The convergence of the mind of Michael Johnson with the World!

Rich attack USS Constitution

Monday, November 9th, 2009

20071013-69.jpgSome arrogant rich people find it too noisy living next door the USS Constitution. The nerve of some people just burns me up!

According to the Boston Herald, some residents have complained that the twice daily cannon salutes and the playing of the national anthem are disruptive to their lives. You can read the Boston Herald story here, and here.

Since 1975 the USS Constitution has fired a gun salute at 8AM and played the National Anthem over loud speakers while they raise the national flag and then fire a second salute at sunset when they lower the colors. This is not new and is very predictable. That someone now finds it, “more disruptive to the neighborhood than you might have imagined” is offensive to me!

How galling can these people be? This so rubs me the wrong way.

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Standing up for a Tea Party in Maine

Wednesday, April 15th, 2009

Today is April 15th. Taxes are due in the United States of America. This year it has become Tea Party Day, an homage to The Boston Tea Party. Before the American Revolution, the British governement was burdening the colonies with taxes. The Tea Act of 1773 made the situation intolerable and on December 16, 1773, the Sons of Liberty, dressed up as Mohawk Natives and threw 342 crates of tea from three East India Company ships into Boston Harbor in protest. “No taxation without representation” is a slogan reborn in today’s protest.

Although I am unable to attend a Tea Party today, I support the idea of fewer taxes. I don’t want hidden taxes disguised as fees. I want the whole tax code simplified and made fair. If an income tax is in place then everyone should be paying the same percentage regardless of other circumstances. There should be no way for those with means to find a way to hide their income and avoid income taxes. I prefer the idea of a sales tax on non-food items because I then have some slight control over when I pay taxes and how much in taxes I pay. I can choose not to buy expensive luxury items and therefore not pay taxes. Welfare should be uncomfortable and provide training or opportunity and encourage people to become productive.

But none of this seems to be the case. So today groups of people will gather all over the USA and speak out against what appears to be uncontrollable government spending. I hope someone is listening.

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