magic.rox

For the first time in my lifetime, the Indiana Primary has become an important step in the process of deciding who will become the next president of the United States.

The hardest part, for this household anyway is deciding on who to vote for.  We are not “hardline” party voters.  We instead vote for the issues that are more important to us, and try to make an effort to vote for a person who will do their job, and do it well.

Since G.W.’s administration has made everything under the sun a nightmare, we are voting Democratic this time.  One point I have been making since it has become a Obama vs. Clinton showdown is that history will be made no matter who wins the nomination.

Both canidates have made appearances in Bloomington.
Obama showed up for the Little 500, and was here last night.  He gave a speech at Assembly Hall with a crowd of 13,000 present.  I sat comfortably at home and watched it via a live feed on the Herald-Times website.
Hillary, Chelsea and Bill Clinton have all made appearances here.  While I have not gotten a chance to see any of them speak, I haven’t heard much buzz regarding those appearances either.

When all of this began I was leaning towards voting for Hillary, but I have changed my mind, I think.  The turning point for me was last night when Obama said that, his entire campaign was funded by the american people, one $25 check at a time.”

Last night, we went to my grandmothers for dinner.  We have to drive by the airport to get there, and saw a large plane.  It had an american flag and “The United States” printed on the sides of it.  We knew it was for Obama.  While there, we were watching the news and they had a live feed from Indianapolis.  He was there speaking.  About 11pm, long after his speech here was over, we felt that plane leave.  It was an experience unto itself.

This country needs a change, and while I see it happening with either canidate, I see it happening better with Obama behind the wheel.

Last Saturday evening, my father and I went to the Murat Centre to see one of my most favorite comedians, Lewis Black.

It was my first time visiting the Murat, and the first time my father and I had seen Lewis.

He is most known for his “rant” style of comedy.  For those who know my father, they are very similar as he loves to rant about my step-brother.

I have attempted over the past several days to embed clips from YouTube of Lewis, but for some reason can’t, so I will leave links to my favorite clips.

Here he is at the 2007 emmys:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFYhupmhhBw  I know the producers of a certain show will enjoy this clip tremendously.

He often speaks about politics, but his set didn’t have much to do with it this time, even though it was only few days away from election day.  His main message:  Santa for President in ‘08!  I know it may be shocking, but it has some merit behind it.  Lewis said, “None of the current canidates for president have the one qualification needed, joining the republican and democratic party’s to attain goals.”  I believe him.

This clip is the beginning of the set he performed for us (minus the helicopter):  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUCxoeGZ_Js

There was one hiccup, as confetti speraticly fell from the catwalk above the stage.  It diverted the audiences’ attention from Lewis and the other comedian.  In a moment of frustration, Lewis said he would track down Sammy Hagar, who was the previous performer there.  He would then put S*** on top of his stage to fall on him.  It was a moment of pure angst.  Somewhat similar to the clip above.

Lewis is also famous for his part on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.  He has a segment that airs from time to time called, “Back in Black.”  I love it!  Here’s a clip:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4SDQu7Izrk

All in all, I think he’s as cutting edge as George Carlin was in the 70’s.  I can’t wait to see him again.

The Governor of Indiana, Mitch Daniels aka “My Man Mitch” has a new plan for the property tax crisis that is mainly afflicting Indianapolis and it’s surrounding counties.

I’m mad as hell, because I voted for this guy.  He’s not “my man” anymore.

Let me outline this tax crisis for those of you not aware of the situation.  This year, many peoples’ property taxes increased significantly.  So much that it makes it almost impossible to own a home in some areas around Indianapolis.  My sister-in-law lives in the extreme southeast corner of Marion County and has some personal knowledge of some of these increases.  A co-worker of hers property taxes went from $2000 a year, to a whopping $10,000 a year.  No this is not a mansion, this is a “standard” home, on a lot between 1/8 and 1/2 an acre.

The Plan:  The Governor proposed a cap on property taxes to 1% of the assessed value of the property, plus a 1% increase in sales tax.

This may be a good deal for many in the Indianapolis area, but not for me.

This plan in effect would theoretically increase my property taxes by as much as 35%, plus I would have to pay 1% more for most of the items I purchase!  How does this help me?

This is by no means a done deal yet.  It has to pass through the legislature, and an amendment to the Indiana Consitution has to be made before it is law.  As we all know, the beginning proposal and the end result can be completely different.

As a person commented on the Herald-Times website about this story, “They call this a 1% cap making you think that is all you will ever pay, the truth being as your property value goes up so do your property tax. According to my property tax a 1% tax is about what I’m now paying, so now I get to pay 7% sales tax? We need to do away with personal property tax and raise the indiana income tax. As people make more income the state receives more income, should never have to raise taxes again. The State needs to live within their means as all the private sector does. If you don’t have the money you don’t do it.”

Either way, I’m mad as hell.