1. I suppose we've reached the point of taxation without representation, again. By that I mean a handful of Democratic politicians who've put spending far in front of responsible planning. Trying to buy union votes. What was it that happened before, like 233 years before?

Posted by: Pete on February 18, 2009 04:42 PM

2. The imminent tax increases are just the State's union dues.

Why do governments need unions? The relationship is inherently conflicting. Unions existence is intended to protect employees who individually cannot protect themselves from their employers. However, governments by nature exist to protect their citizens. Obviously unions are unnecessary, but they do bring money, support and in kind assistance to cooperating politicians.

An excellent starting place for government reform is to abolish all unions relationships with state ad local governments in order to cure the conflicts of interest and corruption those relationships entail.

Posted by: Paddy on February 18, 2009 05:04 PM

3. You're right, Paddy, and I would go one step further. End all relationships with lobbyists, at local, state, and federal level, who could thenceforth submit their proposals in writing only. No personal contact, not even by phone.

Posted by: katomar on February 18, 2009 05:38 PM

4. I took a few minutes today and did some simple Google searches for on-line gun purchasing companies on the web. Yes, I've played with the thought of purchasing a self-defense weapon for myself. That would be the 2nd Amendment sort of self-defense. It can't hurt to be prepared, right?

So I'm browsing these different websites, and I'm looking at the pages and pages of semi-automatic weapons for sale, from AR-15s to Sig Sauer, to AK47 style, to assorted other assault weapons that I've never seen before, including handguns too. And what do you think is the overwhelming similarity I find with nearly every single weapon available for purchase?

They are all on BACKORDER! No kidding! And suddenly I realize that there are a lot of folks out there with similar concerns as mine in light of what is going on.

Posted by: Reality on February 18, 2009 06:29 PM

5. Wait until you see the prices for ammunition. That is if you can find any.

Income tax is not going to do much good when you have a high unemployment.

Posted by: Vince on February 18, 2009 06:34 PM

6. If they institute an income tax, I'm leaving this state once and for all. The answer to mismanagement by the state is to bleed the taxpayers dry instead of finding a way to control spending. Gregoire increased spending in her first term by 8 Billion.

Why does that number sound so familiar?...

Posted by: Rick D. on February 18, 2009 06:51 PM

7. Reality @ #4:
If you are seriously considering a quality long gun:
Take a look at the Armalite AR-10T semi-auto precision target rifle in .308 caliber: Triple-laped stainless steel barrel, ultra-match trigger, etcetera. Add the high-end scope of your choice, and you have a firearm that can plink relatively small targets out to 400+ yards or so on a good day, if you're a steady shot. Been drooling over one of these for a while now. Just have to hope the ''backorder'' situation does not become permanent; and that cases of .308 ammo can still be had for a semi-reasonable price.
Fair warning: The AR-10T with a good scope is a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for.

Vince @ #5 has probably identified the more immediate, higher-probability threat:
Left-wing legislators pile on higher and higher taxes on bullets.

Posted by: Methow Ken on February 18, 2009 06:56 PM

8. Don't forget, most of the people in Western Washington never met a tax they didn't like. They don't give a hoot how high their total tax burden goes, to them it's all for a "good cause". I've just stopped trying to reason with my liberal friends. And I second the motion about leaving if they try to impose an income tax.

Posted by: Carol on February 18, 2009 07:14 PM

9. NO INCOME TAX. THE LEGISLATORS WILL ABUSE PEOPLE WITH IT.

Posted by: Michele on February 18, 2009 07:14 PM

10. Was it not the Queen herself that has said over and over and especially during this last season of the Witch's election "NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR NEW TAXES AND FEES"

Oh yeh, that's what she said the election before last too! Didn't she!

She is also the one who has said there is a hiring freeze on in this state, oh really, have you signed on to the States Job Listserver? If this is a hiring freeze I wonder where the money is going to come from for the 10 emails I get every day with new state jobs.

Hello Gregoire! Lies Lies and Damn Lies!

Posted by: GS on February 18, 2009 07:55 PM

11. There can be no better evidence of the utter corruption of government than the 5.7% increase in my property tax assessment that just arrived.

King County home values in my zip code DOWN 11% - nearly 2.5% a month since last October. My home value DOWN 8% on Zillow.

Now I have to use my time to fight this government to get my money back. The burden is on me to prove to their satisfaction that they are corrupt thieves. And for every citizen who fights this assault on their property there are probably 1,000 who simply let them get away with it.

Government is a parasite that is growing and growing.

Posted by: Reality on February 18, 2009 08:30 PM

12. Reality: Pierce County has already announced that those pesky higher tax assessments stand as they are based on last year's value, so good luck on fighting it. So next year's tax bill, which should be lower based on the last year's assessed value, will still go up because they'll make sure they do new assessments in the meantime if market value increases at all. You just can't win. And yes, government is a parasite, eating its host.

Posted by: katomar on February 18, 2009 09:20 PM

13. Factless,

Well there is something we can agree on! I have an SU-16A and my daily carry is a P32, both from Kel Tec. Phenomenal firearms, affordable, well made (in Florida), and reliable as can be.

There's hope for you yet! :)

Posted by: Shanghai Dan on February 18, 2009 10:25 PM

14. Nice Dan.

I'll stick with my Glock 40 though. (-:
I also load a mix of lead & hydroshock rounds.

Posted by: Medic/Vet on February 19, 2009 07:06 AM

15. More Olympia shell games on the way. You know the routine. Keep all the pet social programs that no one would vote for, and then ask for a tax hike for education, public safety and parks.

My family cannot afford this government. I'd consider moving everyone out if they imposed an income tax here too. That's probably the Democrat solution to the traffic problems.

Posted by: Palouse on February 19, 2009 08:04 AM

16. Palouse

(incometax)

Yeah I guess these fools haven't paid much attention to Calif.
They tax just about EVERYTHING and look where they are today. The real problem is spending.
To bad they fail to understand that.

Posted by: Medic/Vet on February 19, 2009 09:49 AM

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