member for 31 weeks 1 day
I know I am echoing some, although certainly not the majority, of the media when I say I am outraged by the treatment of Joe Wurzelbergh, the now famous "Joe the Plumber."
As you probably know by now, Barrack Obama was campaigning in Toledo, Ohio, in Joe's neighborhood. Joe came out of his house and Barrack approached him which lead to Joe's now famous question and Barrack's infamous response.
The McCain campaign, for once moving adroitly, used the dialogue to finally and graphically illustrate the point that Barrack is planning to raise taxes on the most productive segment of our society.
Enter the Obama campaign and his tame media which embarked on a jihad to destroy him.
Keith Olbermann, Chris Matthews, NBC, ABC, etc., etc., "investigated" Joe to destroy his credibility. Turns out he's only licensed in his county; he owes back taxes; and, oh, frabjous day, he doesn't make $250,000. Some reports suggested, erroneously, that he's not a registered voter.
So what?
His question to Obama was in the best tradition of our society. A citizen looking a pol straight in the eye and asking him a question. He never said he made $250,000. He said he wanted to buy a company that would make that amount. His question had to do with how much he was going to be penalized by realizing his dream.
Plenty, of course. Under Obama's plan, he'd be taxed at over 50 percent should he manage to buy the business because Obama wants to "spread the wealth."
This uncharacteristic frankness from Obama is what has sent the left into the frenzy. (Please note that the frenzy also serves to distract voters from the real issue which is Obama's tax plans.)
But I find it enormously revealing that the first and predominant impulse of these people is to destroy Joe. From Obama: "How many plumbers do you know who make a quarter of a million dollars?" From Biden: "I don't know any Joe the Plumbers in my neighborhood that make $250,000." From Keith Olbermann, "Joe the Plumber is a fraud." From the New York Times: "Joe's not a licensed plumber." (Ignoring, by the way, the fact that Ohio doesn't have a state-wide system for licensing plumbers.)
The taunting and belittling of Joe by Obama and his crew reveal something very unpleasant about how they regard achievement and the pursuit of the American dream.
Hopefully, people will begin to get this about Obama. It's unpleasant, it's mean spirited, and more important, it's contrary to everything we've been taught to believe about this country.
(By the way, I just saw a new study that shows that in 2004, small business, like the one Joe wants to own, created 100 percent of all new jobs in this country. During the same period, big business lost 188,000 jobs. I'll try to find the citation, but the point is clear: tax these people at our own peril.)
Comments
Login or register to post a commentI’m feeling your frustration.
I’m feeling your frustration. And, I have gotten to the point where I can no longer take TV and radio — lovin’ my i-pod. I’m so sick of the half-truths, negative statements and just outright ignorance of people.
All these people and commercials spouting … “We can’t take another 4 years.” I fully agree … “We can’t take another 4 years of the useless, incompetent, corrupt congress.” People who love to blast Republicans for today’s economy seem to conveniently forget this key element!
My last hope and prayer is that if Obama does get into the White House, we also elect some responsible, mature (not in age, but actual maturity), honest, hard-working people into congress that will help control some of the insanity that the Obama camp is proposing. I admit that in some areas, I do prefer Obama’s proposals over McCain’s. But from a business standpoint, and as a whole … I’m quite frightened by the potential consequences. You think the unemployment rate is high now?...
$250,000 is not a lot of money when it comes to running a manufacturing business that hires and insures more than a couple people. Take for example, a family-owned company (an S-Corp), where $50k to $100k goes out the door monthly in operational costs and overhead. If this small business wants to maintain over $250k in revenues to cover short-term expenses (as sales decline and credit may not be available), hire more people, provide more benefits, and fund R&D to keep the company competitive in the following year, they will be penalized by Obama’s camp. Obama’s plan for small business is to give with one hand and take away with the other. (Similar to what Florida lottery did for our education system.) People get so caught up in the rhetoric and carefully crafted messages that they only hear the benefits and not the potential down sides. Can’t really blame people for wanting to find something positive to believe in and rally around – it’s mental survival in stressful times. I doubt that many truly understand the ups and downs of economic policies proposed by both parties … I know I’m struggling to find information I can trust.
By the way … have you read the “Bar Stool Economics”? http://www.wisebread.com/bar-stool-economics-0 ... cleaver and creative way to describe the tax system so many people seem to be supporting.
Growing frustration
I know how frustrated you are. Small business men and women are the great creators of wealth in our society. Wealth that is properly distributed in the form of new products, services and jobs. I don't get the venom directed at these people.
Also, I wonder whether Obama knows the difference between revenue and profit. I know many of his supporters don't.
Keep it up, Christine. Know there are many people out here who admire and respect you for your hard work. And, I hope you get to keep a portion of the rewards.
I'll check out bar stool economics. I think that's where I'm headed anyway after the first week in November. The bar stool, that is. Economics will have gone through the window.
I have been following this
I have been following this post since the beginning and I am proud the way you guys are working through your differences and sharing thoughts and opinions in a respectful way.
Christine thank you for sharing this information. I am scared, like many, to see how this new tax program is going to impact so many companies that are the fabric of our society. We have the highest corporate tax in the world.
I also don't think making this a rich vs. Poor issue is solving anything but inflaming anger, perpetuating jealousy and punishment on people who are willing to take the risk to open a company that will create not only new products and services but jobs.
Thanks for sharing!
Great Post!
XOXO,
Freda
Founder
www.AlphaWomen.com
"Those Who Say It Can't Be Done Need To Get Out Of The Way Of Those Who Are Doing It!"
Find fault with the right people
The Barack Obama campaign is not out to 'investigate and substantiate' people like Joe. Blame the media that chose to bring their 'findings' to the forefront.
Both Obama and McCain are trying to win the Leader of the Free World Title in 17-days and can't be micro-managing every outlet at this time. I understand there is some frustration on the treatment of Joe, but it's not supported by Barack Obama's campaign - I don't believe that. The same way McCain said he doesn't support the hateful, spiteful and antagonist remarks about Obama during his rally. It's the same thing.
Let's respect each other's vote and move on.
I"m sure Joe will too.
Sorry, can't respect this...not one little bit
Stacee--You don't think it's belittling for Obama to mock the potential for Joe to make $250,000?
"How many plumbers do you know make $250,000?" Barack says to laughter and applause. You don't think this is mocking??? Or belittling Joe's dreams???? That's a direct quote from Obama.
Joe Biden goes further and says there's no plumber living in his neighborhood who makes $250,000. No, there probably isn't since Biden lives in a $3 million dollar house. But who the hell is Biden to mock Joe for wanting to make and keep more????
In theory, campaigns don't micromanage the press. In theory, the press operates independently. I'll grant you, however, we haven't seen much of that this campaign.
hi Norma
I'd love to see where he/Barack & Biden said this about Joe. I agree that it's belittling to ANYBODY to have their business misused or under scrutiny for just saying what's on their minds. We don't always have to agree, but I feel if someone asks (especially if you are running for office) than you should be prepared for their answer.
I think the press blows a lot of things out of proportion - and possibly even the McCain heckling example might be a victim of that. With 24/7 news access and 'content' to fill that time...the media needs to decipher what they want to push out vs. hold back. And even us blogging/commenting on it keeps the information 'top of mind.'
But back to the topic at hand - can you send me a link to see where Barack mocked Joe the plumber? thanks norma.
although we may not agree on every topic, I always hope for mutual respect when it comes to personal commentary. I will always provide you as such.
peace.
stacee
Google Obama and Joe the
Google Obama and Joe the Plumber. Google Olbermann and Joe the Plumber. Go to Youtube.com
It's all over the place both as text and as video.
I agree about personal commentary. I don't know where I engaged in it in responding to your post, but if I gave that impression, I apologize.
Hi Norma!
Oh Norma - you didn't even come close to anything other than, offering your opinion."
I was reiterating that more for ME, as I hope to always come across that way.
I should have been more clear. Googling all of this now.
Well one thing about this election, it has (at the very least) ignited all of us to ACT and THINK and FIND all that we can to determine the best vote. And I applaud all of us who are so willing to be the change we wish to see and share that with others. (words of Ghandi)
--stacee
I don't watch the news any
I don't watch the news any more about the candidates. The coverage is disgraceful to say the least. I own a small business and even at my age I still put in about 14 hours a day plus weekends. That's what it takes to keep my business going with the taxes we have now. I can't imagine what it will be like if Obama gets in! I have about 50 employees and they have excellant health care - the same as mine which the business pays for. My company is known for being a great place to work. I pay my employees very well. I can assure you that this will all change if Obama gets in. I don't know if I will be able to stay in business let alone keep up the same standards for my employees. It makes me sick to my stomach because my husband and I worked and sacrified to build our business to where it is today and now it will be wiped out with high taxes. My employees who have worked for us for on an average of 30 plus years know what is in store if Obama gets in. Needless to say they do not think that he will be good for small business or the middle class citizens of this country. Joe's question was a good one and the answer from the Obama camp is just a taste of what's in store for small business. The Obama news media to destroy this man is so alarming and I can only hope that the average citizen sees through its incredible bias. Is it any wonder that business is moving to other countries. With that move goes all the jobs that would have been for the middle class in America. I am glad to have a faith in God because I have no faith in the future of this country with Obama as President. My hope will be in the here after not the here and now!
You are exactly the people
You are exactly the people the media aren't talking to-the ones who will be dramatically and adversely affected by these taxes. We should be seeing these stories. We're not and it's a crime.
People don't realize the draconian tax burden already carried by small business and the wrenching struggle it is to create the business and stay in business. The sacrifices are real and constant.
I congratulate you on your success. I, too, believe you might have to liquidate if Obama becomes president.
Is the answer Costa Rica? Some of my friends are discussing the possibility. I'm not persuaded. But I am persuaded we will enter an era of anti-business, anti-growth.
Then who are they going to blame?
More cheer
I had another thought. Back in graduate school, our professors told us to look to the left and right, that we wouldn't be seeing those people at the end of the program.
I'd suggest employees of small business do the same. Come February or March when a Pelosi-Reid Congress muscles through this tax plan, there are going to be plenty of empty spaces at the desks surrounding people. And, that's assuming a business manages to carry on.
Thanks Norma!
Thanks for this engaging conversation and challenging people's ideas and beliefs about some of the issues at hand.
Great Post!
XOXO,
Freda
Founder
www.AlphaWomen.com
"Those Who Say It Can't Be Done Need To Get Out Of The Way Of Those Who Are Doing It!"
What happened
was that this man (Samuel) approached Obama. There is some conjecture that he was a 'plant' but I do not believe that. I think he was trying to entrap Obama though. But, each of us has the right to ask questions of these candidates and if you are able to do that face to face, that is great. He asked the question about taxes and Obama answered. John McCain then took over and created 'Joe the Plumber'. 'Joe' was invited to talk to John McCain the next day. It was John McCain who made so much of "Joe" in the debate. He really bought it to the fore. I had not really seen too much about him until that point.
'Joe' took the risk that by approaching Obama in front of the media, and by attending a meeting the next day in front of the media, that things would kind of 'take off' for him. Subsequently it has been found that he used to live here, in Arizona, and was evicted for non payment of rent more than once. He also has taxation issues with property as well as not being a licensed plumber. Just as the high profile candidates are subjected to scrutiny, this man also had to 'earn' his 15 minutes of fame. I give the man credit for some grey matter in that he knew what he was doing. However, if he did not understand what he was doing, then yes, it is unfortunate that he became a campaign celebrity. Somehow I dont think it is going to be that bad for him. He may get all kinds of job offers and business opportunities in the future.
"Dreams are Food for the Soul, it is the Dream that keeps you alive!"