Huckabee at Texas A&M then I voted…

So, I went to see Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee speak yesterday on campus. I was very impressed with his speaking ability, but I left unconvinced that my vote should go his way. In fact, I walked over to the early voting stations and cast my vote exactly how I thought I would when I woke up in the morning (I will let you guess whom that was for).

What I was most intrigued with was his discussion of the “Fair Tax” system. I must admit that before today I had just written it off, but now I realize that I dont have a good understanding of it. If anyone can explain it to me I would be grateful. I loved how he spoke about being pro-life–protecting human life from the unborn to the elderly to the wounded soldier. I might even say it was captivating.

When he spoke about his love for small local government that cut in on the daily life of working Joe the least amount as possible he was eloquent, and his discussion was well thought out…polished however I wouldn’t say. He has the feel of a regular guy that somehow got into politics. He is extremely likable. Also, he played off of Chuck Norris really well….but did anyone else crack up at Chuck’s slightly too long chuckle after his beard joke?

I also loved how he had obvious references to faith. It is clear that he has experienced the love of Christ, and this new viewpoint is what has shaped his ideals.

In the end though I did not vote for him, and here are some of the reasons:

1. Kyoto protocol — I support the treaty
2. Assault Weapons Ban — I support an assault weapons ban
3. Patriot Act — I only 1/2 support the act
4. Immigration Border Fence — We dont need the fence. We cant afford the fence. All it will do is further hurt our relations with Mexico.
5. Iraq War — I categorically am against the war.
6. Lastly, I am simply not confident that if he were president he would get beyond the partisan jockeying of the past 15 years.

To be frank though, I hope he does well and stays in politics for the next round. If I have a chance again in the future I might just lean his way. Who knows…maybe he will win Texas?

Ann Coulter votes for….Hillary Clinton?

Ann Coulter author of, “If Democrats had any brains” spoke out on Hannity and Colmes saying that if John McCain wins the Republican nomination then she will campaign for Hillary Clinton. Ann Coulter the uber conservative of television came out to say that she believes Hillary Clinton is stronger on national defense and is actually less liberal than John McCain on several issues. Personally, I think that she is just angry that any Republican would have the audacity to work across the aisle on legislation. Here is the video. What do you guys think?

Logarithmic Socialism

In an effort to improve our country I have invented a new income tax system. This new system is much improved from the previous bracketing system and will provide a more fair means of wealth redistribution. The rich in this country are getting ridiculous. People are making way to much money. They should be forced to give this money back to the government so it can be used with the efficiency and equity that only our government can bestow. This system works especially well for me because I don’t really have much of an income, therefore I wont have to pay to much.  

The new system is based on a piecewise function of my own devising. It is formulated like so:

                        Positive Income             Income Tax = 1.0001^X

                        Negative Income           Income Tax = -1.0001^X

                              

where X is gross individual income in dollars and income tax is in dollars rather than percent. This exponential function will behave like so:

This new system will provide no monetary incentive to make large sums of money because it will only be taken away. In order to calculate your new income tax simply put your gross income into the equation as X. An example of this for a person who makes $40,000 a year would be:

                                    Income Tax = 1.0001⁴⁰⁰⁰⁰ = $54.59

Therefore, a person who makes $40,000 only has to pay $54.59 in federal income tax! Some other sums would yield results like so:

                        $60,000                       1.0001⁶⁰⁰⁰⁰    =  $403.31

                        $80,000                       1.0001⁸⁰⁰⁰⁰    =  $2979.77

                        $100,000                     1.0001¹⁰⁰⁰⁰⁰   =  $22,015.46

                        $110,000                     1.0001¹¹⁰⁰⁰⁰   =  $59,841.22

                        $120,000                     1.0001¹²⁰⁰⁰⁰   =  $162,657.17

As you can see after $116,677.53 there is no more monetary incentive to make more money because the amount owed in taxes exceeds the gross income. Also, it is noted that when an individual loses money and thus earns a negative income the government will actually give him money back. Of course, we wont actually do this, but we will tell everyone we will.

Where Edwards is Wrong on the Issues:

Many of the politicians have changed their views on issues since I have written posts about them. I would like to think that is because they have read my blog and repented of their ways. Well, maybe that isnt the case. Anyhow, here is where Edwards is wrong on the issues. I dont know what Edward’s views of the immigration border fence are. If someone knows, then please let me know.

1. Roe v Wade: Supports law; is pro-choice
2. ANWR Drilling: Against drilling
3. Patriot Act: Supports Act (1/2 wrong)
4. Iran Military Option: Supports keeping military option open
5. Same Sex Civil Unions: Supports civil unions
6. Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage: Against ban
7. Universal Healthcare: Supports Universal Healthcare

I dont doubt there are others, but that is what I have for now. I almost didnt write a post about Edwards, but his strong showing in Iowa prompted me to write one.

http://blog.johnedwards.com/section/arguments_analysis/