Legislating Common Sense - But not in Kansas

During a brief 3-year stint, I lived in Oklahoma. I jokingly refer to it more as doing time than living. Anyone that has made the drive from Kansas City to Oklahoma City should understand that. Actually I enjoyed the time I spent in Norman. Many fond memories and wonderful people, for sure.

Today I have an even stronger appreciation for the state of Oklahoma. This morning I read where the Governor of Oklahoma has signed a law restricting the protests at funerals. Call it the “Fred Phelps Law.” On the anniversary of the worst domestic terrorist attack in US history, the governor of Oklahoma has done what so many others are afraid to do. This law clearly says that while we respect the right to free speech, we also respect the rights of grieving families to mourn their loss without intimidation and additional pain.

Free speech. Some time ago the US legislative and judicial system decided that there must be restraints to free speech. Ever tried to yell “fire” in a crowded theater where no fire was present? Didn't think so. Why? Common sense says you shouldn't. So why the need to pass a law that you can't? Goes to what I always say, you shouldn't have to legislate common sense and intelligence.

But unfortunately those seem to be two characteristics absent in my friends from Topeka. The Westboro Baptist Church has successfully defended itself to date in its defense of free speech. If I didn't have the love, grace, and forgiveness that only comes from a personal relationship with Christ, I might actually hate these guys for the embarrassment I experience when people laugh at my living in Kansas.

But here is the thing, and what I would love to ask the members of this church. How many good things could be done with the money WBC has spent on protests, and in defense of its actions? How many hungry people could they feed every day? How many Habitat homes could they build? How many people could they prevent from dying from disease, cold, heat, etc. In the popular theme of WWJD, I have to wonder "What Would Jesus Want You To Do?" I have a hard time believing that the money is best spent condemning homosexuality by making the lives of so many people miserable. 

But ultimately I find the events of the April 18th somewhat ironic. Ironic? How so? On the 16th anniversary of the worse domestic terrorist attack, the governor of Oklahoma signs in to law a bill protecting the rights of innocent people from the malicious and unforgiving attack of those who proclaim to follow a Man who's greatest commandments were to "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" and "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Back to Oklahoma. One might ask "Dude, are you trying to say that Fred Phelps is like Tim McVey?" I'd respond not really. McVey didn't use the Bible to intimidate his victims.

Pay Up or Shut Up

Disclaimer: In today's post I mention GE. I also happen to work for GE. The thoughts and opinions here are mine, and I am not speaking on behalf of GE.  I mention GE in context of recent news stories. The basis for this is as a stockholder, and not as an employee.

Today is Tax Day. Well, sort of. Actually Tax Day was extended to Monday, April 18th due to a holiday in DC. But either way I am preparing to make my contribution to the Big Government Operational Fund. I owe more than usual this year. Guess I did not get any of those much discussed tax breaks that the POTUS is looking to eliminate.

Speaking of Tax Breaks, you have probably read that GE will not pay any taxes for 2010. In fact that's not true. GE will pay what many are calling a relatively small amount. I don't know how much it actually is. The thing I find extremely humorous is all of the people that are bashing GE for this. I recently met a woman who, after finding out that I work for GE, said that she will never again buy a product that carries the GE monogram logo.

Here's what I find interesting - she admitted that she itemizes on her federal tax returns. Is it just me, or is this a little bit hypocritical? Why would you boycott a company because they take advantage of the tax laws to minimize their tax liability when you personally do the same thing? Perhaps it's the magnitude of the issue. Perhaps it's because they are a monolithic corporation and you just an average Joe working to pay the bills and put food on the table. Rationalization is a wonderful thing.

So here's the thing - if this really pisses you off then work at changing the laws. But to fault a company that is responsible for returning a profit to the investors (many of whom are working stiffs trying to pay the bills and put food on the table) when you in fact do the same thing is just wrong.

Now the question of the day - Would you be willing to to pay $5,000 to a charity in exchange for not paying $10,000 in taxes? I thought so.