Random political rants

1.  A mentally disturbed person goes berserk at a political gathering and kills and injures people.  These things do not happen because of rhetoric, political or otherwise.  If that were the case, these types of incidents would happen more often.  Discussions, disputes, and anger have been present in politics since this country was founded.  If venomous rhetoric was the cause, there would been many more politicians being treated for bullet wounds.

2.  Stopping demonstrations at or near funerals would be another step in denying free speech in this county.  It may be disrespectful, despicable, and somewhat malicious, but it is a Constitutional right.  If we aren't careful in defending free speech, we'll soon see censorship appearing elsewhere, such as classic novels. Oops.

3.  Illinois lawmakers passed a 66% increase in the state income tax rate.  It's a "temporary increase." I remember when the 2.5% rate was only tempory, then made permanent because "it really isn't an increase in taxes; just maintaining what we have now."  The same thing was said when the rate rose to 3% and then made permanent.  With the corporate tax rate also increasing, just say bye-bye to businesses in Illinois.  Neighboring states are much more business-friendly.  Perhaps lawmakers should be considering making substantial cuts in  padded State expenditures instead of trying to milk the taxpayers dry.

Some argue that Illinois' income tax rate is low compared to most states, but Illinois has a flat tax with very few allowable deductions (retirement income is one) except for the standard deduction and few tax credits.  Most other states allow similar deductions as those available on federal income tax returns and offer numerous tax credits.  The result is generally higher taxes in Illinois, despite the "low" rate.

4.  The State of Illinois does not tax ANY retirement income.  The State and its retirement system are in financial trouble. Yet, state employees continue to get generous pensions and benefits.  In fact, many government bodies give employees substantial raises their last four years prior to retirement so that the employees will receive larger pensions upon retirement. Even the re-elected governor gave substantial salary increases to his staff late last year.  (Pensions are 100% of the average salary of the last four years of employment - for the rest of their lives!)  Of course the lawmakers don't want to tax retirement benefits - that's a tax that would directly affect their own pensions.

5.  Residency requirements to run for office are a big joke, especially when it comes to Chicago politics.  Chicago election board and a Chicago judge ruled Rahm Emanuel met the residency requirements to run for mayor of Chicago, even though he hadn't lived there the past two years. Now you understand why Chicago politics and corruption are one and the same.