french jewish socialists, etc.
Yes, I know what Nazi mean. It’s not because you label an orange with an apple sign that it’s an apple.
Word have historically constructed meanings.
I understand that you like controversies. But here you are clearly spitting on the grave of thousand of people that died in concentration camp or fighting Hitler — and were socialist.
Understatement : it’s NOT ok.
"Obama is a socialist."
This one is more fun ! From an european point of view, Obama is a moderate conservator, and feel very, very american. All of the right wing love him here !
Again, I understand it’s just for controversy.
But from here, I can reassure you : Obama really seems to embrace core american values that we don’t really understand here. (not saying that these values are bad or something. We are just a little bit different, that’s all.)
Comment by Sylvia — November 3, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
Clayton,
You are soooo sneaky! Talk about writing and "speaking" to the dominant emotions! The blog’s on fire again!
You have got it down to the finest of sciences. Can’t wait for the OPM course.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 5:15 pm
Faz: What do you think "Nazi" means? It’s short for "National SOCIALIST German Worker’s Party."
Sure: Socialists kill socialists who don’t agree with their interpretation of socialist thinking. The army of the Union of Soviet SOCIALIST Republics, for instance. So what? Does that contradict either side’s proud assertion that it ascribes to socialist principles?
I appreciate your Continental view of leftist thought, but there’s no spitting going on here.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 5:40 pm
BULLSEYE, Sylvia! Nothing like stirring up the troops every once in a while …
I must admit that it’s intriguing — and more than a little unsettling — to see how much angrier the political discourse becomes here with each new political cycle.
As an observer, I’m also fascinated that while Obama’s supporters seem to be personally invested in his victory on a very deep emotional level …
Most McCain supporters I talk to seem to be less interested in electing McCain than they are in trying to avoid having Congress and the White House all in liberal hands.
While Obama enjoys an almost cult-like following, McCain is seen by many of his own supporters as little more than "the lesser of two evils."
And judging by the response on this blog so far, most ideological fiscal conservatives have pretty much given up on the Republicans altogether.
Interesting, no?
Comment by James — November 3, 2008 @ 5:41 pm
Wow. Quite a post, Clayton.
And quite a shot at Obama.
Don’t suppose this was one of your tests to show us how stoking certain emotions elicit strong reactions?
Regardless, I know Bush was never a true conservative, that’s clear from the results of his administration. But does that necessarily mean that we don’t give Barack Obama a chance to try something different?
I realize that his plan to increase taxes on those earning over $250,000 a year has struck fear in the hearts of those in that demographic, as well as those who aspire to it.
And fears that socialism will run amuck under his administration also are stoking the emotions of many conservatives.
But what has gone on the past eight years clearly didn’t work. And we’ve been saddled with an unbelieveable amount of debt as a result.
If we don’t want to pass off responsibility for these debts to our children and grandchildren, we’ve got to do something different, right?
So why can’t the current generation of entrepreneurs, business owners and wage earners step up to the plate and agree to pay more to see to it that future generations don’t have to solve all of this mess themselves?
I don’t like paying taxes, and I’m certainly not in the $250k+ tax bracket…yet. But if I want this country to continue to stand head-and-shoulders above the rest of the world as the greatest nation on earth, I’ve got to be willing to pay.
I have two young daughters and I don’t want part of the legacy I hand to them to be that they, and others 0f their generation, have to pay for the sins of their elders.
I think fears of socialism under Obama are overblown, but none of us will know for certain until after he is on office.
I’m actually not sure why anyone would want to inherit this mess. But both he and McCain want to take it on. So whoever wins, and it will probably be Obama, I wish them luck and pray that whatever course they steer us down starts to repair the harm done to this country.
Comment by Nick Burns — November 3, 2008 @ 5:43 pm
Clayton,
I’ll take that bet (comment #32), though I’d prefer steak to sushi. A good old American dinner celebrating Barack Obama, a good old American story.
Here it is: Barack wins, the stock market surges, I celebrate with steak. Anything else, you go out for sushi and send me the bill.
I really hope I’m right too. Our country can’t afford to keep tanking under incompetent republican leadership, either in the administration or congress.
Thanks, Clayton, for the forum on this election eve.
Nick Burns
Comment by Peter Black — November 3, 2008 @ 5:57 pm
Clayton: "Faz: What do you think "Nazi" means? It’s short for "National SOCIALIST German Worker’s Party." Sure, and "pig iron" comes from pigs. Makes sense, no?
Comment by John Klein — November 3, 2008 @ 6:04 pm
As I read all of the rants above and many other political blogs I am blown away by how seemingly smart individuals become totally one sided once they have taken a position! It seems (to me)that most of the opinions I read are one sided — their candidate is God and the opposite site is always totally bad, totally inept, and totally evil. Where is thoughtful consideration and anlysis taking into account the good and the bad for each candidate. What is it about politics and political blogs that bring out the one-sided worst in all of us! Somewhere there is a marketing lesson in this - but I’ll let Clayton figure out what it is.
Comment by Harvey McKinnon — November 3, 2008 @ 6:15 pm
Re:Todd herman“Do everyone a favor and vote for McCain… educated Canadians will cheer you on.” Actually, the vast majority of educated Canadians strongly support Obama. Today, an online poll for Canada’s leading newspaper shows that 82% of Canadians would vote for Obama — and only 18% for McCain. Harper’s Magazine ran an article after the last US election that showed that all of the states with an average IQ above 100 voted Democrat, and all the states where the average IQ is below 100 — with one exception at 101 — voted Republican. There is, of course, a core of very smart people who vote conservative, but the majority of conservative voters have lower than average IQs, education, and live with a “fear based mental attitude.” Just to throw some fire on the coals..Harvey McKinnon
Comment by Jeanne — November 3, 2008 @ 6:17 pm
I am not on your mailing list to read more political distortions of the truth, Clayton. I understand this election has passionate debate bubbling out of us all, but I turn to your website to focus on your superb advice, in your area of expertise, not for "more of the same" that I’m being inundated with on television. If you set aside the GOP spins and look at the truth, you just might get a glimmer of the real Obama and his honest vision for this country. If I was making at least $250,000 a year, I would gladly pay higher taxes to help out my fellow men, women and children who are less fortunate. Everyone should have a chance to grab the American Dream, but to turn a cold shoulder to those struggling, is beyond the ugly American. I’m not suggesting a free lunch, but our society could not remain civil without some socially consciencious programs. Would you have us eliminate social security, welfare, unemployment, banruptcy, grants, etc. and never offer assistance to companies in trouble? The result would be chaos. Helping our citizens does not make us a "socialistic" country. Spouting fear about socialism is not going to help repair the damage done by GWB to our country, our allies, our economic climate nor our peace of mind. We all need to work together and do what is best to rebuild our country and our standing on this planet. With all due respect, Clayton, I pray most of your readers have already voted their conscience early and will not be swayed by the eloquent use of your craft. And if they have not voted, will personally research both sides of the race, and vote from the heart.
Comment by Lorraine — November 3, 2008 @ 6:21 pm
How audacious to call Barack–a man of mixed race–a racist.I will thank God tomorrow when Barack is elected the first African American president of our country.I’ll keep this short as I must hurry back and unsubscribe from your email list.
Comment by Dave C — November 3, 2008 @ 6:24 pm
chrislrob wrote:
"The slaveowners told those shoeless, slaveless Rebs the exact same thing."
Maybe they did… altho I don’t believe the Federally-written history.
Regardless, it’s NOT ENOUGH to get anyone to fight to the death. Bitch on TV or a blog, maybe. But not fight to the death.
Taxation, however, IS enough reason.
Fort Sumter was fired upon because it was the Union fort in Charleston Harbor where the hated federal tariffs were collected. The Southern economy was based on export… the North on manufacturing. To pay back his Northern financiers, Lincoln passed the Morill Tarriff in 1857, doubling the rates on imported goods. This sucked money out of the South for the benefit of the north. So the South seceded.
Had the inexperienced lawyer from Illinois simply let the Confederacy go, there’s no telling how things would have turned out. Instead, he killed hundreds of thousands and re-wrote history.
Now what can we expect from they latest inexperienced backed by the criminal PRD (People’s Republic of Daley) dynasty?
Obamanation knows he’ll have to order the killings of those who will never kneel to him.
He knows every Marxist has had to kill the hardcore libertarians who will never be bullied or reprogrammed.
And he’s okay with it. That’s the scary part.
Comment by Michael — November 3, 2008 @ 6:43 pm
Does anyone else see what happens when Claytons makes a post like this (or anyone says something about Obama.) The Obama lovers go off and attack Bush, Palin, Joe the plumber, Republicans, everyone…but one thing they do not do is argue against the points Clayton makes.
Because you can’t argue that fact that raising taxes hurts jobs, hurts families, and hurts the economy.
It’s funny how the democrats love socialism, but they don’t want to call it that.
Clayton, you missed one point…after Obama fails miserably to do anything for the economy, his loyal followers will simply say "Well, what could he do, Bushed messed up so bad Obama couldn’t fix it in four years!"
Comment by David Lee — November 3, 2008 @ 6:55 pm
Dead on, Clayton. I couldn’t agree more.
It’s surprising how many people have fallen for this fraud called Barack Hussein Obama, or is it Barry Soetoro, or one of the other four names this identity-challenged individual has gone by?
Personally, I’m voting based on character, not the economy.
Let’s see, a war veteran/hero descended from two generations of Navy admirals and who has a proven 20+ year track record in government vs. a community "organizer" who descended from atheist socialists (yes, mother, father, and grandparents, et al) and who’s only experience is a few years immersed in Chicago racial politics.
Wow, tough choice. He’s even a fraud as a black man. He’s bi-racial, and was predominantly raised in white America. He’s only using the black community as a stepping stone for political gain. Very sad. Just look at how he diss’ed his "spiritual advisor" for convenience, even after pronouncing on national TV that he could never do it! Pathetic.
My guess is most of the whiners on this blog couldn’t write their way out of a paper bag, because they talk like they’ve never sold anything in their life for a serious living. Anyone who has would not be on board with this spreading the wealth BS.
And no, in spite of what the Klingon plagiarist Biden would have us believe, it is NOT patriotic to pay taxes. They are a necessary evil to pay for government functions, NOT to equalize wealth.
In a capitalist society, "spreading the wealth" is done by charitable giving. So, let’s compare candidates on that issue:
Barak Hussein Obama - gave little more than 2% while making 250k, and only a measly 4.5% after making 7 figures.
John McCain - 27% to charity; 100% of book royalties to charity.
Nuff said. The McCains are the true wealth spreaders. I dare say that 27% would make most of us crap our pants, no matter how much you are making.
This election will be as close as 2000. McCain is damn sure still in it. Anyone who says this guy is too old is not paying attention. He’s a freakin’ mad man right now. Looks like he’s on crack. Obama looks tired and angry.
I predict a gutter ball for Obama, just like the four in a row he bowled on the campaign trail. Polling is changing by the minute. We live in an instant info society now, and Obama has stepped on his weanie yet again with this latest tape unmasking his true energy policy. "Skyrocketing electricity"… just what we need as we transition to electric autos. What a pathetic moron!
Wake up people. This idiot is a farce.
Clayton, you have a lot of balls for speaking out. You and Mike Long are the only gurus with balls.
Comment by Todd Herman — November 3, 2008 @ 7:30 pm
Hey Harvey ‘Bold-type’.
Thanks for proving the Pareto principle for me… I love it when others do the research to prove your own point.
The 80-20 rule…
The sheeple of society follow without knowing why… they don’t educate themselves on issues… they don’t strive for something more out of life… they don’t take responsibility for their own actions and love to blame others for their ‘circumstance’… in the immortal words of Shaw - ‘Circumstance. Hell I make it!’
And as far as stats go… more than a boatload of polling and research shows the following:
Liberals have less sex,
Liberals enjoy sex less,
Liberals are more likely to be on welfare,
Liberals give less to others,
Looks like your putting that IQ to a real good use…
Comment by Jason — November 3, 2008 @ 7:33 pm
It’s big of you to stop short of saying he’ll kill 6 million…
But did anyone else hear Obama say in the final debate that he’ll stop permitting Health Insurance Companies to ‘Discriminate’ based on pre-existing medical conditions?
I’m not sure how he expects them to do business, but Mcain didn’t even ask for clarification.
So it’s tough to say who’s dumber.
And Clayton, if you could answer me one question:
How do you rationalize using Obama’s contentious middle name in the opening lines of an article?
It seems to me like the only purpose would be to insight irrational fear and racial prejudice. I’m asking because I’d like to know, please don’t just say "it’s his name, isn’t it?’…because no one else (including you) refers to presidential candidates by their whole name.
Just curious…thanks.
Comment by Peter Black — November 3, 2008 @ 7:40 pm
John Klein writes: "What is it about politics and political blogs that bring out the one-sided worst in all of us! Somewhere there is a marketing lesson in this - but I’ll let Clayton figure out what it is." Here is the marketing lesson: The point of marketing is NOT to present a balanced view of one’s product vis a vis your competitors’ products, but rather to stir the emotions of your audience in favor of your product so they go out and buy it. Clayton writes these posts to show us how to stir the emotions in our copy. The "politics" in these posts is determined by the fact that Clayton’s primary audience (in his own work) is right wing and conservative…Libertarian…Republican.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 7:42 pm
James: What a nice, well-thought-out post!
My only concern is that we abandon "the failed Bush economic policies" only to embrace failed socialist ones. At this point, with this economic crisis deepening, the last thing we can afford to do is to exacerbate it.
Nick: The stock market always surges for 60 days or so following a presidential election (except in 2000 when the results were in doubt) — but NOT necessarily because we elected the right guy. Wall Street hates uncertainty. When the election is over and uncertainty is removed, stocks go up.
I’m far more concerned about the 24 months that will follow that fleeting relief rally.
Oh — and steak it is, my friend!
John Klein: Smart man … stay tuned.
No GOP spins here, Jeanne … I’m a Libertarian. In the article, I make it very clear that Bush’s bears tremendous responsibility for this economic mess and that while I’m convinced that Obama’s policies are clearly not the solution, neither is McCain.
I agree that everyone should have the opportunity to realize the American Dream. To me, that means that those who so their best to make wise choices, who work hard, who risk their own money and who create jobs in their efforts to succeed should be encouraged and rewarded. And I believe that those who do NOT do these things should suffer the consequences without compaint.
To do it bass-ackwards — to punish good choices with taxes and to reward bad ones with give-aways — is to create a dysfunctional society that spanks kids for good behavior and gives candy to them when they’re naughty.
And yes, I would love it if we eliminated ALL forms of welfare — regardless of whether it’s for individuals or corporations. Charity should be the work of churches and families. It should not be exacted at the point of a gun by government.
Lorraine: I must admit, a part of me will also thrill at the sight of a black man in the Oval Office. I would much rather it be a black man of more rational economic views, of course — but there is something wonderful about how far America has come in terms of racial tolerance since I was a kid.
David Lee: You forgot to mention that your candidate’s wife owns a brewry.
Comment by Markus Trauernicht — November 3, 2008 @ 7:43 pm
Hockey-Mom with nuclear codes and Obama spending like Bush are both scary.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 7:49 pm
Wow, Peter … great observation!
And also to craft your message for the portion of your audience that is most likely to respond while ignoring those who are least likely to.
Too many writers forget this basic tenet of marketing … try to do the impossible: Create promotions that appeal to everybody … and by doing so, wind up with namby-pamby milquetoast copy that doesn’t touch or motivate anyone.
Plus, it is fascinating to observe all the colors of emotion being poured out on this blog — right?
Cheers, y’all!
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 7:49 pm
LOL, Markus! Couldn’t agree more!
Comment by Ron — November 3, 2008 @ 7:50 pm
Clayton,
Isn’t it interesting that all of these "liberal thinking BO supporters" who want "change" and "to bring the country together" are so angry with you for stating your own hard-fought-American right to your opinion that "they’re willing to cut off their nose to spite their face" and "unsubscribe" from a FREE FORUM and FREE INFORMATION AND INSIGHT FROM ONE OF THE GREATEST MARKETING MINDS IN AMERICA.
It just goes to show you how ignorance can run rampant and how lost these lost souls really are.
Clayton, keep up the great work!
Don’t be dissuaded by their child-like actions, you’re STILL THE MAN, my friend.
All the best to you, Wendy and your entire staff Clayton.
Ron Schmidt
PS And for those of you too ignorant and naive to think that your not being subscribed to this good man’s life’s work and willingness to give of himself will influence those of us who support THE TOTAL PACKAGE, CLAYTON MAKEPEACE, WENDY AND HIS STAFF, get a life and good riddens!
Comment by Rodney Trotter — November 3, 2008 @ 7:56 pm
Lorraine, we must be very careful about calling anyone a racist, but your thinking is incorrect. Just being of mixed race does not eliminate the ability to be racist. That is determined by a person’s character and how they regard others.
As long as we allow discrimination in any form, we will have racist, because discrimination favors one person over another. You cannot justify discrimination based on one criteria and then turn around and say it is wrong based some other criteria. Point being, you cannot justify discrimination against the wealthy, and then claim discrimination against a person of a different race is wrong. Discrimination against any person based on race, sex, religion, country of origin or financial status is wrong. Justify any of these and you justify them all.
Who is John Galt?
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 8:04 pm
Jason — in a previous article, I referred to McCain as John Sydney McCain. Didn’t hear any complaints from you then …
But if it’ll make you happier, we’ll just call the next president Barak "Steve" Obama from now on.
Comment by Sammy — November 3, 2008 @ 8:04 pm
To the uninformed who state "If I was making $250,000 or more I would gladly pay more taxes for the less fortunate", you truly have your hands over your ears and your eyes shut.
When taxes go up on small businesses making $250K or more, YOU will pay more for the goods and services. YOU. Doesn’t matter WHAT you earn.
Obama stated himself that he wants to skyrocket electricity prices, oil and natural gas prices follow as well. Only making $30,000 a year? To damn bad. You will pay these "hidden" taxes. You have been lied to and you eat it up.
EVERYONE is going to get soaked. Even people on SSI living on 15K a year via "skyrocketing electricity prices" and gasoline prices going far beyond the $4 a gallon they were last summer. Food goes through the roof. Small businesses close. Job losses and more job losses.
Wake up to reality. You will pay more no matter how little income you make under Obama. Wake up.
Comment by Jason — November 3, 2008 @ 8:13 pm
Wow Clayton. You pegged me, nothing could make me happier. Not the fleeting kind…I’m talking deep, lasting, spiritual happiness.
I’m going to hold you to it, though, so don’t slip up!
On a more productive note, what do you hope for from the coming elections? My personal best-case (i’m canadian, so what the hell do I know?) would be Obama as President–if only because there seems to be a lower chance that he’ll invent a war–with a republican congress.
that way, as I understand, nothing would get done in gov’t. which sounds like good news to me.
Comment by Dean Kennedy — November 3, 2008 @ 8:13 pm
Love your post Clayton.
As an Aussie who plays no part in tomorrow’s poll, it still scares me to hear and read Obama supporters say things like "he can’t do any worse" — he sure can.
Please also don’t think all Australians agree last year’s change of government here was for the better. Having socialist-leaning, two-faced incompetent loonies in charge at the federal and state level is really showing how scary it can get — suddenly with majorities, the socialists are foisting their ban-this, ban-that (or make it compulsory) liberty-destroying policies on the entire country.
The worst thing is to have a government that takes no responsibility (everything bad is everyone else’s fault) and — like you point out — incorrectly thinking their problems will be solved if they take more money off those who have it — the more the government has, the less likely they’ll do any good with it.
I think we all need governments who foster providing opportunities for success, not governments who want equal (dismal) outcomes.
Comment by Clayton Makepeace — November 3, 2008 @ 8:16 pm
Great post, Dean … thanks!
Jason: Tell you what — from now on, we’ll just call him "President Steve."
‘night, all …
– Clayton
Comment by Harvey McKinnon — November 3, 2008 @ 8:23 pm
Dear Mr. Todd HermanYou should try reading Clayton more often. And then practice writing for clarity. You completely ignored the research that shows that people with IQs below 100 vote Republican and that people with IQs over 100 vote Democrat. Now that I think about it, perhaps that explains your writing style.And who said I was a liberal? Not me.And anyone who thinks that Obama is a socialist, knows little about history, or political movements around the world.
Comment by Robert — November 3, 2008 @ 8:23 pm
Clayton,
I know you’re a great copywriter, but do you think you could be a little more concise here?
Stop mincing words and tell us how you really feel.
Comment by Robert — November 3, 2008 @ 8:25 pm
Harvey,
You just may be right… and if you are, that might explain why the A students work for the C students.
Comment by Harvey McKinnon — November 3, 2008 @ 8:38 pm
Robert,
Just because a student gets an A average does not NECESSARILY mean she or he has a higher IQ than a C student. It could mean they just spend less time in the student pub.
Comment by Todd Herman — November 3, 2008 @ 9:01 pm
Sorry Harvey, I didn’t realize I had to be sooo explicit with my ‘poor writing style’ for you…
Comment by Susan Connors — November 3, 2008 @ 9:11 pm
Hi all
Wow, I disappear for a couple of hours and look what happens.
Now I could add more fat to the fire and cant be bothered.
Welfare etc theres a time and place to discuss them.
I didn’t say it was all good for the Australian government. Really, I cannot be bothered with the bullshift that gets thrown around. You watch the ABC question time on the ABC and its just like watching chickens scratching and fighting over the feed as its scattered across the ground
Right hand - left hand, still dont get it and dont care. I am
passionate about the people. Let the people of that country decide. Let them make the decisions and go from there. Anyways, I dont know enough to make an educated decision on either of the USA candidates.
I wish them well and may the best person be the winner or come out bashed and bruised from trying. May the best person and their party win to help the USA continue to grow and be the best it can!
Sue in Aus
http://www.marketingforlife.com.au
Comment by Steve Odette — November 3, 2008 @ 10:13 pm
Clayton:
When this debacle called an election is over… will you spend any more time political blogging?
You had mentioned that you were setting up a new, different blog for this conversation, yes?
One additional point on this topic that really crawls in my underwear and bites my butt….
It seems that the Conservatives are fighting the fight for an ideal that no longer exists against a Liberal constituent that is no longer definable.
Give me a break.
What DO the Conservatives stand for anymore? I mean… really?
It used to be they were FOR businesses… FOR entrepreneurs… FOR smaller Government… FOR fiscal responsibility… FOR a Capitalist, Free Market economy… and FOR a balanced MORAL guidance.
Now…. all I see the single biggest SOCIAL SERVICE in history, given to banks and businesses at the expense of the taxpayers… the greatest expanse of the money supply in WORLD history (In just the last roughly 6 years… the total money supply in the world went from 35 Trillion to over 70 Trillion dollars….) DOUBLED on the Republican watch! If that’s not socialistic policy.. what the heck is, I ask? (Though, to be fair… it’s not socialistic to an unpopular minority… but to a very elite one instead).
All of which will be paid for through Inflation… the single most insidious tax known to mankind… AND combined with, as Clayton mentioned, higher taxes across the board as well… regardless what the canditates promise from the platform.
The Liberals are no better… what the hell IS a liberal anyway? Define it? It sure as heck isn’t a social communist… it used to be a party that ensured the RIGHTS of the people - of all people… Constitutionally, but it was never, well, not in my estimation anyway, intended to be viewed or enacted to be the "Spread the Wealth" party, to be sure.
Rights, after all, are NOT guarantees. Having the same rights does not mean you are entitled… it just means you are supposed to be held to the same standards with the same opportunities.
Prejudice will always exist… fat people against thin, beautiful against ugly, smart against Republican (oops… slipped there), Rich against poor, black against white, woman against man… and visa versa, etc. etc. etc. Won’t it?
I’ve began to see the Republican party, for instance, as the party of biggots… because they just don’t seem to have anything else to talk about or enlighten us with… god, axis’ of evil, terrorism, prejudice, blah, blah, blah… oh, wait…. I meant to type God.. capital "G" as in GOP… God’s Own Party…
And the Democrats as more and more socialist, "spread the wealth" "government take care of me" entitlement perpetuating, whiners.
Neither of these has my vote… it’s actually pretty disgusting… would the REAL Republicans stand up and the Constitution Enforcing Democrats please come back, please?
Neither of these groups, unrecognizable for many years, in comparison to the parties of old, are the solution to the coming storm, that is for certain.
The obvious Republican conservatives posting here have offered nothing more than I can get on the evening news… especially FOX news of course… and simply perpetuate the same hate talk and negativity that lost them this election in the first place. Folks… your party is not the solution and McCain is definately not the man if it were… coming from me… a man who voted Republican much of my life and who used to belong to the Young Republicans - that is saying something of substance.
Democrats… If the Republicans weren’t such easy targets, face it… about the only thing any of you have brought to the conversation is the race card or how Obama is not a socialist leaning liberal…. nah, nah.
Sheeze… I’ll be glad when the election is over so Americans can crawl back into their ignorance holes and complain about the results.
In the mean time… I’ll be watching my taxes go up… most assuredly… regardless, and the inflation of unfounded, unnecessary wars and irresponsible fiscal policy of ALL 535 folks in government… no party excluded… Libertarian officials included…, eroding my dollars into nothing, soon to be replaced by the Amero under the new North American Union with Mexico and Canada.
Of course… what do I know… I’m a Ron Paul kinda guy for this election… but he was shut down and out long before even given a chance to be heard. Maybe whoever is elected will ask for his input once the storm get’s too bad to deal with?
As for giving more taxes if you make more… sure… so long as it goes to things that will benefit America… and not one penny goes to any social program for anyone (large corporate bailouts included, thank you). Things like infrastructure, technology, programs to promote business growth and opportunity, even, though controversial, protection of OUR boarders… not preemptive strikes on others…. yeah, maybe I’d be willing to pay more… but truthfully… I don’t see why I should be punished for being successful… seems a bit backwards to me.
Create a free market economy that can compete in the world… and there will be jobs and opportunities for everyone who is willing to work for whatever they want… I agree with Clayton… let the churches, charities and families (who will probably also thrive in a true free market economy) take care of the less fortunate. It simply isn’t the governments (i.e. the taxpayers) job to do.
Also.. I know quite a few LIBERAL Republicans… and even a few CONSERVATIVE Democrats (even gays!) – reconcile that statistic why don’t you! How do they fit into Mr. Hermans statistics, I wonder? Hmmmmmm……
Baaaaaaa…… Baaaaaa…
Steve
Comment by Oritseyemi — November 3, 2008 @ 11:15 pm
Re: The #1 answer was, “Whatever’s on your mind.”
I am sure the respondents of that survey were referring to marketing issues. That is more educational than the "hullabaloo" that post has caused.
Personally, I think we should stick to marketing issues. I enjoyed that more compared this!
Good for a change of pace though!
May God help who ever win tomorrow.
Comment by chrislrob — November 3, 2008 @ 11:27 pm
Dave C.
Your understanding of Civil War history is wrong.
Further, it is the kind of overheated rhetoric that you are posting that is going to help lead to an Obama victory. That kind of baseless attack is the relic of a bygone era in which, as someone said, “a lie can get halfway around the world before the truth even gets its boots on.”
Lies still travel fast these days, but thanks to the internet, cell phones, and 1,000 TV channels, the truth need not be so far behind.
This truth has doomed your side as they ridiculously insisted that Obama is a Kenyan-born, Islamic Marxo-terrorist, until time has run out, instead of focusing on the issues.
Chris
P.S. The above applies doubly to you, David Lee. The "community organizer" (that most vile and evil of things) is about to hand you the loss you so richly deserve.
Comment by BoneDaddy — November 3, 2008 @ 11:40 pm
Regardless of who wins tomorrow… anyone who thinks that the winner will single handedly ruin this country… is an absolute moron.
You do realize some of you are comparing a current day USA Presidential Candidate to Adolf Hitler? You have GOT to be kidding.
Vote for whoever the heck you want to.
The electoral’s decide - not us.
Comment by Louis Burns — November 3, 2008 @ 11:49 pm
How do you decided when enough is enough? And when you reach that point, what then?
Many people fled the fascist regimes of the 30s and 40s. Is that our only option left… get out from under it and let the empire fall? Nothing else seems like a viable long term solution.
End then Fed? Then what? Go back on the gold standard? How’s that going to happen? Reign in all the abuses of our civil liberties? End the IRS? End welfare programs? We can’t very well bring back all the dead soldiers and Iraqis.
Assuming any of that were possible, where do we go from there? There aren’t any mechanisms for going back to smaller government. What could accomplish that?
I think I’d prefer to watch from the relative safety of another country before this government machine eats us… for our own good of course.
Comment by Andy — November 4, 2008 @ 12:04 am
Bonedaddy - The electoral voters vote for whoever wins the popular vote in their states except for in Maine and Nebraska. Your vote does matter.
Comment by Andy — November 4, 2008 @ 12:11 am
Big government creates bigger government. The more government programs the more government employees, the more government employees the more votes for candidates that support bigger government.
I don’t know about your state, but here in Minnesota the largest employer in Minnesota is the State of Minnesota. I would venture to guess that is true in most "blue" states.
Comment by BoneDaddy — November 4, 2008 @ 12:35 am
Thanks for the clarification Andy - I honestly did not know that. Appreciated.
On another note: While I agree with Clayton (and Dan Kennedy, too) about the financial issues of this election, there are other deciding reasons for whom people should vote for or against.
Clayton, I have to ask you this: Why is it that someone with as much skill and talent for making money as you and Dan Kennedy have… are you so scared of what’s about to occur?
Why the abysmal attitude?
Is this time around the financial marry-go-round really going to be the end for you?
Regardless of who gets elected… are you NOT going to adapt?
Comment by mikie — November 4, 2008 @ 1:00 am
there is only one absolute fact clayton and that is that you have an incredible amount of idiots on your mailing list.
Comment by Rex Deissart — November 4, 2008 @ 1:01 am
Once and for all, IF Obama can add new wealth to the country and help the poor and needy, IF he can spur and create NEW jobs-producing enterprises, without adding to tax burdens, without steering America into economic sinkholes, then he’s THE MAN.
Otherwise…
It’s time America meet its fate. If Obama turned out to be another fatalistic leader, then let him sock it to the Americans. Who are not able to see consequences, only their immediate selfish interests (aka healthcare, taxes, employment, etc).
When Reagan started the big financial slide, Americans were none the wiser
When Cliton was helming, they only slapped his hand for sexual indiscretion
When the George Bushes took reins, Americans applauded them for murders.
When Obama rules, the unaffected rich might quietly cringe. But the befuddled masses will keep threading waters harder to keep their masters richer.
Whether capitalism will heal or go to the dogs can be left unsaid. You know the answer. Good luck people of America.
Comment by Andy — November 4, 2008 @ 1:11 am
Bonedaddy- No problem, and as to your question to Clayton, I of course can not answer for him, but I think no matter what, all of us will adapt, but this election isn’t about what’s right for me, you, or even Clayton, it is about what is right for our country. Please listen to this speech by Ronald Reagan from 1964. It is amazing how much of what he says is still relevant today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yt1fYSAChxs&feature=related
Comment by Kirsten Paris — November 4, 2008 @ 1:50 am
I thought this was a business post rather than a politics post! When I started reading, I really for a moment thought I had come to the wrong website, and then it occurred to me as I continued reading that that’s exactly what I did — I came to the WRONG website. Political preferences should be posted elsewhere!!
Comment by Erik — November 4, 2008 @ 2:56 am
Obama will make history… as the first socialist muslim terrorist, rucola eating black man… to reform and restore America.
Well, we don’t know about that last part yet.
Kudos on sharing your thoughts Makepeace, but let’s all join in hoping that Obama will be for the collective good of America and the world. Since the world economy floats on the dollar, there’s a lot at stake here.
Comment by Mannix Giordanno — November 4, 2008 @ 3:27 am
America, sadly, is almost dead. Or in perpetual trance, as reflected by its majority, who can only be swayed by charisma. Not by the FACT that its government cannot dig itself out of a glaring and deepening debt hole. Not even one of its presidents has been made accountable for that, imagine…
Are their minds so diminished? Or is this still a mirror trick that cannot be talked about and actioned upon? The King is NAKED!
We should be seeing a temporary mass migration of better middle class professionals away from this country, and to tested pro-business countries like Panama, Vietnam, Sweden, Hungary, or China, where the free enterprise spirit is not currently being curbed. Where redistributory regimes have been proven as economic roadblocks… Where foreign investments and massive job creations are still the order of the day. Not "confiscatory" healthcare or welfare.
To these countries JOBS are UNO NUMERO, certainly not Just Over Broke. Jobs are blessings. But Americans are brainwashed into get rich quick mentalities, thinking that jobs are necessary evils, in the name of "freedom".
Obama is Socialist?
Socialistic is, when you know how to get BIG in your earnings, then your taxman must make you feel some pinch on your wallet, lest you feel you are better than your fellows, and start acting like the rich jerk. Much to the chagrin to your less successful brethren.
Socialistic is, when feeling helpless to improve, your brethren will lobby the taxman to breath down on your neck hard and fast. That’ll put you in your place, you jerk.
Socialistic is curbing the pride of your so-called accomplishments. If we ever needed another high tax system to teach these rich jerks a lesson, give them Socialism.
Oh, Usually the super rich have other great social responsibilities. So they are not heavily taxed. Unlike the so-called newly arrived rich jerks. Big headed bozos.
Capitalistic is acting like a jerk and being derisive when you are successful, which in turn sparks its socialistic response. Action and reaction goes hand in hand; and the cycle prolongs. Unless there’s a socialistic capitalism huh. Here we find an uneasy balance, with all the redistributory regimes.
We don’t need an economic class division to determine on an individual’s worth. Every human being is worthy. Every individual is valuable. Full of intrinsic value. The originators of all other material values.
We don’t need another modern day version of the caste system.
People need to come together, not separated into financial classes, skin colors, religious beliefs. If how much respect you get depends on how much you earn, then how much you earn depends on the intelligent efforts and values you pump out into society.
And when we are wealthy and are in much better position to help out some less fortunate few, then we wouldn’t need redistributory schemes.
And do-good politicians may be out of work.
Comment by George Scott — November 4, 2008 @ 4:51 am
Fact. The country has traditionally done better economically under the Dems. The smug Repugs try to tar their opponents with the dreaded cliche "tax and spend", but the reality is that their solution is to borrow and spend. These last eight years have been a kleptocracy, with the Halliburtons simply systematically fleecing all of us not in the top 2% of of the income pile. The people finally seem to be waking up and are about to throw the bums out. At long last. But no, it won’t last unless Obama can keep the country informed and fired up enough not to lapse back into the somnolence that is the usual state of the public mind. We need this change, and I can only hope it lasts.
Comment by Jonathan — November 4, 2008 @ 5:54 am
I suspect that with or without Obama, comp