President Obama said in a commencement address that there is confusing information on the Internet and on alternative news sources. He suggested that we get all our information through either government sources or sites such as the Huffington Post.
The following is an excerpt from President Obama’s commencement address at Michigan State, May 1, 2010. “Whereas most of America used to get their news from the same three networks over dinner or a few influential papers on Sunday morning, we now have the option to get our information from any number of blogs or websites or cable news shows.”
This development can be both good and bad for democracy. For, if we choose only to expose ourselves to opinions and viewpoints that are in line with our own, studies suggest that we will become more polarized and set in our ways. And that will only reinforce and even deepen the political divides in this country. But, if we choose to actively seek out information that challenges our assumptions and our beliefs, perhaps we can begin to understand where the people who disagree with us are coming from.
This of course requires that we all agree on a certain set of facts to debate from, and that is why we need a vibrant and thriving news business that is separate from opinion makers and talking heads. As Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan famously said, “Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not his own facts.”
Still, if you’re someone who only reads the editorial page of The New York Times, try glancing at the page of The Wall Street Journal once in awhile. If you’re a fan of Glenn Beck or Rush Limbaugh, try reading a few columns on the Huffington Post website. It may make your blood boil; your mind may not often be changed. But the practice of listening to opposing views is essential for effective citizenship. Take note of the direction you are being pointed. “If you read or listen to a point of view that does not coincide with our agenda, you must then listen to and read our propaganda.” There is no suggestion that you verify the words of Robert Gibbs or even research the veracity of the President or any of his followers’ diffusions. It could also be said, “Once you have the information check with us, and hear the spin that will protect our interests. Don’t rely on people with just your welfare at heart.”
It is easy to understand why he wants to control what information we receive and the presentation thereof. By limiting (via suggestion for now) how we obtain political news, the powers that be in Washington, D.C. are able to manipulate and feed us only what they want us to know. Fortunately, those of us who have minds of our own and at least a modicum of intelligence can research various sources and determine the unadulterated truth.
One piece of legislation not offered to us for discussion by congress or this administration is H.R. 4646. It is in the best interest of the spenders in government to remain quiet and keep this bill as obscure as possible until its passage and signing by the President. That action will take place after the elections next month.
H.R. 4646 (aka “Debt Free America Act”, to make it more palatable) imposes a 1% tax on every monetary transaction to take place in the U.S. Deposit your paycheck or unemployment check in the bank and you will immediately have 99% of it to spend on bills. When you pay a bill, it will cost you an additional 1%. Buy groceries…1%. Car payment, gasoline, home mortgage payment, rent payment, utilities; every monetary transaction will be assessed a fee of 1% to start! If you sell your home for $300,000 you will be giving Washington $3,000 on top of the Realtor and escrow fees. Trade in your car for a new one – you get to pay 1% on both transactions. And, if that isn’t enough, the percentage can be raised at the will of the elite.
The passage of H.R. 4646 will require passage of the companion bill, S. 2965 to establish a Commission for Fiscal Sustainability. This new money sucking bureaucracy is responsible for maintaining “the long- term fiscal stability and economic security of the Federal Government of the United States”. Any questions regarding the need to increase that 1%? It will be necessary to do so to maintain fiscal stability of the Federal Government.
Keep in mind, this will be in addition to any other taxes, fees, tolls, surcharges, etc. that we are now paying. Example: You earn $2,000. The government takes +/- 25% in taxes, leaving you with $1,500 to spend. You deposit your remainder into your bank account and immediately you only have $1,485. When you pay your rent, that was $500, you discover that it is now $505. You have lost $520 of your earnings and you haven’t even bought dinner. How many bills (gas, electricity, water, trash, telephone, cable, car payment) do you pay before you can even consider going to the movies or get your car repaired?
Congress will get their raise in January, though!
You and I don’t have the opportunity to vote for or against legislation such as these proposals. We can only vote for the people who vote on them. VOTE WISELY! You must keep informed by sources other than the D.C. or your local propaganda machine.