Did you know that the greatest period of economic growth in American history was during a time when there was absolutely no federal income tax? Between the end of the Civil War and 1913, there was an explosion of economic activity in the United States unlike anything ever seen before or since. Unfortunately, a federal income tax was instituted in 1913, and this year it turned 100 years old. But there was no fanfare, was there? There was no celebration because the federal income tax is universally hated.
Sadly, most Americans just assume that there is no other option to an income tax. Most Americans just assume that it has always been with us and that it will always be with us. This year, the American people will shell out approximately $4.22 trillion in state and federal income taxes. That amount is equivalent to approximately 29.4 percent of all income that Americans will bring in this year, and that does not even take into account the dozens of other taxes that Americans pay each year.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Family Of Four, Mother Of Two Hit The Lottery At Housing Fair
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Standing in the crowded atrium of Long Reach High School on Saturday, April 13, Mohammed Islam and Rusella Mirza were announced as the first winners of the Housing Lottery at the Howard County Housing Fair.
The lottery is an annual drawing at Howard County Housing's largest event, which brings more than 55 exhibitors together to discuss homeownership in Howard County. The lottery offers prospective homeowners the chance to purchase homes priced below market value.
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QUOTES OF THE DAY 4-16-13
“Demanding domestic security in times of war invites carelessness in preserving civil liberties and the right of privacy. Frequently the people are only too anxious for their freedoms to be sacrificed on the altar of authoritarianism thought to be necessary to remain safe and secure. Nothing would please the terrorists more than if we willingly give up some of our cherished liberties while defending ourselves from their threat.”
Ron Paul
“It is not we non-interventionists who are isolationists. The real isolationists are those who impose sanctions and embargoes on countries and peoples across the globe because they disagree with the internal and foreign policies of their leaders. The real isolationists are those who choose to use force overseas to promote democracy, rather than seek change through diplomacy, engagement, and by setting a positive example.”
Ron Paul
“The moral and constitutional obligations of our representatives in Washington are to protect our liberty, not coddle the world, precipitating no-win wars, while bringing bankruptcy and economic turmoil to our people.”
Ron Paul
“Our foolish policy in Iraq invites terrorist attacks against U.S. territory and incites the Islamic fundamentalists against us.”
Ron Paul
Ron Paul
“It is not we non-interventionists who are isolationists. The real isolationists are those who impose sanctions and embargoes on countries and peoples across the globe because they disagree with the internal and foreign policies of their leaders. The real isolationists are those who choose to use force overseas to promote democracy, rather than seek change through diplomacy, engagement, and by setting a positive example.”
Ron Paul
“The moral and constitutional obligations of our representatives in Washington are to protect our liberty, not coddle the world, precipitating no-win wars, while bringing bankruptcy and economic turmoil to our people.”
Ron Paul
“Our foolish policy in Iraq invites terrorist attacks against U.S. territory and incites the Islamic fundamentalists against us.”
Ron Paul
BREAKING NEWS: Letter With Ricin Sent To Senator, Lawmakers Say
Lawmakers have been informed a letter addressed to Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., tested positive for Ricin, Fox News confirms. The letter was intercepted and screened at an off-site facility.
Where Does Your Tax Dollar Go?
In 2012, Washington collected $2.4 trillion in taxes, more than $20,000 for every American household...and spent $3.5 trillion...
Marathon Bombing Victim, 8, Recalled As Spirited
Family friend Jack Cunningham spoke of how as a pint-sized preschooler, Martin had insisted on getting out of a stroller his mom was pushing during a 5K race in South Boston about five years ago.
But once she let him out to run with the rest of the family, Martin had other plans for the rainy race course.
"He was just having a ball, splashing in every puddle," Cunningham said.
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Letter Sent to Roger Wicker Tests Positive For Ricin
It was not immediately clear when the envelope was received, but senators said it was identified on Tuesday morning as containing Ricin. It arrived at a Senate mail facility, which has now been closed for more testing — all mail bound for Capitol Hill is now being directed through a U.S. House facility.
Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) said members were briefed that the substance had been found in a letter and that a suspect has been identified.
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County Councils Set 'Rain Tax' For Property Owners
Property owners in Baltimore and Anne Arundel Counties now know what they will be paying each year in the so-called "rain tax." That is the state mandated storm water management fees for all the concrete and pavement on a residential or business property.
The Baltimore Sun reports that the annual fee for single family home owners in Baltimore County will be $39 annually. For business owners there is a formula that will be set up with a fee for each square foot of impervious surface.
The Executive Director of Catholic Charities on Monday told WBAL TV he was concerned about the costs to non-profits for all the concrete and pavement at their facilities.
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The Baltimore Sun reports that the annual fee for single family home owners in Baltimore County will be $39 annually. For business owners there is a formula that will be set up with a fee for each square foot of impervious surface.
The Executive Director of Catholic Charities on Monday told WBAL TV he was concerned about the costs to non-profits for all the concrete and pavement at their facilities.
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STATE TROOPERS INCREASE VIGILANCE - CITIZENS REMINDED OF TIPS LINE AT 1-800-492-TIPS
(PIKESVILLE, MD) – As the investigation into the Boston explosions continues, Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, has directed state troopers to increase vigilance, especially around critical infrastructures.
Troopers will be conducting increased patrol checks of critical infrastructures in their areas of responsibility. Although troopers are routinely vigilant and looking for suspicious activities as part of their daily duties, they have been reminded to increase their awareness.
“Our obligation to protect our citizens requires that we increase our awareness in response to this tragedy in Boston as a precaution,” Colonel Brown said. “We are coordinating our efforts with allied law enforcement at the local and federal levels. The Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center is monitoring the situation and will keep our law enforcement partners informed of the latest public safety information. I ask citizens to join police officers in being alert for any suspicious activity or situation and report that information immediately to authorities.”
Persons who see something suspicious are urged to contact the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center at 1-800-492-TIPS (8877). The Center is staffed around-the-clock and will immediately review incoming information and forward it to the appropriate law enforcement agency for follow up. Local, state and federal law enforcement personnel work together at the Center to ensure Maryland’s coordinated response to public safety threats.
Maryland State Police command personnel are on alert to deploy additional troopers if needed for a State Police response or to assist local law enforcement. No additional personnel have been deployed at this time, but all troopers currently on patrol are implementing increased precautions.
Troopers will be conducting increased patrol checks of critical infrastructures in their areas of responsibility. Although troopers are routinely vigilant and looking for suspicious activities as part of their daily duties, they have been reminded to increase their awareness.
“Our obligation to protect our citizens requires that we increase our awareness in response to this tragedy in Boston as a precaution,” Colonel Brown said. “We are coordinating our efforts with allied law enforcement at the local and federal levels. The Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center is monitoring the situation and will keep our law enforcement partners informed of the latest public safety information. I ask citizens to join police officers in being alert for any suspicious activity or situation and report that information immediately to authorities.”
Persons who see something suspicious are urged to contact the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center at 1-800-492-TIPS (8877). The Center is staffed around-the-clock and will immediately review incoming information and forward it to the appropriate law enforcement agency for follow up. Local, state and federal law enforcement personnel work together at the Center to ensure Maryland’s coordinated response to public safety threats.
Maryland State Police command personnel are on alert to deploy additional troopers if needed for a State Police response or to assist local law enforcement. No additional personnel have been deployed at this time, but all troopers currently on patrol are implementing increased precautions.
NASA's Wallops Island Prepares For The Spotlight
On Wednesday, Orbital Sciences Corp. plans to conduct the first test launch of its Antares rocket under a NASA program in which private companies deliver supplies to the International Space Station. If all goes as planned, the unmanned rocket's practice payload will be vaulted into orbit from Wallops Island before burning up in the atmosphere on its return to Earth several months later.
The goal of the launch isn't to connect with the space station, but to make sure the rocket works and that a simulated version of a cargo ship that will dock with space station on future launches separates into orbit. Orbital officials say that should occur about 10 minutes after liftoff.
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NFL Broadcasting Icon Pat Summerall Dies At Age Of 82
Pat Summerall, the legendary NFL play-by-play man who worked a record 16 Super Bowls, has died at the age of 82, according to multiple reports.
He began working for CBS in 1961 and stayed there for 31 years before moving to Fox for the final eight years of his career.
Summerall spent much of his time honing a fantastic chemistry with the most famous football analyst in history, John Madden, and tributes have begun pouring in on social media from those who associate Summerall with the big-time football games of their youth.
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Taxes
"100% of what is collected is absorbed
solely by interest on the Federal Debt ...
all individual income tax revenues are gone
before one nickel is spent on the services
taxpayers expect from government."
-- Grace Commission
Source: report submitted to
President Ronald Reagan
on January 15, 1984
BREAKING NEWS: Veteran Sports Broadcaster Pat Summerall Dies
Pat Summerall, the NFL player-turned-broadcaster who called games for more than 40 years, dies at 82, Fox Sports spokesman says.
From Fox News
From Fox News
State Credit Cards At University Used To Dodge Purchasing Rules, Auditors Find
An audit report released Monday said purchases made on these two corporate purchasing cards, which had monthly limits of $400,000 or more, “were artificially split in order to bypass formal procurement policies,” which generally require competitive bids for purchases over $5,000.
In some cases, vendors of research and medical equipment used at the professional schools were asked to generate several invoices for a single purchase to avoid competitive bids. The team from the Office of Legislative Audits found that 15 orders from two medical supply firms totaling about $122,000 were split into two or more transaction to avoid the $5,000 limit. The purchases occurred from March 2009 to September 2011.
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Registration Open For Wicomico Recreation’s Adult Kickball
(Salisbury, MD) As an adult, you may not get summers off anymore, but Wicomico Recreation offers the opportunity to relive those childhood memories with a playground favorite - Kickball! The cornerstone of our Social Recreation series, Adult Kickball creates a break during the work week to exercise and have fun in a social sports setting. Join as a team, group or individual to enjoy this unique recreational opportunity where participants can meet new people and bond with family, friends and colleagues.
This year, the program will be offering two leagues; a non-competitive league and a social league. Teams who are ‘in it to win it’ are encouraged to join the non-competitive league, while the social league is geared towards teams looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Adult Kickball is open to men and women, ages 18 and over. Games will be played on Wednesday evenings at the Henry Parker Athletic Complex in Salisbury. The program fee is $25/individual or $300/team, recommended team size is 12-15 players. Individual registrants will be matched up with one another to create full teams. Register online atwww.WicomicoRecreationandParks.org or in person at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury; M-F, 8am-6pm). Registration deadline is Monday, May 20. The season will begin on Wednesday, May 29.
For more information, please contact Email Emily Eskridge at recsports@wicomicocounty.org or call 410-548-4900 x108.
This year, the program will be offering two leagues; a non-competitive league and a social league. Teams who are ‘in it to win it’ are encouraged to join the non-competitive league, while the social league is geared towards teams looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.
Adult Kickball is open to men and women, ages 18 and over. Games will be played on Wednesday evenings at the Henry Parker Athletic Complex in Salisbury. The program fee is $25/individual or $300/team, recommended team size is 12-15 players. Individual registrants will be matched up with one another to create full teams. Register online atwww.WicomicoRecreationandParks.org or in person at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Box Office (500 Glen Avenue, Salisbury; M-F, 8am-6pm). Registration deadline is Monday, May 20. The season will begin on Wednesday, May 29.
For more information, please contact Email Emily Eskridge at recsports@wicomicocounty.org or call 410-548-4900 x108.
Violinist Sues Ocean City Over Noise Ordinance
The American Civil Liberties Union has sued on behalf of William F. Hassay Jr., who says he stopped playing on the Boardwalk last year for fear of being arrested and had to perform “in less lucrative settings.”
Hassay is trying to recover any money he says he lost.
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Why Can't We All Travel To Cuba?
Earlier this month, entertainers Jay-Z and Beyoncé were given a license by the US government to travel to Cuba. Because it is not otherwise legal for Americans to travel to Cuba, this trip was only permitted as a "cultural exchange" by the US Treasury Department. Many suspect that the permission was granted at least partly due to the fame, wealth, and political connections of the couple.
Some Members of Congress who continue to support the failed Cuba embargo, demanded that the Administration explain why these two celebrities were allowed to visit Cuba. The trip looked suspiciously like tourism, they argued in a letter to the White House, and American tourism is still not allowed in Cuba. They were photographed eating at the best restaurants, dancing, and meeting with average Cubans, which these Members of Congress frowned on.
Perhaps it is true that this couple used their celebrity status and ties to the White House to secure permission to travel, but the real question is, why can't the rest of us go?
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Some Members of Congress who continue to support the failed Cuba embargo, demanded that the Administration explain why these two celebrities were allowed to visit Cuba. The trip looked suspiciously like tourism, they argued in a letter to the White House, and American tourism is still not allowed in Cuba. They were photographed eating at the best restaurants, dancing, and meeting with average Cubans, which these Members of Congress frowned on.
Perhaps it is true that this couple used their celebrity status and ties to the White House to secure permission to travel, but the real question is, why can't the rest of us go?
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