1776

NC is the eighth fastest growing state, population wise, as of recent. New Yorkers and Californians are a big part of the wave. We are in the top 10 as far as educational opportunities are concerned. Tax rates and educational opportunities are critical determinants when relocating. NC is very attractive to retirees as a result. As a result, we’re expanding our tax base. There is no good reason not to reduce the state income tax. Now if we could do something about the federal tax.

More specifically: Starting January 1, 2022, the state's flat individual income tax rate will be reduced from 5.25 to 4.99 percent. The rate will be reduced further each year until it reaches 3.99 percent starting January 1, 2027.

How about a flat income tax across the board? North Carolina is currently lowering its state income tax incrementally until it bottoms at 3.99% in two or three years.

Rob Manfred would absolutely love this idea.

California has a $97.5 billion surplus. The checks are for up to $1,050 and go out in late October, just in time for election day 😉

I read an article on this a week or so back. California currently has a huge budget surplus. However, there has been no move toward legislating tax cuts in Sacramento for the states taxpayers. Rather than a tax cut, that would afford longer term relief, Newsome is going with the one-time check, advertised as being governments helping hand in the inflation challenge. I haven’t heard anything that suggests this plan has changed. A tax cut would be more beneficial.

…which makes it all the more idiotic and shortsighted to play politics with a suspension of the federal gas tax.

20/20 hindsight is a wonderful thing…. Avila made four considerable moves for this years current major league ream roster. ERod is MIA and who knows when and where that ends up. Meadows has, in his own way, been MIA with every possible injury/issue possible to date. Barnes is pretty much as advertised. Most starters appear to like the way he calls games. It makes sense that Avila was looking for an experienced defensive catcher for all the younger guys coming up. Unfortunately, most of the younger guys in the rotation have different names than what was expected. Regarding Baez, I’ll defer on his signing just yet. ….thinking out loud…..

It was looking like a full bore July there for a while. Plenty of July left yet.

Garrett Hill versus Johnny Cueto

The Wisconsin Supreme Court barred absentee-ballot drop boxes outside election offices, handing a victory to conservatives who sought to roll back the option after many voters chose absentee voting during 2020 pandemic-era elections. In a 4-3 ruling issued Friday, the court’s majority said that under state laws, an absentee ballot must be returned by mail or the voter must personally deliver it to the local election office. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

I looked up the Dow’s 2020. I’m going to buy a bottle and try it. Thanks for dropping the name. I’ll pass on the ‘lude dude 😉

There was a day and time…. I’m an occasional beer guy and wine guy now…I do love my Bread & Butter Cab. Trying to preserve what is left after 67 years… Knock one down for me.

You need a cold beer. As I am sitting here I am having a Bells Brewing favorite, Oberon. An excellent brew for the summer afternoon after mowing the grass and reading the Political Forum. You owe it to yourself. Cheers 🍻

Do you realize how petty this conversation is? It is borderline comical.

I think Tork’s issue may be mental. If he could ever string several games together where he’s getting on base and moving runners over I believe it would be a big plus for him. I had hoped Greene joining the team might get him started but I believe Greene’s hot start may have even put more pressure on Tork. He’s too good to struggle forever.

Both sides are guilty of incivilities.

Tarik Skubal versus Lucas Giolito in tonight’s ballgame.

https://news.yahoo.com/emmett-till-protesters-stormed-senior-112133914.html Not really sure where to put this. This story broke about a week ago and is extremely newsworthy. Google it further to read more. The wife of one of the men that murdered Emmitt Till in 1955 apparently has been located in a retirement facility in Raleigh, NC. The warrant for her arrest was discovered very recently in Mississippi. I would guess it had been hidden at some point but don’t actually know that. She is 87 or 88 years old now. It is believed that she is the one that pointed Emmitt out to her husband and his brother, that eventually led to his murder.

With attitudes like yours, nothing will ever change. You’re so full of grievances you can’t find an ounce of objectiveness.

My point stands. The political culture here is poisonous at most every level. Laugh if that helps. It IS both sides. Maxine Waters literally directs people to get in the faces of people that have have opposing political views and Trump has his January 6th trophy to show off. These morons are not fit to serve. And of course, they are not the only players in this juvenile behavior. It is not only tolerated but it is applauded. This isn’t about choosing sides. Defending either side of this is wrong. The killer of Abe, at last glance, denied his motive was political. I doubt that’s true but we’ll find out in time.

I 2nd that motion.

The overriding difference is the glaring difference in the two cultures. From a strictly political perspective, our politicians on both ends of the spectrum suggest and encourage…and condone…violence against anyone that disagrees with his or her point of view, what more can be expected. So, have our politicians created this societal jungle, or has the societal jungle created out politicians? I imagine someone above my pay grade could give a qualified answer to that.

Two points: The first being that if someone is determined to take another person’s life they will likely find a way to do it. It may take awhile, but if the hate is strong enough….Hate is hate. Secondly, the assassin in this case literally had to build this weapon with whatever he could get his hands on, a tape job to say the least. Although this person succeeded in taking Abe’s life, it wasn’t as easy as going to your local 5 & 10 store and buying a weapon that could take out a classroom full of kids. So from this perspective, even in light of this tragedy, a sober person can argue that gun regulations do make a difference. just my humble opinion.

Sale should stick to cutting up jerseys.