Editorials
NOT SO DIFFERENT
NOT SO DIFFERENT Guest opinion submitted by Idaho Senator Mike CrapoFrequently we define ourselves in terms of what makes us unique as individuals or a group: men/ women, liberal/conservative, rural/urban, Idahoan, American. In a world of dichotomies, itâ??s easy to lose sight of what unifies us. The terror attacks on New York and Washington and subsequent events call to mind what unites us as a human raceâ??the natural inclination of the human spirit to reach for freedom.Since September 11, dis… Continue Reading
June 08, 2005
ACT NOW FOR FUTURE SAVINGS
ACT NOW FOR FUTURE SAVINGS Guest opinion submitted by Idaho Senator Mike CrapoAs tedious or complicated as tax law may seem, our country must confront far-reaching decisions regarding the federal income tax. A lesser-known aspect of the tax code that needs repeal is the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). The AMT is additional tax assessed when the government determines, through a complicated formula, that you havenâ??t paid enough federal income tax. The AMT was formulated in 1969 to target 155 (yes… Continue Reading
June 01, 2005
EMBLEM OF FREEDOM
EMBLEM OF FREEDOM Guest opinion submitted by Idaho Senator Mike CrapoThe American Bald Eagle is a fitting symbol of American pride and patriotism. Many will remember the eagles that were superimposed over photos and drawings of the New York City skyline and the Pentagon after September 11. The freedom, nobility and grandeur of a soaring eagle evoke powerful images. For me, the bald eagle is both a remarkable creation of Godâ??s and a symbol of what America means: freedom, strength and peace.Over… Continue Reading
May 25, 2005
RULES FOR THE SANDBOX
About 20 years ago, â??All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergartenâ?? hit the bestseller list. Robert Fulghum compiled observations about life, demonstrating that values we learned as children in the â??sandboxâ?? were principles upon which to build harmonious and successful adult relationships. Around the same time, another book, â??Getting to Yes,â?? gained an extensive following. It discusses â??principled negotiationâ?? which includes reaching agreement by focusing on interests rathe… Continue Reading
May 18, 2005
NOTES OF REMEMBRANCE
Sixty seconds; 24 haunting notes; shorter than most pieces of music, but more powerful in its simplicity and clarity than possibly any other musical composition in America, and more familiar. Taps stops people, literally or figuratively, in their tracks, calling up memories of those who fought for our country and have since passed on. Two years ago, on a chilly April day, these notes drifted across Arlington National Cemetery as an Idaho family and friends bid farewell to a father lost in the fi… Continue Reading
May 11, 2005
IN VALOR THERE IS HOPE
In Washington, D.C., among the granite monoliths, bronze statues and marble columns commemorating people and events throughout our nationâ??s 230-year history, some of the most compelling commemorations can be found off the beaten track. At the Judiciary Square Metro stop, you will find the National Law Enforcement Memorial, a beautiful and solemn courtyard amidst the tangle of office buildings, people and traffic that constitute the capital of the worldâ??s most powerful nation. The memorial is… Continue Reading
May 11, 2005
IN VALOR THERE IS HOPE
In Washington, D.C., among the granite monoliths, bronze statues and marble columns commemorating people and events throughout our nationâ??s 230-year history, some of the most compelling commemorations can be found off the beaten track. At the Judiciary Square Metro stop, you will find the National Law Enforcement Memorial, a beautiful and solemn courtyard amidst the tangle of office buildings, people and traffic that constitute the capital of the worldâ??s most powerful nation. The memorial is… Continue Reading
April 20, 2005
TAX REFORM PART ONE: A SYSTEMIC PROBLEM
In 1914, the first year income tax was collected, Americans paid an average per capita tax of 41 cents--and of the 99 million people in the United States, only one percent of the population was obligated to pay taxes at all. Fast forward 90 years: In 2004, 62 percent of our 292 million citizens filed as individual taxpayers. In almost a century, weâ??ve had close to a 300 percent increase in population and a far greater increase in the number of individual income taxpayers.Setting aside the subj… Continue Reading
April 13, 2005
WE CAN ALL SPEAK OUT
Many adults carry the emotional scars of a terrible crime hidden from family and friends for decades. It may have started when they were very young and touched inappropriately. They may have been date-raped as a teenager. They may have been sexually assaulted by a trusted authority figure.Chances are you know someone who has been affected by this crime. Whether it was the trauma of personal experience or the aftermath of it happening to a family member or a friend, this exists in every community… Continue Reading
April 06, 2005
THAT TIME OF YEAR
In â??Life of Augustus,â?? Suetonius Tranquillis wrote that the Roman poet Virgil once held a funeral for a dead fly, complete with pall bearers and eulogies. In ancient Rome, cemetery land was not taxable. By interring a fly on the land surrounding his private villa, the shrewd poet turned his home into a burial ground, thus making it tax-exempt.Some things havenâ??t changed since the days of the Roman Empire. Tax time still inspires â??creativityâ?? on the part of some taxpayers, but more ofte… Continue Reading
March 30, 2005
APRIL IN PARIS
Russian composer Vernon Duke penned the words to the well-known song, â??April in Paris,â?? in 1932. A story is told of a friend of Dukeâ??s who liked the song so much he decided to spend April in--you guessed it--Paris. Many times, art is a reflection of what we would like life to be, not what it actually is, and so it was for Dukeâ??s friend. He returned to report terrible weather. "Whatever made you go to Paris in April?" Duke asked. "Everybody knows the weather is bad then.&qu… Continue Reading
March 23, 2005
SPRING CLEANING
In the Northern Hemisphere, religious and community festivals throughout March and April celebrate new life, renewal and fresh starts. In the early Roman calendar before 150 B.C., March or â??Martiusâ?? was the first month of the year. This is the time when people get into closets, attics and basements to get rid of dust, dirt and things no longer needed. In many places, it is even warm enough to clear the garage, barn or shed of winterâ??s clutter. Spring cleaning is an annual household ritual … Continue Reading
March 18, 2005
A BUDGET BLUEPRINT
Budget season is challenging, especially in lean years. Yet, these challenges inspire us to craft a comprehensive, responsible blueprint to allocate federal tax dollarsâ??one that meets our needs and reduces future indebtedness. The Fiscal Year 2006 Senate Budget Resolution provides for our nationâ??s defense, young people, seniors, vital infrastructure, energy security and agriculture. These initial steps have laid groundwork for important discussions in upcoming weeks. We have a responsibility… Continue Reading
