Intolerable Burdens

Currently, the Federal Tax Code covers 17,000 pages and requires over 700 different forms. The IRS estimates Americans spend over five billion hours preparing taxes annually, draining $194 billion from the U.S. economy.

The Federal Registry now exceeds 75,000 pages. The Office of Management and Budget estimates that merely complying with these regulations costs businesses $500 to $600 billion per year.

 “Over-regulation is hurting our economy, and unfortunately, the problem is only getting worse. Right now, federal agencies are at work on more than 4,200 new rules, 845 of which affect small businesses, the engine of job creation," says Sen. Susan Collins of Maine.

The problem is as old as the United States, as can be seen in this excerpt from the Declaration of Independence​ explaining the tyranny of King George, “He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat of their substance.”

Sound familiar?

Ma Deuce

Some guys dream about fancy cars or planes...........  these babies could obliterate either of those!! 

Perry's Tax Plan

I haven't had a chance to check out Rick Perry's new tax reform plan yet, but it has had a rough life so far.

His rollout was marred by reports that he was joining the birther movement.  He also is catching flak from having one of his campaign guys suggest that he might skip a few debates.

The worst part of it is that his plan doesn't eliminate the current tax code, it still allows it as an option.

I greatly prefer the plans that scuttle the current system.  If his plan is just a transition from the current code, that wouldn't be too bad.  It will be interesting to see how it holds up under scrutiny.

Deer Season

I am getting really excited about deer season coming up.  This should be a good year.

It looks like I will have an opportunity to go hunting up north by Duluth, and I am really happy about that.  I really like that terrain, and my only regret is that I don't have a lever gun yet.  That would be perfect for those kinds of rolling hills with thick woods.  I am going to have to find a cut, trail, fire break, or overwatch to position on so that my bolt guns can earn their keep.

I would also like to find someplace down closer to the Twin Cities to hunt.  I don't mind shopping around the Wildlife Management Areas, but it would be a lot nicer to find someone with some land.  Wish me luck!!!

Ponder Looks Good!!

This weekend was the first start for Christian Ponder on the Minnesota Vikings in their battle against the perenial enemy, the Green Bay Packers. 

He looked really good!!  He was able to create an air attack that the Vikings have been sorely lacking.  His numbers weren't stellar, but it looked good, and he showed a lot of potential.  It has been years since we have had a real life franchise quarterback instead of a retread or a hold over.  This makes me realize that we really have a chance to get someone locked in for years and hopefully championships!! 

Now at the end of the day, the Vikings lost to the Packers.  I don't think that Frasier and Ponder can turn this season around, but I think that they can build a strong core, pick up some new recievers, and linesmen, and next year we could be a real challenger!!