The less cynical, and more analytic critique of the tax code that I posit is this: we have a very unequal distribution of wealth these days, so why not have a very UNEQUAL tax code? Why not let the tax code reflect the society’s extreme inequality, and use it as an engine to fix it? Why do we stop creating tiers at a measly 350 Grand mark, and extend it up to 1, 5, or even 100 million in income?  The income tax has been MUCH higher in the past, around 90%!  That is unimaginable today, only because we are forced to believe this will dampen economic growth.  That is nonsense, and borderline propaganda.  It is time to tap one of America’s greatest Natural Resources:  Millionaires.

The current tax system greatly favors the Rich and lets the ever-shrinking Middle gnaw on what’s left.  It is unfair and crippling our economy and polity.   Higher tax rates for the rich does not constitute socialism.  Quite the contrary, it’s a return to our American roots and history.  It is time for a more sane tax regime, that reflect reality, not the interests of the Rich.

Sarah Palin : Is a genius. Why you ask? TOMA – Top of Mind Awareness. A key principle in any marketing plan. TOMA runs under the assumption that before a buyer picks up to a marketing message, they must be hit with it at least seven times. It could be a TV commercial, then a flyer, then a radio commercial, ect but people don’t buy on the first try. Marketing – meet politics. A quick aside, thank GOD all of the political ads are finished – that’s muck not marketing. Sarah Palin (or more likely the people she has hired to handle this sort of thing) however are taking an interesting and very smart route.

Take this new TLC show “Sarah Palin’s Alaska” – har har har a show about a bumbling pseudo–politician mother, tromping around Alaska with a funny accent. But the beauty is – people are watching it… A LOT of people….nearly 5 million people, and THAT is marketing. Though there are no direct political tones in the program, the TOMA is still there.

Let’s take SNL. Again, perhaps mockery is the greatest complement. I’m fairly sure; and Tina Fey has acknowledged that her career wouldn’t be the same without the spoof of Palin. The genius here, again is TOMA disguised in laughter. Love her or hate her, you were still watching something about her.

So my personal opinion is that she’s on the fast track to obtain a presidential nomination, but under the radar. Pretty smart if you ask me. So the next time you tune in to laugh, you may have just cast your vote.

Karzai, whatever his motivations, can either gain BIG or lose BIG here. His assertion of autonomy over Afghanistan could lead to greater bargaining power with the US. OR, quite differently, it could cost him his seat at the helm. I think it is more likely Karzai will benefit from this little spat with the White House, since they know removing him could destabilize the whole country. They also know removing him would be step backwards.

No matter what happens, this incident highlights the game puppet governments play with their imperial masters. Like pubescent teenagers, they must rebel just enough to assert their authority and independence. But if they go too far, and crash Dad’s car, out comes the belt, or the Navy SEALs, as the case may be.