While there appears to be a lot of add-ons taking place on the current bill it appears that most taxpayers can expect to see a rebate of up to $600. This equates to $1,200 for couples, and even more for most families with children. Since the country is already trillions of dollars in debt and creditors are finding it more difficult to secure loans for borrowers this must mean that the Treasury has plans to print up some money. Sadly, once they do this the value of the current dollar is sure to decline, making it even harder for the lower income and fixed income citizens to make ends meet.

However, one must note that since this windfall also depends on smooth sailing at the IRS, an agency already overrun with forms and expected refunds we may find ourselves already in quite a pickle before anyone even sees a single rebate. Despite this, however, the Treasury believes that the IRS will be in a position to start mailing off the expected rebates within 60 days of President Bush signing the measure into law. They think that the entire process should be able to be accomplished in as little as 10 weeks if not sooner.

But do you qualify? “Almost everyone who earns some income will benefit according to Douglas W. Elmendorf, an analyst at the Brookings Institution. He believes that the idea behind the economic stimulus package is to get the money into the hands of those most likely to spend it. That means that even low income parties should benefit. This should be a critical part of the package since these are the individuals who would be most directly hurt by the downturn in the economy. By lower income we are talking about individuals who do not make enough to pay taxes but had at least $3,000 in earned income. If the current measure makes its way to the president’s desk that would mean that these individuals would get $300. Those earning less than that would be disqualified as would the wealthiest Americans. Older people living solely on Social Security would not get the rebate unless one of the add-ons changes the criteria.

Individuals with adjusted gross incomes of more than $75,000 and couples with incomes exceeding $150,000 would get smaller rebates based on a declining scale determined on the amount of money they made above the ceiling cap. Contributions towards IRA’s, retirement accounts and health saving accounts would not count towards the limits.

It appears that ¾ of those eligible to receive the rebates will be working people. Another ¼ would qualify solely through pension or interest income. These individuals and the unemployed who receive income over $3000 for the year will receive a $300 rebate.

People with income less than $75,000 would get a rebate equal to the amount of taxes they paid in 2007, up to $600. Those who earned more than $3,000 but owed little or no taxes would get a flat $300, or $600 per couple.

This means that a low-income family of four – with $35,000 in income and virtually no tax liability – would get $1,200. That includes the flat $600 per couple and $300 for each child. A single person would receive the lower $300 rebate.

A single parent of two with income of $38,000 and a tax bill of $433 would get $1,033. – a $433 tax rebate plus $300 per child.

Since the bill is aimed at the middle class families making over the $150,000 ceiling would have their rebates cut according to a prescribed formula. So, hang in there one and all as we can only hope that this rebate will actually arrive in the hands of those that need it in time to make a difference.

Tags: economic stimulus package, economic stimulus, rebate check, refund, treasury, rebate ceiling, brookings institution, douglas w. elmendorf, irs, president bush

Have you ever read a job listings ad that left you more confused than confident about what the employer is looking for? Well, don’t be dismayed, you are definitely not alone.

One question many job seekers face regards the flexibility of the employer regarding the minimum qualifications he is seeking and if they are essential to being considered for the available position. Of course, that depends on the employer, but in most cases once you get an interview an employer will honestly look at all aspects of your resume before determining if they think you would work out for them or not. However, you should have done your homework about the company and have some idea of how your own experience will fit into what the employer needs and is willing to offer.  This often, unfortunately sounds easier than it is since so many job listings use such obscure language when seeking employees.

To help you better understand what an employer means by different terms let’s see what they are really saying. When an employer uses the term preferred skills the employer means that they would like you to possess those skills but they are not specifically required for being considered for that job. When they list a skill as required, however, the employee wants an applicant who already has the knowledge to perform those tasks that are listed.  It is, however, in today’s marketplace not realistic for an employer to always expect a candidate to meet all of their requirements so some employers may relax those requirements if your interview shows you to be an outgoing, hard working, career-oriented type of person. They probably will require that a candidate meet at least 80 percent of their requirements, however, before they would consider hiring them.

If a job listing asks for a working knowledge and command of something it means that they want you to know the basics of how to operate that machine or use a certain software program without additional training being needed.  They want you to be able to explain how it works at the interview and know it well enough to perform more complex projects and a higher level of work.

If the ad says that the position is entry-level employers are looking for someone who has been out of college up to two years. Experienced candidates have usually been working in the marketplace for over three years or have graduate degrees that are given some credit toward job experience.

Then you might wonder what the company’s pay scale is. If the ad says that the pay is competitive or scale research is essential on your part. Sites like CBsalary.com will supply you with the average salary for that job considering your location and level of experience. By figuring out what the competitive salary is for your area you can then figure out your worth and put up an asking price that is fair for both yourself and the prospective employer.

If an employer asks you for a salary requirement attempt to steer clear of the question because if you name a figure too low you may be short-selling yourself but if you name one too high you may take yourself out of the running for the job. The best way to avoid giving a figure is to give a range – one that you feel is fair for you. However, there is less wiggle room when the future employer asks for a salary history. Because this is an easy thing for the interviewer to verify it is best to be upfront on this issue since some employers may ask to see the candidates W-2 from a previous job.

If none of these questions answer whether you qualify for a certain job try to get an inside opinion. To do this try to network within the company or industry in order to meet people who can answer your questions or advise you. Another positive thing to do is to play detective prior to an interview. Find out what the company’s mission statement says. Find out where the company’s hopes to be in five years. Know the current company president’s name, the corporate structure and how  you can fit into company.

While nothing can guarantee you the position being prepared is a great way to start off a relationship with the interviewer and position you to be considered for other job opportunities in the future if this one doesn’t work out. Be thorough and follow up all interviews with a Thank you letter for the interviewers time and a call a week or so later to see if the position has yet been filled. This will let the Human Resources people know that you are still interested in employment with their company and perhaps get them to red flag your application for another look see. So, good luck on a successful interview.

Tags: employment, human resources, job postings, job opportunities, successful interview, salary requirement, competitive pay scales,  finding employement, finding job, job requirements, required skills, preferred skills, working knowledge, entry level positions,  

The trouble with presidential campaigns is that every candidate is going to promise the taxpayer the moon and only to find themselves, if elected, unable to deliver on those promises. Unfortunately, the candidates while delivering these pie in the sky promises find themselves unable to keep themselves from casting curses and allegations at each other and any one else who happens to get caught in the crosshairs

For those of us who still bother to tune in to the debates and CNN it becomes quite tiring to listen to all of the carefully crafted sound bytes that are intended to convince the uneducated public that black is white and night is day and that only this particular candidate can single-handedly, change the course of American life while making us all wealthy, healthy, and wise. These same debates were amazing to me in the candidates ability to make every answer sound like a paid advertisement geared at getting the taxpayers endorsement, while never addressing any of the questions in a practical and realistic manner.

As of today, with the economy in a woeful decline the obvious and latest issue being addressed by the candidates is how they will brace up the economy and bring jobs back to the US, while lowering taxes for middle class families. This, I assume must mean that the backlash of lowering the taxes for the less well-to-do will mean raising them for the upper-middle and upper classes. Since these individuals are usually hard-working, productive members of society I wonder what kind of message this is sending and how it will affect what they are able to pay those working for them.

The second issue of course is also an economic factor and that is the unaffordable price of health care. For anyone who has looked into this issue there is no doubt that the federal government has no easy fix on it. I have addressed this in other articles regarding universal health care. Canada has it and hates it. Canadians are forced to wait for months and sometimes years to receive life-saving treatment that they never get while those of us in the US can currently get the same treatment in a matter of days or weeks. If one is needing brain surgery or a heart bypass this time can be the matter of life and death. So while candidates, like Hilary Clinton, have been determined to implement this type of care for the United States since the days of the previous Clinton White House, she still doesn’t get it that this is not the fix we need.

Lastly, to fix the current fiscal crisis, we need to make the federal government responsible for maintaining a balanced budget. If any of us ran our personal finances, like the federal government does theirs, we would find ourselves living in a cardboard box and eating in soup kitchens. To maintain the budget the government must put a stop on out of control spending. This spending, thanks to the current warmongering administration, has reached a deficit of over a trillion dollars. That leaves no money for social programs and if one thinks about it the sure way to give up our democratic freedoms is to turn over more control of our lives to the government. This includes accepting handouts from the treasury that needs to be used to fund improving the country’s infrastructure.

So which candidate can address these issues. In my opinion, there is not one single candidate who can make a difference unless they can get the House and Senate to work with them. Some candidates are suggesting bullying techniques, others bipartisanship members. What will work? Maybe it will take the American People voting independently instead of along standard political lines to wake those who crave the power of the presidency.

It has been suggested that Michael Bloomberg may choose to throw his hat into the arena after Super Tuesday on February 5, 2008. As current mayor of New York City and a reputation for having turned that city around economically he may be the answer to our economic woes. Additionally, Mayor Bloomberg is independently wealthy and will not be as easily swayed by lobbyist and big money corporations seeking to control the country’s power structure and ultimately the pay scale of the average American worker. I am thinking that after Obama’s amazing win in South Carolina one had better hope that someone can come up with a promising candidate to oppose him. That is not to say that he would not be a worthy president just that there are some issues, such as abortion, that make him quite a controversial choice for many Americans. On the Republican side, unless McCain continues to move ahead in the polls there is no viable candidate to assume office next January so hang on to  your seats folks because this could be the first time since the Whigs went out of power that an Independent may win the White House.

Tags: michael bloomberg, mayor new york city, economy, presidential campaign 2008, health care, mccain, obama, republicans, independent party,   fiscal crisis, lobbyists, hilary clinton, universal health care, campaign issues, government economic crisis,  

AARP reports that age discrimination claims are on the rise. This is likely the result of our seeing the largest group of workers in history moving into the 45 to 69 age bracket. If one looks at California as an example by the year 2010 half of all of their workers will fall into the older workers category. In today’s economy none of us can afford to risk becoming a victim of this kind of prejudice.

Why is this phenomenon occurring? One of the main reasons is that this generation of seniors not only are healthier but also look and act younger making the media declare that ‘50 is the new 30’.  Another example for us is the comparison of when Jane Polley, then 39 was let go from the Today Show twenty years ago and the recent replacement of 49-year-old Katie Couric with Meredith Viera who is already 52-years-old. Even in show biz one only has to look at the best actress awards that were given out this year to see that three of the five best actresses pushing 60 were nominated for Oscars. In religion the new Pope, Pope Benedict, took over his role at 78.

Despite the Age Discrimination Act of 1967, that was instituted as a means of protecting working over 40, age discrimination still exists today with many older workers finding it takes longer to find full-time work compared to their younger counterparts. AARP reports that one such case of age discrimination involved an executive search firm that screened out anyone over 45-years-old. Another example involved a 44-year-old female who applied for a position at a University only to be told that she had too much experience and that they were looking for someone less seasoned. To counter this prejudice she removed her first job from resume and removed the dates of her other jobs which has at least given her a chance to get her foot into the door before being excluded due to age bias.

That being said not all doors are closed to older workers especially in areas such as medical care where experience has its advantages. Sue Schellenberger, of the Wall Street Journal, believes that “if any group can turn their age into an advantage it is this group of seniors.” She believes that this group of seniors has the education, sophistication and clout to demonstrate their worth to an organization, as well as, the courage to take on any company that attempts to practice age discrimination.

If you think that you have been victim of such bias you can contact your EEOC field office by calling: 1-800-669-6820 or go to www.eeoc.gov . Hang in there one and all because everyone of us can’t help but hear the biological clock ticking and know that if we have not yet faced some young wise cracker telling us we are too old to be of use the time may well be coming and we need to be prepared to put them in their place.

Tags: discrimination, ageism, age discrimination, eeoc, biological clock, economy, workplace, age bias, sue schellenberger, aarp, age discrimination act, 1967, older americans, jane polley, katie couric, meredith viera, today show

One only has to have lived during the Cold War to remember the indoctrination we received as Children regarding Communism. Being educated in a parochial school we received weekly cartoon handouts on how our lives would be destroyed if the evil Communist dictators ever took over America. Then that was cemented in our thinking by the call for bomb shelters and bomb drills that took place monthly.

However, in the 1990s the Communist block dissolved and nuclear arsenals were supposedly dismantled. Desert Storm quickly took care of the threat of Iraqi expansion into Kuwait so America’s biggest fears and enemies disappeared. We were safe.

The question then occurred to politicians about how to keep control of the masses and force allegiance to specific political parties. Ah ha, why not give Americans and the world something scientific to worry about. How about global warming? The environment is always a good way to get people concerned about the food they eat, the water they drink and the air they breathe. The government could then become responsible for cleaning it all up.

Then fortunately, for the politicians, Al Quida steps into the picture by bombing the World Trade Center and America has a new enemy to fear. Let’s start a war on terrorism, in general. It seemed to most Americans that Osama Bin Laden, a Saudi native, member of the royal family, along with Al Quida would have been the logical target. In fact, as reported in the New York Times on July 11,2002, bin Laden died in December 2001 and was buried in the mountains of southeast Afghanistan.

With that information came a need to strengthen President Bush’s position so Saddam Hussein, who coincidentally had put out a hit on the first President Bush became the target of choice. Iraq, a once stable country with a viable economy was now targeted as a center for weapons of mass destruction and after 9/11 Americans were willing to buy whatever the government told them. Sadly, this again was a ruse to keep the American public frightened and under control. Remember when Bush wanted to remove term limits on the Presidency.

I believe that what the Bush Administration’s term will show to history is how one president, who refused to listen to reason has single-handedly nearly brought America to its knees.

Thanks to his legacy America is now in trillions of dollars of debt, has a failing economy, is a world laughing stock and has spread its military so thin it is unable to respond to current crises. Now, we are told that Iran is also a threat. Are you afraid yet? Will your children see adulthood? Is Armageddon on the horizon? If so we have the leadership of the present administration to thank.

In reality, our concerns might wish to focus on border control, getting medical care for our citizens, schooling our children so that they can compete on the world stage, and improving our economy so that the average citizen doesn’t have to worry about losing their homes or feeding their children.

The trillions of dollars we are spending on other countries might be better spent improving our own infrastructure from bridges that are collapsing, to an outdated electrical grid, an improved communications network, and securing our transportation system. Stop the idiocy and allow states to get back to work for the people. Stop fighting over separation of church and state. Our country was founded on the premise of freedom of religion so if a state chooses to display the Ten Commandments and allow prayer in schools good for them. If a particular town doesn’t want Christmas displays let them put up Hanukkah candles. In other words, respect the rights guaranteed in our constitution and in the next election look for someone who fight to minimize the federal government and restore the economy.

Having suffered from several health related issues I can personally attest to the fact that every doctor and/or specialist that I have seen seems to have an office filled with pens and notepads that have been supplied by certain pharmaceutical companies. However, according to AARP magazine drug makers actually spend billions every year to woo doctors into prescribing their drugs. This bribery includes everything from pizza and clipboards to consulting fees and trips. Everything is done to persuade doctors to prescribe their drugs in a quest for the almighty dollar even if it means losing sight of the patient’s best interests.

The good news is that many doctors are now speaking out against these gifts and favors and the Institute of Medicine is actually trying to pen a conflict of interest guideline for doctors to use when dealing with pharmaceutical companies. In addition, Congress and state legislatures across the country are forming committees and drafting statutes that would require drug companies to publicly declare their gifts to physicians so patients can find out which doctors are benefiting from prescribing certain drugs.

In my own experience, I developed Cushings disease as a result of a doctor prescribing large doses of the steroid Prednisone to combat a diagnosis of Lupus. This, along with osteoporosis, cataracts, and skin problems has been the result of my overexposure to this drug. Unfortunately, my current doctors do not concur with the diagnosis but due to the prior treatment I will forever be haunted by the terrible side effects of a drug I am unable to discontinue.

This was even seen when I sought a holistic doctor to try and wean off the many prescriptions. The only difference was that this doctor was in cahoots with the natural medicine companies and the cost of vitamins and supplements was staggering. When all was said and done, my diet was restricted to organic foods and supplements with no improvement in my adrenal gland function. This meant that the reason I went to see him, which was to get off the Prednisone, was never accomplished.

While this is my problem I know that at the time I was too uninformed to notice the obvious signs of drug company propaganda that filled the doctor’s office even though at one time he had prescribed a combination of some 18 prescriptions. I am hoping that by writing this article that others with health issues will seek more comprehensive care when they notice the tell tale signs of pharmaceutical evidence.

Today there is a building momentum to restore a sense of medical ethics which has been sorely lacking in the last several years. However according to a 2007 article in the New England Journal of Medicine 94 percent of the doctors polled said that they had “direct ties” to the drug company.

My solution was to seek out a DO (Doctor of Osteopathy). He did his residency at the Mayo Clinic and concentrates on preventative medicine, even though he is qualified to take care of acute and chronic conditions as well. His advice: Use as few prescriptions as medically necessary, eat a healthful diet (low in fat in sugar), and exercise. Sound like something you have heard before? Well, overall it works. While I have not been able to wean myself from the Prednisone, I am now down to a basic pain medicine, a high blood pressure diuretic, Prednisone , a hormone replacement, and once-a-week Actonel to try and rebuild my bones.

While this may still sound like a lot of pills it is the original eighteen that I was on when I first went to see him. So remember Vioxx, and the current finding on the cholesterol lowering drugs that have been found to have cost consumers a lot of money and have had no positive effect. In other words, beware of the dangers lurking in your physicians prescription pad and do your own research on possible side effects before subjecting your body to the chemicals (yes, drugs) that the drug companies want to sell you.

Tags: pharmaceutical companies, drugs, prescription drugs, doctors prescriptions, cholesterol lowering drugs, vioxx, actonel, prednisone, lupus, osteoporosis, cataract, new england journal of medicine, doctor of osteopathy, mayo clinic, physician ties to drug companies

The thoroughly sinister aspect of Saul’s novel, The Devil’s Labyrinth, was enough to convince me that Saul must have studied under the auspices of the parochial school system and exaggerated his feelings of injustice and control to deliver such a scathing and unholy plot. This piece of roller coaster horror could have only been achieved by someone both familiar with the system and gifted in telling a work of fiction.

The setting takes place in the school halls of St. Isaac’s, under the care of charismatic Father Sebastian, a supposed expert in exorcisms. However, it soon becomes obvious that there is much more to Father Sebastian than what is presented to the other clergy and the student’s parents. One is also led to believe that on the surface the good Father is exceedingly popular with the students until they are forced to come face to face with the demonic evil he projects into their lives.

Struggling to overcome the emotional turmoil brought on by his father’s death and the new man in his mother’s life 15-year-old Ryan McIntyre finds himself enrolled at St. Isaac’s where he discovers a terrible secret and as a result soon finds himself another of Father Sebastian’s victims. Ryan like the others will find himself involved in a plot to assassinate the Pope who, aware of Father Sebastian’s apparent success with student exorcisms, plans a visit to Boston to observe the cleric’s techniques.

Fortunately, however, Ryan’s father had given him a crucifix that he had found in Iraq that was supposed to protect him from evil. The question then becomes will the crucifix indeed protect Ryan and the others from the evil that Father Sebastian has planned thus saving the Pope’s life or will the diabolical work come to fruition?

I felt that Saul managed to write to another thrilling novel, even though it did get a little slow in the middle, as he covered the very controversial and little-known subject of exorcism. Otherwise the author managed to build the intensity throughout the book until the story was ultimately brought together with well-developed characters that the reader could identify with. I would recommend the book as a first-rate supernatural thriller that will keep the readers interest but I have read many reviews by readers that did not agree with my assessment. Therefore, I will suggest that you get a copy from your local library rather than purchase it unless you can find a deal on Amazon, that way you are not out the expense and can decide for yourself if the read was worth the time or not.

Best selling author John Saul became a media favorite in 1977 after he published Suffer the Children and continues to delight terror genre enthusiasts with other bestsellers that have included a Perfect Nightmare and The Right Hand of Evil. With his latest endeavor, Dark of the Night, Saul once again takes the reader on a roller coaster ride into the bizarre world of the supernatural.  

The tale begins innocently enough with Eric Brewster’s family making plans to join their friends for a fun-filled summer vacation at picturesque Phantom Lake, Wisconsin. A last minute decision on their part provides them the opportunity to rent one of the area’s nicest homes which is being prepared for sale in the fall. However, unbeknownst to the family, the house is available at such an affordable price because it was once owned by a Dr. Hector Darby, who disappeared under mysterious circumstances years ago.  

Perhaps, psychically tuned in Eric’s mother, Merrill, is the lone holdout about the trip as she fears that the deal is to good-to-be-true. Despite her reservations, however, she relents and goes along with the plan. It is just a short time after their arrival at Pinecrest, however, that her intuition proves correct as Eric and his friends discover a hidden room that contains a strange assortment of macabre items that had at one time belonged to famous serial killers worldwide. It is not the pieces themselves though that prove harmful but the evil within them that take control of the young minds who discover them. Truly, the suspense that Saul weaves into his tale will keep you posed at the edge of your seat as he once again exhibit his skill at sending shivers up the spines of even the most hard cored horror addicts.  

So, if you are looking for a spine-tingling thriller that will interrupt your slumber at night Dark of the Night might just provide the ticket for ending your sweet dreams. No doubt about it John Saul is a master in his field and this is another winner.  

Tags: john saul, dark of the night, supernatural, pinecrest, horror, fiction, suspense, perfect nightmare, suffer the children, right hand of evil, phantom lake, wisconsin, hector darby, eric brewster, psychic, serial killers

Barack Obama, Democratic hopeful for the 2008 presidential campaign has many things going for him. He is smart, young, and offers a fresh face to a campaign filled with otherwise passé rhetoric and party line stances. However, there are some things about Obama that really worry me.

First of all I must admit up front that for myself personally I would not choose abortion as a means of birth control under any circumstances. That being said, however, I would never attempt to set myself up as a judge or choose to play God with the life of others. This was never so much addressed as when my daughter at the age of 20, a college student, came home and announced that she was pregnant. Obviously, I was disappointed that she had made some unwise decisions but we promised to support her in whatever decision she made regarding the pregnancy.

The decision was quickly made by her that she wanted to keep the baby. With that in mind we had her move back home and have supported her not only throughout the pregnancy but also for the 8 years since my grandson’s birth. Has it been difficult? Yes, in some ways it has been really hard but I am so proud of my daughter. She has managed to land a management job, despite her lack of a degree and proven herself tough beyond measure.

My grandson is not perfect but he is the apple of my eye. He is a bright, funny, and most of the time thoughtful child that has provided endless hours of delight to all of those who meet him. Do I regret his birth? Only in the abstract way that would have allowed my daughter to finish college, get married first, and then give birth but otherwise no not at all.

That brings me back to Obama. When the Congress/Senate voted on the ban on partial birth abortions he was one of only five senators who voted against the measure. Again I repeat that I will not sit as judge of others but women have 5 months before a baby is viable. If they cannot decide that they cannot deal with a pregnancy within that time frame, shame on them.

Further, Obama has stated that a fetus that is born alive should be left unattended to die as the mother intended. I am adamantly opposed to this stance as a living human being deserves a chance at life. Killing a premature baby is no different than euthanasia where a sick or elderly human being in denied medical care. They feel pain, hunger, and thirst and it is no different than murder to deny them the needed care. For this alone I have withdrawn my support for Obama. It is one thing to be pro-choice and quite another to sanction murder.

If Mike Huckabee’s campaign sounds similar to George W. Bush’s campaigns it is little wonder as Mike Huckabee, a former Baptist minister, is out to win the conservative Evangelical Christian vote by vowing not to deviate from what those beliefs. Since this is reminiscent of Bush’s pledge I cringe to think of another 4 years of the same type of rhetoric that has led us into a non winnable war, a trillion dollar economic deficit, and a loss of freedom due to the Patriot Act. Of course, his platform is fine unless you happen to be Jewish, a Muslim, An atheist, a Buddhist, a Liberal, antiwar, an economist or just a free thinker who chooses to use the NIV version of the Bible instead of the King James. Oh and heaven forbid don’t be pro-choice, homosexual, or believe in the equality of women.

Thankfully, with his losses in Iowa and New Hampshire it appears that voters are seeing his true colors despite his slinging around the evangelical title and being able to play the bass guitar from students at Sioux City High School to play “Takin’ Care of Buisness’. So while I believe that religion is very important to each individual I also believe that it should not be the main and only factor used when selecting a president.

Huckabee served as Arkansas governor with a firm support base of Arkansas residents until they saw through his flawed financial policies. We do not need another evangelical Christian along the lines of George W. Bush who has no idea of what it takes to lead a nation that needs to work along side of the rest of the world to maintain peace and prosperity.

In his campaign meetings Huckabee seems to lack a lot of substance not bothering to explain what he plans to do to improve America’s foreign policy or impending credit crisis. Instead he seems to spend a lot of time separating himself from Mitt Romney and solidifying in voters mind that he is a fundamentalist. Of course in some ways I can’t blame him since Romney has been attacking him on all issues including his record on immigration.

General consensus?  I wouldn’t vote for either of these two men. My big question once again is where is Ron Paul? We need him. We need his ethics and his strength of character. Other than Senator Paul we can only hope that John McCain or Fred Thompson can step up and win the Republican nomination. Otherwise watch out world here comes Hilary as I don’t think that Huckabee can possibly win a general consensus of voters for the Republican Party which would make it a shoe-in for Senator Clinton and we all know that is not what we need.

On the Democratic ticket it still seems like Obama is a better option than Clinton so there you have it. Good luck to you and I sincerely hope that whoever receives your vote proves to have the intelligence to get us out of the world mess that has been created by George W.

Tags: republican ticket, mike huckabee, bush administration, 2008 presidential race, john mccain, ron paul, hilary clinton, obama, fred thompson, mitt romney, evangelical christian, religion, antiwar, muslim, jew, buddist, economist, flawed economics