The Taxman

I must sound like a broken record, but another outstanding weather day to report.  Too bad I missed it all, at work from 06:45 am to 6:45 pm.  No worries, I am an exempt employee and like 1/3 of my salary goes to taxes…

I read some stuff today that makes me wonder if the American people are being duped into thinking that president Obama is more concerned with the American taxpayer and the price of gasoline or on his election year agenda to gain popularity at taxpayer expense. 

Not one to get too political, and maybe I am talking out of my bunghole, but what do you make of this ? 

“WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama pushed Congress Tuesday to give oil market regulators more muscle to deter price manipulation by speculators, the latest White House response to determined Republican attacks on administration energy policies amid high gas prices at the pump.

Obama wants Congress to strengthen federal supervision of oil markets, increase penalties for market manipulation and empower regulators to increase the amount of money energy traders are required to put behind their transactions.

"We can't afford a situation where some speculators can reap millions while millions of American families get the short end of the stick," Obama said at the White House.

The plan is more likely to draw sharp election-year distinctions with Republicans than have an immediate effect on prices at the pump. The measures seek to boost spending for Wall Street enforcement at a time when congressional Republicans are seeking to limit the reach of federal financial regulations.

The president's $52 million proposal comes as Republicans have been hammering Obama on his energy policies, recognizing the political cost of high gas prices on the president. Obama's plan would turn the tables on Republicans by taking aim at Wall Street's role in the oil price chain.”

Sue cooked spaghetti for dinner tonight, and Kyle is still at the restaurant or his trial run at bussing tables.

This day in history “With the world anxiously watching, Apollo 13, a U.S. lunar spacecraft that suffered a severe malfunction on its journey to the moon, safely returns to Earth.

On April 11, the third manned lunar landing mission was launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying astronauts James A. Lovell, John L. Swigert, and Fred W. Haise. The mission was headed for a landing on the Fra Mauro highlands of the moon. However, two days into the mission, disaster struck 200,000 miles from Earth when oxygen tank No. 2 blew up in the spacecraft. Swigert reported to mission control on Earth, "Houston, we've had a problem here," and it was discovered that the normal supply of oxygen, electricity, light, and water had been disrupted. The landing mission was aborted, and the astronauts and controllers on Earth scrambled to come up with emergency procedures. The crippled spacecraft continued to the moon, circled it, and began a long, cold journey back to Earth.

The astronauts and mission control were faced with enormous logistical problems in stabilizing the spacecraft and its air supply, as well as providing enough energy to the damaged fuel cells to allow successful reentry into Earth's atmosphere. Navigation was another problem, and Apollo 13's course was repeatedly corrected with dramatic and untested maneuvers. On April 17, tragedy turned to triumph as the Apollo 13 astronauts touched down safely in the Pacific Ocean..”

Speaking of coming back down to earth, the Apollo 13 mission was a true testament to American ingenuity at a time when we still built things, and had pride in made in America.  I think 2012 will be a time in history that we look back at and see the start of new era.  At least I want to believe it will be.

Instead of tax time being April 15^th, it was moved to April 17^th, so all you procrastinators and holdouts, make sure you file your taxes.  If you owe, wait till the last minute, if you are getting a return, why did you wait.  If you’re not sure, file for that extension.  Nothing is certain except death and taxes.

Glee is performing Bee Gees, and former Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb is in a coma after contracting pneumonia, his family And friends keeping vigil at his bedside.  We can only hope that he gets to see the show.

Keeping with the Beatles theme this week, we have to go with “The Taxman”

“Let me tell you how it will be
There's one for you, nineteen for me
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman 
Should five per cent appear too small
Be thankful I don't take it all
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah I'm the taxman 
If you drive a car, I'll tax the street,
If you try to sit, I'll tax your seat.
If you get too cold I'll tax the heat,
If you take a walk, I'll tax your feet. 
Don't ask me what I want it for

If you don't want to pay some more
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman 
Now my advice for those who die
Declare the pennies on your eyes
'Cause I'm the taxman, yeah, I'm the taxman
And you're working for no one but me.

Photo of the day “The Taxman”

Kyle cam home tonight and told us he got the job.  Congratulations !