News Briefs for 10/31/2008: Halloween can be scary for other reasons...

The Wall Street Journal reports bad news on Consumer Spending today.

Further, the Public Policy Institutes's 2008 Second Quarter: Iowa Economic Scorecard.

Vote on November 4th... in Iowa!

Happy Halloween... a treat from cidpubpolicy!

peace

100% Pure Political Mud!

Sadly, we are seeing plenty of political mud this Election season.

It is very disappointing.

We, the people of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and the United States, clearly need to find a way to take back our political system and culture.

We need to do what is right. We need to find ways to make our public policy discussions civil, again.

Maybe the following would help in are discussions forward...

And so, "The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do" is suggested:

• Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all Concerned?
• Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
• Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Most importantly, Vote on Election Day.

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Is Iowa staying Red or returing to Blue in 2008?

In 2000, Gore defeated Bush by 2 votes per precinct. In 2004, Bush defeated Kerry by 3 votes per precinct.

So, will Iowa be Blue or Red in 2008?

Do you know where to go on Election Day in Iowa?

Let me know how you feel about the Election?

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Energy and National Security... our next President will have to prioritize

Yesterday, Governor Sarah Palin spoke in Toledo about Energy-Security Policy, which the WSJ highlighted in an article yesterday.

But, more importantly, a recent brief spoke to the question: How shall we power our World? I found it an interesting read.

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A View from the other side of the Pond

Some recent articles from the Times Online.

The Times Recommends regarding US Politics...
Obama aunt found in rundown estate
'Mom-in-chief' Mrs Obama changes her image

Sad news out of Afghanistan...

Lieutenant-Colonel Malalai Kakar
Afghanistan’s highest-ranking woman police officer who was praised for her toughness but was murdered by the Taliban.

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Does this quote from Thomas Jefferson define the differences between Obama and McCain better than any other?

"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."- Thomas Jefferson

I think brother87 is right!

Don't forget to vote on November 4, 2008.

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Vote for the Best person... always is a good motto!

---

Originally posted by jbincr:
Good for you, Marion. Independent is the way to go. Choose the best candidate regardless of party. Straight-ticket voters are worse than people who vote on a whim.

---

Your Headline needs to be changed to make your comments "choose the best candidate regardless of party" to hold true.

I am frustrated with both parties. Neither are doing a good job of protecting and promoting a Limited Government. I'm frustrated with the growth of the non-profit sector (look at salaries at MAHP in Cedar Rapids, for example) and the Fortune 500, which has been the push of both powers the past 20 years.

However, Clinton - Republican Controlled Congress is much different than Obama-Democrat Controlled Congress that many on this board are proposing.

Clinton lost the Democrat House at the mid-term election. Hillary's national health care message was wrong for America.

The Republicans in the House during the Bush years have a lot explaining as well, with the expansion of the Federal budget.

We need both parties in many ways to implode. The original two parties weren't Republican nor Democrats. Both have some serious house cleaning to do.

It's too bad that S. 190 in the 109th Congress didn't include constraints and further over site on Freddie or Fannie, but the Democrats didn't see the need. The Republican I liked before John McCain was Governor Tommy Thompson of Wisconsin, but he was 4 years too late. His ideas are stronger than any one's I have seen to date. I preferred Ms. Clinton over Mr. Obama, though I am sick of the Bush-Clinton era, the past 20 years.

The direction many Democrats in power are going appears wrong and may be dangerous to small business and the America way. The Republicans have their own train wreck to repair, in many respects.

I had a visit with a European customer this week... his biggest negative in the USA was the tie between Corporations and our government. Plainly, Europeans don't want America to be like them, they want America to clean up their act.

I'm all for the best person, but in many ways, going back to Jepsen-Harkin... we vote against the person in Iowa and nationally, not for the person. I see one clear race this year that I am voting for the person.

Dr. Miller-Meeks - a Republican that deserves a strong look - my vote!

Mr. McCain - better than expansion of Federal government under Obama... Further, he will be likely be a one term president and if successful, will bring a coalition government in for the 4 years in office. Unlike Mr. Bush - who didn't bring that bi-partisanship from Austin to Washington DC. Maybe it was 9/11, but on January 20, 2009... it's over!

Sen. Rob Hogg (D) - Senate Democrat - Let's talk light rail - it would be nice to see the Corridor linked, but in a rural region - do we have the population?

Rep. Tyler Olson (D) - House Democrat - Let's talk fiscal responsibility in the State of Iowa

A balance of power is highly recommended in these times.

Sen. Grassley and Sen. Harkin - wow, does any other State in the Union reflect balance?

On the mortgage crisis, where are the Democrats that deserve to be thrown on the carpet with others? What about Rep. Franks' role in the mess?

Thank God I'm an American! Let's clean 435 out of the House! I'll start with my vote for Dr. Miller-Meeks in our US House Representatives!

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Will the Transaction Priviledge Tax go national under Mr. Obama?

Will current Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano be in the first Obama Cabinet as some in Arizona believe, if Mr. Obama is elected on November 4, 2008?

Will the Transaction Privilege Tax be the future for business climate under a Napolitano influenced Obama Presidency?

Like many states, State of Arizona spending exceeds revenues and the deficits may be on the rise, rather on the decline. In our own State of Iowa, Iowa faces more than a $500 million hole in the budget that Governor Chet Culver and the Democrat majority will have to overcome.

What is the future tax climate in the USA? There may be reasons why the United States Chamber of Commerce is concerned about the prospects of more power in the hands of the Democrats.

Business climate with transaction privilege taxes and an attack against small business appears to be on the rise. Further, in the State of Iowa you have Fair Share legislation, which will reduce Iowa's Right to Work laws. On a national level, the Employee Free Choice Act will expand efforts to grow unions in the USA.

An Obama Presidency doesn't appear to be pro-Small Business as Obama preaches. Of course, the expansion of government at all levels certainly isn't a formula for expansion of Small Business in the United States. We need Limited Government at all levels... smart government, not expansion of government.

What impact will the expansion of government under Obama and the Democrats have on the vitality of the private sector?

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Another question for the weekend?

Does the free market corrode moral character?

RE: Whole Series James comment from 10/24/2008:

After 40 years of experience dealing one-on-one with criminals as both a
prosecuting attorney and criminal defense attorney, it is my humble opinion that
it is not the situation that causes the crime but the moral weakness of the
individual. It is the moral weakness or lack of morality that leads to the theft
or the robbery. I never saw a case where there was not another way, an
honorable, honest way to proceed. Even in cases of homicide, there was always
another honorable exit from the situation for the actor.

It is an interesting question and series. The above quote was from one of the many comments from those you have read parts of the series.

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4.2 percent tuition increase for Iowa Regents institutions proposed

The Board of Regents of Iowa's for three regent institutions in Iowa are proposing a 4.2 percent tuition increase for in-state undergraduate students attending a public university in the State of Iowa.

Time to put in some overtime...

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Watch your driving this weekend... you never no what you may see?

Found this on the internet and it was clearly good for a laugh.

It's nice to see Mr. Obama and Hillary having a good time together with Joe and Michelle!

After a long campaign... too long... it's nice to find something to provide a little humor.

Have a Great Weekend!

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Should health care coverage be tied to employment?

Is it time for a change?
Breaking the Tie That Binds Health Care and Employment

The current tax exemption for employer provided health care was developed
shortly after World War II when wage and price controls were in effect. The
controls are gone, but the exemption remains.

A missing link in our society is personal responsibility. However, shouldn't health care be in the hands of individuals, rather than government?

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How do Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama differ on healthcare?

A look at the health care policies of Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama.

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The Election nears... November 4, 2008...

Is there Hope for November 5, 2008 or will we just have to immediately turn around and get ready for the next election in November 2010... those exciting mid-term elections?

The media has screwed our lives up plenty in 2008. The nomination process was moved up and lengthened. The Presidential Campaign has lasted too long, actually beginning before 2008 by the media.

The negatives and the spin have reached epic proportion.

We have political ads that are mixing Federal issues with State candidates here in Iowa. We have candidates and parties looking to win at any cost. If the ends justify the means... it's certainly fair in love, war and politics... right?

Eighteen million voters supported the front runner's chief opponent in the primary. Heck, with super-delegates and the hot start in Iowa on January 3, 2008 we have unique situation on November 4, 2008.

What do the polls really tell us? Not much really, since we don't elect our President by popular vote. We elect our President through the Electoral College.

Stay tuned... who will graduate on November 4, 2008? Will it be the chosen one? Or will it be the right one? What type of grades will you be handing out in the Election?

Well, we should know something in time for Inauguration Day on January 20, 2009.

Have a great weekend... it's only 11 more days until November 4, 2008!

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Negative Advertising: Local Races

So, I tune in on the TV and I hear a political advertisement taking down a local candidate for Iowa State House District 37, on issues that relate to Federal government and Federal public policy and their apparent support for our President, George W. Bush.

I guess all is fair in love and way; and competing in two-party political races?

The local candidate sent me an e-mail stating the following:

The first one went up on Sunday. There was no truth to it. The ad tried to
connect me to Bush's "failed economic plans" and accused me of shipping jobs
overseas, causing the mortgage crisis, Prititizing social
security," etc. The attack was so bad that Senator Grassley called
out the Democrats on O Kay Henderson's blog http://learfield.typepad.com/radioiowa/2008/10/raising-social.html and
even Todd Dorman of the Gazette commented http://24hourdorman.wordpress.com/2008/10/21/grassley-and-i-confused/.

While the candidate is not in my Iowa House District, I have to agree that political campaigns have gotten negative and clearly have resorted to issues and scare tactics that have no relationship to Iowa House district that she is running in.

The candidate in the e-mail went on to say the following:

If anyone questions my positions, have them call me at 431-6150 or to to my
website http://www.reneeschulte.org/ where there is a link on the front page
with the truth.

We need to find a way to bring back the Douglas-Lincoln public conversations. While the Al Smith Foundation Dinner was great humor, it would have been interesting to watch Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama meet in Town Meetings through out the Presidential campaigns, rather than the media driven Presidential Debates.

Of course, lets make sure that we get out and vote. Where do I go to Vote in the State of Iowa on Election Day: November 4, 2008?

We encourage you to gather the information about the candidate and to Vote in the General Election on November 4th!

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We need Limited Government at all levels...

Letter to the Editor

****

We need Limited Government at all levels. ABC’s John Stossel provided a good illustration recently on GMA.

We clearly have some important decisions on November 4th.

In the Linn sheriff race, David Zahn has highlighted the importance of the joint communications center. It is the next sheriff’s greatest opportunity. Zahn’s full-time experience in his past roles that involved Cedar Rapids and Linn County can provide unique experience for our community, while Linn reorganizes. We need to eliminate redundancy between local governments. As Zahn said, “how can we reduce that overall tax impact?”

Health care is going to be a very important issue in the next two years. Both presidential candidates have spoken about it during their campaigns.

In examining the candidates, this comment is clear: "Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks is exactly the kind of person I want to represent me in the 2nd Congressional District. This person is totally honest, hard-working and very bright. This lady is what we wish all politicians were.”

As a small business person, I want real life experience and Dr. Miller-Meeks provides this.

It is important candidates like Lu Barron and Tyler Olson remember the importance of a Limited Government. We have some fine people who step forward to serve. It is imperative that role of government remain limited.

With all of the talk during the campaigns, I hope everyone had an opportunity to watch highlights of Senators McCain and Obama during the Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner. Your informed vote November 4th is important!

****

Sent to The Gazette on October 17, 2008

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One More Term, One More Term...

So, should the voters decide whether they want Mayor Bloomberg for a third term? Of course, New York City has term limits, so the Council will have to determine whether Bloomberg can seek another term.

By the way, New York City has a Conflicts of Interest Board. The City of Cedar Rapids is the first city in the State of Iowa to have a Board of Ethics, as spelled out in the City Charter.

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The Perfect Storm... for Cedar Rapids, Iowa!

The Flood of 2008 was unbelievable for many in this community. However, in 1967, the City of Cedar Rapids officials were warned that the possibility for a record flood was possible for our community. Actually, the Flood of 2008 came in 18 inches less than the worse projections.

Now, we learn that's the rest of the story, as the Army Corps of Engineers' analysis back in 1967 was released to those focusing on flood plain management and hazard mitigation now for the City of Cedar Rapids.

Is Cedar Rapids becoming a poor New Orleans? A community that has neglected it's responsibility to the citizens over the past 40+ years in flood mitigation?

Our community has a lot of recovery to do. Now, more "shock and surprise" unfolds as we make preparations for our future.

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Post-Flood: Where do I vote in Linn County?

November 4, 2008 will be a test of the Linn County voting system. It is the first county wide election, where all voting precincts will be required. Many changes have occurred, due to the flood.

First, some people will have to determine, whether they vote in the precincts their homes were pre-flood or vote in the precinct they currently live in post-flood.

Second, some voting precincts have required to be relocated, due the facility not being in condition to host a voting precinct.

Where do I vote on Election Day: November 4, 2008 in Linn County, Iowa?

Where can I vote early, if I want? Where do they have satellite voting in Linn County, Iowa?

How can I get an absentee voting ballot for Linn County, Iowa?

Oops, before I vote, where can I go to get information on the candidates in Linn County, Iowa?

Finally, if I am not registered to vote, what can I do?

The 2008 General Election is important. It's certainly not just about the Presidential Campaigns of Mr. McCain and Mr. Obama. There are important Federal, State and Local races here in Linn County, Iowa.

Read up and don't forget to vote on Election Day: November 4, 2008?

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The final Open House for community input on Flood Control has been completed?

The proposed map is clearer than what is shown here, but for many it may appear more like the example to the left. The clearer details were on display yesterday during the Open House on the River Corridor Redevelopment Plan held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in downtown Cedar Rapids.

Some residents were surprised to see that the 10th street to 20th street portion of First Avenue East highlighted on the presentation boards.

What will zoning look like post-flood in the impacted areas of Cedar Rapids?

How much government assisted housing is headed for Cedar Rapids post flood? How much housing is really needed?

The estimated cost for flood mitigation for the City of Cedar Rapids is in the $1 Billion range. The likelihood is the flood mitigation process will take 10 to 12 years to fully implement.

We will soon learn what life on the Wet side vs. Dry side will mean.

The City of Cedar Rapids will have to battle with public policy for the impacted portions of Cedar Rapids vs. the unaffected portions of Cedar Rapids.

We can't stop building our local economy. At the same time, we can't delay the flood recovery.

We will likely see new developments competing with one another. A portion of the developments will pit government subsidized vs. the private sector.

We have to balance all the various factors appropriately.

One hates to say it, but we may have a much better Community, if we can get all the parts working together. Cities that have recovered from major disasters will tell you that.

Now, can we clearly get the sum of all our parts moving in the same direction? God speed everyone!

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Flood Mitigation Open House Today

The City of Cedar Rapids is holding its final Open House on River Corridor Redevelopment Plan today to collect feedback from the public on a recommended flood management strategy and other features.

On the flip side, ReDefine Cedar Rapids has online petition on Flood Mitigation process that the City of Cedar Rapids and is concerned about the City's recommendations that "will cost an estimated $1 billion dollars, and affects 500 homes and businesses; additionally the plan does not protect a long list of historical buildings/landmarks and one entire neighborhood."

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Housing and the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cedar Rapids...

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly...

We see it on Wall Street,

We see it making it's way on Main street...

The Floods of 2008 will impact the community of Cedar Rapids for year's to come. The impact on Housing Stock in the old town is significant. We know that low income housing will get some relief.

Landlords are significantly impacted. They are small businesses, but most incentive based programs by the State of Iowa (aka Jumpstart) and the Federal government don't focus on that local landlord who owns a rental house or two, impacted by the flood. In many cases, we are talking about the loss of single family housing stock in our community.

The push for multi-family housing and high density housing to replace some of the single family housing impacted by the Flood is the talk of the town. In many respects, high density housing was the talk of the town before the Flood.

The Federal government is providing incentives for housing developers. But, what about your neighbor's rental property they have in Cedar Rapids? Who is looking out for them or providing help?

Finally, the Crowne Plaza Hotel appears to be headed for foreclosure. As The Gazette headline suggests: Foreclosure seen as hopeful sign for Crowne Plaza... but, will that be true? Clearly there are problems present, when foreclosure is suggested as a "hopeful sign" in improving a poor situation.

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Keep Things Simple - Good advice

In life, it is often good to keep things as simple as possible. That includes giant Microsoft, who clearly has a history of making things less than simple.

Government certainly can learn from that, as can corporate America.

KISS - you hopefully know the rest of the story!

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Final Presidential Debate Tonight

So, who will win this race in 20 days? By the way, don't forget to Vote '08 - Election Day is November 4th.

The Presidential Debates have left a lot to be desired this election cycle. Certainly substance has been lacking.

So, is it a recast of 1976 with Obama or McCain?

In 1976, the public went with Obama (Jimmy Carter). So, will Obama (Jimmy Carter) win again in 2008?

Congress will likely stay with the Democrats, since the White House is currently Republican. So, will the Democrats have both the Executive and Legislative branches after the results of the '08 election?

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Business Travel: More Stressful than ever?

The Economist is reporting that Business Travel is more stressful due to the environment today.

It is stressful these days with the Global financial crisis, but maybe we all need to step back and take a deep breath. Yes, we need to relax a little and don't let the blues get us down.

Life has its share of peeks and valleys. Heck, it is a tough year, if you follow a lot of sports teams... look at the Chicago Cubs, for example.

I guess we can always look back at the '80s, don't worry, be happy now!

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Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce announces new CEO

The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce is going back to hiring a Chamber Executive, rather than a former political type appointment, to be CEO of our local chamber.

On the surface, this is great news.

Shannon Meyer, President of the Melbourne-Palm Bay, Florida Area Chamber has been named our new Chamber CEO according to an e-mail press release from the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce this morning.

The following e-mail was received today from the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce:

Dear Chamber Members:

Good news! The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce CEO Search Committee has completed its task and is proud to present you with the next CEO of our organization.

After reviewing more than 200 nationwide and local contacts, more than 100 applications, and interviewing more than 25 candidates; Shannon Meyer, CEO of the Melbourne-Palm Beach Florida Chamber of Commerce, has accepted our offer to become the next leader of our Chamber on December 1, 2008.

Ms. Meyer comes to us with eight years of executive experience in two Chambers. She is described by many of her colleagues as "collaborative, creative, energetic and empowering."

Distinguishing points of her career as CEO of both Chambers are that she increased membership in both organizations by double digits and strengthened the community perception and effectiveness of the Chamber(s).

Ms. Meyer is also a member of the US Chamber of Commerce's Committee of 100 - an exclusive group of the top 100 Chambers in the Country - and typically consisting of CEOs from much larger communities.

A native Midwesterner, she is excited to move back to the Midwest at a crucial time in our community - to help rebuild our community and region, better than ever. We look forward to not only bringing her experience and energy to our organization, but to the Corridor. Ms. Meyer will be in Iowa in November, we look forward to introducing her to the Chamber and our community at that time.

We would like to extend our thanks to the Chamber CEO Search Committee, who began this process on May 14 and have done more than just due diligence in this matter, resulting in a top-notch candidate. The committee consisted of: Chuck Peters, Cassie Willis, Linda Bendixen, Carroll Reasoner, Scott Byers, Tom Anderson, Mark Long and Kristin Novak.

Thank you,

Brad Hart, Chair, CEO Search Committee

Allen Witt, Board Chair, CEO Search Committee Member

We all should look forward to new leadership at the Chamber and welcome Shannon Meyer as our next Chamber Executive. Cheers!

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November 4 - Good, Bad and the Ugly

November 4 -

The Good -

After eight years of President George W. Bush, the United States will be getting a new President. While President Bush has led us through a very difficult time, with 9/11 and terrorism, much of his economic and bi-partisan approach to government that Bush was successful as Governor of Texas hasn't been delivered as President.

A renewed push for Limited Government and reduction of the size of government. Government isn't the solution for every thing. But, change alone doesn't guarantee that things will get better in Washington DC, Des Moines or even locally.

The Bad -

A lack of candidates for November 4th.

The two party system we have doesn't always field candidates for every race or strong candidates for those that have races.

The Flood of 2008 and the change in the form of government locally have clearly lead to leadership being stuck in a vacuum.

Sometimes a decision is better than waiting for the best answer.

The Ugly -

The future is cloudy at best.

The majority is likely to remain in power. Congress has lowest ratings ever, but is likely going to remain the same. How ironic.

The mess is on both sides of the aisle. Budgets in Washington DC are expanding, expanding and expanding... both sides have lacked restraint.

Des Moines appears to have a budget shortfall. So, the majority has some problems in the State of Iowa too... Mediacaid and shortfall.

Don't forget to Vote on November 4, 2008. The candidates we choose may have a major impact on our pocket book and way of life.

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Linn County, Iowa is ready to send Property Tax bills out

According to the Linn County online Property Tax payment link today, a new message is present:

Tax bills will be mailed on Thursday, October 2nd. The last day to pay without
late interest will be Friday, October 31st.

You may not be able to pay online yet. I tried a couple of tests and found not everything working fully. But, we should get our Tax Bills in the mail very soon.

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While we are at it, the government should fix the following...

It's ironic that the United States Government is going to raise FDIC from $100,000.00 to $250,000.00. Which makes sense, since the limit has been at $100,000 for roughly 23 years and inflation has to be taken into account, with the cost of payrolls and doing business in 2008 dollars.

But, while you are at it, Mr. Senator and Ms. Representative, why don't you index the Alternative Minimum Tax, which has never been adjusted for inflation and is impacting people it was never intended to. AMT is hurting middle taxpayers today and should be adjusted for inflation, as well.

Finally, there are people in credit trouble who could benefit from elimination of one major flaw in our current Federal tax structure.

Previously, credit card interest was deductible, but it isn't anymore.

But, why is Uncle Sam going after consumers, when hard times it due to credit occurs from aggressive banks and credit card companies?

If a consumer negotiates a reduction of accrued credit card interest, why does Uncle Sam want to tax a piece of the unrealized savings, when zero of the interest expense was not eligible for a tax deduction in the first place?

If the Congress wants to help credit hurt consumers and taxpayers, eliminate all taxes on unrealized gains on accrued interest that are not deductible for tax purposes today. The aggressive banks and credit cards companies have hurt consumers enough, don't take from them when they are already down and struggling. This just appears to be common sense in today's tax structure.

Wake up Uncle Sam!

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