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Obama: The truth must be revealed.

By
Real Estate Agent with Orlando Area Real Estate Services

Mile High

As The Democrats get ready to crown Apollo tonight in the temple created at Invesco Field in Denver (picture courtesy of Fox News), I say with confidence that the vast majority of people who plan on voting for the first new god of the 21st Century, actually have no idea what they are buying.

The man gives a good speech. No doubt about that. He can be inspiring. People will fall over and the mainstream media will probably be getting tingles where they shouldn't have tingles (especially if they remember that they are JOURNALISTS).

So this blog was born out of something I read last night. A fellow Realtor gushing over Barack and how wonderful he is going to be for us. I asked: "Do you have any idea what he is actually going to do?" And I have received no answer.

So on a day when John McCain plans to notify his VP choice of the decision (wise man to wait until tomorrow to make that announcement), I thought we'd take a stroll through some of the things that Obama has said and some of the commentary too. It will open your eyes and I am tempted to repeat the famous Jack Nicholson line from "A Few Good Men" to those who plan to blindly vote for this man. "You can't take the truth!".

  • Chicago Tribune: Obama Hasn't Been Talking About Balancing The Budget And "Has A Full Plate Of Spending Initiatives." "Obama's campaign on Monday scoffed at the McCain proposals. But Obama hasn't been talking boldly about the certain path to a balanced budget. He promises to cut taxes for most Americans ... and he has a full plate of spending initiatives." (Editorial, "Failure Of Nerve," Chicago Tribune, 7/8/08)
  • The New York Times' David Brooks Said For Barack Obama To Fund His Domestic Programs, He Will Have To Break His Pledge Not To Tax The Middle Class. "Both [Obama and Clinton] promised to not raise taxes on those making less than $200,000 or $250,000 a year. They both just emasculated their domestic programs. Returning the rich to their Clinton-era tax rates will yield, at best, $40 billion a year in revenue. It's impossible to fund a health care plan, let alone anything else, with that kind of money. The consequences are clear: if elected they will have to break their pledge, and thus destroy their credibility, or run a minimalist administration." (David Brooks, Op-Ed, "No Whining About The Media," The New York Times, 4/16/08)
  • Investor's Business Daily: Barack Obama Would Have To Tax Middle Class Taxpayers To Fund His Billions In New Spending. "Obama's spending agenda -- exceeding $307 billion a year -- dwarfs that of Bill Clinton a decade and a half ago. And he would be sure to run into the same immovable mathematical obstacle faced by the last Democratic president. Taxing the handful of CEOs and other fat cats won't be enough. The big money Obama wants will have to come from the many millions of middle-class taxpayers." (Editorial, "Only CEOs Need Fear," Investor's Business Daily, 5/9/08)
  • The National Journal's John Maggs: "[Obama] Has Rhetorically Committed To A 'Pay-As-You-Go' Approach By Offsetting New Spending And Tax Cuts With New Taxes Or Spending Cuts, But His Proposals Do Not Come Close To Meeting This Standard." (John Maggs, "Obama On The Economy," The National Journal, 5/31/08)
  • Los Angeles Times: Barack Obama "Has Not Identified New Revenue Sources Or Spending Cuts To Pay For Some Of" His Proposals. "The Obama campaign responds that tax cuts, once enacted, are usually renewed and do not expire. Therefore, they say, Obama can legitimately claim to be recouping money for other purposes by scaling back the tax cuts. Obama has not identified new revenue sources or spending cuts to pay for some of what he wants to do." (Peter Nicholas, "Adding Up The Cost Of Obama's Agenda," Los Angeles Times, 7/8/08)
  • If Obama Could Enact All Of His Campaign Proposals, Taxpayers Would Be Faced With Financing $863.352 Billion In New Spending Over One White House Term, Which Averages Out To Be Approximately $216 Billion A Year. (Barack Obama's Spending Proposals: http://www.barackobama.com/index.php, Accessed 8/19/08)
  • In Obama's First Year, Implementing $216 Billion In New Spending Would Increase Discretionary Spending By Approximately 23 Percent. (Barack Obama's Spending Proposals: http://www.barackobama.com/index.php, Accessed 8/19/08)
  • Chicago Tribune: Barack Obama Has "No Interest In Eliminating Deficit Spending." "Since winning the nomination, Obama reportedly has been moving toward the middle of the political spectrum. But on the budget, he still sounds left of center, with no interest in eliminating deficit spending." (Editorial, "Failure Of Nerve," Chicago Tribune, 7/8/08)
  • The Associated Press: Barack Obama Not "Even Trying" To Balance The Budget And "Frankly Says He's Not Sure He'd Bring It Down At All In Four Years." "Barack Obama says John McCain's plan to balance the budget doesn't add up. Easy for him to say: It's not a goal he's even trying to reach. Not only does Obama say he won't eliminate the deficit in his first term, as McCain aims to do, he frankly says he's not sure he'd bring it down at all in four years, considering his own spending plans." (Nedra Pickler, "Analysis: Obama Won't Try For McCain's Budget Goal," The Associated Press, 7/8/08)
  • Barack Obama: "I Do Not Make A Promise That We Can Reduce [The Budget Deficit] By 2013." "'I do not make a promise that we can reduce it by 2013 because I think it is important for us to make some critical investments right now in America's families,' Obama told reporters this week when asked if he'd match McCain's pledge." (Nedra Pickler, "Analysis: Obama Won't Try For McCain's Budget Goal," The Associated Press, 7/8/08)
  • Barack Obama Has Called For Higher Income Taxes, Social Security Taxes, Capital Gains And Dividend Taxes, And Corporate Taxes, As Well As "Massive New Domestic Spending." "Obama's transformation, if you go by his campaign so far, would mean higher income taxes, higher Social Security taxes, higher investment taxes, higher corporate taxes, massive new domestic spending, and a healthcare plan that perhaps could be the next step to a full-scale, single-payer system. Is that what most Americans want, someone who will fulfill a Democratic policy wish list?" (James Pethokoukis, "Barack Hussein Reagan? Ronald Wilson Obama?" U.S. News & World Report's "Capital Commerce" Blog, www.usnews.com, 2/12/08)
  • Barack Obama Would Raise Income Taxes. Obama: "[I] would roll back the Bush tax cuts for those making over $250,000." (Sen. Barack Obama, CNN Democrat Presidential Candidate Debate, Manchester, NH, 6/3/07)
  • U.S. Department Of Treasury: Small Business Owners "Are Frequently Subject To The Highest Individual Income Tax Rates." "Changes in the individual income tax affect most businesses in the United States. That is because taxes on business earnings are often paid through the individual income tax when 'passed-through' to business owners. The business income from sole proprietorships, farm proprietorships, partnerships, S corporations, etc., is all taxed at the owners' individual income tax rates. This year 34 million business owners are expected to receive this type of income and pay tax on this income through the individual income tax. These businesses are typically small and often entrepreneurial in nature, and a source of innovation and risk-taking in the economy. Moreover, these business owners are frequently subject to the highest individual income tax rates." ("Topics Related To The President's Tax Relief," U.S. Department Of Treasury, http://www.ustreas.gov/press/releases/reports/president_taxrelief_topics_0508.pdf, May 2008)
  • Barack Obama Told A Texas Newspaper: "What We Ought To Tax Is Dirty Energy, Like Coal And, To A Lesser Extent, Natural Gas." ("Q&A With Sen. Barack Obama," San Antonio Express-News, 2/19/08)
  • Coal Is The Largest Source Of Electricity In America, Accounting For Nearly 49 Percent Of U.S. Total Net Generation In 2006. (Energy Information Administration Website, www.eia.doe.gov, Accessed 6/9/08)
  • Natural Gas Is The Second Largest Source Of Electricity In America, Accounting For 20 Percent Of U.S. Total Net Generation In 2006. (Energy Information Administration Website, www.eia.doe.gov, Accessed 6/9/08)
  • Barack Obama Would Raise Capital Gains And Dividend Taxes. "Sen. Obama wants to raise the long-term capital-gains rate for families making more than $250,000 to around 20 percent or somewhat higher but not above the 28 percent level it reached during the Reagan presidency, an Obama economic adviser says. The same rate would apply to most dividend income for these investors." (Tom Herman, "Tax Report Your Tax Bill: How McCain, Obama Differ," The Associated Press, 6/18/08)
  • In 2006, Over 26.7 Million U.S. Taxpayers Reported Capital Gains Income. (Internal Revenue Service Website, "Individual Income And Tax Data, By State And Size Of Adjusted Gross Income, Tax Year 2006," www.irs.gov, Accessed 7/30/08)
  • In 2006, Over 31.5 Million U.S. Taxpayers Reported Dividend Income. (Internal Revenue Service Website, "Individual Income And Tax Data, By State And Size Of Adjusted Gross Income, Tax Year 2006," www.irs.gov, Accessed 7/30/08)
  • Tax Policy Center: Barack Obama Would Raise Taxes On One Out Of Every Three Senior Households. "Even though Senator Obama's plan eliminates individual income taxes for seniors with incomes less than $50,000, his plan would raise taxes for almost 10 million senior households, over a third of the total (not shown in table). On average, seniors would face a tax increase of about 2 percent of income." (Burman et al., "A Preliminary Analysis of the 2008 Presidential Candidates' Tax Plans," The Tax Policy Center, 6/11/08)
  • Tax Foundation: Seniors "Rely Most On The Stable Flow Of Income That Dividends Provide." "Most debate over whether to extend the reduced rates on dividends and capital gains has focused on the tax benefits of these cuts to high-income taxpayers. What has been largely ignored is the impact these tax policies have on corporations' decisions on how best to distribute their income to shareholders -- including senior citizens, who rely most on the stable flow of income that dividends provide. A recent Tax Foundation analysis illustrated that a large number of those benefiting from dividends are seniors and those on the verge of retirement (See www.taxfoundation.org). A further analysis of these seniors earning dividends reveals that lower-income seniors who file tax returns depend more heavily on divide nd income than high-income seniors." (Gerald Prante, "The Importance Of Dividend Income For Low-Income Seniors," Tax Foundation, http://www.taxfoundation.org/news/show/1354.html, 2/8/06)
  • FactCheck.org: "Obama's Votes Indicate A Willingness To Raise Taxes." "Certainly Obama's votes indicate a willingness to raise taxes, and Obama has not been shy about saying explicitly that he will raise some taxes." ("The $32,000 Question," FactCheck.org, http://www.factcheck.org, 7/8/08)

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(Copyright © 2008 By Simon L Conway All Rights Reserved.)

Please give me a call if you have questions about the Central Florida real estate market.  You can reach me on 407 876 8200.  Also visit my web site at www.simonconway.net or www.move2orlando.net

Comments (17)

Susan McQuaide
Keller Williams - Simpsonville, SC

Great Job Simon!!! Fox news interviewed many delegates at the convention and not one could name one single accomplishment of his- all we hear is he for change - and you sure just spelled out the change!

Aug 28, 2008 03:40 AM
Mike Frazier
Carousel Realty of Dyer County - Dyersburg, TN
Northwest Tennessee Realtor

Simon,

You and Ted need to syndicate an unbiased news column. Great post!

Congratulations this post is now featured in the Silent Majority Group of Active Rain.

Aug 28, 2008 03:43 AM
Simon Conway
Orlando Area Real Estate Services - Orlando, FL

Susan - it amazes me how many can't give me ONE POLICY of Barack Obama.

Mike - thanks for the feature. I'd like to say I'm surprised this ony has two comments before mine, but I'm really not.

Aug 28, 2008 08:50 AM
Owen Zweiback
Realty World Florida - Bonita Springs, FL

On top of your game as always, Simon.

Great job!

Aug 28, 2008 10:12 AM
Simon Conway
Orlando Area Real Estate Services - Orlando, FL

Thanks for your kind words Owen. The truth is out there my friend.

Aug 28, 2008 12:43 PM
Mike Saunders
Retired - Athens, GA

Simon - great compilation of this information in one spot, however, it will primarily be preaching to the choir, to those who have already elevated him, these facts will have no meaning. After all, it will only be fair.

Aug 28, 2008 01:19 PM
Broker Nick
South Florida Real Estate & Development, Inc. - Coconut Creek, FL
Broker Nick Relocation Broker Service

Simon ~ Wow, great news broadcasting and reporting. We should have taken up a collection and sent you to tell the real story over there in Denver.

Aug 28, 2008 01:23 PM
Simon Conway
Orlando Area Real Estate Services - Orlando, FL

Mike - I'm not sure about this one, but there's a chance - just a chance mind you - that Obama might take off his shirt to deliver the speech tonight *lol* Certainly if he wants to deflect attention away from the nothingness then that's what he'll do.

Chris Matthews: - "WOW! it's about time we had a President with Pecks! Look at those Pecks Keith!"

Keith Ogelman (deliberate!): "I see them Chris, but check out his flat stomach. I think I'm getting a tingle up my leg again."

Aug 28, 2008 01:27 PM
Simon Conway
Orlando Area Real Estate Services - Orlando, FL

Nick - as I said above - the truth is out there. Unfortunately the "lemming-like" followers of Obama are not interested in it.

Aug 28, 2008 01:28 PM
Broker Nick
South Florida Real Estate & Development, Inc. - Coconut Creek, FL
Broker Nick Relocation Broker Service

Simon ~ Oh no, you used the lemming word. Perhaps, the liberals will call you racist now. That is their mantra now, anyone who comes against the mighty Obama.

Aug 28, 2008 01:34 PM
Anonymous
NJ Bosley
Simon, All that research, I would hope to hell that at least it raises a doubt in some of the Obama "followers" simple minds. DUH, the guy is so transparent but I guess all it takes is a good speech for some to become "believers"
Aug 28, 2008 01:53 PM
#11
Mary Thomas BH,MB,HB, PV, Estates LA+
Remax Estates Properties - Los Angeles, CA
Mary C. Thomas Your Agent around the Globe

Simon, this is great information, I am linking this to my email buddies. Yes, even those for Obama, maybe they will read instead of listen and be charismasized.......

Aug 28, 2008 06:38 PM
John Walters
Frank Rubi Real Estate - Slidell, LA
Licensed in Louisiana

Simon no doubt he doesn't want you to know what he really wants to do.  He is an extreme liberal.

Aug 29, 2008 10:41 AM
Thomas Hargreaves
TriStar Financial Services - Eugene, OR

Simon you make some great points.  Each time Obama has been asked what changes he intends to make and how he will make them, he changes the subject.

Sep 04, 2008 05:51 PM
Anonymous
Janice

Speaking of changing the subject, here is Sarah Palin apparently endorsing Obama (or at least being very complimentary) .  . .

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO6dmBm1SFw&NR=1

Sep 08, 2008 10:38 AM
#15
Anonymous
No-more-corporate-welfare

Greed and selfishness is what the republican party now stands for.  Welfare for corporatations in the trillions of dollars but we have no money to make sure every American has health insurance, no funds are available to help our children get a good education yet we kiss China's behind, import their poisoness garbage products and beg for loans to support our bad habits and finance our immoral wars.

The republican party is nothing like the republican party of old, nothing.  That's why Mccain tries his best to distance himself from the damaged brandname.

We are hated and despised around the world not because of our "freedoms" but because we have become bastards of war, hate and greed but it's so difficult for many to look into their own mirrors and admit they have no one to blame but the fool staring back at them.

ENOUGH!

Sep 19, 2008 01:12 AM
#16
Broker Nick
South Florida Real Estate & Development, Inc. - Coconut Creek, FL
Broker Nick Relocation Broker Service

Simon ~ Another fine post to enlighten the blind ones who follow Obama to the uttermost. Blind to see all the Marxist and hate filled speeches of his wife as well. More to come on her. Should be interesting to say the least.

Sep 19, 2008 01:17 AM