April 10, 2008: Jokes, Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is, Pigs
Thursday, 10 April 2008 19:00
Friday, April 11th, 2008
Jokes: Within last week's laptop message was a line where, in reference to computers not recognizing a new e-mail address, I said " ..your computer (being even less smart than most liberals)." I received several responses from self-described liberals who were offended by this remark. First of all, I want to apologize to anyone who took offense at this remark because I did not intend to insult or offend anyone. That's because it was a joke.
I could write this missive in a dry manner each week in order to avoid even the pretense of offense to anyone. But I would be bored writing it and you would probably be bored reading it. So, I try to mix in a little humor and wit now and then. I have always believed that one must work hard, play hard, and laugh at yourself and everyone else. We do serious business in Washington, and I think we do it better if we don't take ourselves quite so seriously. So, I will not stop making light of things in these writings when I can. And if I offend you, I offer a preemptive apology now in advance.
So now, this conservative will make his way back to his gun safe while trying to keep my knuckles from scratching the floor as they drag along it.
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is: Earlier this week, Senator Hillary Clinton said "We didn't ask for George Bush's tax cuts. We didn't want them and we didn't need them." Earlier this year, Warren Buffett testified before Congress saying in part "I think we need to....take a little more out of the hides of guys like me." Barbara Streisand once said "Republicans cater to the rich. I'd rather pay more taxes, see social reform, health care and research for AIDS."
All of these people could have voluntarily paid more in taxes. But they chose not to. Maybe that's because it is not easy or clear how you can pay extra taxes if you want to.
I am here to help. This week, I introduced the "Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is Act." Under this bill, a line would be added to the tax form 1040 which would easily allow you to add as much additional tax as you would like over the amount that has been computed. Furthermore, you can call for the money to be spent rather than just applied to pay down the deficit. Under this bill, all those people who want to see the Bush tax cuts repealed could easily pay that extra tax. After all, shouldn't they lead by example?
Yep, the Clintons, Obamas, Streisand, Buffett, Charlie Rangel can all pay more tax to show us they mean it and they can fund their favorite earmarks or whatever Congress wants to fund with that money.
Just don't ask the rest of us, through government fiat, to pay what you want to pay and fund what you want to fund.
By the way, Senator Clinton was invited to the press conference we had to introduce this bill. I didn't see her there. Maybe her "check got lost in the mail?"
Pigs: Last week, Citizens Against Government Waste introduced their annual "Pig Book" with all of the worst "pork" and worst "porkers" in Congress. I could tell you about it in writing here, but I appeared on Fox News last Sunday to talk about it. So, here is that 5 minute clip about what's in the "Pig Book" and what it means. Oink.
Until next week, I remain respectfully,
Congressman John Campbell
