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| I built this business |  |
| by George Lauby (North Platte Bulletin) - 9/11/2012 |
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Hey, let’s see if we can get this straight: My name is George Lauby and I built this business with the help of key, talented partners who shared the dream, and with the help of many people who value quality over quantity, and who value individuality over collective corporatism. And, I built this business with the help of the Internet, which was invented by the U.S. military, and with the help of the U.S. Postal Service – one of the greatest quasi-governmental services in our history. And, I had help from the streets and roads, built and maintained by the city, county, state and federal governments, and of course with the wider help of our tax supported military, who keep us free to do as we choose, and of course with the help of our forefathers, who guaranteed freedom of the press in the Constitution. That’s just a few of the more obvious sources of help that I had and continue to have in building this business. Of course I worked my tail off, like most all small business owners. But I’m not so egotistical that I think President Obama was ridiculing my efforts when he said people like me didn’t build our businesses all by ourselves. Obama's observation actually came from Elizabeth Warren, an advocate for financial oversight reforms, and currently a candidate for the U.S. Senate in Massachusetts. Her remark was aimed at those who say they shouldn't have to pay more taxes, despite the debt crisis that the U.S. government, and most of the world, is facing. Warren's point is that taxes help the government, and at least sometimes government helps us in return. Yet, Republican candidates continue to quote Obama out of context in their campaign speeches. Campaign lies are nothing new, but in the face of our pending economic crisis, they detract from the urgent need to pull together. As you know if you read this page regularly, I am not a big fan of Obama (or any national politician these days), due to the finger pointing, lies and half truths that they seem happy to spout in support of themselves, instead of our country.
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The North Platte Bulletin - Published 9/11/2012
Copyright © 2012 northplattebulletin.com - All rights reserved.
Flatrock Publishing, Inc. - 1300 E 4th St., Suite F - North Platte, NE 69101
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No argument VET, but I don't hear nearly enough people saying -- hey stand up for our country and stop blaming, holding grudges, acting like little kids while we go over a fiscal cliff.
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Posted by George Lauby  - 9/15/2012 12:34:28 PM
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George, firstly thank you for your unbiased reporting! However, Obama is not capable or speaking without a telepromter. The national media grilled Bush for his bushisms! Do you see the same treatment with Obama? No. |
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Posted by VET1990 - 9/14/2012 7:00:05 PM
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Thanks for opening up more, Walt. You are knowledgeable. My point is that I think I am receiving plenty of tax breaks as a businessman...I believe an unprecedented number, in fact...nor am I unduly constrained by regulations. I'm tired of the whining... cut my taxes, help my business, etc... I expect we all have to give a great deal to our country to put it in solid shape.... or our descendents will... as I said... we need to do some heavy lifting. |
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Posted by George Lauby - 9/13/2012 10:15:49 AM
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George, I was just having some fun, hence "The Sandlot" reference. My question was when had Obama praised small businesses? (So far no comments.) I then asked what policies the President has signed into law that has helped small businesses? You mention the payroll tax deduction. Yes, the employee portion of payroll taxes are matched by the employer. Typically the employee pays 7.65% of wages (1.45% medicare + 6.2% social security) and the employer matches that 7.65% (1.45% medicare + 6.2% social security). The payroll tax deduction was only on the employee portion of social security (from 6.2% to 4.2%) only. The employer still had to pay 6.2% of social security taxes, not 4.2%. Therefore, there was no deduction for the employer. (Should you want evidence, ask for it and I will send the IRS links or go talk to your tax accountant.) So to summarize, the payroll tax deduction was not a benefit for small business owners. I point this out and am “somewhat” accused of being polarizing and taking sides. Really? .........Now to answer your question,”why should the gov't do more to help small businesses or any business?” Answer: They should create an environment that helps business grow (which equals job creation) since that is the way out of this mess. Not additional regulations and taxes on businesses which hinder economic growth. Also, they need to stop the QEs (quantitative easing). It is destroying the dollar and will likely cause a major round of inflation which is bad for everyone. There is going to be some tough times ahead. Let's hope it passes quickly and the U.S. comes back stronger than ever. |
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Posted by Walt - 9/12/2012 6:50:11 PM
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walt take it easy, just breathe. I didn't say obama created the (179) deductions, that gov't did. We have been recently approached about job training credits, not sure when they started. Payroll contributions are matched by employers. Here's a question for you... why should the gov't do more to help small businesses or any business? Not sure but you seem to point, polarize and take sides. |
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Posted by George Lauby - 9/12/2012 3:04:15 PM
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George, you are killing me :). The payroll tax deductions from the stimulus programs were for the employees only, not the employers. Unsure of what deductions you might be talking about for buying business equipment unless you are talking about a 179 deduction which has been there for years. (While it gives a tax break when taken, it could result in more taxes paid later if tax rates increase. I really don't think the President supports small businesses based on what he says and his actions. |
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Posted by Walt - 9/12/2012 7:14:29 AM
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I hear what you're saying, George. And yes, business owners use roads, use the internet and the post office, things brought about with government's help. But those entities wouldn't run either without the hard work of individual Americans. I think what that portion of the speech felt more like was "You need the government in your business or you will fail. You're a failure without me." As a small business owner, it did feel like a slap in the face and an insult to what I've made my livelihood from ... one from hard work, long hours and an investment of my own money. Something I'm proud of. Instead of appreciating small business owners, I felt like I was being given a condescending smirk by our President. This whole country is based on individuality and being able to rise to a level of what we are capable of, depending on how hard you want to work at it. I think it's a good thing and one to be praised for. |
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Posted by Northplatypus - 9/12/2012 6:48:56 AM
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ya, I'm sure. What has he done to help? Gov't has expanded federal tax deductions for buying more business equipment, hiring and training new employees, plus the payroll tax deductions of the stimulus program. Not that any have worked so well. But I'm not one to expect more help (than I listed above) from government anyway. Mostly, I want to live and work in a great country, and I don't think either presidential candidate (especially) has shown what it takes to get us there. |
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Posted by George Lauby - 9/11/2012 8:06:06 PM
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George, are you really sure he wasn't ridiculing you (the small business owner)? I pose the question since when has our President actually praised small business owners? I hear praise for unions and phrases to divide the classes even more. What laws or regulations has he signed into law that actually assist small businesses? |
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Posted by Walt - 9/11/2012 7:20:50 PM
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