Trader Steve's Blog » Politics

FairTax.org Launching Online Tax Revolt

admin — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 23:03:03 +0000

FairTax.org is launching the Online Tax Revolt: March for America that merges digital advocacy with grassroots activists who physically travel to Washington, D.C. for a tax protest on April 15th. For more information and sign up go to Online Tax Revolt.

HB 168 Passes Senate, Moves on to House

admin — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 20:22:33 +0000

Rep. Clay Cox introduced H.B. 168 in the legislative session to modernize the telecom industry and put tighter restrictions and end the Universal Access Fund. This bill would end the phone bill subsidies for rural customers in large metropolitan areas. The rural customers often paid much less for their services than customers in urban areas. The subsidy was hidden on the phone bills.

Action Needed – Broadcaster Freedom Act

admin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 23:13:25 +0000

Write to all of your federal officials at once!

Go to www.congress.org, enter your zip and select “Federal” under the “Write Your Elected Officials” heading. (Unselect the check box of those who you do not want to receive your note.)

To: US House Representative

Subject:

Tell Speaker Pelosi to Allow Full Vote on Broadcaster Freedom Amendment

Issue Area: Financial Services

Congressman Mike Pence and his fellow Congressman and free speech champion Greg Walden, will try to have the Broadcaster Freedom Act – which will help protect talk radio from Obama’s FCC – added as an amendment to the Financial Services budget bill on Tuesday.

But according to Congressman Pence, Speaker Pelosi won’t allow it - UNLESS WE DEMAND THAT SHE DOES SO.

As you may recall, the Broadcaster Freedom Act of 2009 would amend the Communications Act of 1934 to prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), from requiring broadcasters to arbitrarily present opposing viewpoints on controversial issues of public importance, commonly referred to as the Fairness Doctrine.

Please locate your Representatives phone number here (www.congressmerge.com) and call and fax them today, demanding that he or she tell Speaker Pelosi to allow a full, fair up or down vote on the Broadcaster Freedom Amendment. You may also contact them by email. However, a phone call will be more immediate and effective at this point.

The time is now to protect talk radio! Please, pick up the phone and start dialing right away. And don’t stop; we need you to call immediately.

Obama Will Destroy Healthcare by Dick Morris

admin — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:54:33 +0000

Congress Reconvenes next week

admin — Sat, 30 May 2009 22:52:09 +0000

Congress reconvenes next week. If you have not aready done so, makes sure you contact your congressman and encourage them to act on the following:

VOTE NO on the Waxman-Markey National Energy Tax (HR2454) or any “Cap and Trade” legislation by some other assumed name.

VOTE NO on “Universal Health Care”, or a “Government Health Insurance Option” or whatever name is used to try and fool the voters.

VOTE NO on any new taxes or any new spending.

VOTE YES on legislation that will truly CUT TAXES on workers and businesses, not a measly $13 per week for a working couple.

VOTE YES for a one year suspension of the payroll tax, lowering the federal corporate tax rate and suspending the tax on repatriated profits. That’s a real stimulus package!

President Obama’s nominee, Harold Koh, favors foreign law over U.S. law!

admin — Sat, 23 May 2009 15:19:19 +0000

Harold Koh has been nominated by President Obama to serve as the next Legal Adviser to the Department of State. However, Harold Koh is an outspoken believer in ”transnationalism”, the idea that AMERICAN courts should apply and honor the laws of other nations.

Koh favors foreign law over American law.

The State Department Legal Adviser is the voice of the United States around the world on international legal issues. Among other responsibilities, the Legal Adviser:

(1) is involved in the negotiation, drafting, and interpretation of treaties, U.N. Security Council resolutions, and General Assembly resolutions

(2) represents the United States in international negotiations, at international organizations, and before the International Court of Justice

(3) interprets and seeks to develop international law.

However:

Koh favors treaties and U.N. conferences that undermine American sovereignty
Koh’s positions handicap America’s efforts to defend itself
Koh’s positions would harm American businesses

Koh has already been through his confirmation hearing and was successfully voted on at the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, but has not yet been confirmed by the full U.S. Senate. A floor debate and vote is expected to take place in early to mid June, after Congress returns from the Memorial Day recess.

Please contact your U.S. Senators with the following message:

Please vote NO to the confirmation of Harold Koh as the next Legal Adviser to the Department of State. His radical views are a danger to America.

Fed Transparency Petition – From Zero Hedge

admin — Fri, 22 May 2009 20:14:50 +0000

And so it begins. Rep. Alan Grayson has distributed the letter below to all Democrats in the House and will use it to generate Democratic co-sponsorship for the HR1207 Bill, aka The Federal Reserve Transparency Act, allowing the GAO to audit the Federal Reserve, and also require a Fed report to Congress by the end of 2010.

This is the critical first step for U.S. Taxpayers to regain some semblance of control over the insanity that happens each and every day over at the Federal Reserve. The status quo must change.

Zero Hedge recommends all readers who believe in transparency and accountability join Glenn Greenwald, Naomi Klein, James K. Galbraith, Dean Baker, Bill Black, Tyler Durden, Yves Smith, US PIRG, Public Citizen, Mike Farrell, Digby, Rob Kuttner, Ian Welsh, Bill Greider, Stirling Newberry, ANWF, Les Leopold, Mike Lux and others in supporting Alan Grayson and asking Democratic members of Congress to cosponsor the Federal Reserve Transparency Act. Endorse your approval of the proposal and go to this site to sign the petition.
From Tyler Durden at Zero Hedge

Cap-and-Trade H.R. 2454 – Just Another Tax!

admin — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:53:47 +0000

The “cap-and-trade” legislation (HR2454) that is being pushed through congress by Chairman Henry Waxman (CA- D) is just another tax on the American people. Even President Obama has admitted that it is going to be an additional cost on every household and business in this country. It will cost the average American family anywhere from $700 to $3,000 a year depending on whose analysis you believe. I believe the $3000 estimate determined by a study conducted by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

It’s a tax! “Cap-and-trade” is just another tax and a huge expansion of government bureaucracy.

Bill: (HR2454) American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009

Summary of Bill: Cap and Tax Overview

Democrats have this legislation on a fast track hoping that the American people will not notice.

Please contact your Representative and both Senators with the following message:
Please vote NO on the upcoming ‘cap-and-trade’ legislation. We do not need another tax on the people of this country nor another government bureaucracy.

Please respond immediately! Congress has this bill on a fast track.

Bye Bye Pelosi by Dick Morris

admin — Tue, 19 May 2009 11:35:47 +0000

The undermining of Nancy Pelosi. We can only hope…

Governor Purdue VETOED HB 481

admin — Tue, 12 May 2009 18:57:43 +0000

Governor Purdue vetoed the J.O.B.S 2009 bill. The good news is that he did sign into effect HB482, a bill that eliminates ad valorem tax on business inventory.

Volunteers Needed for Georgia State GOP Convention

admin — Wed, 06 May 2009 20:59:34 +0000

Volunteers are needed for the Freedom Works booth at the GOP Convention in Savannah for May 15th and 16th. Volunteers are asked to work 2 hour shifts on Friday between 12:00 and 5:00 PM and on Saturday between 9:00 AM and 12:00. For more information contact:

Debbie Ellis-Dooley

debbie0040@yahoo.com

Cell 404-625-4986

J.O.B.S. Bill of 2009 – HB 481, HB 482 – Update

admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 11:40:34 +0000

The J.O.B.S. Bill of 2009 (HB 481) is now waiting for Governor Purdue’s signature. If you recall, HB 481, a bill that provides tax credits to employers for each unemployed person hired, suspends business “start up” fees for one year, and eliminates the state sales tax deposit, passed both the State House and the State Senate by overwhelming majorities. The accompanying bill, HB 482, which eliminates the state ad valorem tax on business inventory through a statewide referendum, also passed both the GA House and Senate. I encourage you to send Governor Purdue a note indicating that you hope he will sign the legislation.

Understanding the Fair Tax – Webinar

admin — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 23:07:52 +0000

Here is a webinar for those that have not been able to attend a Fair Tax meeting:

Understanding the Fair Tax

Obama’s Anti American Foreign Policy

admin — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 22:13:02 +0000

Recently after the O. Administration told Uribe that “they” had a drug problem and the US could not help out, Uribe threatened that they would solve their drug problem by legalizing and then “we” would have the problem. Kinda funny…Uribe should be one of our best allies.

GA GOP State Convention – May 15-16

admin — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:55:38 +0000

The GA GOP State Convention 2009 is going to be held in Savannah, GA; May 15-16 at the Westin Resort & Spa. For those interested in reserving a room at the hotel, call the hotel directly at 912.201.2000 and be sure to mention that you are with the Georgia Republican Party. The Hotel is directly adjacent to the Savannah International and Trade Center.

Governor Rick Perry joins support for HCR 50

admin — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 23:10:28 +0000

Governor Rick Perry just joined state Rep. Brandon Creighton and sponsors of the House Concurrent Resolution HCR 50 in the support of states. I am glad to see Perry stand out on this issue. Many people are in the belief that the federal government is way over in its “Constitutional” governance of the individual states. HCR 50 designates that all compulsory federal legislation that require states to comply under threat of civil or criminal penalties, or requires a state to pass legislation or loose federal funding, be prohibited or repealed.

Tax Day Tea Parties

admin — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 01:58:46 +0000

Tax Day Tea Parties number almost 2000 planned throughout the country. The message being sent to the Congress and the President is very simple, Stop the spending and suspend the Payroll tax…

Senate Bill 1 – Zero Based Budgeting

admin — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:19:00 +0000

Sen David Schafer’s SB 1 – Zero-Base Budgeting Act has passed the Senate and now sits in the House Rules Committee. It is important that we reach out and contact the members of this committee and urge them to pass this legislation. This needs to be done TODAY as the legislation session ends tomorrow. It will be then be passed out of committee so that the full Legislature can vote on it.

This legislation requires all spending be detailed in a budget and not just for new programs. Under the current system, once new spending programs are approved, they are automatically rolled over into succeeding state budgets under the line item, continuation. In this case, there is little focus on whether or not older programs are still needed.

House Rules Committee

Rep. Earl Ehrhart

Fair Tax "Save the Nation" Rally

admin — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 20:46:00 +0000

A series of rallies begin in April and the first Fair Tax Rally is at the Jacksonville Landing in Jacksonville, FL, which is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, from 12:30pm to 3:30pm. Several Fair Tax supporters whose names you may recognize will be there including Talk Master Neal Boortz and U.S. House Representative John Linder (R-GA).

The Great Flaw in the Geithner Plan Explained

admin — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 18:51:00 +0000

The problem with banks buying the assets from themselves…

How Obama Paralyzes Recovery by Dick Morris

admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:33:00 +0000

HB 481 Passes GA State Senate – Update

admin — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 22:04:00 +0000

The State Senate of Georgia has passed the J.O.B.S. Act of 2009 by a vote of 43 to 7.

For more info:

http://www.tradersteve.com/2009/03/ga-hb-481-hb-482-update.html

HR 1388 – Generations Invigorating Volunterism and Education

admin — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 19:40:00 +0000

HR 1388 Passes the House…

The actual text of the bill:

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-1388

Link to the status of the bill:

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?bill=h111-1388

House Bill 168 – Repeal the Universal Access Fund

admin — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 02:01:00 +0000

Update from Freedom Works Georgia:

FreedomWorks Georgia has been fighting hard to support H.B. 168, a bill to repeal the Universal Access Fund. The taxpayer funded slush fund has been used and abused leaving taxpayers on the hook for things like a $15,000 dinner and a $20,000 Christmas party!

The intent behind the creation of the Universal Access Fund was positive – keeping rural areas connected to digital services. Unfortunately, the money in the Universal Access Fund has been misused and abused, and has become a slush fund that is unaccountable to the taxpayers! Some of the proposed expenditures are similar to what occurred at the financial institution AIG.

For example, Georgia consumers are subsidizing independent telephone companies who do not meet their financial benchmarks. The 2008 audit of the fund found that one company actually used “their” taxpayer subsidy for a $15,000 dinner and a $20,000 Christmas party! Given the current economic climate, Georgia needs to save its money, or refund money to the taxpayers, not spend it on parties for employees of some businesses.

State Representative Clay Cox (District 102) worked to eliminate this waste of taxpayer dollars and after many letters, emails, phone calls, office visits, and hearings the bill passed the House 123 to 42.

This bill now is in the Senate and we need you to make phone calls to make sure it is voted out of committee next week. It is especially important to contact the Chairman and Vice Chairman of this committee so they will bring it before the committee to vote on next week.

Shafer, David (R-SS 48) Chairman

Johnson, Eric (R-SS 01) Vice Chairman

Harbison, Ed (D-SS 15) Secretary

Butler, Gloria S. (D-SS 55) Member

Henson, Steve (D-SS 41) Member

Hill, Jack (R-SS 04) Member

Moody, Dan (R-SS 56) Ex-Officio

Murphy, Jack (R-SS 27) Ex-Officio

Seabaugh, Mitch (R-SS 28) Member

Stoner, Doug (D-SS 06) Member

Tolleson, Ross (R-SS 20) Ex-Officio

Unterman, Renee S (R-SS 45) Member

Williams, Tommie (R-SS 19) Member gia:

GA HB 481 & HB 482 – Update

admin — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 23:46:00 +0000

The J.O.B.S. Act bill and the accompanying Ad Valorem Tax bill both moved to the GA State Senate for consideration after overwhelmingly passing in the State House last week.

This week, these bills cleared committee and will be voted on soon by the GA State Senate. If you have not already contacted your State Senator encouraging them to VOTE FOR the J.O.B.S Act of 2009 and the Ad Valorem Tax bill (Senate bill #’s not yet available), please do so immediately because the vote will likely take place within the next few days.

See below for more information:

http://www.tradersteve.com/2009/03/georgia-residents-action-needed-hb-481.html

GA State Senate email list

admin — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:27:00 +0000

The Georgia State Senate email list:

http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/senate/senatelist.php

The Georgia State Representatives email list:

http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2009_10/house/district.htm

Georgia Residents – Action Needed – HB 481 and HB 482

admin — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 13:28:00 +0000

The “Jobs, Opportunity and Business Success Act of 2009” has cleared the committee and will be voted on next week by the GA State House of Representatives. If you have not already contacted your state representative, please do so and urge them to VOTE FOR economic stimulus bills for Georgia.

The bill contains tax credits for businesses that hire unemployed people, elimination of the State inventory Tax on all Georgia businesses, elimination of the Sales Tax Deposit, and the gradual elimination of the Corporate Income Tax.

Go here to find out who your State Representative is:

http://sos.georgia.gov/elections/polllocator/PollLocator.aspx

Interesting bit

admin — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 15:26:00 +0000

The Administration’s preliminary budget came out and apparently they are adding over a trillion dollars. According to their numbers, they will have spent the amount that George W. spent in his 8 years in office (through 2 wars, 911, and tech bubble burst) in only the first 22 months and 11 days of Obama’s office. Amazing…

HR 767 US National Healthcare Act – Effect on Traders

admin — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 20:39:00 +0000

It’s no wonder the markets don’t respond well to the Administration. Here’s an informative article:

http://www.greenfaucet.com/the-market/new-trading-tax-to-pay-for-universal-healthcare/58686

The main link:

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-676&version=ih&nid=t0%3Aih%3A173

I would advise that everyone contact your Representatives/Senators. You can find instructions to do so online in my previous post:

http://www.tradersteve.com/2009/02/it-looks-as-though-government-is-trying.html

HR 1068 Proposed Change Internal Revenue Code – Securities

admin — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 01:06:00 +0000

The government is trying to change taxation on your futures transactions:

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h111-1068

Use this link to vote against the proposed bill:

http://www.rallycongress.com/no2tradertax/1536/tell-congres-to-block-trader-tax/

Reach out and let you Representatives/Senators know what you think!

It’s easy to do online:

Congressional Contact Info

With today’s technology, many Members of Congress do not even accept “old fashioned” email anymore. Rather, they utilize an internet-based “web form” system of communications. Below you will find links to a few sites that we have found to be useful. Simply choose the site that works best for you.

This is the Official website of the United States Senate. When sending your message you will be asked to:

1.Select your home state under “Find Your Senators” and click “GO”

(top right corner of page).

2.Click on “Web form” link under Senator’s name.

3.Complete contact info section and write your message.

The Official website of the United States House of Representatives. Here, you can send a message using the web form for your specific Representative. All you need is your full 9-digit zip code which can be found on your drivers license, junk mail, or a utility bill. When sending your message you will be asked to:

1. Select your home state and enter your 9-digit zip code.

2. Complete the steps in the form (contact info., etc.) 3. Write your message.

A link to the web form for President Obama. Simply fill in your contact information and write your message.