Is there something about being a Libertarian that makes it so you cannot understand context?

7/11/2009 12:28:52 PM

Quote :

"The real question is: Why the fuck weren't these items already taxed?"

I wish we had a smiley of a head beating against a wall.

i mean, i guess i'd prefer taxes on those things to, say, income...or capital gains...or food...but i just can't wrap my mind around this mindset of seeking to tax everything as much as possible, rather than to do everything you can to have the lowest possible taxes on everything.

7/11/2009 2:12:29 PM

Quote :

" i mean, i guess i'd prefer taxes on those things to, say, income...or capital gains...or food...but i just can't wrap my mind around this mindset of seeking to tax everything as much as possible, rather than to do everything you can to have the lowest possible taxes on everything."

[Edited on July 11, 2009 at 4:42 PM. Reason : l]

7/11/2009 4:42:29 PM

well we gotta pay for a war brah

shit

aint

cheap

7/11/2009 4:46:16 PM

Quote :

"I wish we had a smiley of a head beating against a wall. i mean, i guess i'd prefer taxes on those things to, say, income...or capital gains...or food...but i just can't wrap my mind around this mindset of seeking to tax everything as much as possible, rather than to do everything you can to have the lowest possible taxes on everything."

It's the notion that necessities, such as food, clothing, electricity are already taxed and blatant luxuries are exempted.

7/11/2009 6:54:17 PM

^
The incease in sales tax to 7.75% will hit everyone..not just "blatant luxuries". So much for helping the little guy.

7/11/2009 10:30:11 PM

bad typo there....

7/12/2009 12:30:03 AM

so what are the odds this actually expires in 2 years?

7/12/2009 1:15:18 AM

hopefully Perdue pulls a Palin and quits

7/12/2009 12:02:57 PM

Quote :

"•Tax on cosmetic surgery, limousines, chartered flights"

I assumed (yes, I know) that these are already taxed (sales tax) and that the proposal is for an additional tax on these specific items.

Also, cosmetic surgery is not neccessarily a 'blatant luxury'.

7/12/2009 12:07:49 PM

hey what happened last time we had a "temporary tax hike?"

....

...

..

.

7/12/2009 12:15:48 PM

Quote :

"I assumed (yes, I know) that these are already taxed (sales tax) and that the proposal is for an additional tax on these specific items. Also, cosmetic surgery is not neccessarily a 'blatant luxury'."

They are not already taxed.

7/12/2009 3:42:28 PM

I actually saw a car with a Perdue sticker on it today. It must be some of her family or someone she is paying not to take it off.

7/12/2009 4:49:24 PM

^^ Can you point me somewhere that's described? I find it hard to believe that cosmetic surgery, limousines, and chartered flights are exempt from sales tax.

The same N&O article the quote on the previous page also says: "Perdue also proposed a tax increase on "luxury services" such as cosmetic surgery, limousines and chartered flights."

And for lols...

Quote :

"North Carolinians are still paying part of tax increases passed in 2001 and characterized as temporary, and Perdue was asked why residents should place more faith in that term now. "Because I'm governor," Perdue said at a brief news conference outside the capitol."

http://www.newsobserver.com/politics/story/1599221.html

7/12/2009 5:12:06 PM

Quote :

"Because I'm governor," Perdue said at a brief news conference outside the capitol."

Quote :

"Because I'm governor," Perdue said at a brief news conference outside the capitol."

Quote :

"Because I'm governor," Perdue said at a brief news conference outside the capitol."

[Edited on July 12, 2009 at 7:45 PM. Reason : +]

7/12/2009 7:41:38 PM

Sorry my emphasis wasn't to your liking

7/12/2009 8:17:42 PM

Quote :

"^^ Can you point me somewhere that's described? I find it hard to believe that cosmetic surgery, limousines, and chartered flights are exempt from sales tax. The same N&O article the quote on the previous page also says: "Perdue also proposed a tax increase on "luxury services" such as cosmetic surgery, limousines and chartered flights.""

North Carolina does not tax services. Those are all services. The talk is to start taxing services along with Sales. The Senate, has proposed increasing the services that are taxed, while at the same time lowering the tax rate. Perdue and the House on the other hand are talking about adding some services and also raising the tax rate.

7/12/2009 8:40:21 PM

so when are the toll roads coming nutsmack?

7/13/2009 10:06:16 AM

I don't know when 540 will open up as a toll road and I don't understand why you are asking that question.

And if you are really intersted, here is the link to the projects with a timeline.
http://www.ncturnpike.org/projects/

[Edited on July 13, 2009 at 11:02 AM. Reason : .]

7/13/2009 11:01:03 AM

If we really want to create toll roads than we should slap a toll onto I-95 to charge all the fucking yankees that drive through NC in the way to White Trash Beach Myrtle Beach or their luxury houses in Florida; instead of milking commuters trying to get to RTP; just so Holly fucking Springs can get its leg of 540 expedited by a couple years to cushion some politicians property values.

[Edited on July 13, 2009 at 11:45 AM. Reason : a]

7/13/2009 11:45:06 AM

Quote :

"If we really want to create toll roads than we should slap a toll onto I-95 to charge all the fucking yankees that drive through NC in the way to White Trash Beach Myrtle Beach or their luxury houses in Florida; instead of milking commuters trying to get to RTP; just so Holly fucking Springs can get its leg of 540 expedited by a couple years to cushion some politicians property values."

You realize that it would probably make those assholes stay in North Carolina?

We don't need anymore of them here.

As per the toll roads, it is a requirement that an equally accessible free route is provided.

I'm completely torn on turnpikes. I see it both ways.

7/13/2009 11:49:21 AM

You do know right that the south section of I540 is only being proposed to be toll b.c a few lobbying big property owners in Holly Springs just want to boost their lake front property values that access to a interstate-grade roadway would provide.

There really is not shit on the proposed 540 route once past NC55. Anyone trying to go east from RTP could take north 540 if they really wanted to reach US64 or they'd be better off just hopping on I40.

7/13/2009 3:05:21 PM

I'm trying to understand where the dismissive attitude is coming from?

7/13/2009 3:32:57 PM

Governor Perdue's approval rating plunges to 25%

Quote :

"'But to be at 25 percent and to have more people in your party disapproving than approving of you is quite unusual [says Tom Jensen of Raleigh-based Public Policy Polling].'"

http://www.wfae.org/wfae/1_87_316.cfm?action=display&id=5241

Economic downturn aside, that's a pretty low number.

[Edited on July 16, 2009 at 6:50 PM. Reason : .]

7/16/2009 6:50:21 PM

only slightly more popular than Roland Burris. Good job.

7/16/2009 10:06:40 PM

Quote :

"There really is not shit on the proposed 540 route once past NC55."

That's some elitist N./W. Raleigh/Cary attitude if I have ever heard it.

The southern loop of I540 would serve just as much traffic from I-40 to NC55 as the northern loop does during rush hours.

Have you ever driven 40westbound in the morning coming out of Johnston Co? It sure doesn't sound like it.

The Southern Wake Expressway would practically eliminate delays from Exit 307 to Wade while also easing traffic on 55 northbound.

The lesser delays would enable NCDOT to make the necessary improvements to the stretch between #1 and Wade without crippling the commute times through the corridor while providing a way to pay for it.

[Edited on July 17, 2009 at 10:43 AM. Reason : .]

7/17/2009 10:41:23 AM

This is not over, but it's a blow to Perdue.

Judge rules in favor of Atkinson on public school issue

Quote :

"RALEIGH --- A Wake County judge ruled Friday that North Carolina's elected public schools superintendent, June Atkinson, has the constitutional powers to be the day-to-day administrator of the state's education bureaucracy. 'I am grateful that I will have the opportunity to lead and serve the people in the department, but more important to lead and serve the children in our state,' Atkinson said. Earlier this year, Bill Harrison was appointed by Gov. Bev Perdue and hired by the State Board of Education to be the CEO of Schools. At that time, Atkinson had essentially been stripped of any authority or power. The state indicated to the judge that they will appeal this decision. In the meantime, Atkinson will immediately be given back her authority over the department."

http://tinyurl.com/kvdmwj

I spoke with Superintendent Atkinson in person a few weeks ago. I told her that we might disagree on a number of policy issues, but we could agree on her role as duly elected superintendent.

7/17/2009 6:44:57 PM

Quote :

"There really is not shit on the proposed 540 route once past NC55"

There really was not shit on the proposed Northern 540 route until it got built either, if you're using the same comparisons between Northern Wake and Southern Wake. They both had similar levels of congestion in the morning, with the congestion along New Bern Avenue being only slightly higher. There is already a ton of commuters living west and south of Raleigh commuting to RTP. Removing this traffic would help alleviate a lot of the congestion being experienced on US1, NC55, and I-40.

[Edited on July 17, 2009 at 8:56 PM. Reason : .]

7/17/2009 8:55:39 PM

Look everyone, Hooksaw spoke to an elected official.

7/17/2009 8:56:02 PM

Quote :

"Look, everyone, Hooksaw nutsmackr spoke to an elected official is being a little nut lick again."

Fixed.

7/17/2009 10:08:01 PM

Faculty/Staff Tuition Waivers have been REDUCED from 3 courses to 2

Quote :

"I thought this information was worthy to pass on, if you don't already know...this past year the Staff Senate has been encouraging the idea to allow dependents of employees to take advantage of the waivers, but they sprung this on us instead... The Governor signed into law Senate Bill 202, The Appropriations Act of 2009 (Session Law 2009-451). A provision of the Act reduces the number of free courses a full-time faculty or full-time staff member may enroll in per academic year, from three to two courses, effective July 1, 2009."

http://blogs.lib.ncsu.edu/roller/cvmss/date/20090812

Stumbling governors signal trouble for Dems

http://www.detnews.com/article/20090803/OPINION03/908030364/1031

8/13/2009 2:11:09 AM

Quote :

"hey what happened last time we had a "temporary tax hike?""

They raised the tax, thereby making the first tax rate temporary.

^IIRC they raised the number of courses you could take from 1 to 3 a few years back, so 2 is still better than what I had when I was there.



[Edited on August 13, 2009 at 7:35 AM. Reason : -]

8/13/2009 7:33:58 AM

This really sucks. I know way more people don't use the class benefit than those that do. Bev is really working hard to screw the state employee base that she courted so hard.

8/13/2009 3:08:01 PM

^is...

UNAMUSED

8/13/2009 3:38:17 PM

lulz

8/13/2009 4:29:33 PM

Community colleges board OKs illegal immigrant enrollment

Quote :

"Gov. Beverly Perdue said in an interview this week with WRAL News that she doesn't believe people who are in the U.S. illegally should be in community college classrooms. 'In all honesty and with due respect to the Board of Community Colleges, it's hard for me to understand why we would give an education to those who can't work legally in the country,' Perdue said. 'Either way, it's a hard choice. Kids need an education, but if they can't work, why do it?'"

http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/6029416/

I give Governor Perdue credit for her position on this issue. She's right.

9/21/2009 6:17:18 PM

From earlier this month, her first veto:

Quote :

"9/10/2009 Contact: Chrissy Pearson Raleigh (919) 733-5612 Gov. Perdue Vetoes HB 104 Gov. Bev Perdue today vetoed House Bill 104, “An Act To Clarify Legislative Confidentiality.” “Transparency and accountability are hallmarks of my administration. If this legislation became law, documents that are currently public record would become private,” said Gov. Perdue. “Additionally, this bill treats certain state employees unequally.” "

I don't know all the facts & how true this is, but from commentary I read in discussion of the veto on another site, that it was basically the NC legislators trying to pull a fast one to hide more stuff (which are obviously a majority dem, so this may have been going against her own party a bit), and that there were potential consequences for people who didn't keep secrets well enough like losing their job. So based on what little I know about this veto, it seemed like a well placed one.

Between that & this:

Quote :

"She signed into law a couple of days ago a bill that gives parents the option to have their kids taught comprehensive sex ed (even though it still says abstinence only until marriage is the only sure fire way not to get pregnant or to get stds). This means teaching more facts in schools, and perhaps less unwanted pregnancies & stds going around.... I'm not sure a republican gov would have been able to stand up to pressure coming from his party to keep the only option as abstinence only until marriage."

... there aren't a whole lot more of really positive things I can say about Governor Perdue, but I think everyone can agree she is a step up from Easley?

9/21/2009 10:06:31 PM

Repubs call for Perdue investigation
October 15, 2009

Quote :

"In August, Perdue's campaign amended contribution reports for last year's gubernatorial campaign. It said there were 17 flights provided by private businesspeople. The campaign blamed a software glitch for the oversight and reimbursed about $19,000, but [GOP Chairman Tom] Fetzer says the campaign was motivated to amend its reporting because of the Easley case. 'There is little doubt that her admissions were spurred on by the Easley investigation,' he said."

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/local&id=7066887

The Easley scandal black hole continues to suck.

10/16/2009 12:12:14 PM

Quote :

"Kids need an education, but if they can't work, why do it?"

Hell, why not do it? Charge them out-of-state tuition and bam, you're making more money at (assuming "they can't work") no expense of existing jobs. win win, baby.

10/16/2009 12:51:59 PM

One thing is for she, her office sends out the longest e-mails ever. Just got this one today.

Quote :

"Gov. Perdue Appalled at Ruling that Cuts Short Life Sentences Gov. Bev Perdue this week asked her attorneys and the N.C. Department of Justice to review all options available to the state to reverse and delay the N.C. Supreme Court ruling in the State v. Bowden case. The court’s decision in that case will force the early release of murderers and rapists serving life sentences, including seven who were originally sentenced to death. The governor this week received a list of 20 violent offenders who will be released on Oct. 29 and dozens more who will be released in the next few years because of the court’s ruling. Each of the first 20 inmates who will be released have been reviewed for parole multiple times and denied. The court’s decision also prevents any additional review or recommendation by the Parole Commission, nor can these offenders be subject to any kind of monitoring or post-release supervision. “I’m appalled that the state of North Carolina is being forced to release prisoners who have committed the most heinous of crimes, without any review of their cases,” said Gov. Perdue. “I don’t believe the General Assembly’s intent in 1974 was to let these violent offenders out of prison early. Releasing these potentially dangerous criminals is not in the best interest of the state or our citizens.” The Department of Correction is attempting to notify all known victims of these crimes and is working with district attorneys and victims advocates to locate victims for whom it does not have current contact information. Victims who have not been contacted are asked to call the DOC Office of Victim Services toll free at 1-866-719-0108. In addition, DOC is working to identify recommended re-entry programs for offenders due to be released, although participation cannot be required. Gov. Perdue Continues to Push Hard for Jobs, Economic Development Governor Departs for Asian Economic Development Mission Gov. Perdue on Thursday left for her Economic Development Trip to Asia with one mission: to grow jobs in North Carolina. As our state’s second and fourth largest trading partners, China and Japan represent significant growth opportunities for North Carolina – especially during this economic downturn. As part of the trade mission, Gov. Perdue will meet with Asian manufacturing, technology and life science companies that have the potential to do business and create jobs in North Carolina. The Economic Development Mission is scheduled for Oct. 15-27. Click here for the mission itinerary. Premier to Add 300 Jobs in Charlotte Premier Inc., the largest healthcare alliance in the nation, will move its headquarters from California and expand in Charlotte, adding 300 jobs over the next five years and investing $17.7 million. The project was made possible in part by a state Job Development Investment Grant. “North Carolina prides itself on being a state that promotes innovation,” Perdue said. “Premier’s pioneering approach to healthcare shows that we have created a business climate in which innovative companies can prosper and grow.” Premier is owned by more than 200 not-for-profit hospitals and healthcare systems – ranging from small and rural to large inner-city facilities – which share clinical knowledge and leverage purchasing volume to improve healthcare quality while reducing costs. The alliance provides services to more than 2,200 U.S. hospitals and more than 63,000 other healthcare providers. The company currently employs more than 750 workers in North Carolina. The 300 new jobs will pay an overall average wage of $69,400 a year, not including benefits. That is higher than the Mecklenburg County annual average of $49,400. Through Gov. Perdue’s JobsNOW initiative (http://www.jobsnow.nc.gov), the state continues to work aggressively to create jobs, train and retrain its workforce, and lay the foundation for a strong and sustainable economic future. For more information about Premier Inc., including job opportunities, visit: http://www.premierinc.com. Israeli Fiber Company Brings $17 Million Investment, 42 Jobs to Granville County Shalag Industries Ltd., an international supplier of nonwoven fabrics used in the hygiene and wipes markets, will open a new plant in Granville County. The company will invest more than $17 million and create 42 jobs in Oxford. The announcement was made possible in part by a $110,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund. “North Carolina is home to more nonwoven textile plants than anywhere else in the United States, and the U.S. is home to more nonwoven textile plants than anywhere else in the world,” Perdue said. “Our business-friendly policies, superb quality of life and skilled, productive workforce are helping companies build success in our state.” Shalag Industries, headquartered in Upper Galilee, Israel, produces nonwoven fabrics primarily from polypropylene, polyester and viscose fibers. The fabric is used in the production of dry and wet wipes, diapers and personal hygiene products. The company’s major customers include Johnson & Johnson, Nicepak and Kimberly Clark. The company, which has one manufacturing plant in Israel, plans to construct a facility in Oxford, where fibers will be thermo-bonded into nonwoven fabric. The project’s 42 new jobs will pay an average annual wage of $39,966, not including benefits, which is higher than the Granville County average annual wage of $33,020. For more information on Shalag Industries, go to: http://www.shalag.co.il/home.html. For information on company job opportunities, visit the Employment Security Commission office at 518 Lewis St., Oxford, N.C., 27565, or call the office at 919-693-2686. H1N1 Vaccine Arriving in Waves; Vaccine Locator on the Way A blog post by Dr. Megan Davies, State Epidemiologist: To date North Carolina has received two shipments of H1N1 vaccine. While the total of these allocations is roughly equal to about 10 percent of the total doses we expect to receive, the CDC assures us that there will be enough vaccine for every North Carolinian who wants it. The goal in determining allocations during the past two weeks was to make sure the vaccine was distributed equitably throughout the state. With such small amounts of vaccine – and a requirement to ship in increments of 100 doses – it was impossible to provide vaccine to every interested provider. The first shipment went to every local health department to ensure that vaccine was distributed to every part of the state. With the next shipment, we were able to extend delivery to also include most hospitals and private providers who had signed on to administer the vaccine. By the end of this week, we expect to have received enough vaccine so that all providers who have submitted a contract will be shipped at least some vaccine. Providers who requested a large amount of vaccine will not receive their complete order all at once, but will receive parts of their order during the next couple of months until the amount they requested is completely filled. Vaccine will continue to be sent to providers as long as the provider data continues to show a need for vaccine. To help North Carolina residents determine when and where vaccine is available, the NC Division of Public Health is working with the federal Department of Health and Human Services to create a “vaccine locator.” When completed, residents will be able to locate vaccine in their area simply by going to flu.nc.gov and typing in a zip code. Until then, people should either call their health care provider, their local health department, or call the NC CARE-LINE at 1-800-662-7030 (TTY 1-877-452-2514) for more information. $14.6 Million in Federal Funds Approved for State Veterans Home in Black Mountain The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (USDVA) has conditionally approved the state’s application for federal assistance to build a 100-bed State Veterans Home in Black Mountain. Conditions for the $14.6 million award include finalizing design documents, approval by involved state agencies, and advertising and award of construction bids. “This facility will go a long way toward providing the long-term, skilled care that our veterans deserve,” said Gov. Bev Perdue. “The collaboration between the Department of Administration and Department of Health and Human Services to identify an appropriate site already owned by the state is a great example of government working for the people.” The amount of $14,632,787 has been set aside by the USDVA for the Western North Carolina project, according to a letter of award from USDVA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki. Last month, the USDVA announced that $12,119,575 in federal matching funds have been set aside for a similar facility in Kinston. Both projects are funded by appropriations through the N.C. General Assembly and funds made available by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. There are two State Veterans Homes presently in North Carolina, one in Fayetteville and the other in Salisbury. Each of the new facilities will provide residential care for up to 100 veterans and will employ 150-170 staff. "

10/16/2009 7:32:25 PM

Gov. Perdue's office frees up $34M held back from 3 NC state agencies due to budget woes

Quote :

"The community college system will receive $19.5 million more to handle an influx in jobless students seeking to be retrained."

http://www.wtkr.com/news/sns-ap-nc--ncstatebudget,0,6749149.story

I give Perdue credit for this. The North Carolina Community College System is incredibly important for our state, and it often gets the short end of the fiscal stick.

And the HHS money was probably very much needed, too.

11/13/2009 5:05:08 PM

bump

3/24/2010 6:35:15 PM

^

7/14/2010 9:27:50 PM

Do you just enjoy bumping? Or are people asking you to do it without adding content?

7/14/2010 10:14:18 PM

^ For God's sake, Supplanter, will you relax? I asked for it to be bumped--I just haven't had a chance to post anything yet.

Here's your content:

July 13, 2010

Quote :

"More than half of those polled said they believe North Carolina is off-track, while 31 percent said they believe the state is headed in the right direction."

http://www.wral.com/news/local/politics/story/7954802/

Some ratings are not the best indicators. But I think these right track/wrong track polls should concern politicians--and this poll sure doesn't help Perdue.

7/15/2010 2:47:45 AM

Perdue campaign fined $30,000 for unreported flights
August 24, 2010

Quote :

"Asheville, N.C. — The State Board of Elections voted Tuesday to fine Gov. Beverly Perdue's campaign $30,000 for unreported campaign flights during the 2004 and 2008 elections. The two Republicans on the five-member elections board, Bill Peaslee and Charles Winfree, wanted to impose a $75,000 fine or hold a public hearing on the matter, but the Democratic majority defeated both efforts."

http://www.wral.com/news/local/politics/story/8181699/

Democrats block effort to hold campaign finance hearing on Perdue
August 24, 2010

http://www.wral.com/news/local/politics/video/8182964/

I think there's more to this story.

8/25/2010 1:59:34 AM