Energy Policy Act of 2005 Celebrates First Birthday

The EPAct was on passed on July 29, 2005 and signed into law on August 8, 2005. It provided huge subsidies for the oil and gas industry. One year later oil companies are posting record profits and gasoline prices are at record highs.

It's been so successful that Energy Secretary Bodman hosted a celebration. Other celebrants included U.S. Senator Pete Domenici (NM), U.S. Congressman Joe Barton (TX-6th), and representatives of industries who are benefiting from tax incentives. Progress towards increasing U.S. energy security and reducing dependence on sources of energy from unstable regions of the world was highlighted.

There was no mention of inviting tax payers who benefited from the act.

http://www.energy.gov/news/3858.htm

Estate Tax Chicanery

The Bush administration hasn't been able to get rid of the estate tax legally, so they're going to stop enforcing it. They are planning to layoff almost half of the estate tax lawyers at the IRS. Anyone who can afford a substantial legal challenge will be able to avoid paying their taxes.

It looks like the new policy is money equals honesty. The more money you have, the more honest you are.

The lost revenue will have to be offset with something. Will it be higher taxes for everyone else or fewer social services?

Read more details at David Cay Johnston's article.
http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/0724-09.htm

FEMA no longer failing

The Senate has figured out how to correct the failed FEMA agency. Take the 'F' out of its name.

They passed an amendment Tuesday night to abolish FEMA and create a brand new agency called the Emergency Management Authority, or EMA. It's brilliant!

Instead of restoring competent people to the agency, they want to go another round of musical chairs. The Senate has surpassed itself in proving that it’s insane, by doing the same thing and expecting different results.

The eleven senators with the good sense to vote against the amendment are:

Akaka (D-HI), Boxer (D-CA), Bunning (R-KY), Clinton (D-NY), Inhofe (R-OK), Jeffords (I-VT), Kerry (D-MA), Lautenberg (D-NJ), Leahy (D-VT), Pryor (D-AR), Schumer (D-NY)

Not a single one from a Hurricane prone state.

Over there, Over here

We're fighting the terrorists over there so we don't have to fight them over here.

If the terrorists are all in Iraq, why do domestic calls in the US need to be monitored? Why does the government need to know what we check out of the library? Why are anti-war groups being watched?

Is the "Roach Motel" strategy working or not?