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Ratt_Killer's Blog

by Ratt_Killer from Michigan

Last Post 1 day, 23 hours Ago


Would you believe it if we told you that the U.S. House of Representatives voted to raise the price you pay for gasoline at the pump and -- at the same time -- give a huge tax break to that America-hating dictator Hugo Chavez?

Well, that is exactly what our so-called elected leaders-- led by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and her liberal colleagues in the House -- just did.

In common parlance, we call that a "twofer" and as unbelievable as it may sound, Pelosi and company have yet again proved that they have never met a socialist tyrannical despot thatthey did not like!

Here's what happened.

Last week, the House passed H.R. 5351, a bill that will jack up the prices that you and I pay at the pump for gasoline through the imposition of an $18 billion dollar tax increase!

Then they turned around andEXEMPTED HUGO CHAVEZ'S STATE-RUN OIL COMPANY, CITGO, FROM THE TAX!

Investor's Business Daily put it this way in an editorial on Friday titled, "Tax Cut for Hugo:"

"It goes to show that Congress is more willing to empower dictators than to get serious about America's energy supply."

You remember Hugo Chavez. He's the mouth-foaming dictator of Venezuela who came to New York City not too long ago and called the President of the United States "El Diablo" (Translation: "The Devil").

Here's exactly what he said when speaking at the United Nations:

"And the devil came here yesterday. Yesterday the devil came here. Right here. [performs the sign of the cross] And it smells of sulfur still today."

"Yesterday, ladies and gentlemen, from this rostrum, the President of the United States, the gentleman to whom I refer as the devil, came here, talking as if he owned the world. Truly. As the owner of the world.

"I think we could call a psychiatrist to analyze yesterday's statement made by the President of the United States. As the spokesman of imperialism, he came to share his nostrums, to try to preserve the current pattern of domination, exploitation and pillage of the peoples of the world ." [Emphasis Mine]

And Pelosi and company have basically bestowed favor upon this anti-American dictator and they're bestowing this favor on the backs of American businesses and average American taxpayers like you and me.

We must act quickly... and act together... to stop this ridiculous legislation before Pelosi's liberal colleagues try to sneak it through the Senate.

Use the hyperlink below to send your urgent and personalized 50 Blast Fax messages to President George W. Bush and the 49 Republican Members of the United States Senate.

Tell them in no uncertain terms that the American people do NOT want tax breaks to go into the greasy pockets of that tyrannical America-hating despot Hugo Chavez. Time is of the essence because Pelosi's liberal allies and fellow travelersin the Senate may try to fast-track this bill to avoid a filibuster.

http://www.cfiflistmanager.org/hugotaxbreakbe.htm
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There Is Not A Moment To Lose!

Monisha Bansal of CNS News tells us: "Senate Democratic leaders have indicated they would fast-track the bill to try to avoid a Republican filibuster."

That's why there's not a moment to lose!

Meanwhile, Chavez is traveling all over the world, schmoozing with the leaders of anti-American nations like Iran and Russia.

More than one observer has suggested that Chavez is delusional, seeing himself as Simon Bolivar, who, in the early 19th century,liberated much of South America from the rule of Spain.

But the truth is: Chavez-- not just a cruel clown -- is more like Hitler or Stalin than Bolivar.

Here's a short biography of Hugo Chavez:

Leading a leftist-militarist faction, he attempted to overthrow the government in 1992 , failed, and ended up in prison. Six years later he was elected president of Venezuela.

Once in office, he began the systematic repression of any and all opposition.

He has thrown dissenters into prison, and ordered others shot. Even Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have condemned his regime.

When the newspapers, radio, and TV began to criticize him, he 'nationalized' them.

Now editors and reporters in Venezuela work for Chavez and either praise him or keep their mouths shut out of fear.

Most recently Chavez launched a referendum that would have allowed him to remain Dictator for life.

Chavez is also wildly anti-Semitic and frequently unleashes hysterical diatribes against Israel and the Jewish people.

He even disturbs the New York Times, which once hailed Fidel Castro's ascension as a triumph of democracy and agrarian reform.

Pelosi and company's H.R. 5351 will yield Chavez an incomprehensible amount of money-- courtesy of American taxpayers -- which he can use to build dungeons for political prisoners and buy bullets for firing squads.

And perhaps for something even much more chilling... Read on.

Use the hyperlink below to send your urgent and personalized 50 Blast Fax messages to President George W. Bush and the 49 Republican Members of the United States Senate.

Tell them in no uncertain terms that the American people do NOT want tax breaks to go into the greasy pockets of that tyrannical America-hating despot Hugo Chavez. Time is of the essence because Pelosi's liberal allies and fellow travelersin the Senate may try to fast-track this bill to avoid a filibuster.

http://www.cfiflistmanager.org/hugotaxbreakbe.html>

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But That's Not The Worst Part...

If liberals in Congress were living under the idiotic delusion that Chavez was a benign figure when they passed this legislation, they could hardly maintain that delusion after Monday's news.

The events speak for themselves.

For more than 40 years, Colombia's legitimate government has been fighting a group calling itself the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) -- the military arm of the Colombian Communist Party.

FARC supports itself by drug dealing and smuggling, extortionand kidnapping.

It is classified as a terrorist organization by the United States and other civilized nations. But Hugo Chavez and his friend Rafael Correa -- president of Ecuador -- regard FARC as their ally in their great war against the United States of America.

On Saturday, Colombian military forces pursued FARC's second in command, Raul Reyes, into Ecuador and killed him and at least 16 of his men -- the biggest defeat in FARC's history.

This news sent Hugo Chavez off the deep end.

He strutted and postured before the press, sounding just like what he is -- a banana-Republic dictator -- a character out of a Hollywood farce.

On Sunday, during his weekly radio address he bellowed:

"Mr. Defense Minister, move 10 battalions to the border with Colombia for me, immediately -- tank battalions. Deploy the air force. We don't want war, but we aren't going to permit the U.S. empire, which is the master [of Colombia] ... to come divide us." [Emphasis Mine]

Addressing the president of Columbia he said:

"This could be the start of a war in South America.If it occurs to you to do this in Venezuela, President Uribe, I'll send some Sukhois." [warplanes the Russians recently sold to Chavez]

Now you might be tempted to laugh at this posturing, but there's more to this story.

It seems that the Colombians confiscated Reyes's computer and found evidence that Rafael Correa's Ecuadorian government had been conspiring with FARC to launch operations as yet undisclosed.

By Monday evening, TV networks were carrying a more disturbing story: Columbian's had captured documents revealing that Hugo Chavez had given FARC $300 million.

Question: Where would the dictator of a starving country get that kind of money?

Answer: Oil revenues.

Now you see why Pelosi and company's H.R. 5351 is a betrayal of our country and why it has to be stopped!

You have the power to stop this bill in the Senate RIGHT NOW!

U

Use the hyperlink below to send your urgent and personalized 50 Blast Fax messages to President George W. Bush and the 49 Republican Members of the United States Senate.

Tell them in no uncertain terms that the American people do NOT want tax breaks to go into the greasy pockets of that tyrannical America-hating despot Hugo Chavez. Time is of the essence because Pelosi's liberal allies and fellow travelersin the Senate may try to fast-track this bill to avoid a filibuster.

http://www.cfiflistmanager.org/hugotaxbreakbe.html>

AOL Members Use This Hyperlink

If the above hyperlink does not appear to function you can copy and paste it into the address bar of your browser.

 

Some Leaders Are Disgusted.

At least some Republican leaders are disgusted by Pelosi and company's willingness to pass a law guaranteed to feed both inflation at the pump and Hugo Chavez's appetite for power.

House Minority Leader John Boehner said:

"Middle-class families and small businesses are feeling the squeeze from rising costs for gasoline, food, and other costs of living..."

"[H.R. 5351] actually carves out tax breaks for Venezuelan dictator Hugo Chavez -- courtesy of American taxpayers. This is unacceptable, and the Democratic leadership is irresponsible for bringing the bill to the House floor.

"I am disappointed that the Majority voted down a Republican proposal to eliminate the tax relief for Hugo Chavez and give it to those who need it most: middle-class American families."

This bill is a giant step in the wrong direction; and as an extra twist of the knife, Pelosi and Company are deliberately trying to give Chavez a big edge and are making hard-working U.S. taxpayers foot the bill.

If we don't kill this bill, it may cost us more than the tax revenues Pelosi and her colleagues will spend on boondoggles and pork beforethe lightning bugs show up this summer.

The Senate may take up this bill at any time. You and I can beat this obscene legislation -- if we act immediately.

Use the hyperlink below to send your urgent and personalized 50 Blast Fax messages to President George W. Bush and the 49 Republican Members of the United States Senate.

Tell them in no uncertain terms that the American people do NOT want tax breaks to go into the greasy pockets of that tyrannical America-hating despot Hugo Chavez. Time is of the essence because Pelosi's liberal allies and fellow travelersin the Senate may try to fast-track this bill to avoid a filibuster.

http://www.cfiflistmanager.org/hugotaxbreakbe.htm
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19 Comments |  Add a Comment

Member Comments Total Comments: 19
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shockhazard read my blog view my photos
Mar 9, 2008 | 11:07 AM

Great post ratt , I'm on it .

car7858 read my blog view my photos
Mar 9, 2008 | 11:24 AM

In hot pursuit, Shock; And again, a very good post, Ratt. People need to be aware of this type of manipulation in government as it is their taxdollars at work in politicians' pockets. Why would a huge oil conglomerate like Citgo get such a tax break? Why is it always wrong to put the money back in Americans' pockets by lowering the prices and stimulating the economy?

Cat1234
Mar 9, 2008 | 11:32 AM

Ratt-Excellent post, couldn't agree more with your statements, and with your bio. How many bloggers on these pages read Investor's Business Daily or subscribe to the Wall Street Journal? How many will use the link to voice their opinions?BTW-thank you for the link-I used it.

sarge-m read my blog
Mar 9, 2008 | 11:56 AM

Excellent post Ratt, I am all over it.

steveincanton read my blog view my photos
Mar 9, 2008 | 1:24 PM

Nancy is crazy like we know!

sarge-m read my blog
Mar 9, 2008 | 2:10 PM

Ratt, I read the bill. It doesn't say anything about a tax increase that I can see. The $18 billion "Tax increase" is actually an $18 billion tax break the oil companies have received over the years and now are being denied it due to their record profits. I don't see anything in there for Chavez either. There are three versions of the bill and only one agreed to. Let me know if I am wrong, but I don't see it. Paragraph and subtitle? I noticed Candice Miller didn't vote on it either. Sarge.

Ratt_Killer read my blog view my photos
Mar 9, 2008 | 5:47 PM

Sarge See :
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/legislative/sap/110-2/sap
hr5351-r.pdf
This is the Administrations response.

Ratt_Killer read my blog view my photos
Mar 9, 2008 | 5:54 PM

See also :
http://www.seia.org/HouseEnergyTaxBillSummary2-12-08.pd
f
You can read it as you think. I read it as I stated above.

Ratt_Killer read my blog view my photos
Mar 9, 2008 | 5:56 PM

Letter Opposing H.R. 5351, the “Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008”
February 26, 2008

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region, strongly opposes H.R. 5351, the “Renewable Energy and Energy Conservation Tax Act of 2008,” expected to be considered by the full House this week.

This legislation singles out the oil and gas industry for punitive tax treatment. The Chamber opposes any denial or limitation of the section 199 deduction for oil and gas companies. This change would discourage energy investment, result in the loss of jobs, and ultimately, decrease supply and increase energy costs for businesses that rely on oil and gas.

The Chamber also opposes the proposed modification of the foreign tax credit rules for oil and gas companies. This modification would increase the taxes these companies pay on foreign earnings and potentially would expose them to double taxation, both of which would place these companies at a competitive disadvantage to foreign oil and gas manufacturers.

Today, petroleum products and other fossil fuels constitute 86 percent of the nation’s energy mix. While there are many promising energy alternatives, they are not yet economically viable replacements. Even assuming their development and increased efficiency, the United States will continue to rely on these traditional energy sources.

The reality is that oil and gas are necessities fo

Ratt_Killer read my blog view my photos
Mar 9, 2008 | 5:56 PM

The reality is that oil and gas are necessities for the nation’s economic well being. The Chamber strongly urges you to oppose this bill. The Chamber may consider votes on, or in relation to, this issue in our annual How They Voted scorecard.

Sincerely,
R. Bruce Josten

Ratt_Killer read my blog view my photos
Mar 9, 2008 | 5:58 PM

The energy bill will increase taxes on American companies like ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips and Chevron, however, it does contain provisions that will give tax breaks to Hugo Chavez’s CITGO as it is not considered to be a major integrated oil company. Linder explained that tax hikes will not stop companies from making a profit; rather it will simply stop them from making profits in the United States. He predicted that the bill will force energy companies to fire American workers and move their operations overseas to avoid these new taxes.

“This bill will do nothing to decrease consumer prices, help our economy, or make our environment cleaner. Instead this bill throws more good money after bad in the form of greater subsidies for the renewable energy industry. From 1989 to 2005, the government spent billions of dollars on increasing renewable energy use in this country. In that time, our renewable energy consumption rose by a meager 3 percent. 3 percent in 16 years – that is a less than 1 percent increase per year. To my mind, that is too much money for too little achievement.”

Ratt_Killer read my blog view my photos
Mar 9, 2008 | 6:01 PM

The passage of HR 5351 will have the immediate effect of
discouraging domestic energy exploration and production. Not producing
energy at home will force America to meet our energy needs abroad,
making us more dependent on foreign sources of energy.

American industry will also be dealt a severe blow with HR 5351 as
producers will see a spike in energy costs, making American industry
less competitive in the global marketplace. While supporters of HR
5351 dream about possibly creating millions of 'green jobs,' the harsh
truth is that higher energy costs result in job losses and make it
more difficult for families to make their budget.

Ratt_Killer read my blog view my photos
Mar 9, 2008 | 6:05 PM

I hate to POP your bubble, but the tax is on the gas at the pump, tax you and I pay not the tax the companies pay. All the bill does is remove more money from the pockets of working class people. Why you find this a good thing and delight in it is beyond me. Secondly, the only one who makes record profits on gas is the Government, the federal government collect 18.4 cents per gallon [prior to this bill] and states tax range from 8 to 32.1 cents per gallon.

Heres a nice chart of the historical increase in gasoline taxes and let there be no confusion, pump gas tax affects the poorest the most (since 1933 the federal gas tax has increased 1,840%, just for an example, over the Clinton Presidency the tax rate increased by 30.5%):
http://www.taxfoundation.org/publications/show/1067.htm
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sarge-m read my blog
Mar 9, 2008 | 6:51 PM

Ratt, I never said I approve of this. I like to be informed before I make a move. This is why I asked you where you got your info. I want to look at both sides. The way I came across may have seemed like I was against the oil companies, but am not. This was the wording directly from the bill. By the way, if this does allow tax breaks for Chavez, then of course I don't agree, he is a Communist. Isn't this the same thing as us dealing with Communist China? To me same but different. Thanks, I will look at everything you posted.
Sarge.

sarge-m read my blog
Mar 9, 2008 | 7:00 PM

As far as the domestic production discouragement. Aren't the oil companies barred from drilling where needed anyway? They aren't building anymore refinieries either. How does this bill discourage them when they won't or can't do it anyway? I need to look at it closer. If it is a tax at the pump. then, No way!

shockhazard read my blog view my photos
Mar 9, 2008 | 7:16 PM

Sarge , it always ends up at the pump ,or at the counter , we pay for it one way or the other . I look at both sides of issues too . For an example , I'm pro-life , but I don't want to pay for a welfare baby from birth till death with my hard earned money either . That takes away from my persuit of happieness . I'm for lagalising drugs , because I don't want my hard earned money being used to encarcerate someone for a victomless crime at the cost of 35,000 up to 65,000 per year , when it could go towards my kids education , at the cost of about 25,000 per year . { college of course ] . I'm for freedom of religion , but I don't want my children indoctrinated to sympathize with one over the other , at my expense . I'm for freedom of speech , but I'll shoot you if you try to impose your freedom on my front yard . You get the idea . BTW Sarge , we still need you to be the door gunner for the taffic copter .

Ratt_Killer read my blog view my photos
Mar 9, 2008 | 7:58 PM

Sarge, When I first looked into this I said, good an energy bill that might help America. But the more I looked at this bill and saw the hidden meaning, the more I realized how much money we would loose on this (taxation).
When you read the above websites you will realize the meaning of this bill.
My view is that if "green" is so great, then let the free market compete in this field without any subsidies from my tax money. Government needs to keep its nose out of it.
Ratt

Ratt_Killer read my blog view my photos
Mar 9, 2008 | 8:04 PM

All the left can talk about is how much profit the oil companies have made. You will notice they never talk about how much in taxes the oil companies currently pay (41%) on those profits. Or talk about all the people whose 401Ks are invested in those oil companies who are trying to build for their retirement knowing that no one in D.C. can come up with a solution for the failing Social Security program. Or how those profits, that are paid in dividends, are already taxed and then they are taxed again on individual tax returns making that 41% go even higher. Remember, it was the Democrats that decided that your Social Security should be taxable.

But, do you ever hear the Democrats say that their supporters from Hollywierd should pay more in taxes when Barbara Striesand makes $40 million a year or a basketball player gets a $10 million/year contract? Nope. How about Oprah? Why don't the Democrats demand that she pays more in taxes? How about a 90% tax rate for Oprah?
Here is a question: did the government fund the research of CD's at a time when tapes were used? Or was it simply that when the technology became available and the demand was there, people preferred CD's to tapes? The market is funny that way. When the government artificially tries to manipulate the market, IT NEVER WORKS.

sarge-m read my blog
Mar 12, 2008 | 8:55 AM

This bill puts domestic oil companies at a disadvantadge competitively while allowing foreign oil companies a break. This bill sucks. Thanks Ratt, for enlightening me on this. I don't think it will pass anyway as Bush will veto it. One more fax on its way.

The Dems want to sugar coat this to make it look like they are doing something about high enrgy prices. Maybe they think they are, but I don't see it. The main cause of high energy prices is demand due to the open market with Cheata. (China)

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Ratt_Killer

Army Veteran- Married with children- Graduated CMU with Masters Degree- I am a Republican, a moderate Republican. I believe in small Government, I believe in low taxes, I believe in capitalism. I believe in a representative government. I believe in tight immigration. I am Pro-2nd Amendment, Pro- Death Penalty. I am against abortion as a means of birth control but favor it in the case of rape, incest, or if the mother or baby are in serious threat. I believe that stem cell research is a must but not something that the government should fund. I also believe that embryonic stem cell research should not be done. Life begins at conception. I am not a religious person, but believe that everyone has a right to be. I do not believe that religion or the so-called “intelligent design theory” should be taught in public science classes. This is not a science. If comparative religion is taught at a public school, that is fine, as long as it is not taught in science, and make sure all belief systems are taught and compared. I am against Racial and Sexual discrimination and therefore am against Affirmative Action in hiring and school admissions. I am against same sex marriage (and also a constitutional amendment to ban them) but in favor of civil unions. I believe that Unions are what’s wrong with American workers today, not globalization. The socialistic “Robin Hood” attitude of these unions hurt today’s educationally advanced culture of workers. The unions have become nothing more than a political action committee in favor of pushing a platform that favors Democrats and bashes Republicans. I believe that the ACLU destroys our rights more than protects them. I believe that security and safety is our number one priority. Capitalism will take care of our economic concerns. I once considered myself a Regan Democrat. Now I consider myself a Moderate Republican. I want to distance myself from the vitriolic Democrat party because I think that they have no clue as to what many mainstream Americans hold dear. I also do not agree with the far-right Conservatives when it comes to governing this nation according to their religious beliefs. I am not a one-issue voter. I try to judge every candidate on every issue and vote accordingly.

Member Since: 2/20/2007