Cal Thomas agrees with me, and other thoughts

Free Press conservative columnist and Foxnews contributor Cal Thomas agrees with me on a number of things.

He writes in his column in Thursday's Free Press that "Individuals who make wise decisions, care for themselves and refuse Social Security and Medicare (which should be means tested), should get tax breaks."

I'm all for the tax breaks for people who can show they won't be a burden on government, but more than that, I'm all for making Social Security and Medicare means tested. Bill Gates shouldn't be eligible. Nor should Warren Buffet, who actually probably wouldn't mind, but as long as these folks have a free gift handed to them, why wouldn't they take it.

Actually, Social Security is kind of means tested now, those who mean to retire 30 years from won't get it, or will get much less than anyone who's getting it now. But, it is basically a welfare program, so if we're trying to provide things to people who need them, let's make it dependent on income.

The flip side of the tax breaks for people who take care of themselves, it a reduction in tax breaks for corporations that cost us more money. Thomas agrees with me on this too, as he has endorsed the federal spending cuts and reduction of tax breaks advocated by the Heritage Foundation.

Of course, Cal doesn't have to run for office, so he can go around saying things like that. I've not heard it from anyone who has a real stake in the game, but we'll be watching closely the new powers that be in Washington.

Bush popularity likely rising

Today's Free Press editorial gives due respect to President George W. Bush for the tales in his recent book, and his willingness to accept responsibility and talk plainly about some of the mistakes and successes of his presidency.

I watched NBC's Matt Lauer interview W. and will say it's the most impressed I've ever been with the former president, mainly because he acknowledged his mistakes, and took full out responsibility for the bank bailouts saying anyone who believes Obama started the TARP program is dead wrong.

He said he believes in free market principles, but when experts told him the banking system could collapse and create a depression, he believed them and did what he believes was the right thing by authorizing TARP.

That action is the essence of what we should expect our presidents to do. It's sometimes lost on the angry crowd of  "low information voters." (I like that term).

He also showed great respect for the presidency by refraining from criticizing Obama. I think he knows Obama is doing a pretty good job. Whenever you've been there, you're a little more reluctant to throw stones. We can't say as much for the former vice president.

Good job, W. :)