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Politics : Stockman Scott's Political Debate Porch -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Wharf Rat who wrote (58204)	10/3/2004 10:38:36 AM
From: Wharf Rat	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 89467

The "Better Off" question, or, "If you don't like the news, go out and make some of your own". Scoop Nizkor Well, it's getting close to election day, so it's time to ask mice elf " Am I better off...?" Where to begin? Why not security; do I feel more secure? Not a bit. Do I worry about terrorists? Not a bit. I see the rise of the police state as the biggest threat to my own security. This is the first administration in my life that has scared me enuf to go out and buy a gun. Do I fear for my kids behind terrorism? Uh-uh. My biggest fear for them is when they are in their cars. Where does terrorism rate on my alarm scale? About 1 1/2. Where does the police state rate? Somewhere about 9+. I suppose I am a little safer now that Martha is being locked up. What about the rest of the "better off" question? You know, that part which implies one's financial state. Well, a quick look at my income makes me think I will end up the year with an income somewhere between what I earned in Y2K and ought one; maybe 20% lower than the 2 last years. (I don't need a lot; I can break even on 16 hrs a week; starting a 52 hr week tonight...damn). Yep, a lot of OT this pay period, but Shrub wants to take my OT away. They haven't given us a raise in 2 years. (Not to mention the fact that I wouldn't be surprised if my dept. was either outsourced to a rent-a therapist company, or that the hospital may go belly up within the next 2 years). (Not to mention I no longer get bennies, so I won't mention that) Have I saved anything in taxes? That's what they tell me, but it isn't terribly noticble.A couple of % as my bracket is reduced. Nothing else applied to me. I may get a break if my Mom dies in the next few years, but, to tell you the truth, I don't care, and neither does Mom, and, if Dad was still alive, he wouldn't either. They tend to think more like Buffet and Gates and BGate's Dad than the greedheads. In the meantime, 4 years ago, I was paying about $1.45 for gas. Yeterday, it was $2.15 at the cheapest station around; it looks like Bandar Bush didn't come thru for his "bro"; I'm not terribly surprised about that, since I'm not sure they want him in office. Homeowners insurance up 15% in the last year. Rental on my propane tank is up 100% over last year; I'm not sure what propane costs today, but it is at least double what it was 4 years ago. My electric bills are way up, thanks to the machinations of Kenny Boy and the Friends of the Shrub. Even my fees at the dump have gone up 50%. College tuition is going up like crazy, and my daughter is an HS jr. My IRA is still only about 80% of what it was 4 years ago. I have a 401K now, which is 90% in cash, cuz I don't see a lot of good options right now. The best investment for me over the last 3 years has been the "Doom and Gloom" metals; thanks, JW. The IRA +401K is about equal to my IRA four years ago, but, retirement is 4 years closer. Don't get me wrong; I'm not hurting...I have no debts, and money in the bank. I'm just not as well off as I was 4 years ago. I think this is the first time in my adult life that I can say that. Rat From the Dixie Chicks...FUTK...Freedom,Understanding, Truth, and Knowledge. I've got to buy one of their CD's.