John Kerry???

With Susan Rice's abrupt removal from consideration and abandonment by the Chief Taxer and Spender in the White House, a new candidate for Secretary of State to replace Secretary Clinton is being mentioned--none other than Senator John Kerry. Senator Kerry is a failed Democratic candidate for the Presidency, but he is a member of the good ole boy U. S. Senate.

Is John Kerry the best we can find for filling this position? Senator Kerry is another 1 per center--a rich Democrat--who cannot possibly relate to any middle class American. Do we need rich elitist 1 per center tax and spend people in these positions?  From where I stand, I think not.

Good New--Susan Rice--Unlikely

Good news out of Washington. The rumor is that Susan Rice, the rich Democrat and holder of millions of dollars worth of oil stock--thus earning her the scorn of enviornmentalists, is unlikely to succeed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, even though her fellow 1 per center in the White House seemed to be supporting her for the position.

Her attitude and comments on Benghazi was enough for me to say that she is not suitable for any federal position. Go back, clip you coupons and leave government to folks who might have some principles.

No More Nickels and Dimes--$63 per head

No more "nickel and dimed" to death. Rather ObamaCare is going to cost you an additional $63 per head per year to keep up the all the people who have pre-existing  medical conditions.. Hope this is going to work out ok for you dolts who voted for this Chief Taxer and Spender in the White House. For a family of four covered by medical insurance at work, this means an additional reduction in your take home pay of $252 per year. Guess how long that's fees is going to stay the same? Probably not even a year and then it's going to go out of sight as we find more and more crap in the ObamaCare law. It's all the fault of the "tax and spend" mentality (is that an oxymoron?) of Democrats in Congress.

By the way, does anyone know if the ObamaCare law applies to federal workers, Congress, and the Executive Branch? My guess would be a resounding NO.

Christmas-2012

The Christmas season is about good news and cheer. There are many things for which I am personally thankful, and I hope that the Christmas holiday season will bring happiness to the residents of Dacula and our area. The season is about overeating; it’s about the holiday smells that reminds us of our childhood and the excitement of opening presents on Christmas morning. And this 2012 season is also about worry, concern, and corrosive wondering if the best is past in America. The time is about changing seasons and the wonders of the elements.

Colder weather is with us now between the Thanksgiving holidays and Christmas time here in Dacula. Changing seasons mean that fall is giving way to winter, and also signal the close of another year for the City—another year of economic downturn, and economic growth for the City, of budgets amended, balanced, and proposed. We are having some good news on the job front as entrepreneurs have created new jobs in the City and the number of people with jobs has increased here in 2012. Good news on that front, but I had hoped that employment numbers would be better. Unemployment rates appear to be trending slowly down, but the number of Americans who have stopped looking for work or who are out of work is way too high. So on every front there is good news and bad news.  A special election to allow the sale of packaged distilled spirits passed in the City in November, another mixed blessing of good news and bad news.

In that respect, let me assure you that this economic cycle will pass though the recovery will seem endless especially for those who have been hardest hit. The United States of America is strong precisely because of its people. Those that believe that America, as we have lived it, is over are wrong. We are the United States and don’t let anyone tell you any different. The United States is strong because you are strong. There is good news coming however slowly. That is the good news.

But the best news that was ever announced at a government called meeting happened a long time ago in a place far away from Dacula. Sheep were being tended in the fields.  Members of David’s extended family were gathering in Bethlehem of Judah, for the emperor’s census. On a dark night, angels gloriously appeared to frightened shepherds to announce the birth of a child--a child unlike any other ever born—a Savior, Christ the Lord! The end result of the program didn’t work out exactly like the Emperor Augustus, Governor Quirinius nor the elite of the era had it planned. Neither will our current situation.

My hope, for each of you and your extended family, is that you have a marvelous Christmas by remembering that Child who changed the world—even Dacula.

Shrinking value of money

I heard a shocking statistic Sunday morning on WSB radio. Let me share it with you.

If you were fortunate enough to have amassed $22,000 in a money market account five years ago when the average money market rate was about 4.5%, it would have earned you $1000 taxable income over during a years time. Now in 2012, it takes $3,300,000. That's $3million three hundred thousand dollars in a money market account to earn $1,000 taxable income during a year.

That means that the value of any money you have accrued has 150 times less earning power than it had only 5 years ago. This is the problem with putting more money into our economic system without backing it withg any more value. It devalues the current value of money. Hence, a coming time of increased inflation. Gas at 150 time more than it was per gallon five years ago or around $270 per gallon or bread at about $179 per loaf.

Don't laugh at those numbers. Just look at the Weimar Republic of Germany just after World War I. But you say, we haven't lost a war--but we are in the midst of losing the economic battle. Adding trillions more debt  and just shrugging about it. The result of WWI was millions of dead, rampant inflation, hunger, no jobs, and sowing the seeds of WWII where another generation was wasted.

Closing in on the General Election

As we get closer and closer to the 2012 General Election, remember the incumbent President took an oath to "defend the Constitution of the United States." One of his political hacks in the Department of Justice, the department that oversee whether or not some (but not all) states can even hold elections, has resigned over the Inspector General report on "Fast and Furious." You remember giving (selling) guns to people known to be Mexican drug cartel members

That was such a good idea, the incumbent President should resign also since no department would have considered such a criminal plan unless ordered by the President..

Well, he won't but remember  and he will not resign. You have the power to send him home, wherever that might be, on November 6. 2012.

Remember this quote on November 6, 2012

President Obama, "I believe in redistribution."

If you take nothing else into consideration, please remember this quote from POTUS as you vote in the November 6, 2012 election. To interpret, if you, the American taxpayer, pony up any money to the federal government in the form of payroll taxes, social security taxes, unemployment insurance, federal gas taxes,  income taxes , or any other hidden federal tax, the President intends to give it to someone in the 47% that haven't made any monetary contribution for the nation's upkeep.

Conventions Dust Settles---Real Work Begins

Both the Republican and Democrat National Conventions are over. Now the real work begins. One party or the other will energize its voters to victory. We can put aside the heroic spins given and get to the down-to-earth work of political parties--grassroots grunt work--getting the vote out.

One party is trying to energize its voter base by spinning the old tired tales of failed policy, and the other is trying to tread softly to avoid the label of racism so easily applied in our "politically correct" society.

What we really need is an electorate who cares about America. We need to get out of the PC rut and call the incumbent into question about his failed policies. Answer the questions, "Do you believe in the America so many have died to defend?" " Do you care that you are putting generations of Americans at debt's risk?" "Do you care for the poor, the helpless?" "How has the implementation of your policies made a better society for all Americans?"

We need to question the opponent. "How will your policies make America better for all citizens?" "Why should we trust your administration to do better than the current one?"

For November 6, honestly answer the questions:

• Is America a better place now than it was four years ago?
• Is the family unit stronger?
• Do you have a job, or do you expect to have one next year?
• Who is going to offer you a job?
• Did you make as much money in 2011 as you did in 2008?
• Are you paying a greater percentage of your family income on gasoline? on food? on housing costs? on medical care than you did in 2010?
• Are you generally better off in 2011 than you were in 2008?
• On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the very best, rate the performance of the incumbent President's job in office.

As you look back answering the questions and others you have determined yourself, do you think we need a change in the White House? That's a question only you as a voter can answer. Your answer is incredibly important as is your vote on November 6, 2012.

Medicare

If you are confused by all the talk of Medicare cuts being thrown about during this year's presidential debates, you should know that the incumbent President has already cut $700 million out of medicare. Those are real cuts not the possible cuts discussed by the Republican side.

What would Ronnie say, "Mr. President tear down that wall of lies."

What would Ronald Regan say?

Mr. Obama--tear down that wall of secrecy around your college records.

Not political/funny--just plain scary

This should scare the bejesus out of everyone. Click on this link up and imagine where we are going as a nation if we don't rein in deficit spending. Look out for that cliff!.

http://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/EW5IdwltaAc?rel=0

PEAK at University Parkway

Walton Georgia, LLC has requested annexation/rezoning of about 157 acres near the eastern intersection of Winder Highway and GA 316. The Dacula City Council accepted the application on July 5, 2012.

On July 17, 2012, the Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners objected to the annexation based on several service issues. Georgia law allows a county to object to an annexation based on land-use issues.

I believe this is a win-win for both the City of Dacula and Gwinnett County for the following reasons, especially during this down economy and tax-digest retrenchment.

•           A well thought out and master planned community will strengthen and broaden the tax digest for both the City of Dacula and Gwinnett County.
•          Additional value as the property is developed reduces the need for additional property taxes from current city and county property owners.
•         The development will require little or no additional infrastructure expenditures from either city or county tax payers as the owner/developers will bear the major expenditures of mitigating needed additions to infrastructure.
•         Gwinnett County and the Gwinnett Board of Education will receive approximately 86% of property tax revenue (Dacula’s share about 14%) from the site. Gwinnett County will receive approximately 80% of any SPLOST sales taxes( all Gwinnett County cities receive about 20%, Dacula’s share .002%), and the BOE will receive 100% of ESPLOST sales taxes generated as a result of economic activity of the property. These governing authorities will incur none of the administrative and governing expenses which the City of Dacula will bear.
•          The proposed PEAK project is similar in nature, scope, density,  and height requirements to several developments in other parts of unincorporated Gwinnett County and to one in the City of Buford (an annexation/rezoning by the City of Buford) to which Gwinnett County did not object.
•          Mixed use projects are encouraged in both Gwinnett County’s and the City of Dacula’s Comprehensive Plans, especially along the GA 316 corridor.

Why object? It's a big win for the County and BOE cause they only have a little skin in the game.

Obama's Trillions

I guess this cartoon says it all:

Choosing representatives for federal positions

It's been an exciting few days in the national spotlight if you are (1) a democratic strategist who says that women who are stay-at-home moms can't possibly understand the trials of working women, (2) you are a community organizer who has never held a private job, or (3) work for the Secret Service. There are other examples that come to mind. Would you want to be part of GSA or the Department of Energy? Scandal runs rampant in Washington DC. We, the American taxpayer and voter, need a new perspective on filling those positions needed to run our nation in a fiscally conservative way.

Have we lost all perspective?

People who go to Washington are public servants. We expect them to act like it.

Constitutional changes needed.

So how best to change the Constitution to send people to Washington in the three branches of government. Perhaps they should be chosen from the voter list by lottery, doing away with election for the Executive, Legislative, and and appointments to the Judicial  Branches at the Federal level. For example, every four years the voter lists would be randomly used to select a President. It might be Ms. Sally Jones. Could Ms. Jones do a worse job than our community organizer? Probably not. Let's replace our Vice President by lottery each four years. Get rid of the professional politician. For members of Congress, select by lottery from the voter list of the state so represented for a four-year term. For senators, select from state voter list for six years. For judges of the Supreme Court, Appeals Courts, and other federal courts of record from the voter list for the District for a four year term.

Term limits.

Term limits should be imposed. Once you have served a single term, selected by lottery from the appropriate lists, the incumbents would be forever barred from serving again.

Compensation package, benefits, and living arrangements.

Payments should be at the rate of $40,000 per year of term for each incumbent in whatever branch they serve. No retirement and other benefits would be provided by the public. Congress would be in session only 40 calendar days per year unless called into special session by the President for matters of national emergency. Living arrangements would be made in a dormitory setting with cafeteria meals.

Staffing.

Staff would be limited to 1 person for each member of Congress or Senate. The presidential cabinet would serve as staff for the President. Judges in any federal court would provide their own law clerks at no expense to the public.

Radical you say. Maybe so, but we need to overcome the idea that you can live at the public trough forever and spend our money anyway you like in Washington DC.

Do you have a better idea?

Nonprofit CEO's get big raises

CEO pay for nonprofits going up. How does high pay for charitable organization CEOs set with you? Is nearly a 3/4 million dollar pay check for the head of the American Cancer Society a good or bad thing? Does it effect the way you look at charities?

In the CEO line, does "what you pay for your get" apply?

Check out Dacula's web site.

The Buffet Rule and You

Today, the President hosted a Google hang out to discuss the Buffett Rule. You know, the fact that Warren Buffet doesn't pay income tax at the same rate as his secretary. And therefore, Buffett says he should be taxed more.

Well having prepared taxes for over 40 years, I can say that most people don't pay the same effective rate on their incomes as anyone else. That's not unusual. However, it should be pointed out that for the same income, deductions, and exemptions, each American pays the same nominal rate--15%, 28% or 35% depending on the amount taxable income. The President and Mr. Buffett each know that. Each American pays the same effect capital gain rate--15%. The President and Mr. Buffett each know that.

So what can we say about the dissembling that the President and Mr. Buffet. They are spinning a class war. What they have said is untrue. Put more bluntly, at best they are spinning this idea for political gain--at worst, they lied for financial gain..

Ask Mr. Buffett how much he personally gained in the bailout of Goldman Sachs. I'm sure he would not have invested heavily in Goldman Sachs unless he had inside information that the federal government was going to ride to the rescue with many millions of mine and your money.

Mr. Buffett, if he thinks he is under taxed, can donate any amount he want to the IRS. For me, I plan to pay the minimum income tax required under law.

How about you? You want to pay more than what the law requires? Or would you rather see the President changed in November? You want to keep an Administration that throws away you money on GSA parites?

Wow! Not me!

Check out the city's web site.

The Place and Value of Urban Parks

Parks connect a community from where it has come from to where it is going. Parks may be defined by green spaces, or they may not even be carefully delineated. Parks may be more of an idea than a place. As such, do downtown parks have value for community?
A traditional view of parks may be related to recreational programs such as baseball, cheerleading, basketball, soccer, or football. Spaces (parks) for such programs are usually embraced by the public (even members of the public who do not use these spaces personally) because there is an obvious value in opportunities for the community’s children. Additionally, studies all across the United States tie higher property values to properties near traditional park space. A Boulder, Colorado study indicated that residential property values decreased by over $4 for every foot farther away from an urban green space.
The importance of meeting places helping define a community was aptly indicated in a letter to the editor of the News Herald in 1907 by Mr. W. O. Smith. “If you could, Mr. Editor, be out on the streets on days that it is too wet to work and on Saturdays and see the many people go in and out doing a great deal of trading and you would say that Dacula is a busy little place.”
In 1907, the urban park for Dacula was downtown Dacula and particularly that portion near the train depot. Unfortunately, the depot no longer exists and small-scale farming is only remembered, but Historic Downtown Dacula remains much the same.
As we jump forward over a century, life in Dacula is certainly different. The desires and needs of our residents remain. We want the best we can provide for our children. We want to have a good job, have a safe place to live, work, and play. Traditional parks help in those areas, but a newer view of urban parks points to the broader contributions they can make to the vitality of communities and their residents. For example, not everyone wants to participate in a sports program at a park. Those individuals might desire a less crowded and quieter environment.
In providing less conventional urban park space, a city broadens opportunities for residents including those which might connect current residents to those who labored for the same values and ideas in years past. Other meeting places from past years included area churches and the Dacula School.
Did you realize that there once was the Dacula Coronet Band made up entirely of eligible young Dacula gentlemen? I suspect that any performance of the Coronet Band was well attended by young Dacula ladies and by members of the public as well, and the concert was in essence an unconventional urban meeting place—a park.
How about a Suffragette Convention and a play, Laugh and the World Laughs With You, Weep and You Weep Alone? The right of women to vote was granted by the 19th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution in 1920. The Convention and play were held in Dacula in 1915 at the Dacula School Auditorium. The cast of the play was made up of the Grande dames of the city and the young ladies. Community meetings and community activism occurred all across the U. S. and right here in Dacula—sometimes in unconventional meeting spaces—urban parks.
Let’s not leave out the men of the community. How about a 3-day Horse Swapper’s Convention? We had one back in 1918. Where this Horse Convention was held is lost in the mysteries of time, but you can bet it drew a crowd—an unconventional park setting.
Our new downtown urban park connects us to the past. It helps recall those public areas that were used in the past and are now gone and brings to the future opportunities to mingle, meet, greet, argue, engage in world-changing activities, and, sometimes, to just get away from the work-a-day world. The yet-to-be-named park reminds us of our past and the folks who went about their daily lives and helped make the Dacula of the past into the Dacula which will be our future.
Dacula in 2012 is not that little place that W. O. Smith wrote about, but we strive to keep that feel. The music that the Coronet Band played might not be a modern sound, but I bet the tunes would still inspire. A play by the women folk about getting the right-to-vote might seem quaint, but activities held here helped change American society into what it is today.
That is the major value of our new urban park. It will help us understand where we came from and points us on our way to the future.
The to-be-named park helps us respect Dacula’s past and look forward to Dacula’s future.
To make a suggestion about an appropriate name for the park in Historic Downtown Dacula, please send me suggestions at mayordacula@att.net.

Your vote counts!

If you didn't vote early or today, shame on you! Voting is a civic duty and privilege--a privilege a lot of folks in our day and age would like to have. Lots of our blood has been shed trying to make those dreams come true in our own country and others.

You shame your heritage when you don't vote.

Your vote counts!

Presidential Preference Voting Under Way

Georgia's Presidential Preference election is under way. You can vote at the Dacula Activity Center on Old Auburn Road. Please take the time to find a presidential candidate you can support and vote for. This election is that important.

SOPA, Protect-IP, Hispan TV, Cordoba Television and You

If you are reading this blog post, you are an agent of change. Right now Congress is discussing and debating two bills, SOPA and Protect-IP, that will limit what you may do in the emerging area of blogging and free speech.

Stop Online Piracy (SOPA) and Protect-IP are both initiatives of the entertainment industry--yes the same industry that sued to stop production of the first VCR machinces.

Essentially, the industry wants the power (of government) used to stop any infringements of copyrighted materials, even those inadvertently put up on the internet. They want the government to impose sentences of up to 5 years imprisonment and thousands of dollars in fines for example if you upload a picture of your dog, and in the background a copyright song is playing.

Wow!

These two bills are racing through Congress, and if enacted, will put a damper on free speech, the Constitution be damned.

Well what about Hispan TV and Cordoba Television. They are new television networks located in Spain with the sole goal of spreading Muslim teachings to the Americas, both North and South.

Both these networks are dedicated to the destruction of the United States and you and me, simply because first we are Americans and secondly some of us are Christians.

What is the Obama administration doing to counter this propaganda. Absolutely, nothing.

As an agent of change, I am encouraging you to use your current freedom to contact your Congressional delegates and demand that they vote down SOPA and Protect-IP. Remember you are fighting corporations who believe they have the right to tell you how you can use your free speech right. They are big contributors to Congress, so take a minute to find your Congressman and Senator and drop them a couple of dollars too. Is that too cynical? I think not when I look at our current crop of movie and entertainment stars. Why in the world do young folks even consider them role models. If you want a role model, look for the person who builds up and doesn't tear down. Look for a role model who respects people, not for one who destroys. Look for kindness not cruelty. Look to you own faith tradition rather than be swayed by some radical TV network.

Get out there and make a difference.