Author Archives: Bill
Money, weapons, and power: a response
Ashley's recent post about the challenges of being transgendered in Weapons Of Mass Destruction Part I deserves a proper response. I intend to respond to Part II separately in an…
Have 401(k) plans failed?
The stock market's dramatic dive over the past year has some people questioning the usefulness of 401(k) plans. A recent article on reports: "This is the biggest test that the…
Dealerships finally get what they deserve
The news is full of stories about auto dealerships closing and filing for bankruptcy, such as this one on Bloomberg: General Motors Corp. said it may lose as many as…
Yes, Obama is a socialist – and so is McCain
Lately, the Republicans have been claiming that Obama's policy proposals are socialist. CNN quotes from McCain's speech on Saturday, October 18, 2008: 'œYou see, believes in redistributing wealth, not in…
4th Grade Economics: An Intro to Socialism
Today was the first day of school for kids in Dallas. I only know this because I've become partially financially responsible for a 9-year-old and 13-year-old girl in the last…
Why I Hate Federal Taxes
The other day on Sirius satellite radio, Howard Stern was complaining about the fact that the merger between XM and Sirius has not yet been approved by US government regulators.…
Could the Stimulus Package Hurt You?
The US government has been moving fairly quickly to pass some form of stimulus package to try to head off a recession. The stimulus package would basically amount to mailing…
Would You Give Up Your Favorite Tax Deduction?
I received my W-2 yesterday and sat down to do my taxes. Every year, I get frustrated with the US federal tax system all over again. It's maddening to try…
The Postal Service wants to Break Your Windows
State lawmakers in Colorado are considering a bill to establish a do-not-mail list. The Denver Channel reports: Rep. Sara Gagliardi (D-Arvada) said her measure would allow fines against companies that…
The Cost of a Gay Marriage Proposal
I previously blogged about how I would eschew diamonds in my marriage proposal to my partner. At the time of that post, I was still trying to figure out exactly…