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Posts Made By: Michael Koons

September 10, 2008 10:46 PM Forum: Politics

Tax Plans

Posted By Michael Koons
How about this, figure the federal sales tax required to replace income tax, say 17-18%. Exclude the basics so the low end earners can get by. Now, how many under the table workers, illegal immigrants, drug pushers and their ilk buy their cars and wide screen TV's like you and I. They would now be paying income tax, by proxy. The increase in their prices to the end users or employers would have some interesting effects. And whatever percentage is determined, you could probably knock it down 25% for the black market stuff that we collect. Heck, even the people the IRS is after for back taxes would be paying. I guess it would be called a National Sales Tax. Any takers?

September 20, 2008 12:10 AM Forum: Investment Discussions

This is very well done

Posted By Michael Koons
http://redtape.msnbc.com/2008/09/in-exchange-for.html

September 24, 2008 04:33 AM Forum: Politics

Why should I trust

Posted By Michael Koons
Ben Bernake and his Wall Street Buddies, didn't Ben tell me last summer that the mortgage deal would be contained and less than 50 Billion. I'm thoroughly disgusted, I'm thinking I might be better off to let my retirement take a 50% hit now rather than more trouble down the pike with the bailout(handout). I'd love Herb to start a poll, bailout or not, or bailout with my money owning the companies we hand money to, and set their salaries and confiscate their parachutes. I also think we should look around at the commissions and bonuses paid the financial wizards that utilized all these investment "tools". Just thought I'd start a conversation here. I called my bank for my small business today and asked about increasing our line of credit by 33%. No problem I was told. I guess our collatoral is ok. >sad

September 25, 2008 01:23 AM Forum: Politics

Private profits and socialized losses

Posted By Michael Koons
The American way, call your congressman, my coworker just got a mortgage today, I got a second one 2 weeks ago. This is an INVESTMENT bank issue, yes there could be a little trickle down on problems if left unchecked, but nothing compared to the no trickle down you'll get from your 700 Billion. No nothing until stiff regulations, oversight of derivitives, and laws are in place. Call, call, call!(then vote, vote, vote)

September 27, 2008 01:33 PM Forum: Investment Discussions

The world markets are watching

Posted By Michael Koons
To see if the taxpayers of the USA are going to bail them out......

October 2, 2008 02:53 AM Forum: Politics

No bailout, Markets marking time.....

Posted By Michael Koons
And I'm guessing with the hope, growth and opportunity pep talks we've had from The President of the United States, The Secretary of the Treasury of the United States, and the Chairman of the Federal Reserve that even when the bailout is done, the market will still just mark time. We've exposed ourselves, to the world, to the baby boomers, to people who have money to invest modestly in retirement accounts. I've been moving my lifelong savings towards cash since May of 2007. I'm looking for bets in the next 12-18 months. I don't see any net move +- 10% in that time frame and I've directed all my withholding for my simple IRA at work to go into cash. How about you all????? :S

October 6, 2008 04:25 PM Forum: Politics

McCain Fundraising opportunity

Posted By Michael Koons
I don't believe that Sarah is scheduled for any more extensive interviews or debates, but I'd bet the sponsers of SNL would pay a ton for her to take an interview or 2 in the upcomming weeks........ smile wink

October 30, 2008 10:57 AM Forum: Politics

Obama infomercial, change............

Posted By Michael Koons
After leaning for months toward Obama, a snippet in his infomercial really irked me. I've heard time and again $250,0000, a quarter of a million, again, again, again. On the infomercial, the threshold was lowered to $200,000. What's next $150,000? Your feedback appreciated >sad

November 19, 2008 04:27 AM Forum: Politics

Legacy pay and benefits....

Posted By Michael Koons
I read a week or so ago that the State of NY's public employee retirement system had shrunk by the end of August by around 12% or so, (They are only required to report thier balance annually, which was the point of a man who is trying to change this). Their benefits apparantly are guarenteed by the state constitution. If everyone on social security, or federal and state pensions are backed by the government won't the poor souls still working be the only stiffs footing the bill. I think we may be headed for a showdown with the parties that still work verses those on fixed but guarenteed retirement benefits. My friends aunt is a retired teacher drawing $65K per year. Should the guy making 12-15 bucks per hour be cutting back while she is constitutionally guarenteed her benefits? If her fund's managers have a shortfall, they just raise his taxes. :S

December 2, 2008 08:14 PM Forum: Politics

Just a question on the multitude of "bailouts and

Posted By Michael Koons
Did any of the Lehman or financial execs drive to testify in front of the House or Senate? Just a question..

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