Tax time, yay!

Actually, I am one of the lucky few who look forward to tax time. We use income tax as a forced savings plan. My husband doesn't claim any deductions on his W2, so they take out quite a bit, and then we get it all--or most of it--back in one lump sum that can actually do us some good. (This year the plan is to pay off our truck, yay!) So, because I have plenty of deductions maybe I am biased...

But, I've been thinking about taxes, and there is something that I think should change. I started thinking about this when I first heard that Mike Huckabee wants to dismantle the IRS. He calls his plan "FairTax". I'm not sure yet if I like this idea, but it's interesting. What is he going to do with all the people who lose their jobs? IRS agents are people too--the fact that they are generally rated just below telemarketers on the list of most despised persons just means that they need extra understanding and protection, right?

Anyway, what I really want to talk about is Property Tax. I suppose this is a state thing, rather than a federal thing, so it's not likely to come up in the Presidential debates, but I think we have a problem here. I thought that we--as people of the United States of America--had the right to own property. The 5th and 14th amendments to the Constitution address this. I like the wording in the 14th particularly, "...nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law."

I'd also like to take a brief look at the Virginia Declaration of Rights. This was written by George Mason--Thomas Jefferson was strongly influenced by this when writing the first part of the Declaration of Independence, and James Madison also drew heavily upon this document when writing our current Bill of Rights. Section 1 declares, "That all men are by nature equally free and independent and have certain inherent rights, of which, when they enter into a state of society, they cannot, by any compact, deprive or divest their posterity; namely, the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety." (The rest is really great, by the way, check it out.)

So, I think the founding fathers thought that this was kind-of important. I would like to quote Don Harkins from the Idaho Observer, because I think he said it well. "Do American's have the right to own property? This seems like a silly question until you find out that we do not "own" anything. Ownership implies that property belongs to you and that nobody but you has the right to sell or otherwise transfer that ownership to another party. We used to be able to own property in America; the right to do so was perhaps the most important of protections built into our Constitution. However, somewhere along the line ownership of our property was conveyed to government. We are allowed to live on their property until we stop paying taxes, at which time government has given itself the right to sell it and move you out by force, if necessary. The ability to dispose of property is the ultimate test of who really owns it."

Think about it. You work your whole life, and finally pay off your 30-year mortgage, and your house is finally really yours, right? Nope. If you don't keep up with the taxes, it's gone. So, if we really want to talk about tax relief, let's get rid of property tax. It helps all home-owners. People like me, who would be paying 100+ less a month (because of escrow)--you think that might help the economy?--as well as older, more established citizens who would no longer have to worry about losing their house as their retirement income struggles to keep up with inflation. I realize that the government needs money for schools, police, libraries, roads, etc. But, surely there is a better way. If property tax is completely necessary, maybe we can change it a little... no property taxes on your personal, single-family residence, higher taxes on recreational properties and rental properties? That doesn't seem fair either, but at least it's picking on the people who are more likely able to afford it... people shouldn't be punished for working hard and making more money, but at the same time, people with more have a greater responsibility, maybe? This is a whole different can of worms, let's not go into it now.

In short, I think that ownership of property is an inalienable right worth fighting for. And, there must be a better way for government to get the funds they need---or manage the funds they have!

"Life, liberty, and property do not exist because men have made laws. On the contrary, it was the fact that life, liberty, and property existed beforehand that caused men to make laws in the first place." ~Frederic Bastiat The Law

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P.S. I think my dad should run for President. He's smart, moral, attractive, not too old, not extremist, well-spoken, conservative, but good at compromise--I should say finding common ground, because my father would never compromise his integrity. I guess maybe he is too good a person to actually win, but he'd do a great job.

AH!

Recently there was a bit of a scuffle at the SLC airport. I'm not going to review most of the story, so if you are interested, check out the links. (Original story, story that I first heard, and that got me fired up, follow-up--if you only read one, read this one--from KSL)
The really short version is, that cab drivers at the airport had (they've closed it for now) a break room. People used it to eat lunch, go to the bathroom, play chess, and the Muslim cab drivers were using it as a place to pray. This has been going on for a while---I think since 9-11 when airport officials said they could pray in the building to avoid persecution outside the building. Anyone, some nutso decided he didn't like it and attacked one of the Muslims, and is now suing the airport for allowing them to pray in there in the first place. This is where the "AH!" comes in.
Good grief! It is not illegal to pray in a public place! I am getting so angry at vocal, liberal minorities who seem to think "separation of church and state" means that everyone must act like an atheist when anyone else is present. I am too mad to even type coherently on this subject. I keep typing, and then deleting.
The guy who attacked the Muslim said, "In proper, polite company you never bring up politics or religion..." But apparently he thinks it is proper and polite to attack someone else over politics or religion? The "freedom of speech" that we claim in this country means that anyone can say whatever they like--even if it is offensive to others. You can hate any group of people, and yell it at the top of your lungs, you can swear your head off, you can preach from a street corner, you can pray pretty much whenever and wherever you want to. What you do not have the right to do is hurt people for saying, believing or acting in a way you don't agree with.
Argh! There perhaps is more to say on this subject, but I am just too angry to say it. Why can't we all just be nice? Why can't we create an environment of tolerance and respect for others? If you really must hate, at least don't act on it. Rant all you want, persecute them through the law if you feel particularly vindictive, but keep your hands to yourself! This is kindergarten stuff, people!

What do you know about love?

This is for all of my young friends.
I was singing an old song in my head early this morning as I was folding laundry. "Let me tell you 'bout the birds and the bees and the flowers and the trees and the moon up above... and a thing called love..." etc, etc... It's a cute song, but it got me thinking. I think a lot of teenagers are trying to teach other teenagers about love. And, I think most of them haven't got a clue. (I'm not trying to be mean, maybe you do have a clue... read on, and see what you think.)
Girls, does he bring you flowers and cute little presents for Valentine's, and take you out to dances and fun places, and tell you "you look hot"? Does he spend hours on the phone with you and want to be with you all the time? Well, that's fun, but I hate to break it to you, it's not love. Well, it's puppy love, but it's not the best kind of real love that all of you deserve. Does he love you enough to marry you and be with you forever? Not that that is what you need right now! Don't try to act married when you're not.
Does he love you enough to be a good father for your children? Does he love you enough to go to work every day and do his best to take care of you and your children? Even if it's not his dream job? Does he love you enough to buy you a house, and then spend lots of his free time fixing things, and mowing the grass, and shoveling the snow, and trimming the hedges? Does he love you enough to call you beautiful when you're not 18 anymore? or 23? or 37? or 45?
Boys---if you've made it this far, thank you so much, this is for you. Does she really love you? Does she love you enough to wash your dishes, and pick up your dirty socks? Does she love you enough to make do with less? To drive an older car, and clip coupons, and shop at Target instead of Nordstrom so she can stay home and wipe snotty noses, and read the same story 10 times a day, and watch Barney, and pay bills, and do laundry and dishes, and be happy about it? Does she love you enough to let you be you? Does she love you enough to "let" you go hunting, or fishing, or golfing--or whatever it is you like--with the guys, and not make you "pay" later?

Maybe this is not the exact scenario that fits you... maybe you girls are more excited about careers than kids (I was at your age, although I wouldn't give up being a stay-at-home mommy to my three children for any amount of money now). Maybe you guys don't identify with what I've said either, but think for a minute. What do you want? How do you see your life? Is this boy, this girl the kind of person who will be there through the good and bad times? Who will love and support you, and believe in your dreams, and help you become the best you without nagging if it doesn't happen as quickly as he/she would like it to?

Be young, have fun, enjoy your life(but don't forget to study once in a while). Be with your friends, go out, date... don't try to hurry your way through this fun, fun part of your life. Don't try to make your fun, sweet, puppy love into something serious and dramatic. Learn, grow, play, love, be happy, be good. :) (You might not think so, but good and happy are the same thing really, trust me, I know.)

My dear young friends, you have so many people thinking about you, loving you, praying for you. Even those of you who think you have no one. Somewhere out there is someone like me--and me!--that wishes they knew all of you, could give each of you a hug and tell you that I know it's hard, but you're stronger than you think you are, and you'll make it. Do you know that you are a child of God? You are His child. You are amazing! It might not feel like it sometimes, but it's true. Don't let anyone treat you as if you were less. And don't treat yourself as if you were less! Remember who you are, and make good choices. Maybe you've heard things like this from your parents. Well, it's still true. ;)

"It's not fair!"

Oh, I get so mad at whiners! "It's not fair!" "You're so mean!" "I don't want to!" "I don't have to!" "You're not the boss of me!" (Okay, that one has been coming from my children lately, and it really makes me mad. I am too! At least for a few more years.)
It is really ridiculous when grown men and women act like children. Maybe some of you have received the "Bill of Non-Rights" from some well meaning friend that has nothing better to do than forward silly things to everyone in their address book. (J/K, I actually really liked this one, and it came from my mom, who I love very much, and I know that she has lots of better things to do, and she does them.) Anyway, someone decided they should write a new preamble to the constitution for all the morons out there who didn't understand the first one. (Maybe a bit presumptuous, and not entirely accurate... I think she/he means a new amendment to the constitution... and, really I think the problem is not necessarily that they don't understand, but that they just don't bother to read the Constitution, Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, etc... but, whatever, it's still a sad, but true commentary on the whininess of many Americans today, and if anyone would like to read it, let me know, and I can e-mail it to you.) It starts, "We, the sensible people of the United States," and goes on to explain, that while we do believe that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness are unalienable rights, (which is the Declaration of Independence, by the way, not the Bill of Rights) you do not have the right to a new car, big screen tv, mansion, etc... You do not have the right to be offended. You do not have the right to a job (although we all want you to have one, and will do what we can to help you get one, but that means you are not too good to work at McDonald's!), etcetera, etcetera, etcetera. My favorite part says that you do not have the right to be free from harm. "If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful; do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy."
Which leads me--finally, I know--to my point, or my main gripe for the day. QUIT BLAMING OTHER PEOPLE FOR YOUR PROBLEMS!!! Maybe it is not fair that Donald Trump has millions (billions?) of dollars, and you are barely making it paycheck to paycheck. So?!? Is whining about it going to do him any harm or you any good? Life is NOT fair! It wasn't meant to be fair. It's not possible for it to be "fair" the way most people try to define that word.
I suppose you could look at the big picture--the eternal picture. If you believe as I do, eventually we will all be rewarded according to what we did or did not do with what we did or did not have. That's fair, right? Of course, if you truly believe that this life is it, and when you die you're just dead and gone... well, whining doesn't do you much good either way. If this life is all you get, you'd better make the most of it. So, quit whining, stop trying to find someone to blame, and take responsibility for your own actions. Quit looking for an easy way out, and just get to work. And, smile! Life really is not all that bad. :)

I suppose you could always go find some sleazy lawyer, and someone to sue. Have fun living off the sewage.

"I don’t mind being homophobic. It’s a lot better than the alternative."

Now that I am connected to the internet at speeds that allow me to spend more than 10 minutes in front of my computer without tearing my hair out, I have been spending a little time catching up on things I've missed.
As I was reading old posts on Tolkien Boy's blog (check it out) I came across this quote, "I don’t mind being homophobic. It’s a lot better than the alternative." attributed to his youngest brother. That just made me smile, and I loved it. And, it made me feel like ranting a little on the soapbox.
I am not homophobic, but that does not mean that I support the gay community. I have friends that are homosexual, and I love them, but I still think they are wrong. I do not think that gay people should be harassed or persecuted. I don't think they are inherently bad. I say again that I am not afraid of them--I don't think their gay-ness will rub off on me, and I am not worried about them doing or thinking anything inappropriate towards me (no more than straight people anyway). BUT, I don't think that what they do or feel is natural. I don't think it's right. I do not think they should get married. I DO NOT think they should raise children in that environment!
Well, I could go on about this a little more, but I'd just be saying the same things over again, and I have laundry and children calling me, so I will call it a day. To any gay readers, I do think you are wrong, but it doesn't mean I don't like you. Happy Friday all.

Are you happy?

How many times have you said, "_____ makes me so mad!" or "_____ would make me happy."? It's a funny little thing we say, and I'm not sure it is entirely accurate. Can anything or anyone truly make us happy or mad or whatever? I really believe that no one can make you lose control, and that our attitudes are sometimes the only thing that we have any control over. I think happiness is a choice that has nothing to do with wealth, privilege, power, etc.

The word “gospel” means good news. The angel said, “I bring you good tidings of great joy” (Luke 2:10). Jesus Christ came to earth and lived as a mortal man, he suffered for our sins, and died for us, that we might repent and live eternally with him. That’s wonderful news! Doesn’t it make you happy? :)

There are other great scriptures about being happy. Proverbs 16:20 says, “…whoso trusteth in the Lord, happy is he.” One of my favorite parts in the New Testament is when Christ washes his apostles’ feet. After he washes their feet he says, “…I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you…If you know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13: 15,17) Later in John Christ says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Be of good cheer! In Galatians Paul says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23). When you have the Spirit of God with you, you feel love, joy!, and peace… etc.

I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I don’t know if you have ever had a chance to read The Book of Mormon… there are some great scriptures contained in that book as well. The prophet Lehi tells his son Jacob, “Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.” (2Nephi 2:25—this whole chapter is one of my very favorites!) God did not send us to earth to be miserable. He loves us, and wants us to be happy.

I’m confused when “religious” people walk around so solemn and cross, stuffily pious, shouting about hellfire and damnation, and the condemnation of a just God, and anxiously waiting for happiness in heaven. Do people really believe that they can walk around grouchy on earth and then miraculously be transformed to happiness when they die? I believe heaven and hell start right here on earth. Part of our mortal probation is to learn how to be happy and joyful. Happiness is not an event or something that happens to us. It is a choice. We may not be able to choose what happens to us, we may never have riches or fame or power, but how we react, our attitude, how we look at the world is completely up to us. No one can make us mad, or miserable, or even happy.

Paul taught that we must, “[give] thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20) It doesn’t say, ‘Thank the Lord when you are rich and have every worldly thing you desire’. It says give thanks “always” for “all things”. And, a thankful heart is a happy heart, so I think it is also saying to be happy. No matter what tribulations we may experience in this brief mortality, we have plenty to be happy about.

Alma (another prophet from The Book of Mormon) taught, “…for that same spirit which doth possess your bodies at the time that ye go out of this life, that same spirit will have power to possess your body in that eternal world.” (Alma 34:34) and Mormon said something similar, “And then cometh the judgment of the Holy One upon them; and then cometh the time that he that is filthy shall be filthy still; and he that is righteous shall be righteous still; he that is happy shall be happy still; and he that is unhappy shall be unhappy still.” (Mormon 9:14)

We are made up of body and spirit, and when we die our bodies and spirits are separated for a time, but we’re still the same. Heaven begins on earth, in that if we are miserable here, we will still be miserable, and if we learn to be happy here, we will be happy there!

This has become rather long, and I think possibly a bit disjointed in places. Maybe I will come back and edit it when I am less hungry and tired, and my brain is working at something closer to full power. ;) But, in all my ramblings, somewhere there is a point, and I think you get it.

Hello!

This picture is not coming out as clear as I would like, but we're going to try it out anyway. I'm creating this blog as a place to rant and rave a little bit without clogging up my day to day blog.

This is where I will preach a little bit when I am feeling like it, or whine about people who can't drive maybe, or whatever. It's not really going to be about me or my struggles to control my kids, just stuff I'm thinking about and would like to talk about.

If you have something you'd like to talk about too, just let me know. :) I am the Queen of my little blog universe, so if it bugs me, I can always turn on the rain!