Weekly Wrap-Up

I am all for capitalism, however, when capitalism sets up a system to possibly defraud taxpayers, it needs to be examined. The Wall Street Journal investigates a law firm that specializes in Social Security Disability benefits and the business model used to create a company that collected $88 million in fees for helping people through the system. A safety net is necessary for the truly disabled, but the rise of specialty firms to help people collect disability payments has put a severe strain of funds available.

The House Republicans continue to be savagely attacked for trying to stand up for principles. The fact remains that the payroll tax, while beneficial to constituents, leaves a gap in what is being paid into Social Security. By not dealing with how to make up the difference and knowing the strain about to begin with baby boomers at retirement age, the GOP House passed a Bill that included a way to do both, yet they are losing the public relations battle. What would you do? Let us know in this weeks’ poll question.

Kudos to Congressman Paul Ryan named Human Events Conservative of the Year. Larry Kudlow’s article articulates Congressman Ryan’s goals to prevent America from fiscal bankruptcy. There is only one problem; we need more people in Congress who share Ryan’s goals.

Leave it to the New York Times to praise the EPA’s new regulations to limit mercury emissions; they obviously are blind to these facts.

Isn’t it time for Attorney General Holder to understand a photo ID for voting is not about race? Most (70%) of Americans support the idea.

The Occupy Wall Street certainly does all it can to help the underprivileged. Here is an article from the LA Times that states the Mayor calls for budget cuts to cover the cost of the protests. Isn’t that a great way to help your cause?

The New York Post Editors spell out the consequences of taxing the rich and the incongruous outrage from the politicians who are unhappy about the results of their vote.

All of us at the Conservative Party want to take this opportunity to wish all of you and your family a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah and a very prosperous New Year. Some years back, Ronald Reagan, was concerned about the true meaning of Christmas being lost under communism, and used his radio program to address his concerns. Today, the War on Christmas continues so I thought I would end with a link to Ronald Reagan’s radio broadcast.

Have a wonderful Christmas and Hanukkah Season. We will be back on January 3^rd, barring something unforeseen happening in New York or America.

An in-depth look at some of the recent history behind the SEC lawsuit against 6 top executives at Fannie and Freddie.

Chaos is the result of playing politics instead of governing; chaos is king in Washington, DC and we are mere pawns during these tumult times.

The New York Post Editorial explains that the problem is more than the payroll tax.

According to the main stream media, the GOP House Members are at fault, here is another, far more realistic, point of view from the Heritage Foundation. National Review weighs in also.

This part of Obamacare begins January 1! Can't help but wonder if this will create even more fraud that we cannot afford. John Stossel also has a good article on Obamacare.

Chuck Norris and the War on Religion.

More arrests in WFP election fraud in Troy, NY.

Vice President Biden does it again. It really is time for leadership and a new administration that understands the role of America. There is no way America will be able to protect its citizens if an administration is blind to its enemies.

The two month tax payroll reprieve will not work. Read why here, here and here.

Good news for taxpayers from NY's newly elected Congressmen and Congresswomen.

However, Senators Gillibrand and Schumer spend taxpayers money without any qualms.

And they are not the only ones with spending problems. Read Sen. Coburn's report here.

New Yorkers still give Gov. Cuomo high marks, but are not to happy with him breaking a promise. Some may be confused, but no matter how you look at it, the broken promise increased the tax burden in New York State.

Why we need entitlement reform.

History will record 2011 as the year that some of the worlds worst terrorist leaders met their demise.

Do you think this is a "cash for visa scheme"? The idea makes me very uncomfortable, why bend rules for foreigners to invest, why not make it easier for US citizens to invest?

The payroll tax is not resolved and it looks as if hard ball is the name of the game today. Senator Coburn, MD explains his no vote on the floor Saturday.

Here is another good place to cut, thank you Daniel Mitchell, for letting us know about this.

More cuts can be made here.

The Hawaii Reporter stands up for taxpayers!

The Heritage Foundation reminds Obama that there is bipartisan support for the Keystone Pipeline.

Heritage Foundation's chart of the week: How to Simplify the Tax Code and Lower Taxes.

Capitalism and the Right to Rise by Jeb Bush.

Brian H. Darling writes in Human Events that legislators deserve a lump of coal. (Does Santa have enough coal?)

All of the Ethics Laws are a waste of time and money if the people of this great state and country continue to allow it to happen. How many times have voters ignored the ethics of a candidate and the message that that actions sends speaks volumes while ethic laws are ignored.

Heather McDonald writes about the Real Outrage in today's New York Post.

Is this laying the ground work for another tax hike and fee increases?

Weekly Wrap-Up

We’re posting this blog entry just as Sen. Chuck Schumer is launching a new effort to outlaw “false or misleading election material” that could stop people from voting.

Chuck and his cohorts promise that their bill is designed solely to prevent untrue statements about, for example, election dates or locations. But is it hard to imagine this bill being used to restrict ideas that Chuck & Co. find false or misleading?

Scary. Let’s hope this proposal remains just that.

So did you watch last night’s Iowa debate? If not – and even if you did, but want to see what people are saying - here is some post-debate analysis.

The Washington Times notes that Newt Gingrich “took fire from the other candidates,” while the New York Post also puts Newt at the center of attention during the debate.

John Podhoretz is not impressed with Newt’s performance.

The Weekly Standard calls this one “the nice debate.”

And Human Events sees no winners or losers in Iowa.

Meanwhile in the equally important state of South Carolina, Mitt Romney has picked up a key endorsement.

We’ve had several Weekly Polls that have asked about your choice for the GOP presidential nomination. Here’s a new take on the question for this week: Have you changed your choice of candidate since the beginning of the Republican campaign? Is your choice today different from your choice six months ago? Or have you stuck with your original decision? Vote today in our new Weekly Poll.

Now some reminders of why this matters – why we MUST get Obama out of the White House in 2012.

First, the Obama Administration’s addiction to appeasement – chronicled brilliantly (of course) by Charles Krauthammer.

And also, the Obama Administration’s out-of-control Justice Department led by Attorney General Eric Holder, whose dangerous (and deadly) Fast and Furious gunrunning fiasco is now being described as “Obama’s Watergate.”

Ho-hum... another day, another deal to avert a government shutdown.

And according to The Heritage Foundation, this new deal leaves much to be desired.

Have a great weekend!

The Heritage Foundation has a great article today: It's Time to Kiss the Tax Code Goodbye! They also write about Three Things to Know About Obama's Mountain of Red Tape.

Investors' Business Daily says Dems prove they're not really for payroll tax cut.

America, know your enemy.

One year after the tragic death of Brian Terry, we still have an Attorney General who is evasive on how it happened and may have used his death to further diminish our 2nd Amendment rights. Time for Holder to go!

When government grows, the economy shrinks.

Still far too much spending in this proposal.

This is where we need reform.

Picky robbers!

Phony fracking fears for NY.

There must be something terribly wrong with the education system in California, it is the only explanation as to why this woman gets elected.

Another Senator, Bernie Sanders, lives in his own world. Read about his "Saving American Democracy" aka his SAD (appropriate acronym) Amendment here.

We can all breath a sigh of relief knowing Congressman Frank is not running for reelection. This is to remember the damage he did.

The Heritage Foundation has an interesting article on "The Growing Evidence that College Preferences Harm Minority Students".

More from the Heritage Foundation: The Truth About the Balanced Budget Amendment.

Look at this chart to understand why the GOP House is right on the payroll tax.

With 5464 OWS arrests, Time Magazine names "the Protester" person of the year. The few people who read Time Magazine must all live in California and vote for Senator Boxer.

Regulation for Dummies.

Now the SEC wants a bailout.

Check this out: SarbOx and MF Global.

File this under "now I've heard everything": Connecticut Mayor wants illegal immigrants to vote and the Connecticut's Governor is willing to hear the mayor out on the proposal.

The NY Post Editorial says Stand Up, New York.

Wednesdays with Walter E. Williams.

The Heritage Foundation has the question of the day: Why would Obama veto job creation? Is this how Obama negotiates? It really is time Obama put the people of this great country first and stop the class warfare campaigning to keep his job. Mr. President read this, I have hope you'll change your ways....and I'll be waiting for a long, long time because a leopard does not change his spots.

Can you believe this man was a U.S. Senator? I guess when you really you look at the bills he pushed no one is that shocked by what he said.

Please do not believe Senator Gillibrand's Bill in response to the Throw Them All Out book, will resolve the issue. It won't! According to this, it only makes it easier. Again, elected officials grabbing headlines trying to hoodwink you into believing they, and they alone, know what is best for us.

The Unemployment Insurance program has dispensed $16B to people who did not deserve the benefits in 2010 alone. Not much hope in getting any of it returned....yet Obama wants to extend the benefits.

What is American's biggest fear? You're right, Big Government.

A must read by E.J.McMahon on state comptroller DiNapoli's vision of the state's pension plan. And you should certainly see this chart in today's USA Today to get an understanding why every state is concerned about pension costs.

Last week was not a good week for Governor Cuomo, first he broke a campaign promise and then he strong armed some legislators. Hmmm, and now he is letting fox guarding the hen house?

No decision yet on New York's primary date in 2012.

Tuesdays' with Thomas Sowell.

Hard hitting, accurate, New York Post Editorial calls republican New York state legislators hypocrites.

E. J. McMahon explains why they keep raising taxes.
Here we go again! With a NYC Council that cannot stop spending either, will Mayor Bloomberg keep his word on this? He certainly is capable of being bullied.

The airwaves and schools all decry the horrors of bulling. The Legislature passes bills that condemn anything that even hints at something that might be considered bullying. So what do our leaders do? They cave, they give into bullies! What a great lesson our children are learning from the "adults"... I will get what I want if I am a bully, but if I bully the wrong person or group, I'll be severely punished. Yes, of course this makes perfect sense .... to someone, but certainly not to me...or children who have a knack of understanding things that the political elite fail to see.

All legislators, at every level, should read this, maybe then they would have the courage to end out of control spending. They should also read this article.

Help Sen. Jim DeMint to get sponsors and support for this bill.

The more voters know about Obamacare, the more they want it repealed.

Want to know how the Feds get our money? Click here.

Iran is in Latin America according to the Heritage Foundation.

The NY Times Editorial weighs in on hydrofracking and says this "The only way New York can safely move ahead with hydrofracturing is by designing and executing a tough regulatory program that could also serve as a model for the rest of the nation." What? Do they almost endorse New York getting into the business of creating jobs for its citizens? What will the environmentalists do? There is hope that New York may actually put some people to work!

Weekly Wrap-Up

“You are kidding yourself if you think you can be one of the highest-taxed states in the nation, have a reputation for being anti-business — and have a rosy economic future.”

Now who said that? I can’t remember...

Our Weekly Poll question last week asked if you thought Cuomo and the Albany establishment would raise taxes in 2012. Unfortunately we underestimated their money-grubbing abilities.

Fortunately Conservatives in the Assembly, including Minority Leader Brian Kolb, continue to speak out against the Cuomo politicians’ behind-closed-doors tax ambush.

As Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin has noted, this Cuomo “tax reduction” will equal out to about $30 in tax relief for many New York families. What will you do when faced with such an extraordinary windfall? Give your vote today in our new Weekly Poll.

Cuomo’s sudden alliance with the Occupy Wall Street-style class warriors (whose tax-and-spend zealotry has occupied Albany for quite some time now) reflects what’s going on in Washington – what Charles Krauthammer calls “Obama’s Campaign for Class Resentment.”

Where can one find these “one percenters” – joyriding in a Rolls Royce? Gunning for a hole-in-one on the golf course? No, just peek into Obama’s inner circle.

In the Washington Times Donald Lambro surveys the GOP presidential field that (for the next few minutes anyway) seems to be down to two.

The Times also reports on Mitt Romney’s increasingly aggressive pursuit of Newt Gingrich.

And via the Weekly Standard, we discover a new concept: the “Valentine’s Day Option” in which a new GOP contender could (theoretically) crash the race at the last minute.

Have a great weekend!

Some articles on yesterday's tax increase which is still being reported as a reduction in taxes -- still trying to understand that logic when the state is getting an additional $2 billion -- here, here, here, and here. As Chairman Long points out in the first link, he sees the new tax plan as "following the European formula of failure," and laments the fact that no cuts in spending were made.

Governor Andrew Cuomo now " "The more you make the higher rate you pay. That I believe is fair." Governor Cuomo in January, 2011 ""The old way of solving the problem was continuing to raise taxes on people, and we just can't do that anymore. The working families of New York cannot afford tax increases. The answer is going to have to be that we're going to have to reduce government spending."

In politics, trust is everything. You have to be trusted to keep your word -- the words you used to be elected -- Governor Cuomo has broken that trust and he certainly isn't the only one. The Senate voted 55-0 for these taxes, justifying their votes with political spin. People are fed up with the broken promises and they are not likely to forgive the transgression because they have an extra $30 a month. Like Judas, they won't be able to undo what is done.

Good news from Washington for a change. Of course it would be better if it was totally repealed, but at least it won't be sold in the supermarket.

More of the typical bad news from Washington: Spending has not slowed down, 38 months of deficits.

It's obvious to me that President Obama really does not care about getting people back to work. Mr. President you cannot defend this decision, people need jobs.

National Review critiques Obama's Kansas speech. Freedom Works

The Weekly Standard with more on Obamacare.

Breuer and Holder must go. Holder tells Congress today: "lying has to do with your state of mind"

For those who missed Wednesday's with Walter E. Williams, here it is.

The NY Post Editorial says it all.

The Wall Street Journal says: "Mr. Cuomo claimed to be different when he ran in 2010, but his resistance didn't even last a year in office. So two states are now taking one more whack at the people who create wealth, in order to redistribute more of it. For how that story ends, look to Europe." More from the Wall Street Journal here.

E. J. McMahon explains it is a tax increase!

From Assembly Republican Leader Brian Kolb: “From what has been reported in the media so far, the bottom line is that taxes are being raised in New York State and we are still not dealing with our state’s serious spending problem. There is still no significant unfunded mandate relief for local governments. We should be protecting taxpayers by capping local Medicaid costs, enacting a state spending cap and doing this through an open, public process where these issues are debated and discussed in the light of day, not through secret deals behind closed doors by three-men-in-a-room. Tax hikes have never been the answer for creating more private sector jobs and long-term prosperity for New Yorkers. That still holds true today.”

From Assemblyman Steve McLauglin: A family making $100,000 will see $400 more per year or $33.33 per month. Less than the cost of a tank of gas. You are being scammed if you believe this is a serious tax cut. None of the three have the guts or fortitude to address New York's out of control spending problem. I'd have more respect for them if they'd have kept the current tax structure. At least that structure would've raised the revenue needed to close the gap. They chose the smoke and mirrors route and a change that will not close the existing budget gap.

The reality is that the underlying problem --- too much spending, unfunded mandates on localities (unreasonable medicaid costs) pension benefits --- have not been resolved. The changes that Larry, Curly and Moe agreed to, do not resolve the problem, yet they have proven one thing: Their word means absolutely nothing. No matter how they sell it, taxes are going up to the tune of $2 billion dollars, money that could be used to create jobs.

PERFIDY

Governor Andrew Cuomo is on the verge of betraying the New Yorkers who actually believed him when he said "You are kidding yourself if you think you can be one of the highest-taxed states in the nation, have a reputation for being anti-business -- and have a rosy economic future."

Governor Cuomo made promises to those who elected him and less than a year into his administration he is abandoning his own words.

Most New Yorkers are busy with the upcoming Holidays and are unfortunately not paying attention at this time, but when the bill for the Governor's ill-conceived idea comes due, if enacted by those who think spending solves all problems, they will react and Governor Cuomo will pay the price.

Some analysis and thoughts of what Governor Cuomo is considering are here, here, here here, and here.

It is not too late for the Governor to continue the promises he made to New Yorkers and abandon this quest to keep New York's taxes the highest in the nation. Cuomo's essay in the NY Times is disingenuous and continues the class warfare that is so popular with the Obama Administration and so very anti-American.

BREAKING: NY Daily News says its a done deal. Liz Benjamin reports 5 new brackets under consideration. New Yorkers need to see the fine print, not only the what they want to sell. So far all we know is that they are rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic so out of control spending continues...they refuse to see the iceberg.

More on Obamacare here. Breaking: Obamacare going too far. This is outrageous!

Who could be opposed to this bill?

The Heritage Foundation on Illegal Aliens, In-State Tuition and the Law.

Tuesday's with Thomas Sowell recommends good books as Christmas gifts.

They are coming back, the question is why are they coming back to Albany. Is today's Grinch, aka the Governor and his partners in the Legislature, planning to spoil your Christmas by taking your income to continue their addiction to out of control spending.

E. J. McMahon writes about Andrew's Lip Service in today's NY Post.

This is on the right track, but it does not go far enough....eliminate it!

Why not create jobs and expand the base? Hydrofracking will create much needed jobs and its time New York's government acknowledge that real job is what is needed. Hydrofracking has a two fold benefit: needed jobs and energy independence.

Comptroller John Liu its Time to Resign!

The Heritage Foundation has a chart about federal deficits, the national deficit problem is the same as New York's problems: spending out of control.

The Heritage Foundation on Agenda 21. More here from American Policy Center.

The Administration's late Friday afternoon's "document dump" is hair raising. Some highlights are here, here, and here. You know the Administration has a problem when NPR is critical.
Some analysis from Michael A. Walsh who has been covering this from the beginning.

It must be only us that are truly concerned about the direction of our country, since the President is planning a 17 day vacation in Hawaii. Quick question: Did he go to Hawaii every Christmas before becoming President or only since he has had Air Force 1 to fly him there?