Obama Could Still Lose...

...even though the polls have him all but annointed. In these times of financial turmoil, a bold idea that was good for the economy and that resonated with the public would let McCain snatch the lead back.

And I have just such a bold idea: McCain should announce that if elected, he will press Congress to pass a flat income tax at a 12% to 15% rate, with all income under (say) $25,000 excluded. The exact numbers aren't as important as the basic idea: a fair and balanced income tax constructed in a way that demonstrably stimulates business (the eastern European states provide the instance proof).

This idea has been polled very positively already, back when Steve Forbes was running. The positives on the flat tax were in the 80% range, much to the chagrin of the Democrats, for whom such a fair tax is anathema. The most fundamental premise underlying all of the Democratic ideology is the notion of wealth reddistribution – which our current progressive tax system does well, and which a flat tax does very poorly (though the excluded income does provide a degree of progressiveness).

I know several people who are on the fence between Obama and McCain, and I'd be willing to bet you that every one of them would flip to solidly in the McCain camp if he made such an announcement.

Ahhh, it will never happen, I know. But I can dream, can't I?

Good To Hear...

My parents are going through some very tough times right now, affecting both of them deeply, each in their own way. It's hard to be far away at a time like this, when what you really want is to be there with them, to lend a hand and a hug...

Nobody would expect someone in their current situation to do anything but worry about themselves – they've got plenty on their own plate to deal with. But tonight I got an email out of the blue from my mom, ending with this:

“In case I haven't said it lately, I love you.”

Isn't a mom's love a wonderful thing?

I love you too, mom...

Reverse Viagra...

From Mark Steyn (who else?):

The day after the debate I bumped into two Obama supporters in St Johnsbury, Vermont who said isn’t it great that he's on course to win. Well, they were cute chicks, and I know an obvious pick-up line when I hear one, so I stopped to chat. God Almighty, it was like reverse Viagra: After ten minutes of Babes For Barack, I never want to meet a female woman of the opposite sex for the rest of my life. Their basic pitch was:

How do you solve a problem? Like, Obama!

How do you hold a moonbeam in your hand?

You really should read the whole thing...

Rachel Lucas...

I added Rachel Lucas to my daily blog reading a few weeks ago, after linking to her from someone else's post. Her humor isn't for everybody, but I have to say that she's had me laughing out loud over the past couple of weeks more than any other blog I read. But even better are her rants – I haven't seen anyone so good at articulating being royally pissed off.

One of the regular features on her site are “Demotivational Posters”. These are a parody of a line of well-known motivational posters that appear in many American company's offices (though not in Service-now's!). Today's post has several of these, two of which you see at right. When I click onto her site and see the familiar black background of a new Demotivational Poster, I start smiling immediately.

She also frequently features her dogs in photos on her blog, and any dog-lover will enjoy those...

Highly recommended. Stop by her place once in a while...you'll be informed and entertained!