THE ROCHE RECORD
THE ROCHE RECORD – FRANK
ROCHE, ECONOMIST
December 15, 2010
The efforts of Julian Assange by way of Wikileaks are not those of a hero in any way, shape, or form. Governments need to have secrets, companies need to have secrets, individual human beings need to have secrets. The belief that there should be no secrets in an open society is naive and dangerous.
There was a time when Americans were proud of being strong, when we knew what it took to remain strong, when we knew the thin veil of civilization needed to be protected lest we all fall back to a standard of living from another time. There was a time when people like Julian Assange would have somehow been quietly taken care of in order to assure America’s national security.
Human beings do bad things, make poor judgements, hurt others for their own benefit. Accept the condition that we are imperfect. Not all errors, misjudements, failings, or the dirty work of protecting a country need be brought to light. As a nation, we must have secrets. Secrets kept from our enemies, our allies, and yes, even our fellow citizens. Try to imagine how America could have become America, or say won the Cold War, if there had always been a Wikileaks? It’s hard to do.
It’s that time of year again. Well, as it has been for the past 15-20 years or so. You know, the “holidays.” What ever you do, don’t use the word Christmas.
Is it born out of political correctness or laziness?
There may have been some laziness long ago associated with the utterance of the long phrase; Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. It was easy sometimes to just say Happy Holidays.
There are really only two significant holidays for Americans in December. Christmas for Christians and all other lovers of this joyous holiday, and Chanuka for Jews. Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Christ, is one of the most significant holiday events on the calendar for Christians. Chanuka, the festival of lights related to a military victory for the Jewish people nearly 21 centuries ago, is an important holiday for the Jews.
Perhaps we can get back to saying Happy Chanuka to our Jewish friends, and Merry Christmas to our Christian friends, and others who celebrate the Christmas holiday. A holiday of giving, beautiful song, pretty colors, lighted decorations, and family. Then, after the 25th of December, we can wish a Happy New Year to any and all we choose.
For all those bothered by Christmas, I have one question. Really? Is it so bad?
Is it the lovely songs? Is it the pretty lights? The fresh smell of a Christmas Tree? Is it the gift giving? Is it the gathering of family?
If you have objections to Christmas over religious issues, you have to personally find a way to get around that, or I suppose just find a way to ignore it. America was founded as a Christian nation, Christianity is still the religion claimed by the majority of Americans, and the overwhelming majority of Americans celebrate the Christmas season. Most religious holidays are recognized by name in America. It’s OK to do the same for Christmas.
I will grant you the commercialization of Christmas has gone to far. I will grant you whiffs of Christmas in October is very annoying. I will grant you there are not enough pleasing Christmas songs to fill the 24 hour a day Christmas radio stations. Nonetheless, such is the economic power of Christmas and the tradition of gift giving. It results in lots of money being spent, and business owners want to get as much of that economic upsurge as they can. They each try to get the jump over the other a bit earlier each year. Oh wait, there is another good thing about Christmas, the short term boost for the economy.
As a life long celebrant of Christmas, I’d prefer to keep the observance of the holiday on hold until the the first or second week of December, and for certain not before Thanksgiving. Not surprisingly, I don’t get to make that decision.
Chanukua is over for 2010. Until December 25th, if you’re so inclined, all you need say is Merry Christmas. You can drop the Happy Holidays.
When someone says to you, Happy Holidays, quickly ask them back, what holiday are you wishing me happiness for?
If you don’t celebrate Christmas and someone wishes you Merry Christmas, don’t get mad, don’t be offended, I’m willing to bet there is no malice intended. It doesn’t mean you have to accept Jesus Christ as your savior, nor is it a rejection of whatever religion, or not, you belong to.
TAX DEAL 2010
Can we please get the semantics correct on the debate over marginal tax rates currently ongoing in Congress? The tax deal currently under debate is not about cutting taxes. The debate is over the extension of the current marginal tax rates put in place in 2001. The tax cuts of 2001 were for EVERY tax bracket. Every working American man and woman on the books received a tax cut.
The current debate is about raising taxes. The Democrats want to hold tax rates steady for everyone, except those making over $250,000 per year.
Note: those making over $250,000 per year already pay the largest share of all income taxes to the federal government.
Class warfare is for other countries, not America, the meritocracy. Want to make a better living, live more comfortably, have more material possession, be “happier?” Study harder. Work harder. Take more risk. Don’t get behind the idea of taking from someone else by law just because they make the most money.
The tax rates in place right now are OK. Taxes shouldn’t go up for anyone, except those who don’t pay any taxes. Rather than raising taxes, let’s make sure we broaden the tax base. No representation without taxation.
If you want to talk tax cuts, move the conversation to tax cuts for small businesses and corporations.
We have four choices when it comes to moving towards a balanced budget: 1. make no change to tax rates or spending and hope we grow out of debt. 2. Raise taxes. 3. Cut spending. 4. Some mix of the first three. I would argue number 3 is the best starting point.
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