Let's All Calm Down, OK?

In the aftermath of the House passage of the Health Care reform bill, the news media has been consumed with the extremist reaction from both sides. Hate-filled voicemails, threatening e-mails and isolated incidents of vandalism or threatening behavior are being reported as if widespread—and could become a self-fulfilling prophesy.

When does REPORTING the news cross over into INCITING future “news”?

I don’t know, but frankly, I’m worried.

The most heinous acts against politicians in our history have mostly come from lone nutcases. Since I believe both Kennedy assassinations were far more involved, I’ll exclude them—but from Lincoln to McKinley to Garfield, Teddy Roosevelt, the attempts against Ford, Reagan and Wallace, a demented soul acted alone.

These crazies are out there—and I fear that the media is inspiring them to act. Perhaps there are those media personalities (who will remain nameless) that secretly hope for violence to spring from the outrage they spew over the airwaves, but I suspect that most are simply “doing their job”---namely, not ignoring a “story”.

It’s time to move on.

And with enough blame to go around on both sides, I have some advice for everyone (not that I am qualified to tell anyone anything):

1) To President Obama: STOP THE VICTORY LAP. You won. Health Care reform is now the law of the land—and while I am largely in favor of the overhaul of a faulty and corrupt system, there is nothing to be gained now by going around the country and sticking it to Republicans. Cries of “bring it on!” in response to threats from the right to repeal the law do nothing to heal the wounds caused by this battle. Please turn your attention to jobs and the economy. Bringing us back to prosperity is the best insurance for seeing to it that health care reforms are eventually seen as necessary.

2) To the Republicans: STOP TALK OF REPEAL. You are now simply whining. You have lost this battle. If you wish to make Democrats pay at the voting booth, then by all means, fight the individual battles in the districts where you feel you can pick up seats. Until you control the House, the Senate AND the White House, you will not repeal this law—and to incite your faithful with talk of repeal is disingenuous, unrealistic and a general waste of time. Using state Attorneys General to bring lawsuits is also a tactic that will backfire. Even your supporters will peel away, looking for something positive to support.

3) To the Right Wing Talk Show Hosts: (and this includes the entire FOX Network): STOP INCITING THE FRINGE. Yes, the informed and righteously opposed conservatives are listening to you, but so are the ignorant and deranged, the racist and intolerant. These cretins are your biggest fans—and frankly are the most likely to act out. Does this mean you pull an about-face and start supporting the President? No. But opposing his policies can be accomplished and articulated without the threatening and insults that have been your stock-in-trade. But,of course, being reasonable and even-handed isn’t good for ratings, is it? “Fair and balanced”---yeah, right.

4) To the Liberal Media/”Progressives”: STOP GLOATING. The unbridled glee at your recent legislative victory is hard to watch. Perhaps the loss of Ted Kennedy’s Senate seat to the Republicans WAS the blessing in disguise that provided the necessary wake-up call to Democrats. Perhaps it was the galvanizing event that in retrospect got the Dems to finally work together. Whatever. Get over yourselves, stop kicking the Republicans when they are down—and move your attention to the other areas of the agenda that concern you.

5) To the Public at Large: DON’T BELIEVE EVERYTHING YOU SEE, HEAR OR READ. A healthy skepticism is needed—and clues are left in the text and speech of those who seek to incite. They use “absolutes” when describing the consequences of anything. Words like “ALWAYS”, “EVERY TIME”, “WITHOUT EXCEPTION”, “EVERYTHING” used before a statement are ALMOST always (see how I refrained?) suspect. There are few “absolutes” in life and most certainly none in politics. If you are a Republican, spend a few hours away from FOX and watch MSNBC. Democrats, do the opposite. It will be good for you—and Public TV is largely even-handed, delivering the facts-and leaving the conclusions to the viewer. Be especially wary of content on the internet (blogs like this one!) Fact-checking is not a requirement for posting anything worldwide—and the wide dissemination of falsehoods makes separating fact from fiction even more daunting.

Democracy is messy. Compromise may not have been the hallmark of the last bill to be debated, but Democrats can go a along way in bringing civility to the next project by reaching out across the aisle. If they get slapped again, maybe Americans of all stripes will see a Republican party that’s only concerned with defeating the other side. If, however, a few brave Republicans can demonstrate statesmanship over politics—a trait that can be exhibited by the majority party too---maybe we can get something accomplished that has some semblance of unity.

Dreaming, aren’t I?

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Happy Birthday,Christina Moore!

Nineteen years ago today, a blessed event occurred at Mercy Hospital in Portland, Maine.

Christina Ann Moore was born—on a day much colder than the 50+ degree weather we are enjoying today.

Back in 1991, Peggy, John and I had just moved to Portland- I had started my job at 94.9 WHOM in January. The house in Ellsworth was up for sale, Peggy had quit her teaching job at Maine Maritime Academy in Castine—and we were starting a brand new life in Portland.

Seems like only yesterday.

Fast forward to 2010—and our little girl is a freshman at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska! This is her first birthday away from home—and although Peggy had a cake sent to her from some local Omaha bakery, it just won’t be the same.

But that’s OK—as our little girl is all grown up now and realizing her dreams halfway across the country. Each of our kids have to create their own lives—and with her older brother in New York, Christina is now spreading her wings. Only her younger brother, 10 year old Kevin remains a full-time resident at the “Casa de Moore”

From those first baby steps, to playtime with our then-dog K.C., riding bikes, girl scouts—all giving way to sports, middle school dances and an avalanche of high school activities. Then, her association with the Maine Diocesan Youth triggered a faith and a commitment that the rest of her family can only imagine—and admire. This awakening inside Christina—and her incredible spirit—has been an example and inspiration to all of us.

Christina has had her share of disappointments---from the cruelty that I’m told all adolescent girls suffer from their peers—to the “routine” growing pains that all kids endure. Through it all, she has always maintained a positive outlook and forgiving nature.

I WISH I could have been that way at that age—and perhaps I’m still not even now. In short, Christina Moore is a remarkable young woman and I’m so unbelievably proud to be her Dad.

So, out there in Nebraska, some 1,500 miles away, your Mother, two brothers and I send our love and best wishes for a very Happy Birthday! You have blessed our lives more than we can say-and more than you will ever know…..and we LOVE YOU!!


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Dumb People Doing Funny Things

Why would someone jump off a rooftop using an umbrella as a parachute?
Why would somebody run out into the middle of a road and intentionally jump underneath a moving bus?
Why, in God’s name, would someone ride a bicycle down a huge flight of cement steps?

I cannot answer these questions, but can merely show you the results. YouTube has been the global window into stupid behavior—and one can argue that it has spurred on millions of village idiots to attempt stunts not meant for the human body.

While the video below is sometimes funny, I cannot imagine that it isn’t also chock full of true pain and injury. So, while we’re all still laughing and watching the next clip of hilarity, the victim/doofus in the previous frames is being loaded into an ambulance.

What is it about our culture that makes people act so stupidly? And further, why is it that we collectively “enjoy” viewing these incidents?

I am guilty of laughing at some of the following. I just as often also CRINGED at what looked outwardly like serious pain. With few exceptions, however, what you are about to witness was filmed by someone who was aware that another someone was about to willingly attempt a “feat” that should never been tried.




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TyPqr97qVYk

From time to time, this blog falls back on the ridiculous----mostly because it is cheap and easy. Videos like the one above are plentiful online—and on some days, I have neither the time, energy or useful topic to compose a more meaningful blog.

More disconcerting is that your response to posts like these often dwarf the feedback I get on more serious topics. Keeping it full of variety may be the key, so while I’ve clearly taken the easy way out today, I hope that you can appreciate that NONE of the above clueless acts should ever be performed by human beings with a brain.

Which is to say, for example, if you ever wondered what would happen if you leaped off a roof onto a small trampoline, you now have a vivid answer without having to try it yourself and see.

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What A Proposal!

In my habit of not letting things get TOO serious here at the Tim Moore blog (I did Health Care Reform yesterday!), here’s one that will warm your heart.

Mike Freed, who is the building manager here at One City Center (the home of the 94.9 WHOM studios) sent me the video below. It is of his son’s rather unconventional proposal to his (now) fiancée! Everyone I have shown it to has loved it—so I thought I’d broaden the distribution list a bit!

All of us can remember the moment when we “popped the question”. Guys down on one knee, the women often surprised. This one is so adorable—not only because of the unique way that it was done, but—as you’ll see—the reaction of the bride-to-be---and her COMPLETE oblivion to the people surrounding the event.

For some reason, we guys like the element of surprise. Some dudes will display their proposal on the Jumbotron at a baseball game (“JENNIFER, WILL YOU MARRY ME?”) whereupon every Jennifer in the park gets excited –to the dismay of their dates who have NO INTENTION of getting hitched! Sometimes, it happens in a restaurant, sometimes in a park.

The ring is a must—and if the question is followed by anything other than a shriek or enthusiastic “YES!”, then our hero has made a complete ass of himself. Thankfully, I have only proposed ONCE—and the answer was yes. My heart goes out to those poor guys who are left hanging. Perhaps it’s for the best. Anything less than a robust “YES!” portends trouble for the future union.

That, of course, doesn’t include SHOCK. There is certainly an element of shock in this encounter—enjoy:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9309m_JF8QM

As I wrote to Mike, it appears that this happy couple are totally made for each other—she saw NO ONE ELSE THERE for the longest time. A long and happy life awaits. And all of our collective thanks for sharing a special moment that can inspire lovers the world over!

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Health Care Passes

Go ahead, admit it.

You don’t really understand the Health Care reform bill that passed the House late last night.

Neither do I.

The problem is that many of the House members who voted for or against it probably don’t know either—and that is scary.

What we know---or THINK we know of the bill is likely the product of what we’ve been TOLD about the bill. The source of the information is rarely unbiased—and projections of what will happen are really nothing more than supposition. We know that Democrats, for the most part LOVE it—and that Republicans overwhelmingly HATE it. If you are a staunch party advocate, then your chosen source of information is likely shaping your opinion of the bill.

As for the “facts” of the bill, the following seem to be true:

1) Health Insurance companies cannot drop you for a pre-existing condition
2) 32 million Americans without health insurance will now get it
3) You can keep your kids on your policy until age 26
4) Women will no longer pay higher rates than men based on the mere fact that they are women
5) There are no immediate cost containment provisions, meaning that insurance companies can raise rates at will
6) Tempering #5 is—I believe—a mechanism that will provide portability and choice of providers in many states where none existed before.
7) There is no dollar limit on what companies can impose for benefits paid over your lifetime
8) You will be required to buy health insurance—with a penalty paid for failing to do so.
9) You can switch jobs without fear of losing insurance (related to #1 above)


Most of the above seem desirable to me, with the exception of #5 (who wants rates to go up?) and #8, but buying car insurance is mandatory in most states—with no constitutional crisis looming over it.

So…the biggest question is: HOW DO WE PAY FOR IT?

This, of course, is where the Republicans have centered their argument. They claim that Medicare will be hurt, that taxes will go up and that the government is essentially “taking over” healthcare.

I have NO IDEA how we will pay for it, but I don’t really understand the dynamics economically behind any of this. The Republicans hung their hat on the Congressional Budget Office’s report, promising that it would confirm the same horror story that GOP pundits had espoused.

Oops.

President Obama promised a “deficit neutral” effect with the plan—and then the CBO actually reported that it would greatly REDUCE the federal deficit. Now, the naysayers had to find another angle from which to attack.

That angle was federal funding for abortion, among other items, like the so-called “Cornhusker Bailout”, a distasteful pork serving to Nebraska to secure support.

The fact is that these “deals” have been going on since the dawn of the nation—we just haven’t had a front row seat or the inclination to pay attention. In fact, watching the “sausage being made” last night on C-Span was enough to make any American—regardless of your views—reach under the tray table to the seat pocket and grope for a stomach distress bag.

So, despite over 200 Republican amendments to the bill that passed, this was not a “bi-partisan” piece of legislation. Despite the fact that the American Medical Association AND the AARP endorsed it, there were no votes to be had on the GOP side of the aisle.

Retribution at the polls was the threat---one that will no doubt cost some people their seats.

Only time will tell if Health Care reform was a mistake. Maybe Social Security was too. Maybe Medicare/Medicaid. Those who rail against these “big government” programs cannot conceive of our society without the last two mentioned. Voting to abolish either Social Security or Medicare/Medicaid would be a one-way ticket to political oblivion—even if you are a free-market Republican.

Will we get collectively hosed by Health Care Reform?

Nobody knows….really…NOBODY knows. Of only one thing I am sure. Finally, the Congress showed some courage (at least portions of it) in the face of political suicide to enact legislation aimed at improving the lives of millions of Americans.

I am proud of that one fact. As for the fallout from reform…..well, we’ll just have to wait and see.

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The King And His Castle

Someday, I’ll make it to Graceland, the mansion-home-now-turned-shrine to Elvis Presley. Located in Memphis, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the U.S., ahead of many national monuments and historical sites. As far as private residences are concerned, only The White House has more visitors each year.

OK, he was “King of Rock and Roll”—and I am a fan. The fascination I have with Elvis, however, is more about how someone so successful and wealthy could descend into the pit of drugs and depression that eventually cost him his life.

Of course, there are those who believe that Elvis is still alive. I am not one of them, but were he to walk into my office right now munching on a peanut butter and ‘nana sandwich, I would most likely dissolve into a speechless blob of goo---just like millions of fans.

In fact, my wife and I had the privilege of meeting Elvis’ daughter Lisa Marie Presley a few years ago when she played Merrill Auditorium in Portland. I’d be lying if I didn’t think about how this was the daughter, the flesh and blood of ELVIS PRESLEY while I was shaking her hand and posing for photos. Hell, I even thought about her ex-husband Michael Jackson at the time. Rock & Roll Royalty—and she couldn’t have been sweeter.

But I digress.

Elvis paid the down payment for Graceland on this date in 1957. $1,000 bucks—for a house on nearly 14 acres of wooded land—and a mansion that was priced at $102,500. Hard to build a garage for that kind of dough these days.
Twenty three rooms, including 8 bedrooms and bathrooms. Elvis added on, remodeled (including the infamous “Jungle Room”) and generally made the site a castle fit for a King.

Here’s a short video tour of Graceland:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpGPMGJzR40

Graceland was where Elvis died—and where he is buried. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. Now essentially a museum, it houses his gold records, memorabilia, his Cadillacs and even his Lockheed jet is nearby. From the signature music-themed gates to the burial site to everything housed inside, it is a must-see for anyone going to Memphis….and someday I will join the millions who have made the pilgrimage.

When that happens, I’m sure that I’ll be …..well, “All Shook Up”

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Civic Pride---Portland Style

One of the “hats” I wear in addition to my little gig here at 94.9 WHOM is also being the Program Director of WJBQ, known more commonly as “Q 97-dot-9” . In the radio industry, the format is referred to as “Contemporary Hit Radio” or “CHR”---but to most of us, it’s simply called “Top 40”.

Being involved with the “hit music” station is incredibly fun—and has the side benefit of making me less of a dork to my kids, especially when the Q brings a big concert to town.

Today’s blog is about a video that WJBQ just produced—a parody of the hit Top 40 song “Empire State Of Mind” with rapper Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. This song extols the virtues of New York City---and in spite of the fact that Jay-Z praises the Yankees in it, the tune was a hit across the nation, including such Red Sox strongholds as Boston—and Portland.

Enter Seth Crockett.

Seth is a college student at Syracuse, a Portland native and graduate of Portland High School. Seth got the bright idea of re-creating the musical score from the original—and composing NEW lyrics specifically for Portland, Maine.

Seth did a terrific job with both the music and lyrics and vocals, so we knew that the video had to be handled by someone special.

Enter Shea Murphy-or “S.P. Murphy” in the credits.

Owner of “Fat Sheamus Productions”, Shea took the original video concept in NYC and adapted it perfectly for Portland. His attention to detail, his “eye” for appropriate scenes and overall professionalism made for an outstanding piece.

The Q Morning Show –Meredith Manning, Jeff Parsons and Lori Voornas were cast as the main characters, as were night jock Rob Steele and a host of friends and co-conspirators of Shea’s. Meredith also sings the chorus part (a la Alicia Keys) with Seth.

I think the result was clever—and visually brilliant. While the song may not be your cup of tea, even critics of the music will likely enjoy the tribute to Portland. See for yourself:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDUot-ajq3w


In case you are not familiar with the original song and/or video—here it is below. Again, this may not land on your “hit list”, but even if you turn the volume down, you’ll see that the Portland version was faithfully reproduced:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0UjsXo9l6I8


Regardless of your musical persuasion, all viewers will agree that Portland, Maine is a great town—and this video makes for a clever way to promote it!

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American Pie....From China?

I enjoyed my college economics classes, but am hardly an expert in the field. In fact, since much of it is :

a) theoretical
b) open to different interpretations,

one could say that it is more of an ART than a SCIENCE. Truly, get 10 economists in a room and try to get any two of them to agree on anything.

Almost impossible.

One area where economic theory may be sound (and SOMEWHAT begrudgingly agreed upon) is the notion that goods and services should be produced by those entities (be they companies or countries) that most EFFICIENTLY deliver them to market.

Unfortunately, while solid economically, it could have disastrous effects on our national security—as manufacturing is rapidly exiting the American landscape.

Other countries, which largely have no labor unions and no enforceable labor laws---are proving that they indeed can produce products more cheaply than the U.S. This allows Walmart to pass along those Chinese-made products to American consumers. Viola! Our standard of living has increased……but at what cost?

At one time, the United States was the undisputed manufacturing center for the world. From refined raw materials like steel to finished products like automobiles, the U.S. output was the engine that essentially won World War II.

A dormant economy in the wake of the Great Depression, we got a big wakeup call from the Japanese on December 7, 1941. Factories were re-tooled almost overnight—and the consumer products which they used to churn out now became the implements of war. Planes, tanks, jeeps and guns. Our incredible output made the war’s eventual outcome a foregone conclusion.

Since then, our manufacturing base has eroded. Jobs have been shipped overseas by AMERICAN COMPANIES looking to cut costs. With every factory closed, we have grown incrementally more vulnerable to any enemy who threatens to launch an attack.

What would have happened in 1941 if 40% of our steel came from…Japan? If our auto industry imported 20% of its cars from…Germany?

So, economics be damned. There needs to be a baseline capacity for this country to conduct wartime production. In peace, perhaps it is used to make toaster ovens and pontoon party boats. If an aggressor materializes—and threatens our nation, we can hardly build, tool and train factories and workers from the ground up.

If national security is the federal government’s main job (and I believe it is), then here’s a federal program that creates jobs in peacetime—AND allows for rapid retooling of factories in wartime.

Select critical industries for which America needs to continue to produce goods. Steel is clearly one. Automobiles and aviation factories are a couple more. If whatever peacetime goods these factories produce cannot compete on the world market (due to higher production costs), they become collective loss leaders for Uncle Sam. We’ll gladly take that loss—while providing tens of thousands of jobs—in order to turn on a dime if and when (God forbid) we need to take over those factories for wartime production.

Speaking of Uncle Sam, check out this humorous—yet sadly true video of how we’ve abandoned the “making goods” scene for the “providing services” arena. Funny-yet also chilling:




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq8wbXAR4ZQ


We can reverse this trend if we have the national recognition of a problem—and the national will to change it.

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Throw the Bums Out

I’m not entirely certain that I understand the whole “tea party” phenomenon.

I suspect that many of the so-called “members” are from both parties, have widely different political agendas and are both liberal and conservative (although the latter clearly dominates)

What they all have in common is a complete and utter sense of frustration and disgust with the operation of our government-and the people who we have elected as our “leaders”.

And NOTHING says it clearer than the following article by Charlie Reese, a retired reporter for the Orlando Sentinel.

As disposed as I usually am with spewing my own opinions, imposing my belief system on you and others, I am today reprinting this terrific article from Reese—one that I received in an e-mail the other day.

The words of Reese below crystallize the feelings of a nation that is searching for leadership. The old joke that the opposite of PROgress is CONgress has been true forever, but now, no one is laughing anymore.

Read this:

545 PEOPLE--By Charlie Reese

Politicians are the only people in the world who create problems and then campaign against them..

Have you ever wondered, if both the Democrats and the Republicans are against deficits, WHY do we have deficits?

Have you ever wondered, if all the politicians are against inflation and high taxes, WHY do we have inflation and high taxes?

You and I don't propose a federal budget. The president does.

You and I don't have the Constitutional authority to vote on appropriations.
The House of Representatives does.

You and I don't write the tax code, Congress does.

You and I don't set fiscal policy, Congress does.

You and I don't control monetary policy, the Federal Reserve Bank does.

One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president, and nine Supreme Court justices equates to 545 human beings out of the 300 million are directly, legally, morally, and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country.

I excluded the members of the Federal Reserve Board because that problem was created by the Congress. In 1913, Congress delegated its Constitutional duty to provide a sound currency to a federally chartered, but private, central bank.

I excluded all the special interests and lobbyists for a sound reason. They have no legal authority. They have no ability to coerce a senator, a congressman, or a president to do one cotton-picking thing. I don't care if they offer a politician $1 million dollars in cash. The politician has the power to accept or reject it. No matter what the lobbyist promises, it is the legislator's responsibility to determine how he votes.

Those 545 human beings spend much of their energy convincing you that what they did is not their fault. They cooperate in this common con regardless of party.

What separates a politician from a normal human being is an excessive amount of gall. No normal human being would have the gall of a Speaker,
who stood up and criticized the President for creating deficits..... The
president can only propose a budget. He cannot force the Congress to accept it.

The Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land, gives sole responsibility to the House of Representatives for originating and approving appropriations and taxes. Who is the speaker of the House? Nancy Pelosi. She is the leader of the majority party. She and fellow House members, not the president, can approve any budget they want. If the president vetoes it, they can pass it over his veto if they agree to.

It seems inconceivable to me that a nation of 300 million cannot replace 545 people who stand convicted -- by present facts -- of incompetence and irresponsibility. I can't think of a single domestic problem that is not traceable directly to those 545 people. When you fully grasp the plain truth that 545 people exercise the power of the federal government, then it must follow that what exists is what they want to exist.

If the tax code is unfair, it's because they want it unfair.

If the budget is in the red, it's because they want it in the red ..

If the Army & Marines are in IRAQ, it's because they want them in IRAQ

If they do not receive social security but are on an elite retirement plan not available to the people, it's because they want it that way.

There are no insoluble government problems.

Do not let these 545 people shift the blame to bureaucrats, whom they hire and whose jobs they can abolish; to lobbyists, whose gifts and advice they can reject; to regulators, to whom they give the power to regulate and from whom they can take this power. Above all, do not let them con you into the belief that there exists disembodied mystical forces like "the economy," "inflation," or "politics" that prevent them from doing what they take an oath to do.

Those 545 people, and they alone, are responsible.

They, and they alone, have the power..

They, and they alone, should be held accountable by the people who are their bosses.

Provided the voters have the gumption to manage their own employees...

We should vote all of them out of office and clean up their mess!

What you do with this article now that you have read it......... Is up to you.

This might be funny if it weren't so darned true.

Be sure to read all the way to the end:

Tax his land,

Tax his bed,

Tax the table,

At which he's fed.

Tax his tractor,

Tax his mule,

Teach him taxes

Are the rule.

Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for peanuts
Anyway!

Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.


Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.


Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think..


Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.


Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass.


Tax all he has

Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.


When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.

Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid...

Put these words
Upon his tomb,
Taxes drove me
to my doom...'

When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax..

Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (currently 44.75 cents per gallon) Gross Receipts Tax Hunting License Tax Inheritance Tax Inventory Tax IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax) Liquor Tax Luxury Taxes Marriage License Tax Medicare Tax Personal Property Tax Property Tax Real Estate Tax Service Charge Tax Social Security Tax Road Usage Tax Recreational Vehicle Tax Sales Tax School Tax State Income Tax State Unemployment Tax (SUTA) Telephone Federal Excise Tax Telephone Federal Universal Service FeeTax Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax Telephone Recurring and Nonrecurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax

STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY? Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, & our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middle class in the world.

What in the hell happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'


Hard to articulate the mood of a nation better than that. If you’d like my daily blog in your box, just let me know: tim.moore@citcomm.com

Split Maine In Two?

Sometimes I think that lawmakers propose incendiary bills solely to get on TV.

The latest bonehead to offer up fresh TV-anchor-meat is State Representative Henry Joy of Crystal, who has proposed legislation to take the state and divide it in two.

Crystal, Maine is up in Aroostook County, population about 285. Joy’s idea is to take most of northern Maine and call it…..Maine (clever). Then, he would take most of southern Maine and call it…are you ready? Northern Massachusetts!

All of Maine used to be part of Massachusetts, but today (March 15th) happens to be the anniversary of Maine’s entry into the Union as the 23rd state. As part of the Missouri Compromise, Maine broke away from its “association” with the Bay State that had stretched back to 1547.

For some time, there has been talk of “two Maines”…one personified by the Portland area—the state’s largest city—which is seen as urban, yuppie and not at all related to the rural, rustic and “genuine” part of Maine (north of the so-called “Volvo Line”). In the northern regions, lobstermen and timbermen mingle with farmers and craftsmen—the essence of the “Maine lifestyle” so often romantically depicted for the benefit of….tourists.

There is certainly some truth to this cultural schism, but the southern residents claim that without the economic vitality that comes from the southern region, Maine would rival Mississippi as the poorest state in the country.

As someone who lived 9 years in the Hancock County city of Ellsworth—and the last 20 or so in Portland, I have been witness to both perspectives. Both regions have their attributes—and both are alike in that both are equally dependent on the yearly influx of tourists in order to be financially viable.

Frankly, I love all areas of Maine…can’t we just learn to get along?

Here’s a quick video promoting Portland:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7eAGiVxJHU

We’re not so bad, are we?

Now back to the lawmaker with too much time on his hands. Henry Joy, whose ancestors come from Boston (ironic, no?) has twice asked the Legislature to consider this proposal—and twice has been shot down.

To be fair, there is a tad more to this proposal—as it is tied to an appeal for federal conservation funds by the Great Maine Forest Initiative Steering Committee. Joy views this effort as federal “taking” that would force people off their land.

Not likely, but nice try.

Let’s leave Maine alone—but for God’s sake, if we ever DO split it up, “South Maine” sounds better to me than “Northern Massachusetts”.

If you’d like my blog in your weekday box, drop me a line: tim.moore@citcomm.com