Saturday, September 18, 2010

RANDOM MUSINGS ON A GREY SEPTEMBER DAY

So much going on in this world; so many things to write about; so little enthusiasm to do it.

Item: the largest number of automobiles ever sold in the United States in one year was 17 million. China expects to sell 20 million per year by the year 2020.

Item: we bought a new bedspread recently, and I was amazed that the packaging stated: "Made in Italy, sewn in the United States." Amazing, I thought, something not made in China. The next day an article in the NY Times related that in the Italian city that is the center for production of fabric, a huge influx of Chinese laborers has replaced Italians in the fabric industry. Oh well....

Item: Those Whacky Republicans. In the Senate, they fought and filibustered against a bill that would provide funds for small business loans (it finally passed with votes from 2 Republicans). They are fighting to extend the Bush tax cuts for wealthy Americans because, well, it would hurt small businesses.

Item: Speaking about the Bush tax cuts... I read that the tax increase for the top 2% of us tax payers (those making more than $250,000 if filing jointly) would be 3% to 5% on the income above $250,000. So, if we use the 5% number, that means an increase of $50 per $1,000 income, or $50,000 per $1,000,000 income. So out of every $1,000 after an income of $250,000, I would retain $950; or $950,000 out of every $1,000,000. According to the Corporate Watch web site, the compensation for the top 100 CEO's ranged from a bit over $15 Million to a bit over $100 Million total compensation per year. So, assuming the total compensation for these CEOs is taxable (which I'm sure they loophole out of), the increased revenue to the United States government, if the Bush tax cuts end, would be $737,500 from the guy making $15 Million, and $4,987,500 from the guy pulling down $100 Million per year. And why is this bad??? By the way, the average worker in the US, according to the web site, makes a bit over $32,000 per year.

Item: Tea anyone? Yes, the Tea Party is roaring a mighty roar and winning primary elections. Amazed Republicans, including Carl "Yoda" Rove, dissed Delaware Senate candidate Christine O'Donnell as stupid, weird and "nutty;" but the next day decided they'd better back her or they'll lose an important Senate seat.

Item: Taking matters into your own hands. And speaking of Ms. O'Donnell, the contender for the Delaware Senate seat, have you seen the video clips of her arguing that masturbation is a form of adultery? Can you spell wingnut?

Item: It's raining. Nice!



2 comments:

  1. If it was sewn in the US, what was "made" in Italy?? Just asking.

    ReplyDelete
  2. @Marie...the fabric was made in Italy.

    ReplyDelete

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