Welcome and Home Page

      This was originally posted on 2006 October 15 on a previous blog.  The links are being checked and updated.  Items not checked are identified as "changes in progress".  Any links with "swagman" in the URL refer to the previous weblog and are obsolete, and most likely not available.  Some of the invalid links are shown with cross-out.

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2012 January 01

      I–75 Crossings — Click HERE for information on I–75 Crossings.  This project went ahead in spite of not being consistent with a major 2004 East-West Crossing Study for Gaylord, Otsego County, Michigan.

      Welcome!  This site has been created to share thoughts on a variety of issues.  The posts are arranged from most recent to most ancient.  The 10 most RECENT POSTS are listed by title just under the calendar.  If you haven't visited before, the continuation of this post may help you navigate this site.

      Michaywe Owners Association — If you have reached this weblog in search of a weblog on the Michaywe Owners Association, please go to Michaywe POA weblog.

      Governance of Property Owners Associations — Click Governance of Property Owners Associations if you were trying to reach the weblog with that title.

      Search This Weblog — Use the search tool in the top menu bar.  Another Google search is in the right column. 

      Your thoughts, questions and comments are welcome.

Don Nordeen
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Continue reading Welcome and Home Page. 

• Key Words:  values, economy, education, engineering, governance, politics, civility, Otsego County, public policy

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Treat Tax Expenditures Differently

2012 May 06
Click History for a list of changes and updates.

      Much of the complexity of the tax code appears to be related to tax expenditures embedded in the tax code.  "The Congressional Budget and Impoundment Act of 1974 (CBA) defines tax expenditures as "those revenue losses attributable to provisions of the Federal tax laws which allow a special credit, a preferential rate of tax, or a deferral of tax liability" (Surrey 1985)."  Reference: Wikipedia: Tax expenditure.

      Many have observed that tax expenditures do not receive the same level of review and approval as do appropriations.  Consequently, many appear to be "below the radar". 

      The continuation of this post discusses an idea to treat tax incentives as tax credits to be applied to the tax due from baseline, or universal, taxes.  The tax expenditures could then be more easily be subject to annual appropriations review, and publication of the cost of each line item in tax expenditures.  Of course, the number and amount of tax expenditures should be greatly reduced. 

Don Nordeen
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Continue reading Treat Tax Expenditures Differently.

• Key Words:  KeyWords

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Retain Mortgage Interest Deduction

2012 March 23
Click History for a list of changes and updates.

      Most changes in the tax code have at least two effects:  (1) the direct effect of the change, and (2) the indirect effect(s) from responses to reduce tax liability.  Any change is the tax code should consider both effects.  In may cases, the indirect effects may be more significant. 

      The continuation of this post discusses the direct and indirect effects of the mortgage interest deduction. 

Don Nordeen
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Continue reading Retain Mortgage Interest Deduction.

• Key Words:  income tax, interest, tax code

Click Continue for Post Continuation plus Comments.  Or Click Show All for Above plus Post Continuation and Comments.

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Letter to Republican Presidential Candidates re Tax Policy

2012 March 14
Click History for a list of changes and updates.

      Most of the Republican candidates for president have published their tax reform policies.  Unfortunately, they reflect Republican orthodoxy on tax policy much of which does not appear to be valid based on trends over the past 30 years.  Moreover, the tax policies have greatly contributed to income inequality over this time period. 

      President Obama and the Democrats will likely win the argument on fairness, because the facts are on their side.  For the same reason, they will likely win the argument that tax policy has contributed to the large income inequality that has occurred over the last 30 years.

      The continuation of this post discusses aspects of the Republican orthodoxy that need to be examined and validated.  If not valid, the tax policy should be revised to provide competitiveness for business and fairness for taxpayers. 

Don Nordeen
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Continue reading Letter to Republican Presidential Candidates re Tax Policy.

• Key Words:  economy, tax policy, income inequality, corporate tax, personal income tax

Click Continue for Post Continuation plus Comments.  Or Click Show All for Above plus Post Continuation and Comments.

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RNC 2012 Presidential Platform Survey

2012 March 06
Click History for a list of changes and updates.

    The Republican National Committee 2012 Presidential Platform Survey is an example of what is wrong with the Republican Party.  Most of the questions can only be answered with Republican orthodoxy.  Some are "Do you still beat your wife?" questions. 

    Mr. David Walker, former U.S. Comptroller General, suggests what politicians should provide:  truth, leadership, and solutions.  The survey indicates that the Republicans have none of these. 

    The continuation of this post provides comments on some of the questions.  Please add your comments and send them to "RNC" <ecampaign@gop.com>. 

Don Nordeen
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Continue reading RNC 2012 Presidential Platform Survey.

• Key Words:  Republican Party, debt, deficit, health care, Social Security, entitlement

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Senator Levin's Seven-Point Plan to Reduce the Deficit

2012 March 03
Click History for a list of changes and updates.

    Tax reform is the subject of Congressional conversation, but actions are not being taken.  The proposals by Simpson-Bowles and the Senate's "Gang of Six" provide a model for beginning the legislative process. 

    The continuation of this post provides Senator Car Levin's seven-point proposal for his plan to reduce the deficit.   His plan was submitted to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (Super-Committee).  Included are comments on the seven points based on my research. 

Don Nordeen
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Continue reading Senator Levin's Seven-Point Plan to Reduce the Deficit.

• Key Words:  KeyWords

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Debt and Deficits are a Potential Disaster

2012 February 24
Click History for a list of changes and updates.

      For many years, Democrats wanted additional programs and were willing to accept deficits as a necessary means.  Republicans opposed tax increases and were willing to accept deficits as a necessary means.  With relatively small debt in relation to GDP, economists did not express concern about the ongoing deficits.  Whether achieved by reduced taxes or increased spending, federal deficits result in economic growth, until the money can no longer be borrowed at low interest rates.  Greece is the example. 

      Sooner or later, the irresponsible fiscal policy takes its toll as the mounting debt becomes a burden.  Interest rates rise which make the matter worse.  Also sooner or later, a recession requires larger deficits to help the economy recover. 

      The continuation of this post discusses some of the issues and the observation that a "tipping point" occurs beyond which recovery requires drastic austerity, as is occurring today in Greece.  It is too late to conclude that the "tipping point" has occurred, because a gradual recovery to maintain and improve confidence is no longer available. 

Don Nordeen
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Continue reading Debt and Deficits are a Potential Disaster.

• Key Words:  economy, fiscal policy, debt, deficits

Click Continue for Post Continuation plus Comments.  Or Click Show All for Above plus Post Continuation and Comments.

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