Tax the Rich?

by Valerie Pierzina

Taxing the nameless, faceless, abstract “rich” is always a popular notion that tends to poll well with the American public. Aside getting into the semantics of identifying exactly what the definition of “rich” is, I ask a much simpler, more basic question. Despite where the Federal Government gets it, can they really be trusted with any more of our money, regardless of where it came from?! I would guess the collective answer to this question is a resounding NO, regardless of your party affiliation or income class. While it may be tempting to go along with President Obama on this so-called “Buffet Tax” on the rich you must first question why the Federal Government would suddenly be wise and responsible with taxpayers money, be those taxpayers “rich” or not. The best example of this waste of taxpayer’s hard earned money is the Solyndra scandal. The green energy company Solyndra was given $535 million in “stimulus” funds by the Obama administration, thanks to American taxpayers. The Bush administration had previously denied a loan to this company due to the company’s already precarious financial footing, an air of desperation among its executives, and risk of bankruptcy. Bankruptcy indeed happened, but not before over a ½ billion dollars was given to the company as part of President Obama’s failed “stimulus program” and equally disappointing “green jobs initiative.” President Obama and Vice-President Biden personally touted Solyndra as not only the future of green energy, but also of green job creation. Jobs were not created, in fact, the company’s doors are now closed, with more than 1,100 of its employees out of work, and hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars wasted. So, before you give in to the drumbeat of “tax the rich” why not stop to ponder why exactly the government needs more of our money in the first place? Why are our elected officials attempting to simply redirect blame rather than come up with real solutions? And, why are they trying to pit Americans against one another in what amounts to nothing more than class warfare? I think you all know the answer.

There is no free lunch!

-by Deloras Vind

“There is no free lunch”. Beginning in the 1850’s taverns advertised free lunches given to those who bought liquid libation at their establishment. The price of the food was paid for by naive patrons through higher prices for beer. I’d guess alcohol in the brain leads to mushy, muddled thinking to believe you’d get something for nothing. So it goes with”free handouts” or higher taxes for business, mushy heads think it is free. The catch is you pay more and you loose your freedoms.

Today, these free lunches are government entitlements and handouts to buy votes. Someone pays for overpriced union health insurance, public union membership compulsion and ensuing fees, and increased government regulation of your choices. Can you say mercury light bulbs, job killing green energy mandates and Obamacare waivers? Well guess what, you and I pay more in taxes, hidden fees, loss of economic freedoms, and loss of private property protections.

Don’t be suckered by thinking you are getting something for nothing – there’s no such thing as a free lunch. This 4^th of July take some time to reflect on the cost of your liberty and freedom.

Politics & Pints: JUNE

Join us at Politics & Pints, this SATURDAY at Red's Peanut Bar in Arcadia. Hope to see you there!

Parade Charade

by Valerie Pierzina

At the first official parade of the season, Arcadia’s Broiler Days parade, it was evident that this is not your normal “non-election” year in Wisconsin politics. With tensions running high and ridiculous recalls looming, at the hefty expense of taxpayers I might add, politicians are out in full force to perfect their images as all things sunshine and roses.

Senator Vinehout was present, busy pandering the parade route with an adorable, although borrowed, dog. It was nice to see our Senator back in the state, the state that she was elected to represent, having returned from her glorified temper-tantrum/union-funded vacation in Illinois.

Speaking of temper-tantrums, our Assemblyman Chris Danou was at the parade too, and I must say, it was a pleasure to see him on his best behavior, throwing candy to children instead of a fit, like the water thrown at his peers in the Assembly. It was also refreshing to see him wave hellos and exclaim pleasant greetings along the parade route, rather than pointing fingers and screaming “Shame, Shame, Shame!” at his Republican counterparts.

And, from what I could tell, both Vinehout and Danou were in their own clothes, instead of their union issued garb, you know, those matching colored t-shirts of “solidarity.” Nothing like being visually branded to make clear to the world just who owns you and your party, in case there was ever any doubt.

Finally, Congressman Ron Kind was there too, handing out his traditional “Be ‘Kind’ to Kids” stickers, a cute play on words that would be a whole lot cuter had he not supported every single pro-abortion measure ever brought before him, including continuing tax payer funded abortions at Planned Parenthood, both at home and abroad.

And so, with parade season just getting underway, please do not forget the abhorrent and juvenile behavior of our elected Democrat representatives. The behavior that was organic to them, not calculated and contrived as these parade appearances are. Do not be lured in with free candy, cute puppies, and fake smiles. These tokens are merely representations of the handouts Democrats promise to so many, but fail to deliver on so often. Do not feel entitled to anything from our elected officials, other than the truth- and the truth is the thing that they are least willing to give.

Trempealeau County Supreme Court Recount Results

Trempealeau County Board Chairman Wally Geske stated the following in a letter about the recount demanded by Joanne Kloppenburg for Wisconsin Supreme Court: "The recent Wisconsin Supreme Court recount in Trempealeau County resulted in a zero "0" change. This should give citizens of Trempealeau County confidence in our elections and is a credit to Paul Syverson and his dedicated poll workers. Congratulations on a job well done. Even though there were no changes in the final count, there were ramifications. It took 10 workers three and one-half days to complete the task. It cost the taxpayers of the county $3,402.05. Thank you Ms Kloppenburg for adding this to our county budget."

Letter to Legislators: Top 10 Priorities

Republican members of the 3rd Congressional District constructed the following list of "Top 10" priorities our Republican Legislators need to focus on under the new GOP leadership. The letter was then composed and approved by the 3rd District Executive Committee and all the County Chairs. The letter was sent, in April, to all of our Republican Senators and Assemblymen in the 3rd Congressional District, Senate Majority Leader Scot Fitzgerald, Assembly Leader Jeff Fitzgerald, Governor Scott Walker, Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, US Senator Ron Johnson, Attorney General JB Van Hollen, State Treasurer Kurt Schuller, and RPW & RNC Leadership. The letter sent is as follows:


To the Honorable Republican Legislators:

Congratulations on gaining control of the Assembly, Senate, and Governor’s office! We worked hard this campaign season to help make this a successful election for Republicans, and we’d like to continue to help you set priorities for this legislative session. At the 3rd District Leadership Meeting held in January, a list was developed by members of the 19 county parties within the 3rd Congressional District to help you understand what your constituents believe are the most important issues facing us today. The list is to help you focus on what issues to tackle first and to remind you of what voters expect you to deliver on.

These are our top 10 priorities:
1. Economic Development: including job creation in the private sector, reduction in corporate taxes and deregulation of business.
2. Balance the Budget: Without raising taxes and without raiding designated funds.
3. Voter ID: and eliminate same day voter registration.
4. 2nd Amendment Rights: including concealed carry and maintain open carry.
5. Property Taxes: reduce property taxes and work to reduce and/or eliminate as many taxes as possible.
6. Illegal Immigration: deal with the problem honestly and without fear.
7. State Income Tax: reduce and/or eliminate personal state income tax.
8. Clean Bill Legislation: initiate Clean Bill legislation.
9. DNR: do not allow the DNR to interfere with business.
10. Social Issues: Adhere to social conservatism, respecting traditional family values, including the sanctity of life (from conception until natural death) and the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman.

Thank you for this opportunity to address you with the issues that are most prevalent in the minds of your supporters from the 3rd Congressional District. We recognize this is a volatile time for you as conservatives and the pressure you are facing from the left is immense. We want to assure you that we are here to support you and will continue to stand with you, as long as you continue to stand up for us and adhere to the conservative principles the Republican Party represents. Thank you for all you have done and will do to make Wisconsin great again. We believe in Wisconsin and we believe in you!

Respectfully,

3rd Congressional District Republican Party of Wisconsin

Proud, not ashamed, of Voter ID

by Deloras Vind

Shameless is defined as having or showing no feeling of shame, modesty or decency; brazen, or impudent.

Shameless is standing in the Senate chambers shouting; Shame! Shame! Shame! at your fellow workers because they have a different viewpoint and vote than yours. At least this time the 14 Senators were in the Wisconsin chambers not in Illinois hiding out, though most – including Senator Vinehout - did not voice a roll call vote though asked twice.

Its about time Voter ID is law. My vote will not be disenfranchised. I will gladly show my photo ID to confirm who I am and live in the district in which I vote. I like that my vote will not be cancelled due to the fraud of others. We must show photo ID for over the counter sinus medication, to write a check, buy a pack of cigarettes, visit the Doctor, get insurance, join the military, go to college, get married, open a PO Box, apply for food stamps, get Badgercare, etc … Just about everything in life … and now to vote.