Where We Are At

Well, we have change. That is for sure.

Is it only due to President Obama? No. In fact, the "change" is the continuation of the last 70 years. And along that way we have had many Presidents, Pennsylvania Governors and many Democrats and Republicans who have had a say.

Where are we?

Here is the latest assessment:

The bailouts have failed. We had to provide tens of billions of dollars to Chrysler and GM to prevent their bankruptcy. They are bankrupt, the government is "buying" them and we have to provide tens of billions more.

Hundreds of billions have been provided to bail out mortgage holders. Mortgage defaults have skyrocketed and more politicians are advocating many, many billions more.

Here are some other things to look forward to with the "change" we are undergoing:

1) The PA General Assembly is talking about a 35% increase in the personal income tax.
2) There is talk about a MAJOR assessment on school districts, with a huge increase in property taxes, to make the state pension fund solvent.
3) There is talk of a 10-20% Value Added Tax (VAT) - a sales tax - on everything we purchase. Next time you go out or buy groceries add 20% to see what the cost would be to you.
4) Tax revenues to all levels of government are down. 40% down for the Feds while spending is exploding and deficits are exploding. But spending is not the problem. It is a "revenue problem".
5) Many school districts will raise taxes anyway, on top of the state "assessment".
6) The "Cap and Trade" legislation will increase energy costs at least 50%. Take your next PP&L bill and multiply by 1.5 for the cost to you.
7) Medical benefits might be taxed to pay for socialized health care.
8) A "sugar tax" might be implemented.
9) Another huge tax on tobacco and alcohol is probably on the way. So if you enjoy a cigarette and drink a beer, beware.
10) There is talk of establishing a 1% sales tax for counties and municipalities. This is after the OPT/EMS/LST tax was supposed to solve local muncipal revenue problems. Of course, this is to provide "property tax relief" just like the casinos were supposed to.

Yep, great change. And the middle class would not be affected at all!

The insanity continues. What is the insanity? Government grows at a far faster rate than society can sustain.