AVOIDING THE FISCAL CLIFF,ONE STEP at a TIME

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

 

The US House has voted on a bill to avoid the “fiscal cliff” that we’ve all been dreading. In a late night vote on Tuesday, the bill was approved with a  257-167 vote. Most Democrats approved while many Republicans did not, stating that there weren’t enough tax cuts in the bill. The bill will now go to President Obama’s desk for approval.

I’m no political analyst, but I do know that this would prevent middle-class taxes from going up but would raise rates on higher incomes. It would also block spending cuts for two months, extend unemployment benefits for the long-term jobless, prevent a 27 percent cut in fees for doctors who treat Medicare patients and prevent a spike in milk prices. I think all this is good for A START, but there is much more work to do.

 I think our lawmakers need to get themselves busy finding ways to cut spending starting with their own salaries, bonuses, insurance plans, “expense accounts” and other ways. I believe the salary of a president or any politician should not be for life, nor should we pay for traveling expenses unless they are directly related to the business of running this country. Vacations, campaigning, and personal events should have to be paid for out of pocket just like the rest of us. If we have to pay for our medical, dental and life insurance, so should all politicians. I would also like to see a nice, reasonable “cap” put on presidential libraries. In my opinion, there are SO many ways to make cuts that won’t hurt the American people and really isn’t unreasonable to ask of our politicians.

 As I said, I’m no expert, so here is some data from the Associated Press and Channel 13 News  explaining some of the details of the bill. (picture is from CSPAN)

 

- Income tax rates: Extends decade-old tax cuts on incomes up to $400,000 for individuals, $450,000 for couples. Earnings above those amounts would be taxed at a rate of 39.6 percent, up from the current 35 percent. Extends Clinton-era caps on itemized deductions and the phase-out of the personal exemption for individuals making more than $250,000 and couples earning more than $300,000.

- Estate tax: Estates would be taxed at a top rate of 40 percent, with the first $5 million in value exempted for individual estates and $10 million for family estates. In 2012, such estates were subject to a top rate of 35 percent.

- Capital gains, dividends: Taxes on capital gains and dividend income exceeding $400,000 for individuals and $450,000 for families would increase from 15 percent to 20 percent.

- Alternative minimum tax: Permanently addresses the alternative minimum tax and indexes it for inflation to prevent nearly 30 million middle- and upper-middle income taxpayers from being hit with higher tax bills averaging almost $3,000. The tax was originally designed to ensure that the wealthy did not avoid owing taxes by using loopholes.

- Other tax changes: Extends for five years Obama-sought expansions of the child tax credit, the earned income tax credit, and an up-to-$2,500 tax credit for college tuition. Also extends for one year accelerated "bonus" depreciation of business investments in new property and equipment, a tax credit for research and development costs and a tax credit for renewable energy such as wind-generated electricity.

- Unemployment benefits: Extends jobless benefits for the long-term unemployed for one year.

- Cuts in Medicare reimbursements to doctors: Blocks a 27 percent cut in Medicare payments to doctors for one year. The cut is the product of an obsolete 1997 budget formula.

- Social Security payroll tax cut: Allows a 2-percentage-point cut in the payroll tax first enacted two years ago to lapse, which restores the payroll tax to 6.2 percent.

- Across-the-board cuts: Delays for two months $109 billion worth of across-the-board spending cuts set to start striking the Pentagon and domestic agencies this week. Cost of $24 billion is divided between spending cuts and new revenues from rule changes on converting traditional individual retirement accounts into Roth IRAs.

 

BACK TO BEING A REPUBLICRAT!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

Here I go again- having an opinion that is part Republican and part Democrat.  ( http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/04/demlicans-or-repubicrats.html)

I nearly gave my husband a heart attack when I said "I agree with President Obama in that there should be a ban on assault weapons (except for police and military) and that no one in the general public should have access to armor piercing bullets! But, even though I'm a registered Republican, this is what I believe. I also agree that there is much to be done in the field of mental health and how we deal with it in this country. I'm hoping that this "task force" appointed by the President, will genuinely address these issues and not just "look into them".
I must also strongly disagree with the arming of teachers. Teachers are already asked to be mother, nurse, psychologist, babysitter, secretary, nutritionist and more. Why would we ask them to take on such an awesome responsibility of being bodyguard and police officer? As a former teacher and assistant principal, I can tell you that teachers are yearning for the days when we were actually allowed to TEACH! Now there is so little actual quality instructional time due to documentation, paperwork, fundraising, school photos, increase of special needs kids in the classroom, differentiated instruction, ... should I go on? Now you want to ask these teachers to carry a gun and learn how to shoot it?  This is insane! Whatever the cost, it would be much more effective to have an armed officer on campus who is thoroughly trained and experienced in dealing with emergency situations.
It was evident , as events unfolded in Sandy Hook Elementary School, that the teachers were well trained in what to do, and were willing to put their lives on the line for their students. How much more could you ask?
Now, here's the Republican in me speaking: We must protect the 2nd amendment and support the right to have a gun to protect ourselves and our loved ones, however, everyone should have to have a background check, take a training course, and people with a history of mental illness should not be able to have access to a gun (theirs or anyone elses.)
Again, it seems to me that there is a common ground for both sides of the table. I don't understand why politics places us at each others' throats! Life is full of compromise or give and take. Why can't we be that way politically?
Well, maybe it won't matter . If the Mayans are correct, we won't be arguing much longer! I'd better get this posted before the end comes and no one gets to read it!
Best Wishes,
Marion

POLICE OFFICER DOWN

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

A Jupiter, Florida Police Officer was killed today while escourting the President's Motorcade in West Palm Beach. Officer Bruce St.Laurent , a 20 year veteran of the force, was redirecting traffic on I95 when he was stuck by a Ford F150 pickup truck.
President Obama was informed of the tragedy as he touched down at Andrews Air Force Base.

Please join all of us at Delayed Reaction Lounge in praying for Officer St. Laurent's family,friends, and fellow officers, and offering them our deepest condolences. 

Sally Ride, American Hero, Dead at 61

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

National hero, Sally Ride, died of pancreatic cancer yesterday. Ride was a former astronaut and physicist. After her space flights, Ride continued to inspire young people all over the world through her company, Sally Ride Space.

Sally’s first space flight was aboard the shuttle Challenger on June 18, 1983. Her second, also on Challenger, was October 5, 1984, logging 343 hours in space. A third flight was cancelled when Challenger exploded in 1986. She was on the commission investigating that accident and later served on the panel for the 2003 Columbia shuttle accident, the only person on both boards. She also was on the president's committee of science advisers. Ride was a physicist, writer of five science books for children and president of her own company, which motivates youngsters to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math. She had also been a professor of physics at the University of California, San Diego.

"People around the world still recognize her name as the first American woman in space, and she took that title seriously even after departing NASA," Eileen Collins, the first female space shuttle commander, said in a statement. "She never sought media attention for herself, but rather focused on doing her normally outstanding job."

When Ride first launched into space, feminist icons such as Gloria Steinem and Jane Fonda were at Kennedy Space Center and many wore T-shirts alluding to the pop song with the refrain of the same name: "Ride, Sally Ride."

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, a former astronaut, said Ride "broke barriers with grace and professionalism -- and literally changed the face of America's space program."

"The nation has lost one of its finest leaders, teachers and explorers," he said in a statement.

One of Ride's last legacies was allowing middle school students to take their own pictures of the moon using cameras aboard NASA's twin Grail spacecraft in a project spearheaded by her company.

"Sally literally could have done anything with her life. She decided to devote her life to education and to inspiring young people. To me, that's such a powerful thing. It's extraordinarily admirable," said Maria Zuber, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology who heads the Grail mission.

Ride's obituary said she is survived by Tam O'Shaughnessy, her partner of 27 years and a co-founder of Sally Ride Science; her mother, Joyce; her sister, Bear, a niece; and a nephew.

"Today for the first time in my adult life I was ASHAMED of my country".

"On behalf of the President of the United States...."

MILITARY FUNERAL FLAG PRESENTATION PROTOCOL
A United States flag drapes the casket of deceased Service members and Veterans to honor their service to America. The flag is placed so that the blue field with stars is at the head and over the left shoulder of the deceased. After Taps has been played, the flag is carefully folded into the symbolic tri-cornered shape. A properly proportioned flag will fold 13 times on the triangles, representing the 13 original colonies. The folded flag is emblematic of the tri-cornered hat worn by the Patriots of the American Revolution. When folded, no red or white stripe is to be evident, leaving only the blue field with stars. The folded flag is then presented as a keepsake to the next of kin or an appropriate family member. Each branch of the Armed Forces uses its own wording for the presentation...

U.S. Army ... This flag is presented on behalf of a grateful nation and the United States Army as a token of appreciation for your loved one's honorable and faithful service.

U.S. Marine Corps ... On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Marine Corps, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and Corps.

U.S. Navy ... On behalf of the President of the United States and the Chief of Naval Operations, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to this Country and a grateful Navy.

U.S. Air Force ... On behalf of the President of the United States, the Department of the Air Force, and a grateful nation, we offer this flag for the faithful and dedicated service of rank and name of deceased.

U.S. Coast Guard ... On behalf of the President of the United States, the Commandant of the Coast Guard, and a grateful nation, please accept this flag as a symbol of our appreciation for your loved one's service to Country and the Coast Guard.

If the next of kin has expressed a religious preference or belief, add ... God bless you and this family, and God bless the United States of America.
And NOW there is this President’s amendment to the above.
Please read the following message:
Subject: MILITARY FUNERAL PROTOCOL

ANOTHER LIFE LOST, IT DIDN'T GET BETTER FOR JAMEY!

Marion Pellicano Ambrose



"I always say how bullied I am, but no one listens. What do I have to do people will listen to me?"



Once again, bullying takes a life! 14 year old Jamey Rodemeyer committed suicide on September 18^th. Jamey had been bullied for years because of his sexuality, but family and friends felt he was handling it extremely well. Jamey had posted his own “It Gets Better” video on YouTube quoting Lady Gaga and trying to encourage other bullied kids that they can get past the cruelty of others. Jamey started high school three weeks ago in Williamsville, NY, and apparently the bullying grew to the point where even this positive, forward looking teen could no longer stand the cruelty and indifference to his suffering. Look at just one of the many posts this young man was subjected to every day:

"JAMIE IS STUPID, GAY, FAT ANND [sic] UGLY. HE MUST DIE!" one post said, according to local reports. Another read, "I wouldn't care if you died. No one would. So just do it :) It would make everyone WAY more happier!"

Jamey, who was an avid Lady Gaga fan, had a collage of himself at different ages with Lady Gaga in the background. He quoted her on his “It Gets Better” video and even wrote the lyrics to one of her songs on his Facebook page the weekend he committed suicide. “Don’t forget me when I come crying to heaven’s door”.

Lady Gaga posted on Twitter and called for everyone to rally and bring an end to bullying . She wrote:

“The past days I’ve spent reflecting, crying, and yelling. I have so much anger, It is hard to feel love when cruelty takes someone’s life. Jamey Rodemeyer, 14 yrs old, took his life because of bullying. Bullying must become illegal. It is a hate crime."

Lady Gaga announced that she will be meeting with President Obama to discuss the problem stating that she will not stop fighting and that this generation has the power to end bullying. Lady Gaga herself had been a victim of bullying as a child and has been a strong advocate for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community.

"It didn't sink in with me how bullying affected me until later in my life. I knew that it affected me deeply but it wasn't until a little bit later that I realized how much it affect me and how much it was still very present," she said.

According to Tracy Rodemeyer, Jamey’s mom, Jamey will be buried Saturday in a Lady Gaga t-shirt which says: “Born This Way”.

Oddly enough, Jamey’s death coincides with a national summit this week sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C., an effort to stem the toll of bullying school children. Let’s hope and pray that the politicians, teachers, psychologists, and families present will work to end this practice and MAKE BULLYING A CRIME!

Information sources:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/22/lady-gaga-wants-to-make-bully-illegal_n_975653.html

http://abcnews.go.com/health/jamey-rodemeyer-suicide-ny-police-open-criminal-investigation/story?id=14580832

http://technorati.com/lifestyle/article/it-didnt-get-better-for-jamey/

THE JOBS ACT:OBAMA'S "NEW DEAL"?

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

I did not vote for President Obama and have had occasion to disagree with much of what he has done during his presidency, especially in the area of cutting military and defense. Tonight, however, I have to say that after listening to the President’s speech to Congress on the new Jobs Act, I agree with him and believe that this Act is a good start to restoring the economy and bringing  jobs to the thousands of Americans who have been put out of work. This $450 billion jobs plan will give an array of tax cuts to small businesses that hire or raise salaries of employees while reforming the corporate tax code and investing in infrastructure projects like rebuilding and repairing schools, bridges and highly traveled roadways. (Too bad it doesn't include the Space Program!)

Richard Trumka, president of the AFL-CIO who was a guest of Michelle Obama at the speech, called on Congress to pass the bill. "The plan announced by the president is only the opening bid," he said. "We expect to see more proposals in the next weeks and months to put America back to work."

Democratic response to the speech was very positive. Republicans agreed with parts of the Act but seem to question that it took nearly 3 years to come up with such an urgent plan, stating that the timing has more to do with the president trying to save his own job. While this may or may not be true, I think we need to look at the plan and decide if it can work, how will it be paid for, and can Democrats and Republicans put their own political agendas aside for the good of the American People!

What do you think? Do you support the plan or is it just a campaign tactic? Am I naïve in believing that Obama’s “New Deal” will help get America back on track?

DEALING WITH DEBT

Dawn Boyle

Emergency meetings going on to hammer out a deal about the debt America is in. President Obama wants the tax cuts on America's richest to expire. There are also entitlement issues to deal with on the other side of the isle. The deadline is August 2. We are about to run out of money. Checks might not be cut for social security. The stock market may dive. The chances of mortgages or loans be issued are doubtful. There is no way we can default. It will cause thousands of people to be layed off.

 Republicans and Democrats need to stay at that table and figure out this 4 trillion dollar debt. ROLL UP YOUR SLEEVES! GET IT DONE!!!!

This deficit is a crisis - if interest rates rise Americans are totally screwed!

LUNCH TIME POLL

Dawn Boyle

Now that Donald Trump has pulled himself out of the race for president after NBC announced it's fall line up (Donald makes a reported $6,000,000 for the season) who will be the Republican nominee?

Who do you think will step up to the plate?

Do you feel it's late in the game to actually make something happen?

Do you think that since Obama happens to be in office when Bin Laden is taken out that he is a shoe in for a second term?

LUNCH TIME POLL

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

I’ve been reading comments by individuals all over the country since President Obama released the news that he will not allow the pictures of Bin Laden’s corpse to be published. There are so many strong opinions on the matter and emotions run deep, for obvious reasons. Those of us who have some connection to people killed in the 9-11 attack masterminded by Bin Laden can’t help but feel that justice was done, but I wonder if we really need to see the graphic, gory photos to prove it.

I must admit, I disagree with the President on many issues, but I feel he is entirely correct in not releasing the photos. Why should we allow his followers to “enshrine” him with a photo that we would provide, marking him as a martyr? Our government has documented the death, used DNA to be sure it was actually the right target, and our amazing Navy Seals gave a full account. That should be enough for us.

People in our society, especially children, have become too desensitized to death. Violent death is a horrible, appalling thing, no matter who the victim, or in this case the target is. I agree, Bin Laden suffered the consequences of his actions, and rightly so, but must we lower ourselves to morbidly curious beings with no thought of the effect this photo will have on those who will see it?

I say let’s celebrate our brave service men and women instead. Print photos of Navy Seals and pilots and all those who played a major role in seeing that justice was done. Those are the kinds of pictures our children should be seeing, not corpses with part of their brain missing!

What do you think? Do you still feel the photos should be released? As I always say, all opinions should be heard and respected. Tell us how you feel... 

THE END OF SPACE TRAVEL

Marion Pellicano Ambrose

The White House announced that President Barack Obama and the First Family plan to attend the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour on Friday April 29^th. This will be the second to last mission for the cancelled shuttle program. The commander of the mission, Mark Kelly, wish of hoping his wife Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords will be able to attend the lift off looks promising. Giffords was shot through the head in January and has reportedly made amazing progress and may attend.  The Congresswoman, who served on the House Science and Technology Committee and took on NASA affairs while heading the space subcommittee, had made repeated attempts in the past to have the President attend a launch, but to no avail. When she was told he would be present on the 29^th she was said to have smiled and said “Awesome”.

Whether the people of the Space Coast and NASA employees will be as pleased at the President’s visit remains to be seen. United Space Alliance, who is the primary contractor for the shuttle, announced that 2,000 workers have been laid off. A total of 7,000 workers at Kennedy Space Center are expected to lose their jobs after the launch of the last shuttle, Atlantis, in June. When the President visited KSC about a year ago, he pledged to spend $40 million to provide new jobs for laid off shuttle workers. Unfortunately, funding is now uncertain as Congress and President Obama enact the recent budget deal that will fund the Federal Government through September. It looks like we’ll be hitching a ride with the Russians if we hope to continue participation in the work at the International Space Station.

How do you feel about the President’s cancellation of the Constellation Program?  If it were up to you, what would you do about America’s Space Program? Comment and let us know. (Opinions welcome, but please no trashing of people or parties. Thank you.)

While you’re thinking about it, check out one of our Lunch Time Polls: Are we really alone?

http://delayedreactionlounge.blogspot.com/2011/04/lunch-time-poll_21.html

GIVING CONCESSIONS - THE NEW "IT" THING TO DO

Tony Walker

If you read the newspapers or watch the news one topic that's being discussed everyday lately is union givebacks.... teachers, state workers, etc.... concessions, freezes, etc. It's got me shakin' my head!

When did concessions become the "it" thing to do?

This world gets scarier and scarier everyday. Why are concessions being the acceptable road? Why are hard working people expected to give concessions? We all fought hard for what we have. Now we have to fight about what we're giving back???

This line of thinking is what made paying for medical care acceptable. Remember when we didn't have to pay for medical benefits? It wasn't that long ago!!