Voiding Big Oil Tax Breaks

Gas has gone down 20 dollars a barrel in the last 3 or four months. Why do we still pay for much?

Answer: Why the hell not? There is no regulation for the tax companies, and there is no oversight. Remember back some year or two ago, when the oil companies made record profits? They claimed it was because people were driving more. Economists said it was because they charged people in advance of price increases (it takes months for oil to become gasoline, but the gas companies boost their price immediately after purchasing the oil for higher dollars per barrel). But the prices didn't go back down with barrel prices.

Whatever the reason, prices have gone up and with each increase the Bush Administration has REWARDED them with tax breaks, even though it did not show prices to drop. Shouldn't the oil industry pay taxes on the money they gauge from their consumer?

Finally they will. The Democrats have rescinded the Republican tax cuts, and are finally taxing them on the profits they have raked in over the past 2 years. Even if the Oil industry shoots up their price again, at least the ridiculous profits they earn will go back to the people who pay for them, and maybe the government can use the money to fund cost-effective alternative energy programs.

A New Majority - With a Minority that, Ironically, Hates Minorities

Today is the first day of the Democratic Majority. I shed a little tear of happiness when I woke up this morning, and ran outside to take the first breath of fresh air I've had in... Well, roughly 12 years. Give or take a day.

Representative John Boehner, Republican from Ohio, handed the gavel to Nancy Pelosi, and Pelosi took the gavel with open arms and beat Boehner in the head with it.

No, wait, that was just my imagination. Too bad. Anyway, in the spirit of bipartisanship, both of them argued with each other equally. So that's something. C-Span showcased a delightful exchange between house members about the ethics overhaul, where Republicans (Shock and Awe) said that banning gifts from lobbyists, etc., was awful for America.

Oh well, no one ever said progress was exciting, just that it was progress. I'm ready for Reid and Pelosi to "lay the smackdown."

A Look Back, at a Republican Controlled Congress

Saturday marked the end of a Republican majority in congress. I think we should take a moment to look back at what has been accomplished over these last 12 years.

Um... Anyone? Something Accomplished? Oh, there was that flag burning amendm..... no, wait, that didn't pass. They banned gay... no, no they didn't do that. They reduced the deficit - no. Well, at least they gave tax cuts to the wealthiest 1%, which although I am firmly against, I do hope to be one someday, so that will be a nice perk.

For those of you that don't know, under the new Bush tax cut, if I make $1,000,000, I save $30,210! That's a little over 3%!!!! Or, if you're one of those poor saps who makes only 45,000 a year, you save a whopping 226 dollars! 0.50% of your total income! Fantastic! Don't even get me started on how much you save if you make only 18,000 a year (hint: 50 male deers).

Wow, totally worth ruining the entire country. Do your own math here.

But let's really do a run-down of the things the Republican majority has accomplished. They pass the prescription drug plan, which I hear the elderly have finally begun to understand the choices. They also banned partial birth abortions. Which, again, are not things. They "Canned Spam" - tell that to my yahoo account.

There was "No child left behind." Although plenty of children do have no health care, but at least they're not left behind. Instead they are "held back." Totally different.

And last, but certainly least: The Sonny Bono Copyright Term Extension Act. Thank God, about freakin' time.

I can't wait until January 4th.