DrBombay comments

Why is the Japanese media so obsessed with the racial angle of this election ? It's all my adult students talked about today in class.

It seems like the Japanese like to place up the race angle in American politics, but not at home. I wonder how long will it be before the ethnic Koreans that are here will get a chance to get elected to some high position, or any Ainu for that matter. Can anyone tell me, has an Okinawan ever held a truly high position in Japanese politics?

If they want to watch the way race is played in America then be my guest. But I hope that they will begin to look at their own institutions, and see where they may have room for improvement.

From my earlier post, I said it was "unscientific" but to just relate a story. I think that the feelings of most of the middle class (which I am part of) is not so much making it easier for the wealthy 5% of the US taxpayers, but what I see as a potential increased tax burden under Obama. He may not call them tax increases, but what will most likely happen is a change in the way tax credits are determined, so that in effect my tax rate will not increase on one hand, but the amounts that I can deduct for tax credits will decrease. For those who do not make as much to be taxed more, their taxes will not increase, but the credits that they had sought that enabled them to at least recoup some of the tax money will go away. Net effect, those in the middle who may not have as much money that the rich may have to offset this will be left holding the tax burden, while those who may have paid fewer taxes but with more credits will fell their tax burden increased when those various tax credits will go away.

I am all for paying my "fair share" of my tax burden. But I am not about paying my taxes and seeing my money wasted.

You know what, I read an online blog at another post here in the states about a man who did an unscientific experiment on the Obama tax plan.

In a nutshell he did this, he states that on his way to lunch he passed a homeless guy with a sign the read 'Vote Obama, I need the money.' Once in the restaurant my server had on a 'Obama 08' tie, thinking what a coincidence (between the homeless guy and the server). When the bill came he decided not to tip the server and explained to him that he was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. The server stood there in disbelief while he told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who he deemed more in need--the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from his sight. He went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as he decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful. At the end of his rather unscientific redistribution experiment he realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that he gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient deserved money more. I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.

Is this a true story, maybe it is or isn't, but I think it pretty much sums up the feelings of many Americans on both side of the political line. I am for helping the poor, and making sure that there are safety nets for people who fall on hard times to offer support. But I am not for taking my hard earned money that I have worked for after I make a specific amount as probably what would happen under Obama, and then give it to someone else to "spread it out and even things up."

I imagine as a clear thinking American, that the only way that the US will be able to drive the deficit down will be to in the future raise taxes, after first that gov't spending is curtailed. I know that it is coming. McCain/Palin in 2012 will have their "read my lips no new taxes" moment if they win this time and try to run again in 2012, but Obama is not in my opinion being true by saying that he will offer a tax cut for America.

The majority of Americans who he says will get tax cuts don't pay any taxes anyway (yes they do pay them but when they file their returns they get a refund, and under his plan in addition to their refund they will probably get more than they paid) but those who make over a certain amount (and I don't think it is the $250,000) will not get the extra "refund" and wind up paying more in taxes.

My choice McCain. At least I know that in the future, I will probably see a tax cut, but maybe a better chance of him at least slowing gov't spending rather than Obama who is saying he will give me everything and then no come through with it.