Redistribute This

Neocons have me steaming this morning and I shouldn't be steaming. I'm on vacation. I should be packing my bags, or getting a massage, or a pedicure. Instead I'm thinking about the propaganda that's being spread across the net (again) and the venom that's being spewed (still) by these people who seemingly have an agenda to convince those who are gullible enough to believe their silliness.

The latest is around this program.

http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/lllu.html

Lifeline and Link-Up have been in existence since prior to President Obama's inauguration.

Yesterday I became aware of an "article" that starts out with reference to Michelle Obama serving meals to the homeless and a sense of outrage that homeless people were snapping photos of her with their cell phones. The text of the piece questioned "how the poor can afford cell phones" then went on to express outrage regarding the Lifeline and Link-up program.

I found a bit on Snopes.com to try and help people understand the truth. Silly me.

It was then that I was hit with this. "It's what Obama calls redistributive change."

Really? Really? Is that all you've got?

First. The program came into effect before Obama came into office.

Second. It's a discount on one phone. Yes, it's paid for with fees that are collected through phone services. I suppose I don't get all that outrage when I consider that a phone is a necessity. I suppose I wouldn't want to tell people how to use their necessities. I suppose I don't understand how helping out my fellow humans is somehow a problem.

Third. You want to talk redistribution? I paid 20% of my income in federal taxes last year. That's 20% of gross, not net, not taxable. I'm THAT woman. I'm the single taxpayer with the (relatively) high income. The one who doesn't itemize. The one who has only one vehicle - with two axles. My car is paid off and the value is low enough that any property tax wouldn't amount to enough to deduct. I have no mortgage. I live within my means. I don't even keep track of my charitable donations because I feel to deduct them from my taxes would be a little obscene. I pay off my student loans which are substantial but my income is high enough that I am not allowed to adjust my income downward when figuring my taxes.

You want to talk redistribution? How many people eek their taxes down for every penny they possibly can. You're welcome. You've redistributed my money right on over to you, the taxpayer who itemizes and deducts his or her tax return for every penny possible.

My sense, my opinion, my thought is that this entire neocon movement has come down to Us -vs- Them, Me -vs- You. It feels like someone is trying to take something from the neocons and they are desperate, using every crazy method possible to fight some wacked-out battle so that they don't lose what they're worked so hard to get. Is it any wonder the label "Wingnut" has caught on? And is it any wonder liberals like me are digging in, speaking up and get this - giving in even greater numbers?

Drive on those roads. Enjoy that police and fire protection. I paid my share, did you? Now try the truth. I love the truth.