I do try to stay out of political discussions, but I fail to see how anyone can really believe that Rush Limbaugh is the leader of the republican party. Democratic talking points are just talking points; they are spin, and this is nothing more than Chicago politics at its best. I’m saddened that the republicans haven’t treated this straw man as I treat my daughter’s tantrums (I ignore them for the most part). And I have been very impressed how well this has has been working, and I mean that sincerely – hats off to these excellent politicians for being so convincing on the Limbaugh front.

But – the promise was no taxes – OF ANY KIND – for anyone making less than $250K per year, not just payroll taxes. Was everyone so distracted by the “Limbaugh is the leader” discussion that they didn’t notice that the taxes on cigarettes increased tremendously this past week? I don’t smoke (I quit years ago), but I do know that the largest percentage of current smokers are poor people, and this is a tax that they will bear disproportionately. Perhaps it will get them to quit, and yes, that’s a good thing. But what if your guilty pleasures are next as these smokers stop smoking? The secret of a magic trick is in the set up – you are so focused on the distraction that you don’t notice the essence of the trick has already happened right under your nose, before the showmanship has begun.

I do wish Limbaugh would have said what Frum has suggested (and these are his words, not mine): “I hope the administration’s liberal plans fail.” Or (better): “I know the administration’s liberal plans will fail.” Or (best): “I fear that this administration’s liberal plans will fail, as liberal plans usually do.” That is what Limbaugh meant, and anyone who would stop and think for a moment would realize that. He used the words that he did because he is an entertainer. (I am not a ditto head, and I wouldn’t ever have sat in his audience.) Shame on the republicans for being so afraid to respond that way.

I also agree with Mr. Frum when he states: “Political parties that do not deliver economic improvement for the typical person do not get reelected.” And when we are paying over $3,000 per year in both taxes and the increased cost of goods as a result of cap and trade (which most people that I know who voted for the democratic ticket haven’t ever heard of, but hello! it was approved in different forms by both houses last week), and when we are paying $3-$5,000 more per year in taxes on the employer-paid health insurance benefits that most Americans still enjoy, I think that message will resonate with the general public.

I wonder, at that point, who will step forward to lead us out of double digit inflation and a tax burden so heavy that it makes our grandchildren sigh.

midlife mommys last blog post..Don’t Let The Door Hit You On The Way Out

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When this issue showed up in my mailbox this week, I was excited. Haven’t had a chance to read it yet, but I look forward to it.

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I always enjoy reading your political posts because I share similar viewpoints, and usually wish I’d said it just like you have.

Robyns last blog post..At least I’m not like Sam the Butcher.