"It's not a tax increase if you return it to the prior rate"...What?!...

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I had heard this theory before but I had to run this example by my "Democrat" friend to see if it applied here also....

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It is being reported that Democratic Virginia Governor \ Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine is looking at cutting back or eliminating the Car-Tax relief all together to fill the $2.7 to $3.5 billion state revenue void...

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"One of the sacred cows in Virginia's budget, car tax relief for residents, is among the spending items outgoing Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and his team are analyzing as they look to plug a state revenue hole estimated to be anywhere from $2.7 billion to $3.5 billion."

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The first time I heard this "Democrat-theory" used was when many were saying that by allowing the Bush tax-cuts to expire it is not an actual tax increase but just allowing the tax rate to return to where it was before the tax-cut(?).....

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Somehow I feel that there will still be less money in my paycheck and a even higher amount going to the government via the tax "adjustment"...

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"An outright repeal of the car tax subsidy could save the state $1.9 billion over the upcoming two-year budget cycle and fill a large chunk of the projected revenue hole. But it would also place localities that rely on those funds in a tough spot and likely mean higher tax bills for vehicle owners."

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Fortunately House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith sees this for what it is...

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"House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, said any reduction to the car tax refund amounts to "a huge tax increase" that "hits the families of Virginia right in the eye."
Anything the state withholds, localities would be "entitled to bill" to their residents, he added."

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Governor-elect Bob McDonnell sets the "right" tone...

The NewsVirginian has an article describing the cost effective and cost cutting efforts already being made by Governor-elect Bob McDonnell in his transition into the Virginia Governors office and executive mansion...

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“They have taken a very frugal approach, saying they want to turn money back,” said Richard F. Sliwoski, director of the Department of General Services, which coordinates much of the transition work.

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Actions like this may be small in actual savings as compared to the total Virginia budget, but a attitude like this combined with sensible budget projections and cost effective programs is what we need to get our State government back to where it should be...

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“And that applies to the transition period just the same as it does to his time in office,” Martin said. “While the potential savings identified are proportionately small in the context of the overall state budget, they are symbolically important when it comes to setting a tone for how government must operate in these tough fiscal times.”

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RPV Advance ~2009~ and a 7-eleven with SCUBA access!!...

Had the opportunity to attend the breakfast session today of the RPV Advance being held in Williamsburg, VA. before coming back over the mountain to find five inches of SNOW in the Shenandoah Valley...

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While driving to Williamsburg this morning I had a chance to listen to "The Speech" by Ronald Reagan that he did back in 1964...

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For those of you who know this speech you know that many parts of it applies to the situation we are in once again and understand why many say this is the speech that launched Ronald Reagan's political career...

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"They knew that governments don't control things. A government can't control the economy without controlling people. And they know when a government sets out to do that, it must use force and coercion to achieve its purpose. They also knew, those Founding Fathers, that outside of its legitimate functions, government does nothing as well or as economically as the private sector of the economy."...

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Another interesting aspect of this speech is how closely it resembles the conservative beliefs of the then 2009 Republican Candidates and now elected Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General, and Delegates that "Sweep-ed" Richmond and the Shenandoah Valley...

The voters of Virginia were obviously seeking proven conservative beliefs and principles during this past election and that is why Virginia is RED once again...

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"The Speech is available here and is well worth listening to it again...

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After the breakfast I took a ride down to Norfolk to check out the surf and found the "Ultimate 7-Eleven" along the beach with SCUBA access just 15 feet behind the building!

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Incredibly the bulkhead is just 15 feet behind the building and easy access could be made with a "Giant Stride" or "Jersey Roll" during high tide...

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Walk out to the beach found a good 20-25kt wind out of the Northeast, less than 6 inches of Vis,
3 to 4 foot breakers on the beach, and cold water temp...

Typical Jersey diving conditions...

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Hard to see in this photo but there was much apparent damage to the fishing pier on the horizon looking South...
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