A View from Forbes and Braddock
A politician needs the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn’t happen. – Winston Churchill Updated January 30, 2025 This post was prompted because we are in the primary election season and, yesterday, I saw where the Fern Hollow Bridge near my home fell a hundred feet. I remain amazed and thankful that at 7am on January 28, so few were on this heavily-trafficked structure and all survived. Read more. Reports I’ve heard about why the bridge’s faults weren’t fixed include gas taxes intended for this purpose paid for state police patrols in towns that can’t afford their own law enforcement. Keep in mind, taxes allow governments to provide health and human services, schools, public transportation, our military, courts, community and regional development, parks and recreational spaces, arts events, higher education and research, waste management, etc. Recently, citizens of my county voted to pay higher taxes to improve our public libraries. I suspect most people don’t like paying taxes that buy ‘Pork Barrels,’ Here are Examples. So, when political candidates promise to cut taxes, consider asking: What government services will end? How will schools and community resources improve? Also, will these politicians lower taxes by reducing pork barrel spending? How will Federal perks be affected? As candidates seek our votes, know how our support be repaid? When elected, how will those politicians spend tax dollars to improve the world and grow prosperity. Because of the fear-mongering that saturates some campaigns, consider how candidates feel about Waverly Presbyterian’s green sign [footsteps from the collapsed bridge]. Tax Humor What’s the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector? The taxidermist only takes the skin. – Mark Twain I am proud to be paying taxes in the United States. The only thing is, I could be just as proud for half of the money. – Arthur Godfrey Income tax returns are the most imaginative fiction being written today. – — Herman Wouk Congress can raise taxes because it can persuade a sizable fraction of the populace that somebody else will pay. – Milton Friedman Wisdoms Collection The inspiring and beautiful work in these Fine Art America collections is available as prints, framed and on canvas as well as on journals, greeting cards, weekender bags, shower curtains, puzzles and much more. Shop Here Thanks for your support! NOTE: size and placement of the art and words]can be changed as well as background colors.
Einstein 20: Awesome Quiet
The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind. – Albert Einstein This Tuesday, June 8 is Best Friends Day . On “Bestie” Day, why not make a three-hour, exclusive date with your BFF [Best Friend Forever]: You! The special date with yourself could include walks, a lovely meal, stroll through a museum and contemplating beautiful, natural settings as in this week’s awesome Featured Video [try to view on a desktop screen]. A precious part of these three hours is that you can shed expectations and agendas. Research has shown that those who allow themselves quiet time are better able to problem solve, get along with others and are freer from depression. Read more. Best Friends Day was started to show the most important people and pets in our lives just how much we adore them, and to memorialize those beloved best friends that are no longer by our sides. To honor that day, here are 10 inspiring ways to be a better friend. This Post’s Special Video **** Because I’m so concerned about conditions in this country, this Food for Thought is offered. Once upon a time, some believed that if the wealthiest paid fewer taxes, the money they kept would flow in ways that helped everyone. Human nature being what it is, the past thirty years have shown that Trickle Down economics has been a money boomerang. The wealthiest have used the income they kept to make themselves richer [see chart below]. Read more. In 1944, those with stratospheric earnings paid 94% of their income in federal taxes. Imagine the condition of this country’s dilapidated schools, roads, health care, educational resources and other troubling conditions if those making millions and billions a year were taxed as they were during the 1940s and 1950s. Remember, taxes are how local, state and the federal government provide services and protect citizens. Consider: Perhaps the concern with taxes should not be the amount but ROI [Return on Investment], how taxes are spent to keep citizens safe, well educated, healthy, pay government salaries and expenses, and improve everyone’s Quality of Life. Graphics reprinted with permission from EconomicsHelp.org. Blessings & best wishes, Sandra Gould Ford Presenting arts experiences to encourage, refresh, enrich creative thinking and inspire