An interesting article in the July 13th edition of Opinion Journal opines on the hypocrisy of the Kerry/Edwards tax rhetoric. While talking of increasing the tax burden on the "rich" while decreasing it on the "middle-class" they have practiced exploitation of tax "loopholes" to reduce their own tax liability.

While the actions they have taken are not illegal (some are questionable) they do show a sanctimonious pretense. I have always felt that if the left truly thought they, the rich (which includes many of those calling for higher taxes), should pay more, then why don't they?

We hear stories from time to time of individuals who wanted to do something extra or help pay down the national debt so they send a check for funds over and above the taxes they pay.

Funny thing is, you never here of a wealthy Democrat doing this. Seem while they are full of rhetoric, there is little, if any, substance or conviction behind it.

Of the top 50 wealthiest members of the House and Senate on the 1994 list, half are Democrats with 7 of the top 10. Unfortunately, I was not able to find a current online list except on Roll Call, but that requires an annual subscription of a lot more that I want to pay. There are lots of incidental references to local congressmen in local newspapers.

Of course number one, most likely now as well as in 1994, is John Kerry (current information).

So what's with these people, why do they insist on the hypocrisy? Are they ashamed of their wealth, but not so ashamed as to give it up, even a little bit?

Don't get me wrong; I applaud those who through hard work, intelligence and creativity are able to produce wealth. They are the men and women who provide jobs and drive our economy forward. I just don't understand the duplicitous rhetoric.

Maybe it's just that they don't really believe it. Maybe all their talk is just...politics. Hmmm. Ya think?

More reading on this:
the experiment
USA Today
The New Standard

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Rat learns to fly

Thomas DeMarse of the University of Florida has created a “brain” from 25,000 rat brain neurons, connected it via a grid and a desktop computer to an F-22 flight simulator. Using a $500,000 from the National Science Foundation, the “underlying goal is a more fundamental understanding of how neurons interact as a network.”

So far the “brain” has learned to control the pitch and yaw of the simulated craft in both good and adverse flying conditions.

Remember the rough landing of your last flight? Maybe there’s hope.

Arnold has gas, hydrogen that is

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger inspired GM to build a hydrogen powered Hummer. He’s using it to promote his plan to create a “hydrogen highway,” a network of hydrogen fuel stations across California as part of a plan to move towards alternative fuels.

No one’s saying how the fuel economy of the specially built vehicle compares to the standard Hummer. However, it has a range of only 50 miles. With only a dozen hydrogen fuel stations currently in the state, the “Hydro-Hummer” won’t be going far.

Doesn’t seem to be any word from the environmental front on this. Maybe they’re holding out for one driven by a rat brain. Couldn’t be any worse than the current California traffic situation.

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