A Recap of where we are today politically

Dear James, Daniel and Emily

Since tomorrow is Tax Day I figured I would take the time to outline a few important Facts since all we will here tomorrow is mostly lies, propaganda and mistruths. 

1. The most used (and misused) common indicator of our economy is the Dow Jones Average.  A year ago it it closed at 7,920, yesterday it closed at 11,019.  Now I know there are so many different factors that tell us how strong our economy really is.  And yet the Dow is the most popular to at least give a general idea of the health of the major companies.  And the average has gone up over 3,000 points over the last year.  And to be very sarcastic, does anyone really think that we would have seen this kind of rise in one of the biggest symbols of Capitalism if our country was really in the grips of Tyrannical Socialism?

2. Almost half of Americans will not pay income taxes to the Federal government this year.  Now there is some argument as to whether is is fair etc.  But that doesn't change this fact.  When people are out protesting the Evil Federal Government tomorrow, and all of it's oppressive tax policies remember that there's a good chance that the people who are protesting didn't pay taxes.

3. 98% of Americans saw their taxes go down from last year, due to Obama's tax cuts.  And yet the prevailing commentary out there will be how the Current Administration is raising all of our taxes.  And that is just a point blank lie.  Don't let the media commentary and Republican and Tea Party propaganda fool you with their assertions in the next couple of days.  Unless you are in the top 2% income bracket your Federal Income taxes went down from last year.  I know we got a larger refund this year than last year (at least Federal, we owed more to the supposedly free low tax state of Colorado). 

4. When you hear people railing about the evils of the Federal government tomorrow ask them what exactly they think should be cut from the budget?  Should it be Defense? Social Security? Medicare?  One survey I read recently indicated that the thing most people want cut is Foreign Aid, which amounts to less than 3% of the budget, and is mostly programs that people don't actually want cut.  Or ask them exactly what part of the Federal government is so bad? The Military? Post Office?

Again this is about real facts, not Tea Party talking points, Republican media spin or other media creations. Don't let the spin confuse you.