"There are ways to have the liability benefits of corporations without going the whole way; at least in Minnesota there are S-corporations. I'm a little fuzzy on the differences, but one of the main ones is that an S-corp is not publicly traded. That gives individuals and small groups the advantages they need. "
That's what I have..I incorporated in my state, then filed for subchapter S with the feds. It is a federal filing for "S" corps.
But, you are treated as a corporation like any other.....just you have the rules you mentioned plus a few. The HUGE advantage of this is, that you only have to declare a portion of what you bill (if a one person S corp) as salary...reasonable salary as defined by the IRS. You ONLY have to pay SS and medicare on that portion of the billing. At the end of year, though, all income falls through to personal taxes...
For example, say you gross $100K, and pay yourself $30K as salary. You only have to pay SS and medicare on that $30K. The remaining $70K is only taxed with federal and state taxes...so you can save thousands that way. Not to mention you can write off mileage you drive for work...equipment, books...communications...etc.
You can be very honest (I'd highly recommend doing so, and documenting everything), and keep more of your hard earned money.
"How would informing the P2P user about what is being shared on that user's computer prevent the user from using FreeNet and other anonymous sharing networks?"
Because they way those networks work is...that no one really knows what is going in and out of their machines. That's how files are traded anonymously, everything is encrypted, and you never know really what is coming in or going out of your node you run. I'm guessing that is the aspect the GP is referring to if this bill is passed.
"We live under that right now. Corporations control every aspect of our lives and we're subordinate to them. Sometimes we can choose which corporations we want to be controlled by, but that's about it."
I think one problem here is, pretty much everyone when they hear 'corporation' thinks only about the super huge, worldwide conglomerates.
In reality, in the US, corporations are mostly small...remember the small businesses that employ most people in the US? For us, it is a great thing. In such a litigious society, a person needs some protection from all the sue happy people out there.
It is also about the only way to keep any of your hard earned dollars. There are a large number of people out there that incorporate for these reasons...many are like me, a single person corporation. But, doing this gives me protection from losing everything (direct liability, and ability to buy insurances), it gives me a way to write off the expenses of my business, etc. There are VERY good reasons if you are in business for yourself, that you should incorporate.
So, when reading and posting about the EVIL corporations, remember, that while big and powerful, they aren't the prevelant use of incorporation, most I'd dare say...are the Mom and Pops (and contractors like me) that serve and work with you directly in day to day life. And if you start tearing down the corporation to get at the big few, you will kill the small business, as that normal people with normal funds can't take that risk any longer.
"It would probably be better if we were more proactive in amending the constitution instead of just re-interpreting it to suit or will. On the other hand, the reason it has lasted so long in recognizable form is because it is so short and non-specific. But it's just not true that the 1776 federal government could still work. For white male landowners in a nation of almost unlimited natural resources 200 years ago, it was good. But there are also good reasons why it had to change, and almost nobody really wants to go back.
In what way is life not better now? We live longer, we're vastly richer, and none of us are slaves. Certainly there are changes we could make to be even better off than we are now, but reverting to the 1700s is not one of them."
Ah, but there is a mechanism for change...and much of what you listed WAS changed according to the constitution, by amending it. I think much of the problem we have now is, we've bypassed doing that so much, that we are ensnared by a whirlwind of laws and loopholes...and due to this, it is starting to affect individual liberties and rights.
They way the country was set up IS what got us to such a good life today, but, if we get off track by too much, we lose that direction. Look how things are straying...no good civil debate anymore, only partisan shouting matches and name calling, dropping education quality and graduation rates, loss of liberties, and increased intrustion of the govt. into your personal life are just a few examples.
"It wasn't independents who caucused for Obama over Hillary. It wasn't independents who max out their credit cards donating to Obama. It wasn't independents using their two weeks of yearly vacation to call for Obama and wear holes in their shoes canvasing for Obama.
It was the Democratic wing of the Democratic party that put Obama into office, period."
They put Obama in as the Dem candidate, but, VOTERS put him in office, and I stick by my assertions on the Independents.
"Unfortunately, the facts don't match that storyline. A majority of Americans favor single payer, not just a "public option"."
Wow..what polls are you getting this from?? Not a single poll I've seen say the majority of US citizens want the public option, much less a govt. single payer option. From what I've seen from multiple polls from multiple sources, it is quite the opposite of what you say. There is close consensus of some kind of public option, but, the single payer thing would be dead the day they actually tried to put that forth.
Sure, I know one can search and find special polls and stats that will argue for any side of any case, but, from what I've seen, there is just not a majority support of the single payer option at all in the US. I do thing the more left leaning side of the Dems DO want this, and know it won't go through immediately. I think they are going the route to slide it in the backdoor over time, if they stay in power that long.
"Oh, so you have some of those teabagging protests in your area? You know, the ones where they thank Obama for making the largest middle class tax cut in history?"
You seem to think something is wrong with people protesting Obama's policies? I think that healthy distrust of the govt is absolutely required to keep the govt. in check by the people, no matter what side you are on. I saw plenty of protest (and yes, some VERY distasteful things said too) back when GW's admin. was in office. I support that kind of protest just as much...I am, however, a bit puzzled why the news doesn't treat the two protest movements the same in their coverage or commentary.
This large middle class tax cut you mention....where and when exactly did this occur? I've certainly not seen this and I'm quite middle class. I actually see a raise by the current administration in my cost of living, due to the coming $$ it will cost us all with the Cap and Trade laws passed. It may not be a tax, but, I'm losing money either way, so I see them the same. I'm also worried about hyper inflation coming down the pipe in a year or two, due to the extremely high deficit spending, the level of which we've not seen before (and GW took it to soaring heights himself which pissed me off).
"The only real difference is that the president can go a little further and say no cell phones (personal or work) while driving any car (personal or government)."
Oooh...I'd think that he'd be overstepping his bounds on the EO, if he tried mandating what they did on their own time in their own personal vehicles...I think that (from the wikipedia article) was sort of the basis for some EO's being overturned.
"I don't have a problem with Congressionally-provided healthcare, but it should follow the proper process. First a proposed amendment to give Congress the power, than debate in the 50 state legislatures, than approval to add it to the Constitution. The process should mirror the same or similar process that would be used over in the European Union - approval for Centrally-provided healthcare comes from the States upward, not from the central government downward."
I agree here!! I've been hearing rumblings that at least parts of this new Healthcare mandate they are putting forward will be challenged as being unconstitutional. This article has some information on it. And I thought I'd heard a talking head on tv cite an actual Supreme ct. case where they had ruled that medical procedures were not, in fact, subject to interstate commerce, thereby negating the feds ability to legislate it...? I can't find that one yet...but here is an article that alludes to this principal.
"That's not projection, that's reality. The vast majority of Democratic voters oppose the Iraq war and support health care."
Ah, but you have to realize that it wasn't the Democratic voters that put the current administration in office....neither the Dems nor the Reps have a majority of people in the US. It is the Independent voters that swing who gets into power.
I'd dare say a for a lot of them, it wasn't so much voting for the Dem. platforms, it was just more of a vote against Bush and the Republicans mishandling of things the past 4-5 years.
I'd dare say many of them weren't on board for as much 'change' as they are trying to accomplish, and many thought Obama was a bit more moderate than he is turning out to be.
His current Health Care reform, as currently written, doesn't seem to have support by a majority of US citizens from the polls I'm seeing. Sure, I think the majority wants some form of reform, just not the overreaching overhaul of everything that the majority in congress is trying to put through.
I'm just saying mainly...just because the Dems are in power, doesn't mean the majority of US citizens are supporting all their policies. By and large, I'd dare say the majority of the US population, is moderate to slighly conservative side of moderate.
At least, that is the view of things from my part of the country.
I think it shows also, that ending something as convoluted as the war in Iraq...isn't as easy in reality as it is to speak out on in a campaign speech. Look, they can't even close Guantanamo by O's deadline...these things are much more difficult to do in real time than many think.
"Interestingly North American people are genetically unable to thank their governement for anything it does or decides. If it comes from the governement, it must be a trap, mean or just plain wrong.
Wake up guys. Your governement is yours, you elected it. Consistently criticizing its actions is childish at best."
Actually, it is very American to be this way. Our founding fathers pretty much started this country off with the idea that a health distrust of the government is a GOOD thing. It is supposed to keep the citizenry on their toes, in order to keep the representatives we elect on THEIR toes, making sure they are actually doing the will of the people, rather than getting walled up in their own little world.
Obviously, this hasn't been working as well lately, but, I am actually encouraged that people ARE starting to take the time to show up to public forums and let their words be heard. I think it is kinda of taking people by surprise these days, because we haven't seen much of this in awhile, but, it is something that is deeply American since we started this country.
The criticism shouldn't be as bad as it is these days tho...so completely partisan that no one has a civil debate, and there is nothing but trying to overshout your opponent. That gets nowhere...a more civilized tone of discourse is something we need to return too, but, unfortunately, we've gone a few generations here where general manners, politeness and respect for others has gone out the window. But, I'm ever the optimist...maybe we'll get it back.
While I applaud the moves to try to get rid of texting, and to a lesser extent, cell phone conversations while driving, I do have a couple of questions.
This is on the federal level...exactly what power do they have over a state issuing drivers licenses to school bus drivers?
Do interstate commercial drivers, have to get some kind of federal license in addition to their state license? If not, again, what the hell power does the Federal govt. have to 'regulate' who gets a license in a state? Isn't this still a state power?
Oh sure, I know the Federal Govt. can do the usual to blackmail the states into submission by withholding federal monies, but, that's a different argument.
My other question is...exactly what legal binding power is given to a Presidental Executive Order? I admit, I'm not a Constitutional scholar, and am really coming in late on the civics lessons, but, where in the constitution can this Executive Order by justified and what are its powers? I thought with my rudimentary knowledge, that ONLY congress could make laws, and the president could pretty much ONLY sign them or veto them?
You might recall that John Hinckley was a seriously deranged young man
who shot President Reagan in the early 1980's.
Hinckley was absolutely obsessed with movie star Jodie Foster,
extremely jealous, and in his twisted mind, loved Jodie Foster to the
point that to make himself well known to her, he attempted to
assassinate President Reagan.
There is speculation Hinckley may soon be released as having been
rehabilitated. Consequently, you may appreciate the following letter
from Nancy Reagan to the staff at the mental facility treating
Hinckley reports to have intercepted:
To: John Hinckley
From: Mrs. Nancy Reagan
My family and I wanted to drop you a short note to tell you how
pleased we are with the great strides you are making in your recovery.
In our fine country's spirit of understanding and forgiveness, we want
you to know there is a nonpartisan consensus of compassion and
forgiveness throughout.
The Reagan family and I want you to know that no grudge is borne
against you for shooting President Reagan. We, above all, are aware of
how the mental stress and pain could have driven you to such an act of
desperation. We are confident that you will soon make a complete
recovery and return to your family to join the world again as a
healthy and productive young man.
Best wishes,
Nancy Reagan & Family
P.S. While you have been incarcerated, Barack Obama has been banging
Jodie Foster like a screen door in a tornado. You might want to look
into that.
"The web is primarily a textual medium. That you have a browser that uses the markup to create a visual display doesn't make people who either don't have or cannot use such a browser any less important."
I'm trying to figure how one would present tables of data, in a manner that IS blind person accessible. It just doesn't sounds like it would be possible. Sure most of the web is/can be textual, but, how do you provide large amounts of data in a 508 compliant way? This isn't like putting out a paragraph that a txt reader can work with, eh?
I mean, the web and computers are inherently 'visual' mediums.
What's next...traffic signals have have audio speaking the colors out so blind people can drive?
I mean, I feel for the handicapped, and appreciate making things as accessible as possible, but, isn't it going a bit far on things that just are naturally aimed for normal people?
I recall in a govt. contract I was in...a new application was rolling out. The people wanted training, but, rather than just do a live meeting and demo the application, they had to fly people and equipment across the nation, because the LM presentation wouldn't be 508 compliant.
I'm thinking geez...what a crock. NONE of the people needing training were handicapped...yet the rules still applied...
"There was a recent push to ticket people who cruise in the left lane here in IL. We are still meant to ride in the right lanes and use the left lanes for passing."
They just passed this in LA recently, and are starting to enforce it today they said on the radio.
"The big gripe I have is comparing texting while driving to drunk driving. They simply are not remotely the same. After a horn honking at them the texter is going to be alert and aware of what's going on around them. "
Hey, that horn honking things works on me too while I'm drinking and driving...
IT said they're already doing more hours than kids in the rest of the world.
Sounds like the problem isn't needing more time put into schooling, but, making the current time spent more productive and worthwhile!!
For one..maybe we need to quit teaching to the lowest common denominator. Perhaps we need to start rewarding actual success and progress, rather than giving everyone a reward for just showing up, eh? How about competition again and quit worrying so much about everyone's fucking self esteem...and try to prepare the kids more for a real world with competition...
How about stopping drugging the kids so much? In my day, it was called being a 'boy' they way I and my friends acted...now, they just dose you.
How about not assuming every kid is academic? How about making votech type schooling a positive thing, and if kids want to go that way, let them, encourage them....and don't keep them in classrooms bored and distracting other students...? How about rather than making school a right...make it a privilege that you earn by behaving, and progressing....?
Slashdot Mirror
No it isn't !!!
I thought WE were the Popular Front....?
Look, if I'm going to argue with you, I have to take up a contrary position...
Yeah, and you can't quote Caddyshack and Ferris Bueller all day long, you gotta break it up with something...
I'm afraid it is....
That's what I have..I incorporated in my state, then filed for subchapter S with the feds. It is a federal filing for "S" corps.
But, you are treated as a corporation like any other.....just you have the rules you mentioned plus a few. The HUGE advantage of this is, that you only have to declare a portion of what you bill (if a one person S corp) as salary...reasonable salary as defined by the IRS. You ONLY have to pay SS and medicare on that portion of the billing. At the end of year, though, all income falls through to personal taxes...
For example, say you gross $100K, and pay yourself $30K as salary. You only have to pay SS and medicare on that $30K. The remaining $70K is only taxed with federal and state taxes...so you can save thousands that way. Not to mention you can write off mileage you drive for work...equipment, books...communications...etc.
You can be very honest (I'd highly recommend doing so, and documenting everything), and keep more of your hard earned money.
Because they way those networks work is...that no one really knows what is going in and out of their machines. That's how files are traded anonymously, everything is encrypted, and you never know really what is coming in or going out of your node you run. I'm guessing that is the aspect the GP is referring to if this bill is passed.
I think one problem here is, pretty much everyone when they hear 'corporation' thinks only about the super huge, worldwide conglomerates.
In reality, in the US, corporations are mostly small...remember the small businesses that employ most people in the US? For us, it is a great thing. In such a litigious society, a person needs some protection from all the sue happy people out there.
It is also about the only way to keep any of your hard earned dollars. There are a large number of people out there that incorporate for these reasons...many are like me, a single person corporation. But, doing this gives me protection from losing everything (direct liability, and ability to buy insurances), it gives me a way to write off the expenses of my business, etc. There are VERY good reasons if you are in business for yourself, that you should incorporate.
So, when reading and posting about the EVIL corporations, remember, that while big and powerful, they aren't the prevelant use of incorporation, most I'd dare say...are the Mom and Pops (and contractors like me) that serve and work with you directly in day to day life. And if you start tearing down the corporation to get at the big few, you will kill the small business, as that normal people with normal funds can't take that risk any longer.
In what way is life not better now? We live longer, we're vastly richer, and none of us are slaves. Certainly there are changes we could make to be even better off than we are now, but reverting to the 1700s is not one of them."
Ah, but there is a mechanism for change...and much of what you listed WAS changed according to the constitution, by amending it. I think much of the problem we have now is, we've bypassed doing that so much, that we are ensnared by a whirlwind of laws and loopholes...and due to this, it is starting to affect individual liberties and rights.
They way the country was set up IS what got us to such a good life today, but, if we get off track by too much, we lose that direction. Look how things are straying...no good civil debate anymore, only partisan shouting matches and name calling, dropping education quality and graduation rates, loss of liberties, and increased intrustion of the govt. into your personal life are just a few examples.
It was the Democratic wing of the Democratic party that put Obama into office, period."
They put Obama in as the Dem candidate, but, VOTERS put him in office, and I stick by my assertions on the Independents.
"Unfortunately, the facts don't match that storyline. A majority of Americans favor single payer, not just a "public option"."
Wow..what polls are you getting this from?? Not a single poll I've seen say the majority of US citizens want the public option, much less a govt. single payer option. From what I've seen from multiple polls from multiple sources, it is quite the opposite of what you say. There is close consensus of some kind of public option, but, the single payer thing would be dead the day they actually tried to put that forth.
Sure, I know one can search and find special polls and stats that will argue for any side of any case, but, from what I've seen, there is just not a majority support of the single payer option at all in the US. I do thing the more left leaning side of the Dems DO want this, and know it won't go through immediately. I think they are going the route to slide it in the backdoor over time, if they stay in power that long.
"Oh, so you have some of those teabagging protests in your area? You know, the ones where they thank Obama for making the largest middle class tax cut in history?"
You seem to think something is wrong with people protesting Obama's policies? I think that healthy distrust of the govt is absolutely required to keep the govt. in check by the people, no matter what side you are on. I saw plenty of protest (and yes, some VERY distasteful things said too) back when GW's admin. was in office. I support that kind of protest just as much...I am, however, a bit puzzled why the news doesn't treat the two protest movements the same in their coverage or commentary.
This large middle class tax cut you mention....where and when exactly did this occur? I've certainly not seen this and I'm quite middle class. I actually see a raise by the current administration in my cost of living, due to the coming $$ it will cost us all with the Cap and Trade laws passed. It may not be a tax, but, I'm losing money either way, so I see them the same. I'm also worried about hyper inflation coming down the pipe in a year or two, due to the extremely high deficit spending, the level of which we've not seen before (and GW took it to soaring heights himself which pissed me off).
Oooh...I'd think that he'd be overstepping his bounds on the EO, if he tried mandating what they did on their own time in their own personal vehicles...I think that (from the wikipedia article) was sort of the basis for some EO's being overturned.
I agree here!! I've been hearing rumblings that at least parts of this new Healthcare mandate they are putting forward will be challenged as being unconstitutional. This article has some information on it. And I thought I'd heard a talking head on tv cite an actual Supreme ct. case where they had ruled that medical procedures were not, in fact, subject to interstate commerce, thereby negating the feds ability to legislate it...? I can't find that one yet...but here is an article that alludes to this principal.
Ah, but you have to realize that it wasn't the Democratic voters that put the current administration in office....neither the Dems nor the Reps have a majority of people in the US. It is the Independent voters that swing who gets into power.
I'd dare say a for a lot of them, it wasn't so much voting for the Dem. platforms, it was just more of a vote against Bush and the Republicans mishandling of things the past 4-5 years.
I'd dare say many of them weren't on board for as much 'change' as they are trying to accomplish, and many thought Obama was a bit more moderate than he is turning out to be.
His current Health Care reform, as currently written, doesn't seem to have support by a majority of US citizens from the polls I'm seeing. Sure, I think the majority wants some form of reform, just not the overreaching overhaul of everything that the majority in congress is trying to put through.
I'm just saying mainly...just because the Dems are in power, doesn't mean the majority of US citizens are supporting all their policies. By and large, I'd dare say the majority of the US population, is moderate to slighly conservative side of moderate.
At least, that is the view of things from my part of the country.
I think it shows also, that ending something as convoluted as the war in Iraq...isn't as easy in reality as it is to speak out on in a campaign speech. Look, they can't even close Guantanamo by O's deadline...these things are much more difficult to do in real time than many think.
Wake up guys. Your governement is yours, you elected it. Consistently criticizing its actions is childish at best."
Actually, it is very American to be this way. Our founding fathers pretty much started this country off with the idea that a health distrust of the government is a GOOD thing. It is supposed to keep the citizenry on their toes, in order to keep the representatives we elect on THEIR toes, making sure they are actually doing the will of the people, rather than getting walled up in their own little world.
Obviously, this hasn't been working as well lately, but, I am actually encouraged that people ARE starting to take the time to show up to public forums and let their words be heard. I think it is kinda of taking people by surprise these days, because we haven't seen much of this in awhile, but, it is something that is deeply American since we started this country.
The criticism shouldn't be as bad as it is these days tho...so completely partisan that no one has a civil debate, and there is nothing but trying to overshout your opponent. That gets nowhere...a more civilized tone of discourse is something we need to return too, but, unfortunately, we've gone a few generations here where general manners, politeness and respect for others has gone out the window. But, I'm ever the optimist...maybe we'll get it back.
This is on the federal level...exactly what power do they have over a state issuing drivers licenses to school bus drivers?
Do interstate commercial drivers, have to get some kind of federal license in addition to their state license? If not, again, what the hell power does the Federal govt. have to 'regulate' who gets a license in a state? Isn't this still a state power?
Oh sure, I know the Federal Govt. can do the usual to blackmail the states into submission by withholding federal monies, but, that's a different argument.
My other question is...exactly what legal binding power is given to a Presidental Executive Order? I admit, I'm not a Constitutional scholar, and am really coming in late on the civics lessons, but, where in the constitution can this Executive Order by justified and what are its powers? I thought with my rudimentary knowledge, that ONLY congress could make laws, and the president could pretty much ONLY sign them or veto them?
You might recall that John Hinckley was a seriously deranged young man who shot President Reagan in the early 1980's.
Hinckley was absolutely obsessed with movie star Jodie Foster, extremely jealous, and in his twisted mind, loved Jodie Foster to the point that to make himself well known to her, he attempted to assassinate President Reagan.
There is speculation Hinckley may soon be released as having been rehabilitated. Consequently, you may appreciate the following letter from Nancy Reagan to the staff at the mental facility treating Hinckley reports to have intercepted:
To: John Hinckley
From: Mrs. Nancy Reagan
My family and I wanted to drop you a short note to tell you how pleased we are with the great strides you are making in your recovery. In our fine country's spirit of understanding and forgiveness, we want you to know there is a nonpartisan consensus of compassion and forgiveness throughout.
The Reagan family and I want you to know that no grudge is borne against you for shooting President Reagan. We, above all, are aware of how the mental stress and pain could have driven you to such an act of desperation. We are confident that you will soon make a complete recovery and return to your family to join the world again as a healthy and productive young man.
Best wishes,
Nancy Reagan & Family
P.S. While you have been incarcerated, Barack Obama has been banging Jodie Foster like a screen door in a tornado. You might want to look into that.
I'm trying to figure how one would present tables of data, in a manner that IS blind person accessible. It just doesn't sounds like it would be possible. Sure most of the web is/can be textual, but, how do you provide large amounts of data in a 508 compliant way? This isn't like putting out a paragraph that a txt reader can work with, eh?
What's next...traffic signals have have audio speaking the colors out so blind people can drive?
I mean, I feel for the handicapped, and appreciate making things as accessible as possible, but, isn't it going a bit far on things that just are naturally aimed for normal people?
I recall in a govt. contract I was in...a new application was rolling out. The people wanted training, but, rather than just do a live meeting and demo the application, they had to fly people and equipment across the nation, because the LM presentation wouldn't be 508 compliant.
I'm thinking geez...what a crock. NONE of the people needing training were handicapped...yet the rules still applied...
Ah, Nope!
Of course I guess that would require actually visiting a FB page sometime in my lifetime, which I haven't.
I hope they do come up with it...more people buying electric cars, more gas left for me!!
They just passed this in LA recently, and are starting to enforce it today they said on the radio.
Hey, that horn honking things works on me too while I'm drinking and driving...
WOW...where do you live?!?!
I think the state university here is about $2K-$3K/yr tops...
Sounds like the problem isn't needing more time put into schooling, but, making the current time spent more productive and worthwhile!!
For one..maybe we need to quit teaching to the lowest common denominator. Perhaps we need to start rewarding actual success and progress, rather than giving everyone a reward for just showing up, eh? How about competition again and quit worrying so much about everyone's fucking self esteem...and try to prepare the kids more for a real world with competition...
How about stopping drugging the kids so much? In my day, it was called being a 'boy' they way I and my friends acted...now, they just dose you.
How about not assuming every kid is academic? How about making votech type schooling a positive thing, and if kids want to go that way, let them, encourage them....and don't keep them in classrooms bored and distracting other students...? How about rather than making school a right...make it a privilege that you earn by behaving, and progressing....?
...and, it is damned near impossible to search/find anything on Sharepoint, at least back a couple a of years ago when I encountered it.