Thats something, then, we need to work on. The system needs to change. Anyone can run that meets the constitutional requirements (which are pretty basic) its getting yourself out there and noticed that gets expensive. There is public funding available but its not to the point it can compete with private donations.

But again, that kinda falls on us to start sending the message that whats important to us is ethics, values, qualifications, etc., not popularity and who is raising the most money. It will take work, A LOT of work but it can be done but it has to first start with the voters setting the standard. Im not saying that having a lot of money available to your campaign is bad, but perhaps we should try something along the lines of you get so much money and thats it. No loop holes, no work arounds, etc. You get x amount of dollars to run your campaign and then your done so spend it wisely.

I actually think that would help teach the candidates some fiscal responsibility which would hopefully show them that they can do a lot more with a trillion dollar budget without them having to make the first option of overcoming shortfalls a tax increase.

I just have never grasped that process of trying to take more money from the people to make up for budget shortfalls. Lets take MORE money from the people so they have less to spend, yeah, that will fix the economy. Here's a novel idea, how about you do what most families have to do and sit down and budget every month. You got so much income, keep expenses below that point, lets try that for once.

__________________
Scotty Hall
Bartlesville, OK
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it.

Even if you shoot for the moon and miss, you still land among the stars.

I alwys tell people I can deal with taxes as long as they are used to help the people, and not give tax breaks to the rich (who can afford to pay taxes) it takes money to run the country, but we have too many expenses that make no sense. I also think the media has us brainwashed into thinking one person is better than another. Is it just me or are the American people starting to look like lemmings heading toward the cliff?

__________________
Steve
'97 GTP VS cam, ZZP PCM, and not much else yet

Syn, you say we put those people into their political seats, but the ones in there now, I did not vote for! I voted for Bush YES! And I would do it again in a heartbeat over some schlube like Kerry. It is kind of funny how you see Baaaaabbbaaarack flip flopping on issues now. Ala Kerry. Gives me a good chuckle indeed! And he has the nerve to blame the media. If that is truly case? Its his own Democratically control media that is doing him in. Its not like its only the Shawn Hannity's and Rush's of the airwaves doing it to him. Its his own "democratic" people doing it to him.

While I am not a huge fan of McCain, I will vote for him cause i simply dont want someone like Baaaabaaaarack in there. NOT cause of his skin color, but simply because of what he stands for. Democrats love to push and toute* new programs that will help Americans supposidly, but EVERYONE, well at least Democratic voters, tend forget someone has to pay for these "wonderful" programs. And that someone is US! We will see our taxes double till we are blue in the face. And here we think the gas prices are bad? Just wait till someone like him gets into office.

We would be done for!

__________________
James Shafer 2003 GP GTX St. Louis MO
Mods: 1.9 Modified Rockers, TOGs w/ SLP Cat, Brisk LSG Plugs, 180 Tstat, PRJ 10.4 Plug Wires, P/P Gen 3, Ported L67 TB, SLP Ram Air Hood/Airbox, 2.5" Catback, 3.5 Pulley, Gen 1 Spoiler, ZZP Poly mounts, RAT Dogbones, 18" TSW Mondellos

Well if that is due to just not voting, then that is the same as putting them in there. We have the right and responsibility to vote. And just because a candidate is not on the ballot does not mean we cannot vote for them and get them in office.

If its because you did vote and your candidate of choice just didnt win the election, then it still falls on us to make sure that the elected officials, whomever they may be, understand that they are an employee of the American people and that they are there at our request to help us and represent our interests, not political action commitees, special interests, book deals and all that.

Again it takes work, a lot of work, but it can be done.

__________________
Scotty Hall
Bartlesville, OK
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it.

Even if you shoot for the moon and miss, you still land among the stars.

I would love to run for public office, but like you have said, it cost alot for name recognition. Not only that, it takes alot more than one man or woman to make the change.

If there is one thing I would like to get across to everyone, its this:

Dont listen to what the candidates are promising, because they cant do it by themselves. You will have to vote in people with the same ideas in order to effect change.

If you want to vote for me here is my stance:

15% flat tax (you make a 1.00 or a million does not matter) no deductions, no tax credits. Simple and easy one page tax code. If you make a profit, pay your 15%

Re-enact the WPA program.....basically if you get an check from the goverment for unemployment, you must work 20 hours in your community to collect that check....anything from baby sitting to building sidewalks, to picking up trash to working in community clinics.

If you like that, I will see what more I can come up with.

webracin

__________________

2001 Grand Prix GTP
ZZP HUB 3.2 3.4, ZZP 8 Rib conversion, JC 3" DP Gen 2 cat & U-bend Delete, Accel Super Stock 8mm wires, DHP 1.5, 180* Thermo, Throttle Spacer, SS Intercooler, ZZP Fuel Rails, SLP CAI w/K&N Cone, Dynomax cat back, ZZP Tranny.

2000 Grand Prix GTP Daytona K&N, Flowmasters

I have ALWAYS been in favor of the flat tax rate. It would, in fact, save money as the IRS would not have be the big agency that it is to track a simple flat tax rate. Though you mention making a profit and paying 15%. Personally, I dont thing the government has any business in my personal dealings. If I decide to sell a bunch of stuff on eBay, then I should be able to do so without having to pay taxes on top of it.

If they are going to take money from my paycheck before I even see it, then their hands need be no where else in my life with regards to taxes.

I often tell people that God lead some 2 million Israelites out of Egypt and that community was supported on a 10% tithe and here our own government cannot make ends meet with 20 - 30% or more tax rate. We pay federal, and in some stated (OK being one of them) you pay state taxes, then Social Security. Then you go buy something and you have to pay taxes on that. Invest money and make a profit, more taxes. Sell something, more taxes. Even when you die, more taxes.

I thoroughly believe the government, state or federal, has no business taxing necessities like food and clothing.

I'll get off my soap box before I get out of hand. I dont mind paying taxes, what I do mind is that we pay what we do and they still want more. It really ticks me off that instead of seeing where they can cut costs or save money, their first thought instead is lets raise taxes and people go along with it. I wish that instead of seeing where I can save money or cut costs I could just go to my employer and say I need more money, I have a Grand Prix project underway.

I like your other idea too Chris, stop the free hand outs. In most cases there are better ways. There are some that just couldnt do that, but the majority should be able to get out there and do something.

__________________
Scotty Hall
Bartlesville, OK
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it.

Even if you shoot for the moon and miss, you still land among the stars.

I DEF AGREE!

__________________
RIDES: 99 DARK BRONZEMIST METALLIC GTP SUPERCHARGED SEDAN. -MODS- CUSTOM FWI, CUSTOM GRILLES PERFORMANCE PLUGS, ENKEI stock RIMS, RAISED SPOILER, KENWOOD SOUND SYSTEM. RED CALIPERS AND ROTORS WELDED THURSH DUAL EXHAUST

it is frightening to me how we can have a political discussion here, and nobody is getting bent out of shape. I am very impressed with everyone here

__________________
Steve
'97 GTP VS cam, ZZP PCM, and not much else yet

Me too, but that really speaks to the quality, maturity and patience of this community. It is indeed VERY nice to have such a discussion and not having everyone get so bent out of shape. These are the type of discussions that are productive and make you consider everyones view point and while I have my opinions and am usually pretty vocal about them, its discussions this civil that make me take stock of my opinion in light and context of what everyone else has to say.

Good job everyone, you should be proud of yourselves.

__________________
Scotty Hall
Bartlesville, OK
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it.

Even if you shoot for the moon and miss, you still land among the stars.

I wouldn't say frightening, no. Not too unusual, for this board, is it? Or, was that a rhetorical question?