A Spanish-language version of the National Anthem was commissioned and became official in 1919?

That Bush himself sang the national Anthem in Spanish several times during the 2000 election campaign?

This is pandering, pure and simple, and it's a way for Republicans to skirt the real issue, which is how to process 11 million people who are in the country illegally, and how to keep another 11 million from streaming into the country from all over the world. It also begs the question about security; if this many hard-working, otherwise law-abiding foreigners were able to come here, presumably undetected, who else has been able to come here?

Milt Shook

There are so many reasons why the above will never happen, I don't know where to start.

Now, first off, I will admit that a few VERY small businesses my choose to cut a few hours here and there, and have family members fill in, but in my experience, that doesn't last long. The reason for it will be apparent as I continue.

In order for serious cuts to happen, one much assume that the minimum-wage paying boss has hired more people to work more hours than he needs to run the shop. This is ridiculous. If the owner/manager is so cheap that an increase in the minimum wage is putting a major dent in his bottom line, he's not making very much money to begin with, which means he was probably working just enough people to get by. You've been in those places; where you look and look and can find no one.

But there's another reason such cuts rarely happen, and when they do, they don't last long, and it's one that almost no one considers.

Say I run a burger joint with 30 employees. While my small business has 30 employees getting a raise, there are likely to be thousands of other people who suddenly find more disposable income to spend. And make no mistake, folks; people on that end of the economic spectrum spend it ALL. So, while your employees are making more money, you are probably going to sell more burgers, fries and soft drinks.

Think of the logical disconnect in arguments against a minimum wage increase. These same people who claim the minimum wage causes a loss of jobs ALSO claim tax cuts for the rich stimulate the economy. How is it that rich people (who spend very little of their money on the marketplace) getting a little more income is great for the economy, while poor people who spend ALL of their money getting more money to spend is bad for the economy and causes a loss of jobs? It makes no sense.

Milt Shook

Author of the satirical novel, "Talent on Loan"

http://miltshook.com

George, please...

There is a huge difference between a state tax and a federal tax in this case. It would be difficult for an oil company to raise the price in one state only, to make up the difference in a state gas tax. When you're talking about a federal gas tax, it's very easy for the oil companies to fudge.

The reason it's a bad idea is because prices are so volatile right now. In the last two weeks alone, the average price is up 15 cents, and it's threatening to go up another 30-40 cents before it's finished climbing. How will anyone KNOW that the oil companies are passing on the tax savings.

I would agree that, to some (very few) families, $30 is a significant savings. But Obama's points are twofold; one, there are no guarantees that we'll actually save that much, and two, the loss in tax revenue would have to be made up somewhere else, or a whole bunch of road projects will have to stop, and that could cost thousands of jobs. And if we avoided the second one, then we once again have to borrow money to cover that loss. And for what? $30? Don't be silly...