Picking winners, losers won't resurrect economy
President Obama talks a great deal about economic fairness in America. He did so on the campaign trail and he has continued to do so during the fiscal cliff debate. However his concern for equality has yet to spill over to the American energy industry. The Obama administration remains wedded to proposals that would significantly increase taxes on oil and gas companies. And these tax increases would only apply to this one industry.
So let’s get this straight. President Obama wants to raise taxes on American oil and gas companies despite the fact that the industry already pays the highest tax rates and already pays the most taxes in absolute terms. Not to mention the industry supports millions of American jobs and is responsible for adding $1 trillion to our economy.
It seems President Obama’s idea of fairness is Democratic politicians picking the winners and losers in our economy. This is evident by President Obama’s ongoing support of heavily subsidized “green” energy while concurrently supporting higher taxes on traditional energy companies. What America needs, instead of hand picking economic winners and losers, is an open dialogue about fundamental and effective tax reform. The goal for both Democrats and Republicans should be transforming the U.S. into a more competitive place for businesses.
Fundamental tax reform would help foster job growth and help resuscitate our failing economy. An honest attempt to fix our tax code would be welcomed here in North Carolina where we know all too well the realities of joblessness. The unemployment rate in our state remains above 9 percent and new opportunities remain in short supply. However, according to a report by research firm Wood Mackenzie, with the right policies North Carolina could see over 7,600 oil and gas industry jobs created by 2015.
So in the name of fairness, President Obama should reconsider his attacks on oil and gas, and instead initiate an open and honest debate about tax reform in 2013. Singling out an economically critical industry such as oil and gas, especially as our nation looks towards economic recovery, is unfair to the unemployed in North Carolina and across the country. And it is also unfair to the hundreds of millions of Americans that rely on affordable energy each day.
Lisa Kennedy
Kennedy
Redefining marriage would redefine society
In your editorial on Dec. 18, you said you hope the Supreme Court reverses laws that “discriminate” against same-sex marriage, calling such laws “state-sponsored discrimination.” And calling them that in spite of the fact that a majority of citizens in a majority of states have voted to uphold and protect the definition of marriage as between one man and one woman. You go on to infer that laws against same-sex marriage are against “individual freedom protected by the U.S. Constitution.” Marriage isn’t even addressed in the Constitution. And I’d wager same-sex unions never crossed our Framers’ minds, or that the concept even existed in their intellectual universe.
But I digress. What I really want to say is that you miss the point of upholding the traditional legal definition of marriage. You say it is religious. I’ll grant that marriage certainly has religious significance; however, it spans across all major religions and cultures. Heterosexual marriage is an established institution that has stood the test of time. Its historical and cultural benefits of providing stability to society — especially children — are well documented, as well as its role in fiscal security. Next to your editorial, Kathleen Parker wrote an excellent column on marriage’s economic benefits.
Another common mistake is to consider marriage a universal “right”. It is not. It is an institution: One that is foundational to society; one that is often begun with a rite, but is rarely considered an entitlement. And one that typically has state-imposed limitations (try marrying your sister). There has to be a legal definition of marriage, or it becomes meaningless. If we discard the historical definition, who gets to redefine the legal term? And who decides its limits? What if my single friend wants to marry her darling kitty? What if a man tires of his wife and wants to forgo divorce and just marry another? What about the adult who wants to marry his 12-yr.-old neighbor? Who draws these lines, and on what basis? If anyone can define marriage, than what’s the point? And if there’s no point, why not just shack up? No one’s trying to stop anyone from entering into “partnership” contracts. But don’t undermine marriage by redefining it.
The ultimate goal of redefining marriage is not to grant so-called disenfranchised people a deserved right. Its purpose is two-fold: to weaken the foundation of our society and to validate homosexuality. The second has mostly been accomplished. The first will eventually destroy marriage and the historically-established family unit. You are correct that the homosexual rights movement has largely won-over this country’s minds, especially the gullible young, and may eventually prevail in sending our society off the deep end. It would be a sorrow for the Supreme Court to jump off that cliff and hasten the destruction of a vital societal foundation.
Tina Taylor
Grifton
Election gave us more of what we don't need
First I would like to wish everyone a truly Merry Christmas. I am very disappointed with the results of our recent elections. What we got is more of what we really don’t need (more welfare, more legal moochers, more illegal aliens, more scandal, fewer people paying the bills of more and more people, paid abortion and birth control to be paid for by people who do not use it and don’t believe in it, gay marriage, but most of all, the turn in this country from our religious rights.) You would think that a country founded on religious freedom would do more to guard and preserve that freedom, especially as the season approaching is to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
What has happened to us that we are too scared or lethargic to fight for what is right? The very minorities that hold us captive are just that, minorities. I for one refuse to pretend that atheists, gays, welfare lazies, illegals and other minorities are more powerful that the majority of Americans. I am tired of being told that if I don’t back every sick or twisted idea, that I am racist, sexist, a homophobe, religious fanatic or out of touch with the times. The commandments do not change; the people have changed and they want us all with them.
Some people deserve all that they get and more. Our seniors have persevered through some really difficult and trying times, only to see our liberals telling them that what they have taught their children is a lie and not worth its weight, our military guards the rights of liberals who do not hold our values and our country dear, our disabled are not treated with the respect that illegals and gays are. We are not respected in the world anymore, because we give in to the very groups who bring us down.
I myself get a disability check each month, but I had to get cancer three times as well as having a heart attack, two blocked arteries, diabetes and high blood pressure to get it but my own pride dictates that I work what I can and try not to be a burden. If you really need help, it is our duty to help, but we are fostering an entire population of lazy, entitled and no-pride people. Pride in one’s self is wonderful.
The man from Grifton who did not think that our trillions of dollars in debt is a problem, can I please give him the shares that my five your grandchildren will have to carry? He obviously can afford the high price of gas and the increased insurance rates.
Time is getting shorter to take our country back. Even if you do not believe in the Bible you have to see that our country is going down. It is imperative that we take our country back from the liberals. Let us start by showing our unbending support to God and just the plain old citizens of the country. When you pass my house, you will se a white ribbon to show my support for God and His people. Get you one and show your support.
Rose Haddock
Kinston
EMS did wonderful job, but service needs help
This is to thank the EMS people for what they did for my wife on Dec. 8 when she had her heart attack. These people did a wonderful job with what they have to work with. Another ambulance had to meet them on the way to New Bern as they did not have what they needed on the Jones County ambulance. EMS and Jones County law enforcement need to have what they need to do their jobs. I also would like to know what happened to my wife's slacks, underwear, her socks and shoes as they have not shown up yet and she would like to have them back. The house numbers in this county are the worst I have ever seen and everyone needs to have their number at the road as we do. If we had a decent county manager he would see that this is done or send him back to slopping the hogs where he was.
Elmer Kendall
Trenton
Big smile a big boost to confidence
I never realized the importance of a nice smile until I had mine finally completed just last week. Many people go their whole lives never smiling because of their teeth. Some may have crooked teeth, crowded teeth, or gaps which will cause an individual not to smile at any time. I have had that very same problem all of my life until just recently and that is because Dr. Courtney Mitchell.
I was never keen on the idea of braces, even though I realized how important they are, not by just getting ones teeth straight, but they will improve your teeth overall and make it so much easier to keep them clean. I needed braces when I was much younger and for whatever reason I just fell through the loopholes probably begging my parents not to make me get them. I heard all the horror stories from my friends on how you couldn’t eat certain foods, couldn’t eat candy, or chew gum. Why in the world would any kid want them right? Well after arguing with my wife for well over a year who works for Dr. Mitchell, they all finally convinced me to get braces, and it’s a decision I will never regret. Mind you I am 36 years old now and just got them taken off last week, but I can tell you they have been worth every trip to Dr. Mitchell’s office for adjustments, brackets getting moved, wires changed etc. I complained a little more than the average patient I’m sure, but that was just because I knew I could get away with it.
In closing, Dr. Mitchell’s staff was as pleasant and helpful as any I have ever been too. His professionalism and genuine desire to help improve my smile was heart felt, and he did everything in his power to get my teeth absolutely perfect and for that I am so thankful. I would just like to remind everyone to take time and realize just how important your teeth are. It took me 34 years to realize they could help me, and now at 36 my mouth is complete and has giving me the confidence that I have needed to SMILE and SMILE big without hesitation or embarrassment. Thank you Dr. Courtney Mitchell, thank you to my wife for pushing me so hard, and thank you to the entire staff for all you did.
Jonathan Davis
Kinston