Plain & Simple

The Silver Lining to the Dark Clouds of Taxation

Steve — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 17:07:00 GMT

Some say every cloud has a silver lining.

According to a recent op-ed piece in the IndyStar, raising taxes on alcohol is a good thing because it will positively affect the amount of underage drinking in Indiana. The authors further point out that a portion of the tax should be put toward treating those with alcohol/drug addiction. Such a move would save society about $7.46 per dollar invested in such programs. It sounds good, except for one little problem...

It's called reality: Each year the states collect roughly $22 billion in revenue from tobacco taxes and the 1998 state tobacco settlement—a mere 7% of which would fully fund smoking prevention and cessation programs in all 50 states. Only 3 states fully fund such programs (Indiana isn't one of them). The other 47 divert the funds for "other needs."

Plain & Simple: Addicts live lives of lies and deception which destroy the well-being of themselves and those around them. If you ask an addict where the rent money went, they'll tell you "Something really important came up." Intervention is the term used when the addict is cut off the from his high, confronted about the long standing deception and forced to take responsibility for their actions. It is a difficult, but proven road to recovery. I really hate to rain on this parade, but the last thing we need is another tax for politicians to abuse. To many of these folks, it's their drug of choice. A little taxpayer intervention at the polls would be the real silver lining.

Smoke and Mirrors

Steve — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:53:00 GMT

In an attempt to end the battle over work-place smoking, (i.e. in bars) the Indy Star and the anti-smoking lobby unsheathed the broad sword of science and assumed a position of triumph.

This weapon was honed by a report titled: "Estimating the Economic impact of Secondhand Smoke on Indiana in 2007." Today's star headlines conjecture that secondhand smoke is a problem costing Hoosiers $390 million a year. The only problem is that there is no hard data to support the conclusions of the study.

The data used for the analysis was based on hospital discharge reports, death rates and census data. Using such data would go something like this...

A 52 year-old, non-smoking male, 5'8" tall, weighing 350 lbs dies in the ER from a massive heart attack. Stricken with grief, his widow lights up a cigarette in the consultation room. The physician appropriately notes under social history that his spouse smokes. Researches conducting this study see his name pop up on the screen during their search and attribute this death to secondhand smoke--not his morbid obesity.

A child gets an ear infection. One of the parents admits to smoking-but never around the children. As above, the ear infection is attributed to second hand smoke.

You get the picture. It's not possible to prove secondhand smoke is the causative agent. I will concede that it is a contributor. However, attempting to attribute full culpability upon secondhand smoke is folly.

Plain & Simple: The danger here is that once again statistics are being put forth as hard evidence. This information will be used to outlaw the legal practice of smoking in privately owned and operated businesses. I don't fear the sword in this argument--It's big, but the edge is dull. What I fear is the still concealed dagger of junk science and false pretense which has been far more damaging in recent years. It's just one more example of political smoke and mirrors.

Did you hear the one about...

Steve — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:51:00 GMT

Did you hear the one about the state legislator who wanted to increase access to medical care?

To do so, she wrote a bill that required more doors at health clinics.

No, really!

Specifically, we're talking about the clinics located in pharmacies and big-box stores which typically treat the "routine" stuff. The proposed legislation would require such clinics to construct separate entrances, mandate the patient's primary care provider receive a detailed report of the clinic visit and that prices be displayed outside the exam room.

The author of said bill stated: "We're just trying to make sure that they meet standards like other physicians have to do."

Really? Well after 7 years in the ER, I've never sent detailed reports to a primary provider, nor have I seen a price-list in the waiting room. However, I do have a revolving door at the entrance-which never stops moving.

Currently the State Department of Health does not license these "walk-up" facilities, but regulates them through the license of the doctor in charge. Translation: A problem with the care rendered at such facilities holds the doctor in charge accountable-period.

Plain & Simple: Health care legislation must be in the best interest of the patient. The requirements of this bill will stifle competition, inflate the cost of routine medical services provided by these clinics and add more expense to the state. It's bad for patients and taxpayers, which are one in the same. And that's no joke.

What have you been smoking?

Steve — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:57:00 GMT

I still remember the old anti-smoking campaign that simply stated "Smoking Stinks."

I totally agree, but I have to tell you, statewide smoking bans stink for a different reason: attitude is one.

Instead of saying, "Let's help people quit smoking," the attitude is "Quit smoking you terrible people!"

I say we quit attacking the people and attack the problem!

The best way to deal with second hand smoke is to eliminate it's primary source: smoking.

"The states already collect nearly $22 billion a year in tobacco-generated revenue from tobacco taxes and the 1998 state tobacco settlement. Just seven percent of this tobacco money would be enough to fund tobacco prevention and cessation programs in every state at levels recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Unfortunately, only three states - Maine, Delaware and Colorado - currently fund prevention programs at CDC-recommended levels."

Where does this money go? Up in smoke of course-which also stinks because it's increasing our taxes.

"Smoking prevalence among Medicaid recipients is approximately 50% greater than that of the overall U.S. adult population...persons receiving Medicaid are affected disproportionately by tobacco-related disease and disability..." which leads to greater health care costs paid for by taxpayers.

But that's not all:

Years ago, James P Siepmann, M.D. wrote an article titled: Smoking does Not Cause Lung Cancer using WHO and CDC data to make his case. In the end he showed that it certainly contributes to one's propensity to get lung cancer, but there are so many other risk factors that contribute to lung cancer that smoking can hardly be linked as THE cause. Remember, exercise leads to better health even if you smoke!

The studies that attribute thousands of deaths to second hand smoke are far from conclusive because of numerous confounding factors: poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise. Such bans are another example of a society wanting to take a pill, not responsibility, to achieve good health.

Plain & Simple: If you think this ban is part of the "solution", you have been smokin' something. Hoosiers should concern themselves with addressing healthy lifestyles and smoking cessation, not smoking locations. We've got bigger fish to fry--I mean bake. It's more healthful.

You Get What You Need

Steve — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 12:41:00 GMT

"But Dad, I need that train!"

"I know it's very cool, son, but we can't afford it right now. Our property taxes went up, we're paying more sales tax than ever, and there's a $700 billion dollar bailout looming to cover a monster governmental screw-up for which I'll have to kick in more money."

"But Dad..."

"But dad nothing, I bought you a new stadium last year, which I'll be paying off for the rest of my life. I'm tapped out! I know you want a train but what you need is a fleet of buses and an appropriate infrastructure, like sidewalks and bike trails, so people can get to those buses. You can use the millions of dollars that would be spent maintaining a train to bolster Indygo. I want you to have regional mass transit, but we have to do so sensibly. I just can't afford a train right now!"

"We could float a bond issue and buy it on credit. We have a AAA rating right now."

"Son, I know they didn't teach you about credit in school, but buying with credit is not a good thing. Maybe someday we can afford the train. Just not right now. Go outside and ride your bike. Watch out for traffic, there are no bike lanes."

Plain & Simple: I'm glad we could have this little talk--maybe it will get through to supporters of a light rail system. Spending hundreds of millions of dollars on a train right now is irresponsible. There are cheaper alternatives that will cost a fraction of the light rail. We can't afford another bond issue or tax right now. Because I'm sensible, I'll push not for what we want, but for what we need: Sensible mass transit.

Attention Bargain Shoppers!

Steve — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 13:53:00 GMT

Question 1.
You enter a store to purchase a new MP3 player. The item lists two prices: $122 or $100. Which would you prefer to pay?

Question 2.
You need a new dishwasher. You are told you can pay $610 or $500 for the same unit. Which would you choose?

These questions seem ridiculous, but they're examples of questions Japanese educators actually pose to young students to help them understand money and the true cost of credit. The answers for most Americans are easy. Most will pay $122 for the MP3 player and $610 for the dishwasher because they'll pay with a credit card that charge an average of 22% interest.

---------------------------------------------

Instead of protesting the federal bailout for our current economic crisis, people should be protesting what's passing for education. Sure kids can pass calculus, but they can't balance a check book.

This is no bolt out-of-the-blue! A 1999 report by Lewis Mandell (Dean, School of Management- University of Buffalo) pointed out, "Millions of American teenagers graduate from high school every year without a basic understanding of how to manage their money." As we see now, the result is costly.

Unlike my incumbent opponent who chaired the Senate Education committee, I don't favor No Child Left Behind, and now you see another reason why. This costly program doesn't address a kid's need to think critically or practically. Such programs force our educators to abandon teaching the practical application of subject matter.

Plain & Simple: With proper education, many young adults would have passed on sub-prime loans, expensive car loans and buying everything with a credit card. Greedy people will always prey on the weak and ignorant. We trusted our Republican and Democrat leaders to protect the honest investor from economic catastrophe. They failed. I expect our state leaders to start educating our kids appropriately. If elected in November, I will work to make education mean something again. Don't allow our kids to be set up for failure any more. We can't afford it.

What's a Good Name for a Side-Kick?

Steve — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 18:58:00 GMT

Able to stop a speeding bullet...
More powerful than a locomotive...
Able to leap the State House in a single bound...(Probably not this last one)
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's...

GOOD LEGISLATION!

I've been meeting more and more citizens of this metropolis, and crime is a big concern. Well "Have no fear, The Underdog is here!"

If elected, I will sponsor legislation similar to the 10-20-Life legislation in Florida. The Florida State Department of Corrections says: "10-20-LIFE has helped to drive down Florida's violent-gun crime rates by 30 percent."

Wow! A simple piece of legislation that can have that kind of impact? Why haven't our legislators done this already?

Plain & Simple: One need not be a fabled crime-fighter to help protect the citizens of Indiana. Legislators refuse to flex a little muscle with the criminal element but have no problem strong-arming taxpayers for more money to fight crime. It's time someone in the State House showed the pen can be mightier than the gun. Disguised as your mild-manned Senator, in concert with my trusty taxpaying side-kick (that's you), we'll do just that!

Now, what's a good name for a crime-fighting side-kick?

Looking for a way to pay

Steve — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 12:26:00 GMT

Have you ever noticed that every government solution costs money?

Today's IndyStar editorial about funding for after-school programs says: "As with parks and other essentials that are threatened with funding shortfalls in this anti-tax climate..."

Hold the phone. Are we being accused of not wanting to pay to support after-school programs?

The way I see it, we already fund a solution.

How about this: state university students studying education are already subsidized by our tax dollars. Why not require education majors to participate in study hall/after-school programs as part of their degree training? They get experience and credit towards their degree, kids get tutoring, and we get the most for our tax dollars. I think this would be such a mutually beneficial experience, that even the private universities would want to participate.

Plain & Simple: We're willing to help others. We just want to do it in the most cost-effective manner possible. Why don't our legislators come up with these types of solutions more often? Well, elect me and I will.

What's your incentive?

Steve — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:01:00 GMT

Today’s IndyStar articles on the current legislative pension plan and the similarly lucrative plan set to replace it, highlights the growing concern voiced by many taxpayers —Are legislators working for us, or their own self-interest?

In the column, former Rep. Tom Kromkowski was quoted as saying: "Come on. There has to be some incentive to have good people run for office. You can't just say you're going to work for nothing."

Nothing? They are already being paid a salary, given an expense account and paid a per deim.

I don’t think anyone would say those we elect should work for free. And perhaps voters wouldn't mind giving a raise if they felt the job was getting done. Voters are unhappy because their elected employees took a bonus without earning it.

Plain & Simple: We need more legislators willing to invest in Indiana’s future, not themselves. We deserve legislators who are willing to invest their time addressing issues facing the rest of us. The job interviews are being conducted now. Voting for those who are benefiting from this pension scheme means you think you're getting the most from your elected employee. Well, are you?

Where you been?

Steve — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:27:00 GMT

Well, I've been so busy I forgot to blog.

The truth is that I'm running a very active campaign. Starting with the May 6 primary, the Committee to Elect hit the polls handing out over 1100 informational brochures, a move that was very well received by voters. Since that time I've been working in the ER, knockin' on doors, attending meetings of all sorts, going to D.C. and attempting to be a good dad and husband.

Why does a state legislative candidate travel to Washington D.C.? Well, because I was asked.

You see, there's been a major shift in Libertarian politics, and Indiana is on the leading edge. Those in D.C. caught wind of Indiana's progress and wanted first-hand information.

Word first spread to D.C. through John LaBeaume of ElectionDissection.com. He asked me and 2 other active candidates to head to D.C. to talk with those in the know. We met with Dick Heller of recent second amendment fame and discussed his remaining concerns and learned his next moves. Lunch was spent with David Weigel of Reason Magazine and then off to visit with CEI president Fred Smith, followed by CATO Institute's Tim Lynch. Finally, we had a great meet and greet on Dupont Circle.

Plain & Simple: Libertarians doing the work is something people are not accustomed to seeing. I'm not here to make a statement. I'm electable, and many in D.C. have taken notice of myself and a few others in the Indiana '08 race. I just hope my hard work gets people in Indiana as excited as those in D.C.