I am amazed that this publication would bash the President. I am for people paying their fairshare of taxes and the Republican canidate giving full disclosure of how much money they have in offshore holdings. I am the middle class that gets burned everytime a Republican gets into office so you misguided people need to read up on the issues and see just what policies were in place before Obama got elected that the Republicans are blaming him for I will sit down and debate any American on Republican views and how out of touch you really are.

Tax reform, in order to be "fair", should provide that every U.S. worker receiving a W-2 with income above a set poverty rate have some skin in the game. The rate should be the same regardless of level of income (above the set poverty rate). The goal should then be to pull up anyone at the poverty level or below so they too can take pride in being a part of providing funding the government of our great country to responsibly tend to the laws, defense and infrastructure as allowed by the Constitution.

The FairTax...HR25

This is true, meaningful tax reform that places the burden of taxation back into the hands of Americans...

All profits are reasonable, so long as there is competition and not an artificial monopoly.

Tim Thomas is now among my heroes. If only more people would let this President know how unpopular he truly is, ... well, I guess it would make no difference to the narcissist.

Horray for Tim Thomas. I'd do the same. Too bad more Americans don't do the same.

Along with a flat tax, I would encourage a requirement that one must prove they actually pay federal income tax, or they cannot vote. Time to stop the marxist useful idiots from voting themselves other productive citizens hard earned income. Stop legalized theft. The same standard should be enforced at the state level. No pay, no play!

i firmly stand behind tim thomas in his decision to stay away from the whoite house . he is protesting the way washington politics works, or not works according to viewpoint. god bless him for the stand!!!!!! god bless america!!!!!!

I agree traveller1861. To take tax out of our incomes is nothing but legalized theft. It is just wrong wrong wrong. It is the modern day equivalent of slavery. It does not matter what the money is used for. It's use does not jusfify its theft. People will say that tax money should be used for the less fortunate. Under that logic, it's ok for a mugger to rob you on the street as long as he really needs the money to pay rent/feed his kids. Wrong! It's just plain wrong to rob someone no matter what the robber plans to use the money for. A fair tax which is a consumption based tax is what is needeed INSTEAD of the income tax. That way everyone pays the same rate, illegals, poor, rich people, everyone.

We ought to go to a simple, across-the-board tax rate, 15% for everyone, and get rid of the rest of the tax code. Not only would this boost the economy by pumping more money into the coffers for investment, consider how much extra money could then be used for investment in the system that had previously had to be used to deal with an overly complex tax system? The downside? Lots of tax lawyers would suddenly be put out of business, but to paraphrase Hillary Clinton, they're smart, they could figure out a new line of employment.

Phoenix airport security check. Three lines, all with at least 20 people in them. 25 agents, I counted, standing around chatting, laughing, and occasionally deciding which 85 year old Chinese grandmother needed a pat down. Oh did I tell you I ran to my connecting flight's gate as the door was being closed.

HE SHOULD BE COMMENDED.

Good for Tim! I am glad he stood up for what he believed and decided not to go. I wouldn't have went either.

Class warfare never gets tired. It's one of the most effective forms of rhetoric. The truth is that you fight the war or lose it. 47% of Americans pay NO share of federal income tax. Is THAT fair? Fight and lose, fight and win. Don't fight and you'll lose anyway.

I believe ths Court erred in their opinion on GPS trackers. How can they say that there is an expectation of privacy, when the police used to follow cars for years with no warrant needed. Now instead of cost effective digital surveillance, there will be a rise an overtime costs as police with reasonable suspicion will conduct real time surveillance as they try to establish probable cause, the standard needed for a search or arrest warrant.

On a second note, this is the second time you have taken an unfair jab at police officers. Maybe you should do the job for a few years and see whats its like before commenting on what we do.

Milton Friedman said: “The most important single central fact about a free market is that no exchange takes place unless both parties benefit.” If either party makes a profit then that profit is reasonable.

Similarly, how can a corporation be "greedy?" The term is strictly ad hominem. A corporation is organized "for profit" when its peaceful purpose is to sell product or service to willing buyers and make money for its shareholders. To accuse a corporation of "greed" when it succeeds at its dedicated task is on a par with accusing a successful NFL franchise of "greed" when it wins the Super Bowl.

If Newt is the chosen candidate I stand with Bob Dole who seems to be one of the few who identifies the problems of Gingrich. The Republicans are sinking with their list of poorly chosen candidates. Looks like an incumbents year.

Of course it was the correct move for Mr Thomas to exercise his right as a citizen to not go where he was invited. Obama is the president not a KING.

I don't believe senator Paul was a victim of 'random' passenger scanning at all. Senator Paul's speaking schedule can be found on the internet and those opposed to Pro Life could easily have influenced the 'brown shirts' to be sure he wasn't able to make his scheduled flight.

Tim...attaboy....Obama is a sleaze and defames the Office of President. He ignores or openly defies the Constitution almost every time he opens his mouth. Tim is the star here and who he shares his fame and spotlight with should be his decision...and why would anybody else think otherwise?

The FAIR TAX is the most viable tax change proposed. It includes:

A "prebate" or help for those below poverty.

Elimination of professional tax filing fees.

Elimination of taxes built into retail prices.

Elimination of the IRS.

Best of all, it captures taxes on illegal and underground income when those gains are spent at retail. While not condoning that employment it is a large money stream presently tax exempt.

Obama could take a lesson in what it means to be a man of principles. Hooray for Tim.

Tim was right not to go. He is probably waiting for a real President who is actually a natural born citizen.

If Mr. Thomas did not want to visit the White House, that is his right as a citizen of a free country. If this regime in Washington keeps on, it will not be free much longer!!

I side with Tim. I think he made a good call to not visit with Team Obama.

@ Mike

If it was a connecting flight you should not have needed to go through screening.

Beating up on TSA is ok if you are correct. A lot of these stories have BIG holes in them.

Yes. Obviously Tim's beliefs are dear to him and he's man enough to live them. Personally, I wouldn't cross the street to shake Obama's hand.

Tim is the second sports celebrity to do refuse to go to the white house. Ask Tony from the STL Cards.

This country lives in anxiety and fear from our own tax collection system, they are a formidable police force fraught with error, charged with enforcing a million pages of law that contradicts itself about every other page, it favors us by class income and allows 47% of the population to forego fed income tax. This kind of social manipulation has to cease.

The progressive tax system is a nightmare, it causes class warfare and burdens the productive part of our society and enables other to avoid contribution, it has outlived it's day. Time to change, not only the tax system but a lot of other issues we need to address. A fair tax would work like a national sales tax, this does not include a VAT which would be self defeating. This sales tax could be put on the national ballot every ten years and those elected to maintain a budget would know the limits of their responsibility without question. If they could not make their case there would be little reason to question the collective vote and conform the outlay according to the income. Repair and maintenance for this Constitutional Republic was never intended to be easy, it is necessary, it will preserve this Republic.

It should look like the "Fair Tax", abolishing the 16th Amendment, and structuring our taxes around polices that rewards savings while taxing spending. The IRS goes away and so does the wasteful spending from individuals and business required because of our current tax codes. It also takes taxes totally out of the hands of goverment and our croney capitalists. The poor remain untaxed, the rich and those who spend the most pay more, and more individual and corporate decisions are made on economic risk and reward than on tax deductions or buying political favoritism.

RE:Excerpt from Washington Post comment (Alpha Jackass Award)...

"...to keep these weapons out of the hands of dangerous or dangerously unstable individuals."

Such as the Mexican Drug Cartels, via "Fast & Furious" ?

Keep taxes low for low earners. We are on limited fixed income. As Civil Service retiree the government, thanks to Bill Clinton, I draw only $226 a month...a MONTH... in social security. I drive by the SS office and see a line of people waiting to go in and very seldom do I see a senior citizen. Why can't I get what I earned instead of those who have not earned it getting it??? Anyone making below $40,000 in this day and time should have to pay no taxes at all. Period!!

The only tax reform that will last must take away the code and most of the IRS. As long as Congress has the code and a big enforcement arm, it will use them as a weapon to manipulate us. Tax consumption, not income, and especially not savings. Keep the money in the economy and out of the hands of government. The fair tax is the only long term viable solution.

As far as this fiasco about Buffett and Romney, Buffett has an abnormal need to be in the spotlight. It is unfortunate that he is a tax illiterate like our president. I don't know anything about nuclear physics or home construction, but I don't write articles about them or put my ignorance in front of a camera or microphone. I have prepared or reviewed about 10 thousand tax returns, however, as a CPA and am appalled at the number of folks who seem determined to opine on a subject they know virtually nothing about. I don't blame anybody for knowing the byzantine tax code, but I do blame them when they put that ignorance on display.

The last I heard this was a free country. We can chose where wo go or don 't go. I never heard he had anything against Obama, just big government. Until Obama succeeds, this is a free country.

invest in soylent green, the future under the 2nd obama administration, the green future...

Not only was he right but the golfer in chief should be on his knees apologizing to him and this nation for lying about his eligibility, subverting the constitution, dismissing his oath of office, murdering border guards in fast and furious anti 2nd amendment treason, etc etc. This dirt bag should be imprisoned at least and tried for treason and hung if there were nay justice.

It is not true that Warren Buffet and Mitt Romney are taxed at a lower rate than the rest of us. What people forget, don’t understand or deliberately ignore is that investment income is taxed twice. First the companies in which the investor is a part owner (stockholder) are taxed at about the highest corporate tax rate in the world, around 35%, on their income. (Japan is higher, but is lowering its rates.) Then they distributed the profits that were left after that tax to the stockholders, who are taxed again on the same money at the 15% capital gains tax rate. These profits are the investor's reward for taking the risk to invest in job creating companies. It isn’t just Romney and Buffet who pay this double tax rate. If you own stocks or mutual funds in your IRA, 401K or in a pension plan, you’re being hit twice too, reducing your retirement income. Meanwhile the President is saying you “aren’t paying your fair share,” we must raise tax rates—I suppose to discourage investment in the private sector so all jobs become government union jobs. I will link to this from my Old Jarhead blog.

Robert A. Hall

Author: The Coming Collapse of the American Republic

All royalties go to help wounded veterans

For a free PDF of my book, write tartanmarine(at)gmail.com

Could you give an opinion, or at least a summary of 0bama's Georgia eligibility case? The MSM, all of them, have be absolutely silent about it. Seems like SOMEONE would be interested since it's the first time anything questioning 0bama's past or qualifications has been entered into court records. Maybe more folks than just Georgians might like to hear about it. I usually trust you to tell me what others quash, so how about it?

I am so sick of Warren Buffet. If he thinks he does not pay enough in taxes, he is welcome to write a check-a BIG one! In fact, why doesn't he just either give it all to Obummer or to his secretary?! He speaks with forked tongue-all this while his rail line is standing to make billions by Obummer's rejection of the Trans Canada Pipeline! He is completely controlled by George Soros & Warren Buffett! Isn't it funny that Buffett made his billions by himself, but now does not want anyone else to be able to do the same thing! I do not understand what happens to the likes of Bill Gates, Buffett, Ted Turner et al except that once they get to the top they decide they do not want to share that pinnacle with anyone else. I would love to hear a self made billionaire speak out who wants to encourage others through the free market opportunities!!

In order to give credence to "reasonable profit" we need to have a bit of introspect and ask, "Are we a moral people?"

Many times in the growing of this nation those who made great profit also gave large contributions in many ways back to communities and causes, they felt the moral obligation of community and understood the benefit of give and recieve, a reputation was all important and a social concious was a obligation that would impact.

Government is a animal that will grow and consume and it will use the ends to justify the means as it develops from a useful entity to a all powerful one. What we have now is a loss of our moral compass and our large, costly agenda driven government has encraoched upon the morality aspect and infected our social concious by choosing uncontrolled growth thus pushing moral behavior aside. In order to justify a reasonable profit a moral compass is needed.

what did Obama do on National Day of Prayer? Wait, do we still have such a day?

Taxes could be so easy. No deductions, no breaks, flat rates across the board for EVERYONE. Eliminate those who do not pay anything or get back double what they paid in. Then the IRS could be downsized!!!

A flat tax of 5%. Economics 101 taught me in college that that was what a government needs to operate.

To achieve that government giveaways would have to cease.

Tax reform should look like EVERYBODY who earns money should pay 18% of their [ reform tax code, read eliminate lobbyists]income, that would be fair. But that would be too simple as congress doesn't deal in simplicity.

Good stuff Thomas! If we stop playing the game will end!!!!

Was Thomas right to skip the White House?

You bet he was. It was his choice and I really don't blame him one bit. BO is a joke.

Tim Thomas is a true American hero. He stood up for his principles instead of bowing down to the Marxist Obama.

Jan Brewer for president !

As usual, this week's editorial (Class Warfare Dominates Tax Debate)hit the nail on the head. Well written and easily understood it boiled down the debate into easily swallowed mouthfuls.

I would like to suggest however, that when writing, the fine folks at The Patriot Post refer to our Commander-in-Chief as President Obama rather than Obama.....here's why. Regardless of who's in office or whether or not we agree with them, the position commands respect, even when the individual might not. Referring to the President by his last name is disrespectful to the office and robs our system of its dignity.

Basic respect is just one of the qualities that differentiates us from our liberal colleagues who use name calling and smear to advance their positions when logic, reason, and common sense will not. This used to be taught in civics class, but alas, such knowledge is now the forbidden fruit.

Than you for your consideration of my request.

Sincerely,

Jerry Morton

In this country we still are allowed to follow the dictates of our conscious and this occupier in the WH is no more equal than any other citizen. To not be in his presence is a matter of choice, just as this man who sits in the chair of the POTUS choose disregard the Georgia courts legal request that he appear and give credence to his birth status as a natural born citizen in order to qualify as a legal presidential candidate. The same will be asked of all other candidates who wish to collect the electoral votes of the state of georgia.

My hat goes off to Tim Thomas, for his strength of character to stick to his values and beliefs and participate with this pandering president.

Tim Thomas is fully within his rights to decline an invitation to the White House, whether it comes from B.O. or any president. Obviously, Tim has some serious reservations about our current Head of State and is choosing not to violate his personal convictions.

Let's see. What is 'reasonable profit'? We have several recent examples of 'no profit' even when underwritten by the Feds (Solyndra, et.al.). When a product has demand (sales) exceeding expenses, that is 'reasonable profit'. The free market determines demand or lack thereof. In the capitalistic system there is no 'windfall profit.' On the demand side, no one is being forced to buy a given product. Competition, or the lack thereof, controls prices. Keep in mind, whenever the government meddles in any part of the free enterprise system, this meddling skews the outcome, always to the detriment of the demand side(higher prices) and to the supply side (more regulation).

If people are against the money in the nation, why don't they give up their welfare. It comes from money (taxes) that fat cats pay to government. To make tax fair, every one should pay 10-15 percent of what ever they purchase. be it General Motors or the granny on welfare. Let every one pay their fair share, if this is what is wanted. If you don't like the fat cats, get out and make billions for yourself, no one is stopping you but yourself.

The White House is not a castle and Obummer is not a king!

Per Bob Dole nobody who served with Newt in congress has endorsed him. To me that is a real plus as congress has been,for the most part, a worthless pack of self-serving, spineless lackys.

Thomas has every right to not go to the White House.

He most certainly was right! He, or ANY citizen has the right to refuse to associate with whomever he, or she, chooses. This man not only has that right, he also has the responsibility to himself, to do what he feels is right and proper. I would have done the same, except I'd have refused to meet with the obummers, specifically.

Being a Goaly,Thomas is used to blocking slap shots.Blocking slap shots from the half-shot,is priceless!

It is his RIGHT,to not visit anyone.

Kudos to Thomas for standing by his principles. Way to go. It takes guts and courage to stand by what you believe.

Tim Thomas was one hundred percent correct in his actions. I would have done the exact same thing. It is a great thing to see an American stand up for his/her convictions in the face of unwarranted criticism. Our politicians of all stripes could learn from this action.

So while reading the digest today, a question crossed my mind. Whatever came of that oath accountability suit? Haven't heard a word in months.

10% (?) PAID BY ALL. NO loopholes for anybody.

The Fair Tax is the perfect example of what tax reform should look like. It cerainly levels the playing field. No class warfare here.

A few years back I was flying out of San Diego, a huge military city. In front of me was an OBVIOUS young Marine (not in uniform) with his wife and child in a stroller. The TSA agents made them go off to the side and strip everything they were carrying. Turn the stroller upside down and empty it completely. Watching this while I was going thru security I wanted to stop and say, "what's wrong with you agents? Why don't you spend your time looking at real threats?" BUT then I said to myself, NO, don't or you will then get the wrath of the TSA Agents. I was actually afraid of causing them to then focus on me and possibly take their anger out on me another innocent traveler. Did I mention while they spent about ten or fifteen minutes on this OBVIOUS Marine there were several men that breezed through security that looked like possible persons that would fall in the Arabic decendent category. I wanted to scream but my other side of me said, NO DON"T BE FOOLISH.!! They will strong arm you next.!!

My experience with the TSA:

I was on my way home from my Father's funeral in MS. I boarded a small commuter flight in Pearl and went through the scanner there and my luggage was also gone through. When I arrived at the hub airport (I can't remember which one it was now) I departed the commuter, entered a door into the main waiting area and walked a few paces to the next door area waiting for the plane home. While standing in line to enter the plane I could see the ticket taker looking down the line of people and bobbing his head like he was counting. Sure enough, that is exactly what he was doing and picking the randomly numbered people out of line, of which I was one. I was made to stand, arms and legs akimbo in front of everyone while they ran a scanner over my whole body, up inside my legs, arm pits, etc., and my purse (my only carry on) was gone through. Well, I am a caucasion, great-grandmother and in line in front of me was a number of obviously Middle Eastern people who were granted entrance to the plane without a by-your-leave. I was mortified and humiliated but I kept my mouth shut because I had heard the horror stories of people who objected. I am just glad that I did not have any medical problems or apparatus on my person to cause them to further humiliate me. Until things change I will not fly again unless I have no choice.

If all of the figures pan out as the studies have shown, the Fair Tax is the only way to go. There is not enough space to show all the reasons why. It is probably 100 to 1 on why that is the best way to go.

Absolutely! Way to go Tim Thomas, I'm glad to see an all-star athlete stand up for what he believes in a respectful manner. In Denver we have Tim Tebow, congrats Boston, your Tim is every bit as courageous!

I am not convinced that "Tax Reform" is needed at all. If anything reform of the corporate tax structure might make sense in order to achieve comparability with competing countries.

The individual tax structure while complicated seems to be fairly straight forward with certain activities encouraged through deductions. Certainly home wnership & charitable contributions are worth encouraging. I would favor putin all medical deductions on an even keel by permiting a credit for self purchased health insurance equivalent to the tax status of employer provided insurance. I would also radically change k-12 education in this country by permitting deduction on State returns of private school tuition. Not only would the public schools benefit from more competition and parental choice be enhanced but the unfairness of requiring those parents who care enough to send their children to private schools to pay twice would end. Education and morality will improve if we adopt a more balanced view of how to provide education to the nations children.

The only other change I would favor is to require all working adults to contribute. We have half the countries workforce contributing nothing or in fact realizing negative income taxes. This is not sustainable.

My daughter accidentally walked through security with pepper spray on her keychain and they never even caught it!!! Gee, their system really works well.

As a rule I try not to be 'over the top' about Political commentaries, But You People "ROCK"!! I Love how you discern and decimate the news!! 'Us' lowly ones, who hang onto our religion and guns, need you badly to speak on our behalf. Thank YOU!!

C. Wolney

Judicial Benchmarks: Court Rules GPS Tracking Must Have Warrant

I don't believe this is a fourth amendment issue. It's a fiscal issue for police, that's all. It is entirely legal for a police surveillance team to follow someone on public streets and highways to corroborate information on criminal activities, or in order to build a criminal case. GPS trackers just saved time and the cost of doing it with a team of officers, that's all. Requiring a warrant for a GPS tracker, but not for a surveillance team, mskes it more difficult for police. Score one for crooks, not the 4th amendment.

It's a little strange that there's no mention of Al, oh excuse me, Rev Al Sharpton's tax debt of $3 million or so, which I guess is okay. If only that cheapskate Romney'd pay up like he should they wouldn't need poor Al's money.

Heard some clown on tv least night complaining about all the money Romney had given to charity to, "get out of paying taxes on the money". The fact that he used the money for charities didn't enter the moron's head, but Monica Crowley responded that maybe he trusted the charities more than the government. Which is not a strange thought at all.

It's his right, and he's right to exercise it. He should run for office.

The question posed, "Was he right or wrong to skip the White house visit" has no standing. There is no right or wrong, it is simply his "Right".

Just a couple of observances. Actually what Obama meant to say was Bush made me say I made mistakes every hour and everyday. I am sick of this double standard, going back a few years, has anyone wondered by George Bush got raked over the coals and the Democrats even resorted to producing phony documents. Did anyone wonder why John Kerry didn't produce all of his military and military medical records. with that said, I've always wondered if John Kerry's name was on Clinton's pardon list.

A reasonable profit is any that is made legally and honestly. Porfit is the measure of the value created -- the ability of an individual or firm to produce goods and services that people want, and do it at a cost that is lower than the price receeived.

Re: Judy Wilson, I would be glad to debate my views and how out of touch I may (or may not) be. May I assume you want a reasoned debate and not just a hissy fit with a bunch of name calling? A lot of people are upset with the Republicans as well as the Democrats!

My favorite TSA experience is not flying anywhere. I am not bothered by these maroons. The excuses for ineptitude these clowns come up with reminds me of what the Nazis on trial at Neuremburg said about their transgressions: "I was just following orders." If we employed the Israeli security system, there would be no need for TSA. They never let the unsuitables get to the airport in the first place. This would likely cost much less money for us, therefore we couldn't do it. I'd like to see Obama undergo a full body scan everytime he hops on Air Force One to go somewhere.

Re GPS decision.

The majority clearly has the better and more direct reasoning. " Effects" is the word of the Constitution and the word means personal property according to my dictionary. A car is personal property. So are a lot of other things. The whole concept of a right of privacy is a pure judicial construction, unsupported by any language in the Constitution. It is a remarkable stretch to create a right to privacy out of a" right of the people to be secure in their persons." To rest a decision finding that GPS surveillance is unconstitutional on the basis that such surveillance violates a " reasonable expectation of privacy" How many cases will be litigated over the words "reasonable expectation of privacy"? Who has the expectation, was the expectation reasonably held by the plaintiff? What evidence can be probative of this expectation and its reasonableness. Is it a factual issue in every case to be tried by a jury?

Or will the Supreme Court make the factual determination in every case, not on the basis of whether the conduct constituted an unreasonable search, but on whether the conduct whether or not an unreasonable search constitutes a violation of an reasonable expectancy of privacy. If there is an unreasonable search or seizure, you never have to get to the privacy issue.

Full body scan on Obama, take away the body armor not much left, What would be revealing however, would be just one itsy bitsy water boarding.

Of course Goalie Thomas was within his rights to not go to the White House. We do not live in a "Command Performance" society, and the Fed cannot mandate everything we do or believe. If you choose not to have a Bud Lite with Obama, it's your choice. The sports writers are also a sorry lot, a bunch of "suck-ups" and "Brown Noses."

When figures do not tell the whole story:

"According to the Congressional Budget Office, however, the top 1 percent already pays 29.5 percent when all federal taxes are accounted for, while the middle class pays 15.1 percent."

Yes, but what it the total amount of tax money paid by the 1% compared to the total amount of money paid by the 99%? Or, to ask it differently, what percentage of their total income did the 1% pay in taxes compared to the percentage paid by middle class incomes?

As to tax structure. We have seen many good ideas brought forward and defeated by special interests. Cain's 999 is not a bad start.

When a child misuses a toy to make life miserable for a sibling, a good parent will take away the toy. When politicians misuse the privilege of levying income taxes to make life more difficult for particular groups of people, it's time for the people to take away the 16th Amendment. Make sure your Congressperson is on board to do this!

A national sales excise tax with exemptions for essential goods (food, clothing, utilities, etc.) should be sufficient to support a reasonably sized federal government. This would be uniform, but would not unduly affect the poor (a poor person shouldn't be buying many luxury items). The wealthy will pay more simply because they purchase more luxuries. It would be simple, cheap to administer and relatively non-invasive; the only people who have to file tax returns are the merchants. What's not to like, unless you're a politician who likes to twist people around with tax rules?

One final note, this time to Kathleen Sibelius. When you start telling religious folks what to believe and do or not, you tread on the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States. If I were you, Honey, I'd go to Confession and get straight with the Lord, or, when the time comes, it will be a "Hot time in the old town tonight!"

Not a question whether it was right or wrong! Anyone should be free to accept or reject an invitation no matter who offers it. Hurray for standing up for his beliefs. Too many of us are hypocrits when it comes to acting out our beliefs.

To "Judy Wilson": you could not sit down with any Republican and debate the issues of Obama and how out of touch we are because you could not come up with one fact to do so. It's not bashing Obama just because you present the facts of his pathetic administration. And by the way, all of those bad things that this unqualified socialist/marxist inherited; he and his democrat colleagues were either directly responsible or in collusion on. Remember, the economy started south once the democrats took control of Congress again while Bush was in office. Although he didn't show a lot of conservative traits in his social/fiscal leanings, Bush was not the 'sole' cause of our economic meltdown - - - can you say Chris Dodd and Barney Frank??

He certainly was and Tim Thomas was not the first Boston athlete to exercise this right. Manny Ramirez did it twice! All of them received criticism for their actions, of course, Manny was just being Manny!

RE: AB's contention about the cost of a surveillance team vs. a GPS tracker. Can you see the similarity between this and overhearing a public conversation vs. tapping a phone?

Tim Thomas certainly has a right to his opinion regardless of who has invited him. Isn't that what we sent our troops around the world to protect the rights of citizens!!!!

Greetings,

Tim Thomas has every right to choose or not choose where he keeps his company...political, sports, or otherwise. Glad is will willing to stand up for his beliefs.

Stay Well,

Donovan

Hooray for Mr. Thomas!!

It's time people are not ashamed to stand for their

convictions and beliefs!

We are losing our wonderful nation and it's time to take a stand.

God Bless him for that!!

We do nothing better than what we do freely.

Tim Thomas decision was a more patriotic act than anything that pompous arrogant tyrannical crybaby Obama has ever done.

And I don't mean that in a bad way.

There's no "right" or "wrong" about it. It was his choice to accept or decline an invitation. In this instance I would have acted no differently.

I am glad to see that a professional sportsman has an opinion and is not afraid to stand up to what he believes.

I'd like to see the following tax rates:

$0 to $50000 pay 10%

$50001 to $100000 pay 15%

$100001 and up pay 20%

Corporations (actually their customers) pay 15%

No deductions for individuals or corporations.

The brackets are arbitrary but at least everyone would have skin in the game. Unlike today where almost 50% pay nothing but some actually get refunds. How does that work?

It can't be defined, but I'll know it when I see it.

Oops that was the definition for pornography.

It is not about "right" or "wrong". It is about the free exercise of personal choice in the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave".

I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHO WAS THE OTHER 'AMERICAN' ON THE BRUINS TEAM?

Defining "a reasonable profit" is, in fact, rather easy. It is: "That amount of money that is earned by a company but desired by a Liberal".

My hat's off to Congresswoman Gifford.

As for taxes, any plan will screw the middles class.

A case in point, Gov of Az immediately gets a bad picture of her and the president. She whines to the press, "I felt threaten." Threaten in front of everyone? I heard play the race card, now lets play the big bad black man threatening the tiny white woman card. to avoid feedback, last year I said grab a couple books on Covert Hypnosis and a couple books on body language and have fun with your politicians. It not the border dispute, it's a PR campaign carefully orchestrated on both sides. They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words, Look at it and say to yourself, who is threatening who?

Absolutely!

I went off on a tangent, I'm sorry. Class warfare is the subject. M. Romeny in Nev, the state with the highest forecloser rate in the nation said, "let them all be foreclosed on, let the system work. let investors buy up the property and rent them out." This will kill the middle class. I hear complaints about redistribution of wealth from the rich to the poor. This is from the bottom up redistribution of wealth. The middle class becomes poor and the upper class becomes rich. class warfare, you decide for there's more to it than just being kicked out in the streets or moving in with your family, or being homeless. WHERE IS THE CONSERVATIVE HEART? What is the difference?

The Washington Post commentary is even more laughable in the face of AG Holder's (and Obama's watch) conduct and subsequent cover-up of their little "Fast & Furious" Fiasco

A little rewrite:

"[I]t would be a disservice to [Border Patrol Agent Terry's] life and that of the others directly affected by [the Mexican drug lord violence], and tragedies like it, to ignore the factors that precipitated the violence: the easy access to guns (which DOJ and ATF expedited and oversaw); the availability of accessories such as extended clips [sic] that make deadly weapons all the more lethal (how does that work, do extended clips kill you more dead?); and a porous and shoddy regulatory system (and border enforcement policy) that too often fails to keep these weapons out of the hands of dangerous or dangerously unstable individuals." --Washington Post editorial (with revisions)

To: My friends,

Below is a chart that I compiled. As of late there is a lot of chatter in the media about taxes. Who pays what, how much, what rate, on what type of income and on and on. If you look the chart over you will see the last column is the so called "tax brackets" that the income levels are taxed. The 2 columns in front of it are the real tax rates. When lairs figure figures lie.

IMHO (In my Humble Opinion) We need to scrap the tax code, Develop a new form for income tax and make it fit on a postcard. Some thing like Name, address and federal ID number. A few boxes for 1 income 2 exemptions 3 adjusted income 4 15% tax 5 total tax

6 amount remitted. 7 your signature 8 Spouse signature. Some details might need to be worked out like the tax rate (suggested 15%), exemption per person (15,000) and that all taxes should be remitted by the taxpayer. Lets get our employers and businesses out of the collection business. When people start paying the tax bill our government and politicians will find out who we really are as people and how we want our money spent.

Time to get off the soap box.

Taxes regular income Married 2 Exemptions

Total income Adj income Total tax % Income % adj Income Tax Bracket

$50,000 $31,000 $3,800 7.60% 12.20% 15%

$250,000 $231,000 $53,685 21.74% 23.20% 33%

$2,500,000 $2,481,000 $838,2220 33.53% 33.80% 35%

Taxes for Capital Gains Married 2 Exemptions

Total income Adjusted income Total tax % Income % adj Income Tax Bracket

$50,000 $31,000 $0.00 0.00% 0.00% 15%

$250,000 $231,000 $24,300 9.72% 10.50% 33%

$2,500,000 $2,481,000 $361,000 14.70% 14.50% 35%

The only "fair tax" rate is a flat tax rate. Any other "progressive" tax scale is a violation of the equal protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Why should anyone pay a higher or lower rate than anyone else? Aren't we constantly being lectured on everyone being treated equally?

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

If we actually return to the Constitutionally limited powers for the federal government, taxation of the citizens could and should be completely eliminated. Tariffs and impost taxes would cover the necessary expenses. Since politicians seem to have no stomach for OBEYING their oath of office, we will probably be stuck with something more. How about a simple 9% on Cap Gains, income, and business taxes. (Not trying to steal Herman Cain's thunder) - but God only requires 10%... we should be able to squeek by with 9%.

Simple! Yes, Tim Thomas was right to skip the White House event with Obama! I would have too!

Q.) What should tax reform look like?

A.) Taxes should ONLY be imposed upon businesses with NO taxes imposed upon individuals, as it was before World War I. Tax industry if you MUST to provide for the common DEFENSE (not offense or world police state). Face it, folks, we're DOOMED! We're going down and that's what the NWO wants. Prepare for IMPACT!

Was Thomas right to skip the WH? You bet! Obama disrespects our flag, our laws, our religion. Wouldn't give him the time of day.

Please understand that corporations DO NOT pay taxes. They merely collect them for the gov't by increasing prices. Santorum's pledge to zero out corporate taxes is spot on. Greatest possible stimulus to American growth; it will draw manufacturing back to this country from all over the world. Read The Fair Tax Book (HR 25) by Boortz.

Mr. Thomas sent an excellent message to the white house. We the people have been battered with corruptions right in front of our faces. Congress is looking the other way and letting Mr. Obama do as he pleases. He is making almost all decisions closing off our economy, stealing from our tax dollars paying off his campaign contributions. The tax payer should withhold not paying our share for one year until congress fix it. This will get their attention because money is the reason why they are in congress. This is sad!!!

It also strikes me as Very Interesting that Rep Paul was stopped on his way for a Congressional vote. Could there have been a different reason he was forced to miss his flight and therefore miss the vote?

We will have equitable taxation when people who receive welfare etc. pay taxes on that.

He is an American, isn't he? Of course he has the right to attend, or not attend, any event to which he is invited, personally or as a member of the invited group. He is voicing his opinion. God bless him.

Tim Thomas can either attend a Presidential visit or

not. That makes him "right"! The fact that he has the

right to attend or not makes him "right", regardless of

how he chooses!

Q.) Was Thomas right to skip the White House visit?

A.) Absolutely, and we need more high profile patriots to step up and speak for us so that the Elitists know in no uncertain terms that they are in the minority.

HIP! HIP! Hooray! for Tim Thomas. I can think of no better way to show disapproval of Mr. Obama's (and Mr. is the correct salutation as his father was not an American citizen and therefore he can not possibly meet the qualifications for President of the U. S.) positions and actions than to refuse his invitation.

Tim Thomas was absolutely within his rights to skip the trip. He still has the right to do as he wishes in that regard, although if the current administration has its way he won't for long.

It’s Friday, maybe I missed it, but where are the Alpha Jack Ass Awards for the week and a healthy dose of liberal lies and the beloved WSJ “headlines”?

The liberal lies, etc. features are extremely valuable for us conservatives because the PP is willing to send their valued people into the abyss of reading the daily lies from the left, which can easily lead to insanity and worse. You do it for us and we all are enlightened and I’m ready for those liberal dogs at my lunch meetings.

Bring back the “opposition exposure and humor sections”.

Andy

Boston

Go Scott Brown!

Yes, he has the right to think as he chooses. And as long as he breaks no laws, can act as he chooses. He is only saying what most people think anyway.

Of course he was right in not going. This is still America and we are still free. We are not North Korea or Venezuela where you are sure to show favor to the government because that would mean you continue to live.

At the end of the Economy--Regulatory Commissars: Oil Production and 'Reasonable Profits' section, you wrote: It's "Atlas Shrugged" come to life. Who is John Galt?

The correct question would be, WHERE is John Galt?????

Absolutely. More athletes should follow his example.

Showing up gives tacit support to the President.

Forget sportswriters. Stand on principal.

A breath of fresh integrity,and a call to the rest of us. Dont break the line! Thanks to a Most Valuable Patriot....Thank you Tim

That a boy, Tim! Its too bad that there aren't more opportunities on this level available for people to let the President know that he's an incompetent boob.

To counter Judy Wilson's comment, I commend the Patriot Post for all the research and information that's compiled so faithfully each week to be shared with the rest of us. I see that you've only spoken the truth concerning our current White House occupant, his disdain for our way of life, and his continuous divisive "campaign" speeches (that was what the SOTU was, right?). Apparently the truth DOES hurt.

Yes, he was right to skip the White House event. I just don't understand why the news media thinks it so terrible when a conservative stands on principle, but every liberal is celebrated and congratulated when they protest and complain. Well maybe I do understand the liberals and main stream media use the same playbook.

Real "Tax Reform" would look a whole lot like a national sales tax. There are so many advantages, versus NO real disadvantages (as long as congress keeps their hands off).

1. Administration of a national sales tax could be channeled through the individual states with a percentile of collected taxes paid to the states for their expenses.

2. A common complaint from the middle class who bear the brunt of the current tax rules, is that roughly 40% of the of the population do not pay ANY income tax. Indeed, through the magic of the "Earned Income Credit", those at the lower end of taxable income can receive refunds of up to $5751.

3. Crooks of all kinds do not usually file taxe returns. However, they all SPEND their ill-gotten gains. Including drug dealers, black-marketeers, purvayors of secret documents, et al. There by increasing taxes with otherwise never seen monies.

Abt Associates, Inc., that between 1988 and 1999 buyers in the U.S. spent 430 billion dollars on the various drugs. Since the money spent by the consumers has already been taxed pay the taxpayer/consumer, now figure around a 7.5% national sales tax as supplies purchase their various and sundry. That amounts to an additional 32.25 billion on U.S. drug trafficking alone!

I have used the figure 7.5% for mathematical purposes only. The O.B.M or other Federal agencies would be far better equipped Than I to reach a corrected amount.

I would offer one caveate however. Once the acctual amount is set, make it absolutely unchangeable unless a new amount be set by a two-thirds majority of both houses of congress.

REAL tax reform would be passage of the Fair Tax as defined by HR 25. Since everyone would pay the same rate on their purchases and the government would have no way of knowing who paid what, class warfare would immediately be a thing of the past. At the same time, elimination of all corporate income and payroll taxes would transform America into the biggest tax haven for investment that the world has ever known and employment of all kinds would sky-rocket.

Before anyone gets upset about the "elimination of corporate income taxes", honestly answer the question of what company PAYS income taxes. Corporations don't pay taxes; they only collect taxes for the government as part of the selling price of their product. As much as 30% of the cost of everything you buy is taxes that are passed through the sellers to government.

It's terrible because, liberals have no principles! Someone should give him a medal{Nobel prize?]

I think it profoundly selective memory to not acknowledge that Warren Buffet himself suggested he should be paying his fair share and not less than his own secretary.... that he suggested exactly the tax changes being asked by the President. This post is without class and the author asks nothing short of class warfare himself. The entitlement railed against should be that exercised by those in charge - notthose stuck below the poverty line. How much sense does it make to ask taxes from those who have no money to give... How ridiculous is your thinking that the poor are sitting on fortune. Those out of work are not being taken advantage of by the poor - their jobs are being sent overseas by our tax code. And large corporations dodge taxes even more than the wealthy in this move overseas... The money in politics is bying a rigged game - and the influence and corruption is lies there. This article - a pretense at patriotism; it is treasoness lies! The government is supposed to be here for us - not the reverse. They do not need any more advantage - they already have the game rigged in thier favor. And those who believe this - you have lost your critical thinking skills and you are being led by the nose.

"Reasonable profit" is what a "command & control" Fascist government deems is "proper", according to their terms only, based on THEIR rules, according to THEIR terms of FAIRNESS. The free-market of ideas and the exercise there-of is eliminated.

Recently my wife and I went through the "treat them all as criminals" search. She had given me her cell phone to carry. When I emptied my posckets I forgot I had the phone. As soon as the buzzer went off I remembered, pulled the phone out and attmpted to put it on the conveyor and go through the scan again. No way. The TSA very gruggly informed me I now had to be wanded (at least I diddn't get the thrill of a pat-down!). No common sense allowed here! jim

Personally, if it was me, I'd accept the invitation but refuse to shake the g-d SOB's hand.

I'm from Massachusetts, and the local sports talk radio guys all agreed that Tim Thomas had the RIGHT to decline the White House trip, but that he let his team down by doing so. Even Michael Graham, an alleged Tea Party conservative talk-radio host locally, said Thomas ought to have gone. I agree with one of Graham's callers: In hockey you don't get championships without your goalie. The team always supports their goalie. The entire Boston Bruins team should have stayed home.

@Judy Wilson - not really sure how you found this site, but please by all means, un-find it, ditz.

@ all the Patriots proffering a flat tax idea - outstanding posts, every one (especially Leeman - right down the chute). The only determination may need to be the rates applied to the levels of income.

While we're at it, let's (and yes, I AM serious about this) ensure that drug testing is administered for those who will undoubtedly find some way to remain on the federal dole. You test hot, not only is there no check in the mail, you get to go work along the highways picking up trash and spend your night in some form of dormitory. There are plenty of empty buildings in metro areas that are structurally sound, just need some TLC to put folding cots in and a few administrators to oversee operations. Sorry, you don't get to go home at night to hang with yours buds/homeys/whatever slang term you use and shoot up/get drunk, because you screwed up.

@ Vic Soldat - liberties are an individual right. Mr. Thomas was within his rights to not attend the ceremony. I gave 37 years of my life proteecting the right that he exercised, as well as your and the "local sports talk radio guys" the right to spout off stupid crap that they have no clue about.

Are you sure you can all spell "Constitution"?

Pound sand.

Reasonable profit is that which the market will bear. One that does not attract competion and allows the owner to add jobs to his organization.

We hear liberals all the time disparaged the differences between the industrious and the less industrious, or between the well of and less well off in America.

Their formula is an effective rhetorical strategy when they say, "should a bus driver pay more in taxes than a millionaire,” or “a secretary pay more than the CEO"

What they don't ask, or mention, is that although the bus drive might be paying 28% in taxes, and may pay out $3,000 in taxes annually, the millionaire is still paying $3,000,000 in taxes.

And they don't mention that the millionaire’s taxes are equivalent to paying the taxes of 1,000 bus drivers.

Liberals always spew half truths and attempt to dupe the public. The sad part is, the public is too stupid to see through their dishonesty.

Absolutely! I admire his stand and will continue to follow his career. He's a true patriot. God bless him!

Gosh, there is enough upsetting news here to keep you down for a week. But you would think we would be used to it after 3 years. But think what another 5 years of this crap would be like.

More Americans should follow his example and exercise their rights to freedom.

Judy you need to lighten up on the Kool-Aid!

What should tax reform look like?

Simply repeal the 16th Amendment. This would do away with all the chicanery of defining "income" to suit the highest bidder, i. e., biggest campaign contributor. Congress would then be forced to rely on excise taxes, i. e., a national sales tax. Of course, certain necessities would have to be exempt, like food, clothing, medicine, to make it less regressive.

Since most income is not discretionary, and most consumer spending is discretionary, Congress would be weaned of a guaranteed stream of revenue. And spending foregone would lead to lower tax receipts - a daily referendum on government.

Per Milton Friedman.

On the GPS Tracking issue:

A federal judge did approve a warrant authorizing a GPS device within 10 days but only within the District of Columbia. Agents waited 11 days and tagged the vehicle in Maryland.

Appears agents understood the law but need a calendar and a map.

Bob Dole says a Gingrich nomination will have adverse effects on Republican candidates in local elections--GOOD! The Republican establishment needs to have adverse effects; it's high time it got a good shaking!

Repeal of the 16th amendment and istitution of the FairTax. It taxes consumption not productivity, incom and investments. The FairTax address all issues concerning the current tax code that have been given enunciated by commissions politicians. It is the needed step to give our government back to the people cutting out the lobbyist.

While I disdain Hockey, I am now a big fan of Tim Thomas. He excercised his GOD GIVEN RIGHTS, to say no to the powers that believe they supercede God. No one should be forced to do something in this country; Not buy health insurance or visit the guy who want's to make you buy it. God Bless you Tim

Tim Thomas = THE Most Valuable Player!!

I finally have found something I can agree with Obama on, I do think Warren should pay the same as his secretary. Fifteen percent across the board no exceptions. One deduction across the board no exceptions and that would be the official poverty level. If that level is 150000 dollars then everyone deducts 15000 from their income and pays fifteen percent on the remainder. Pretty simple really and you could do it on a postcard.

whoops made a typo poverty level should read 15000 not 150000.

His reasons for not attending speak for themselves. I'm Proud that he had the fortitude to state and maintain his ethics. May he be an example to more of us.

DE OPPRESSO LIBER

The current tax system will not likely be reformed because it places power in the hands of our "representatives" in Washington. Given the current constitution of the body politic, true reform is not likely, in my humble opinion.

Having said that, should the Federal Government surprise me and turn their collective back on the current tax system, I would be happy with a flat tax. I am not holding my breath for the repeal of the 16th amendment and the establishment of a "Fair Tax", although it would be my preference.

Taxes?

Buffet profits from Obama's decisions!

Need anymore be said?

His greed exceeds the typical Wall Streeter because of his wealth he has more influence on Obama (think campaign donations!).

As to Real Taxes, I believe every one should have some skin in the game, if you are not paying taxes or owning real estate you shouldn't be allowed to vote! If nothings at risk your vote has no value for there is nothing on the table.

So, Barack Obama built his entire State of the Union address around the envy of Romney's taxes, Buffett's taxes, Buffett's secretary's taxes.

Sounds like a classic Marxist to me - remember: "The whole gospel of Karl Marx can be summed up in a single sentence: Hate the man who is better off than you are." American economist Henry Hazlitt (1894-1993).

Yeah - it's like that.

Re TSA experience: in 2009 my 88-year-old mom was selected for a full patdown at the Nashville airport. She's unsteady on her feet and can't walk long distances, so we had called for a wheelchair and attendant on arrival. At the security checkpoint, she was taken into a glass-wall-enclosed area and was patted down by a female TSA agent, with several male agents in attendance, in full view of everyone. The wheelchair, despite being airport property, was also searched. I'd add that her geneology as an American goes back to the early 1700s. It was embarrassing and infuriating. But I suppose the agents got to check off "little old white woman" on some sort of required diversity list...

I think a fair way to tax is a Sales Tax that would have everyone paying taxes. If people are so worried about the rich not paying their "fair Share" then this would have the rich paying more taxes in that they would probably buy more high end items, therefore paying more taxes. On the other hand we would have anybody and everybody paying taxes that bought anything at all.

Yes, I do strongly agree with Mr. Thomas. Its in his right to do so. In fact, what makes it a right to hold an event that has nothing to do with politics but only with sports.

RE: Braying Jenny - Keystone may have created 20,000, or so jobs, but would never come close to creating the number of unemployed as our recent Green Technologies "inve$tment$"

It would look like The Fair Tax. "Lowering the corporate tax rate"? Please, do you not know corporate taxes are an expense of doing business that is passed on to consumers, taken from dividends, stolen from employees' pay? 'Corporate taxes' is the grease that lubricates political machines. Fair Tax now!

Tim Thomas is a citizen first and a hockey player second. His Canadian teammates live in a country that does not have explicit speech freedoms - just ask Mark Steyn. Tim is a true patriot.

Terrific Patriot Post edition!

Plenty of hard-hitting factual information, about critical issues, to wipe away the lies from the Left.

Two issues I was really glad to see were the fact that the wealthy pay huge taxes regardless of the lies, and your description about just how immense our national debt problem really is.

To: RK Sprau

In your discussion about Romney's foreclosure comments, you seem to be forgetting one thing: The Leftists set the stage for our real estate time bomb, by liberalizing existing law. So it's not at all fair to be critical of anyone who is espousing some sort of solution to the problem. By now, as we all know, the problem is an absolute disaster. We shouldn't be surprised at anyone's ideas at a solution, no matter how outrageous it may sound.

I'm not supporting Romney's comment, but I'm also not against it, but I'm wondering what would be your solution. We ended up with a real estate market that was, for all practical purposes, artificially wealthy. By this I mean that huge segments of our population all of a sudden were homeowners when they really didn't have the financial means to be. So would your solution be now to just let all those people keep their houses? I think you're smarter than that. You know, as well as I do, that to do that, would diminish the value of the properties that everyone else bought and paid for - somewhat analogous to the effects of shoplifting!

This wouldn't be botton to top redistribution of wealth, as you indicated, rather, those people in danger of foreclosure never really qualified for ownership. I know it's a sad state of affairs, but true nonetheless. I have to say that as foreclosures occur, and those people enter the rental market, yes there is economic turmoil because home prices have been taking a beating and will continue to do so, but effectively, the market is forcing a homeowner/tenant ratio back towards where it was before Bill Clinton, Chris Dodd, Barney Frank, Maxine Waters, et. al. screwed us over.

And don't get off the reservation; remember what I said before, awhile back. If our government never set the ugly, immoral precedent whereby people were able to get wealth from the government, we would never have redistribution of wealth. It is this terrible precedent that has given us this cancer. If no one was able to get anything from the government, we wouldn't have the 47% of Americans going to the polls to cast their votes over the destiny of OTHER PEOPLES' MONEY. Instead they would be voting to preserve their own hard-earned wages, by minimizing government expenses. This is actually very simple to understand and involves base human behavior and the motives that shape it.

PASSING THE BUDGET - It seems someone forgot that the 1000 day failure to pass the budget could be prevented by the Republican controlled House of Representatives REFUSING TO FUND THE GOVERNMENT UNTIL A BUDGET IS PASSED.

I know that would require INTEGRITY IN CHARACTER which leave the Republican field as bankrupt as the Democrat field. Bankrupt character will lead to a bankrupt nation. But, HEY LET's ALL VOTE FOR ANOTHER BANKRUPT CHARACTER BECAUSE THE PARTY CAN'T DO WITHOUT A REPUBLICAN IN THE WHITE HOUSE!!!!!!

Again, DO NOT VOTE FOR ANYONE EXCEPT RON PAUL. Or you will find Obama back in the White House next year.

This is an occasion where the office and tradition should be respected. Go there as a member of the team...and steal an ash tray on the way out if possible.

What should tax reform look like?

1. First an absolutly binding balanced budget ammendment couple with A mandatory annual budget.(the senate has been 1000 days without one,95 more days makes 3 YEARS.)

2.The states collect 3% income tax,no deductions on income over $30000. and 10% on capitol gains over $75000. The states pay that to the Federal government. It's time they lived within OUR means.

The 16th and 17th Ammendments shall be repealed to facilitate this.

A reasonable profit depends on weather you are the government planning to steal my earnings or me surviving on the fruits of my labor. The government says "how much did you make?" "Send it in." I say as long as people will continue to buy my product or service that is a reasonable profit.

Providing i'm not also receiving taxpayer subsidies,bailouts nor government sponsored monopoly status.

Three cheers for Tim Thomas setting the example instead of going along P/C against his will.

Why is it when a conserative stands up for what they believe in the liberals make that person out to be racist, unitelligent, or just completely ignores them. I'm sorry to share this with everyone but a invitation to the White House is not a big deal. The president is a servant of the people and should be humble and grateful of his fellow voters. It is not as if God had asked you to visit.

"The Braying Jenny" award insults all Jennys. Please consider changing it to the "Braying Wasserman" award. The shoe fits.

The country should oblige Mr. Obama and return him to office in 2012. After the election, all citizens with more than $5000 in assets and those over 55 should then give the U.S. government all of their wealth, surrender all their guns and ammunition, quit using their cars and turn them into the green recycling center. After this is done and the Democratic socialist country is quickly established with Mr. Obama as leader for life, then report to your assigned slave camp and schedule your appointment for the next firing squad.

The beginning of a solution to the demise of this country would be if We the People would wake up and defend the government of the people, by the people and for the people which is laid-out in the Constitution of the United States and its attending amendments. There is a lack of voter participation at the polls and a lack of participation in the mailroom of our elected officials. We need men and women of good character and proficient at running their offices, but they also need our input and encouragement of constitutional endeavors. If you don't vote, you have cast a ballot he/she who wins. If you don't bother to tell your elected official how you want him to vote, then you have accepted and approved of the legislation. America! Participate in your government!

Leaving Tampa Airport for JFK,I put my money clip in my suit case & at check in I was told that its OK you can take it on board. Never thinking of it at the screening the agent YELLED "money clip" They took me on the side& took all my stuff out & said its a knife. I said I am76 yrs. old do I look like I am a bad guy.I am a retired cop. The suppervisor got up in my face 7 said "I don't give brakes". I will put it in the draw for 90 days if youu come back. When I came back I was told "There is no draw". (about 2 years ago)

Definitely so! He is democstrating bravery, courageousness and the freedom to do by his actions what he truly believes in his heart! Three cheers, or many cheers, for Tim Thomas!

An acquaintance of mine had joined our group for a memorial service for her father. I had created action figures in his likeness for the members of the group. Hers had her father in one of his roles, as a military pilot. It was in a 'showcase' box, and included the action figure, flight suit, crusher cap, mae west, oxygen mask, and side-arm. She was in a wheelchair, and as her luggage went through the x-ray machine, she was pulled out of line for having a 'gun' in her luggage. It took calling in 'real' cops for them to realize the 'gun' was a 1" long piece of black plastic in the miniature likeness of an old military .45. Knowing how much custom action figures can go for, I can only presume that someone wanted that one-of-a-kind action figure. She called us in tears over the ordeal. Fortunately, she had photos of her father that corroborated her 'story' that the action figure was him.

100% of gross income on Warren Buffett, George Soros and the like (the more they ask for others to pay higher taxes, the more their taxes should ratchet up).

HE SURE WAS WHO CAN STAND EVEN THINKING OF THIS STINKER LET ALONE SPENDING TIME WITH HIM!!!!!! REAL HERO!!

Maybe Mr. Thomas is just waiting to go when he would enjoy the visit. I'm sure he will have more opportunities.

Who does it mean more to when someone with an accomplishment visits someone without any?

My wife and I were flying from Las Vegas to Dallas/Fort Worth airport over 5 years after Sept. 11th occurred. An older female TSA agent looked up at me when I started to hand our tickets and ID's to her and said, "I'M NOT READY FOR U YET!!!"(with no one nearby!). Finally she reached out, looked at our papers, and directed us off to the side of the magnometers. I looked behind me and saw her point to us, then make a gesture of, "Look at her boobs (wife's). For over 45 mins. They wanded, patted and pushed against my wife's breasts (in front of all passengers walking through security!) Until she was in tears. When I asked for their names, they covered their ID's and said we could go. The older agent mentioned earlier asked the others if she was real or fake as we walked away.....

I would love to have sources for the charitable giving numbers quoted - I've tried making this argument so many times to my liberal friends (who are always amazed to learn I give anything, let alone 10%), but I'm generally without a fact base, just my personal research of those around me. Would be nice to have some real ammo!

I would love to have sources for the charitable giving numbers quoted - I've tried making this argument so many times to my liberal friends (who are always amazed to learn I give anything, let alone 10%), but I'm generally without a fact base, just my personal research of those around me. Would be nice to have some real ammo!

I believe the flat tax is the best policy. Let it be across the board for everybody except politicians. Their rate should be twice as high as ours, as they 'tend to spend' like it is all their money.

At Houston Airport upon entering TSA they wouldn't even let me go through the scanner like all the passengers were allowed to do before me. I had to forego a full body search because I didn't want to have to endure the x-ray scan (I have enough cancer thank you). TSA is full of employees who are on a power trip and they are not curtious at all.

At Houston Airport upon entering TSA they wouldn't even let me go through the scanner like all the passengers were allowed to do before me. I had to forego a full body search because I didn't want to have to endure the x-ray scan (I have enough cancer thank you). TSA is full of employees who are on a power trip and they are not curtious at all.

On a recent trip to Boston to drop off a truck load of furniture, I had to fly home. Going through the security check you are required to take off your belt. Under normal circumstances my pants will tend to stay where they are until I had to go into the scanner and raise my hands above my head. That's when my pants began a slow descent to the floor. Luckily the scan was quick enough and I am telling this story instead of a bunch of TSA agents.