Combining Rants...

Last week I received my local Per Capita tax bill.  Previously it was $15.00.  Reasonable, right?  I thought so.  But last week, when I opened the envelope, I discovered the fee is now $30.00.  Yes, it doubled.  Granted, $15.00 is not a tremendous amount of money.  It’s the principle of the matter. 

What makes it even worse is something I heard on the radio two days ago.  The reasoning behind raising the amount, according to the report, was to encourage those who historically don’t bother paying, roughly 80% of those who should, to pay.  Huh?  Make a bill more expensive and people who haven’t paid in the past will suddenly fork over double the money?  I don’t buy it.  To me it seems that the 20% of us that do pay are once again getting screwed.

I heard the most negative campaign ad ever this morning.  It was presented by one of the candidates for governor of Pennsylvania.  It was so far beyond hateful and tasteless that I can’t believe the man who purportedly endorsed truly did.  He certainly shouldn’t have because all it served is to make him look bad, not the man he was slamming.

When did negative campaigning become so widely acceptable?  I know I’m showing my age by saying this but I remember when candidates used to attempt to garner votes by boasting about the good they’ve accomplished in their own careers rather than dissing their opponents.  Perhaps it’s just me but I liked it better back then.  I’m capable of forming my own opinion.  Tell me what makes you qualified for the office you’re running for, what your plan is to make things better and keep your mouth shut about the other guy.  He can tell me the same and then I’ll make up my mind on who I will vote for.  If the only thing you can do is trash the other guy then I have to wonder whether you’re in any way capable of filling the position.

Okay, rant over.  Happy weekend, all!

Go Away

There was a gathering at a local college yesterday to discuss the future of education. One of the issues covered was the growing problem with the pension fund. As in it’s no longer there at levels needed to cover those retiring because the fund lost a large percentage over the last few years due to economic conditions.

The state, which is so broke it has to suspend payments to its employees from time to time, has decided it’s up to each school district to cover their specific shortage. As I’m sure you can guess they are proposing raising property taxes to do so.

Um, no. Un uh. Forget it. Not doable. Why? Because I simply do not have it. I haven’t figured out how I’m going to pay this year’s taxes yet and now they’re wanting more? I’m tired of being punished because I work and have managed to secure basic shelter for myself. Pick on someone else for a change.

None of the places I’ve worked over the years had a pension fund. It’s up to me to provide for myself should I live long enough to retire though these days that’s becoming doubtful with how often they raise the retirement age. Why should it be any different for teachers? Don’t misunderstand. I respect anyone who has the patience and is willing to do such a thankless job. It’s the system I have a problem with, not the individuals.

No, I don’t have a solution. But this isn’t it. If they keep raising taxes I’m going to eventually loose my home because I’m unable to pay and then they’ll have absolutely nothing. It’s definitely time for them to come up with a different plan. In the meantime would anyone like to buy a mediocre house in Reading? It comes with 10,000 books, four cats and, oh yeah, me.