Not to keep beating the same drum, but I know you probably won't hear this anywhere else.

Federal revenues - taxes from individuals, corporations and Social taxes, grew by $100 billion in the 1st six months of this fiscal year (October through March). My source is the Congressional Budget office, if you're interested. cbo.gov

Remember that this was with a meager 1.7% growth in GDP in the 1st fiscal quarter (October through December). If growth continues at the rate of the 2nd quarter - 4.8% - the growth of revenues over last year could fall in the $200 - $250 billion range for the full fiscal year.

Tax cuts and a stable tax environment have unleashed tremendous power and are allowing Americans to create and amass tremendous wealth.

Beware those who say that tax increases will balance the budget. They will slow growth dramatically and reduce federal income within just a few years. Spending cuts and freezes will balance this federal budget quickly.

The one who gets it is the one I'll vote for in 2008.

sharptalk

They just can't talk this economy down. I keep hearing it's doomed because of:

1) High interest rates
2) High gas prices
3) The popping of the housing bubble
4) Bush's deficits
5) Bush's trade deficits

And yet, prosperity keeps multiplying. People are finding jobs to be plentiful. Companies are spending on capital. The stock market is booming.

How can this be?
Two words. Tax cuts.

sharptalk

It seems pretty bottomless right now. And there are some pretty good reasons why:

1) Iraq is somewhere near civil war, it seems
2) Iran wants to hurl dog-doo at us and call us silly names
3) The Republicans have spent a ton of money and run up deficits
4) Most Americans want a wall and don't want amnesty for illegal aliens - he's not in step
5) He comes across just dreadful any time I see him. He's got to lose that ridiculous smirk and shoulder shrug. Hasn't anyone told him?

But on the positive side, there is a lot to talk about. This economy is just booming and jobs are continuing to outpace job seekers. America is dramatically better prepared to fight any kind of war today than we were in 2000 - from both a funding and an experience standpoint. The world has come to realize that THEY will have to deal with Iran, North Korea and the like instead of just relying on us. We are finally about to do something about immigration - which should have positive ripple effects on our economy and our safety. Senators and Representatives are scared for their jobs, which makes them a lot more responsive to us.

Still, I don't see any of this putting a lift in the Presidents approval ratings until someone tells him about the smirk.

sharptalk

I could do without the thunderstorms, but even they can be pretty cool sometimes.

The weather is nice. The yard looks great. There is hope for another summer of being outside in the sunshine - which by the way will last until 8:00 making the days seem endless.

Also, I have experienced God's blessings this year more than any other and I feel compelled to say so.

Hope this is the best spring & summer ever for everyone.
sharptalk

We've seen hate all over the world stage. A lot of it from Muslim extremists whose only goal is to kill everyone, including Muslims, who aren't Muslim enough. That's a stunning level of hatred. But all the more-so when you recognize the legitimacy given to them by Muslim leaders worldwide.

But there is a hate here in America, too. It's hatred of all things George Bush. And all things Republican.

But when does hatred turn the hater into a mush of worthlessness?

It destroyed Dan Rather's legacy. It's pummeled David Gregory of NBC and a morning show host that talked about "puking" when George Bush speaks. Their legitimacy is gone. And for what? George Bush's presidency ends in less than 3 years and he will be as gone as Bill Clinton to the Republicans who hated him and savaged their own credibility (like Newt and Pat Robertson, I would say).

When someone is so consumed with hatred, they have so much negative energy and so little ability to reason - due to an emotional flood - that they begin to rot inside. They lose the ability to be rationale, reasonable people and the ability to return to that state.

So what will happen to the Michael Moore's and the Howard Dean's of the world? The Nancy Pelosi's and the Hillary Clinton's? Eventually they will repel those who look for a better future. They will become as useless as stock in the Pony Express.

Sixties anti-war protesters are still looking to regain that wave. America moved on. Away from the bitterness that leads to rot. And those who've built their careers on negativity and hate won't be able to turn the corner when these issues are gone. They'll be left behind. And the ones that America turns to will baffle them.

Today that hate is the "heart and soul of the Democratic Party".

sharptalk