Lowering taxes does not cause the national debt to increase.

As I continue to watch the young adults today flock to the "Free" agenda of many of the presidential candidates I wonder what generates such thinking.

Please remember, lowering taxes does not cause the national debt to increase. It is Government Spending that causes the National Debt to increase!

I suppose I can look back when I was young and did not like the fact I had nothing much in the sense of monetary worth and I resented those that had many possessions ( House, Boat, Summer Home, etc...).

The one thing that woke me up to the real world was when I received my first decent paychecks and was shocked at the amount of taxes that was taken out of my check. Not only the amount but how many different taxes comes out of a single paycheck.

I am always willing to pay my fair share but when you throw in all the other taxes it gets to be ridiculous. 
http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/a-list-of-97-taxes-americans-pay-every-year

So, all of you young folks that want the government to take care of you and raise the taxes even more you will lose in the long run. Why? because many of you at some point in your life will work hard for a living and some of you will also have children. Parental instincts will kick-in and you will want to provide for you family. In addition, when the politicians raise the "Death Tax" for most Americans there will be no money to leave you when your parents die. You would be wise to look at the big picture and realize you lose in the long run if you think "Big Brother" will take of you.

Stock Market/Covid 19 - Februaury 2020

After last week's Stock Market crash I wonder where our 401K's, Pension Plans and Retirement Accounts would be today if it were not for all the great economic policies achieved in 2019?

Fox News -  Charles Payne also believes Bernie Sanders rise in Polls is also causing markets to get nervous. I tend to agree.

Student Loan Debt, Free College - Angry Dad Confronts Warren

February 14, 2020
Angry dad rips Elizabeth Warren over student loan plan: 'Am I going to get my money back?' - OF COURSE NOT!!!!
This Dad is spot on and this question is for all you politicians wanting to buy votes from young students who have no idea what is to live in a word where you pay mortgage, car and other debts.
Angrydadripswarren
In fact, I am waiting for a politician to offer to remove my 30 year old home mortgage debt and my car debt. They both strap me financially. What is the difference? The difference is I did what this Dad did and saved and sacrificed to help my children with college. They still have debt but they also have jobs to pay for them just like I did for my debts.

Here is another insane idea!
Ilhan Omar Pushes 'Truly Ignorant Idea': Give GI Bill Benefits to Americans Who Never Served https://americanmilitarynews.com/2020/02/rep-ilhan-omar-wants-gi-bill-for-all-americans/
I went to college on the GI Bill and I earned it for my service. It was not free! Later (After Vietnam) they changed the Bill (I don't agree) and each veteran can put money in to an account and the government will also add money for college. I also "WORKED" for a company that offered tuition assistance and along with the GI Bill I earned three degrees and multiple certifications.

Below is a post I wrote last March on Student Debt.

March 2019,

While I do not have student loan debt both of my children do because they needed them for Graduate degrees. My wife and I were fortunate to pay for their bachelor degrees but it was up to them to pay for additional schooling. In order for me to pay for their undergrad degrees at Michigan State (9+ years for two) I refinanced my house. So my debt when in to my home and I am still paying off my mortgage. This was my decision and I'm paying it off in additional years of mortgage payments. If the Democrats want to cancel current studnet debt or reduce it by $50,000 then I want my house paid off too. 

According to a new report (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/u-student-debt-serious-delinquency-140103419.html), outstanding student loan debt continues to rise and now stands at $1.46 trillion. The alarming stat is student debt delinquency. Apparently, about 11 percent of student debt is 90 days delinquent or in default. The most alarming age group transitioning into this category at the fastest pace is 40-to-49-year old’s; that’s partly because of parents borrowing to pay their children’s educational expenses. This is very dangerous especially for students who attend For Profit Higher Learning Institutions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_for-profit_universities_and_colleges).

My biggest complaint is the cost of tuition continues to rise, and colleges and universities don't seem to want to deal with the increasing cost of tuition. In fact, why should they? People continue to pay it and state and federal dollars keep giving them money with no means of checking accountability.

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics - the number of students projected to attend American colleges and universities in fall 2018 is 19.9 million, which is higher than the enrollment of 15.3 million students in fall 2000, but lower than the enrollment peak of 21.0 million in fall 2010 (source). Total enrollment is expected to increase between fall 2018 and fall 2027 to 20.5 million.

With the economy doing well and many employers needing workers my hope is people will once again be given on the job training or vocational training assistance that does not require a 4+ year degree. This will drive the traditional 4-year colleges to cut their expenses and many to close which should because they guarantee nothing other than student debt that comes with many negative tentacles for the student going forward in their lives.

A leading student financial aid expert Mark Kantrowitz estimates that more than 25% of borrowers are graduating with "excessive" debt. He explains that this debt load significantly influences how many borrowers live their lives. "I also found that students who graduate with excessive debt are about 10% more likely to say that it caused delays in major life events, such [as] buying a home, getting married, or having children," Kantrowitz wrote.

Mr. Kantrowitz is right on – While my son (Mid 30’s) has a good job he does not own a home, is not married and has no children. These are the negative tentacles that are hurting the future growth of the United States.

More statistics - https://studentloanhero.com/student-loan-debt-statistics/

Reduce College Debt - My solution is to have all College Administrators and staff reduce their salaries based on the success rates of their students finding jobs after graduation. Stop all construction of new buildings (Especially Athletic) that can not prove to help students get proper training and jobs.

Free College - Not sure this can be done but if we could this would eliminate the high cost of administrative salaries. In addition, lower the salaries for the coaches and bring back the true nature of "amateur" college athletics. Go to the pros if you want the money (Coaches and Players).

Trump is becoming a Counterpuncher - Pelosi is a Haymaker

This week has been one for the record books in the political arena. Back in September of 2017 I wrote the below post. The antics of this week reminded me of the post. At times I get disgusted but mostly I'm starting to laugh at all these people. I will say ripping up the State of the Union Speech was the lowest act yet (Haymaker) and that person from California needs to go.

https://newsthud.com/jonathan-turley-says-nancy-pelosi-must-resign-after-disgraceful-conduct-last-night-shameful-and-inglorious/

I will repeat what I have posted before. 

California should be their own country, so many problems would go away.
We really need to consider "Term Limits (Congress 8 years, Senate 12 years)." If not, then we need to cut the pay to a Middle Class Income ($75,000) with no lifelong benefits and perks. Stipends are OK and anyone receiving handouts, kickbacks or financial backing is to be immediately removed.
 I used to believe this statement:

 I do vote for different people but others just stay the course.

https://qualityg.blogspot.com/2019/07/enough-nvfi-no-vote-for-incumbent-in.html
Updated - September 24, 2017

President Trump is a counter puncher – Sorry - Nope - No Way!

C’mon, - this is ridiculous - No counter punching here just a wild Haymaker hoping to land but it did nothing but destroy yourself.  

The “sons of bitches” who knelt for the national anthem should be fired. Why do you need to be so divisive?”

This would have gone its way and was already petering out with just a small amount showing their disapproval.
As President there are “way” too important issues facing our country that you are trying to accomplish. I want Obama Care replaced. I want Tax Reform, I want a stronger immigration policy against those who have committed crimes and I certainly want North Korea to stop shooting missiles.

Instead of trying to unite democrats and republicans you taunt. Instead of letting a diplomatic solution take place with your cabinet people you taunt the ones they need to negotiate with for settlement.

You make everyone’s jobs harder and that is just not good!!! 

I always remember a few lines from the movie Braveheart: 

Robert the Bruce: Now you've achieved more than anyone ever dreamed, but fighting these odds it looks like rage, not courage.

William: It's well beyond rage. Help me. In the name of Christ help yourselves! Now is our chance, now! If we join, we can win. If we win, well then we'll have what none of us have ever had before; a country of our own. You are the rightful leader and there is strength in you. I see it. Unite us. Unite us. Unite the clans!

You are the rightful President – Unite us as a country – you have a chance to do great things but all you do is throw barriers in your own way.

August 18, 2017,

I have heard this statement time and time again referring to President Trump. Trumpnocounterpuncher

People make this statement "Haymaker"/"Counterpuncher" (Boxing References) because they feel every time President Trump is criticized he fires back with both barrels at the attacker. This is not counter punching this is just stupid. Why? Because it is a reaction that has not been thought out or is based on any experience other than a reflex action responding to a threat. In fact, it leaves you open for a counter-punch.

I have been involved with Boxing for over 55 years and a good counter puncher is one who has a plan and a sense of purpose in trapping their opponent by making him miss and then going on the attack. He is the patient boxer that simply stands there waiting for you to make the first move. For every punch that you throw, he has the perfect answer. He relies on the opponent's own aggression to draw him into a perfectly set trap.

Successful boxers who use this style must have great reflexes, ring intelligence, punch precision and excellent hand speed. Willie Pep, Archie Moore, Muhammad Ali and Floyd Mayweather are all great examples of great counter punchers.

President Trump you are being counter punched by the idiot pundits and news agencies. So what should you do? You beat a counter puncher by out thinking your opponent.  Counter punchers sit back and wait for you to throw the first punch. Their goal is to exploit any openings in your attack. You need to develop a systems thinking persona and consider the whole (How will my response affect others) instead of just the piece (Personal attack).

http://qualityg.blogspot.com/search?q=systems+thinking

It takes time and experience to become a good fighter and I believe the same for being a good political fighter. President Trump is new to this arena and needs to rely on his political aides who have experience until he learns the ropes. 

If he can remain patient and learn -  he will then be a force to reckon with -  but for now he is just a punching bag.

Bob Seger Launches You Tube Channel

Legendary Detroit rocker Bob Seger has launched an official YouTube channel, with the first featured video being a lyrical video for "Night Moves."
https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/bob-seger-youtube-night-moves-936136/

For me personally, Bob Seger and The Silver Bullett Band (aka – The Last Heard and Bob Seger System) will always be the best. I have been a fan since I first heard (1966) “East Side Story” and Persecution Smith.” I was hooked forever when I heard “Heavy Music” and a year later “Ramblin’ Gamblin’ Man.” 

I will always remember finishing my morning paper route and having breakfast at Connor's Diner where I played Seger songs over and over on the juke box that was in each booth.

Even though I have not seen him in many moons my cousin Chris continues to play Bass guitar for the Silver Bullet Band.