Merry Christmas!

Last week I had the privilege of ringing the bell for the Salvation Army. In the process of doing this, I was able to witness the generosity that was demonstrated by so many folks as they walked past our station.

It was amazing to see the number of folks who stopped, opened their wallet, and pulled out cash to leave in the collection tin.

In watching these folks make contributions to the Salvation Army, I was reminded of how wonderful the Christmas season truly is. This is the time of year when spirits are lifted and joy is spread from person to person.

Christmas has always been my favorite time of year. I have always enjoyed the decorations, the music, the movies, the plays, and the generosity that come along with the season. I also enjoy spending time with family and friends and the excitement of opening presents on Christmas day.

We don't always get snow on Christmas in North Carolina, but when we do, it is a beautiful sight.

So here's wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Be safe if you travel and enjoy the season!

What does President Obama really think about our current tax rates?

As you may know, President Obama has been trying to work out a tax deal compromise with Republicans in Washington.

The deal is very simple: Obama has agreed to extend the current tax rates for two more years if Republicans agree to extend unemployment benefits. Obama has railed against the current tax rates for years, claiming that we need to raise taxes on those who make more than $250,000 per year. But apparently he has decided that he has to make a compromise with Republicans in order to get something done.

As you can imagine, this is a situation that can get very interesting in a very short period of time.

Many Democrats, including Speaker Pelosi and her followers in Congress, have rejected Obama's tax deal with Republicans. The Democrats want to extend unemployment benefits, but they are against extending the current tax rates because they want to see tax increases for "wealthy" Americans. (I'm not really sure what their definition of wealthy is.)

This means that Obama has had to begin the process of trying to persuade fellow Democrats to go along with his compromise with Republicans. In doing so, Obama said that his tax deal with Republicans has the "potential to create millions of jobs."

That's right: President Obama said that the extension of the current tax cuts enacted by the former Bush administration has the potential to create millions of jobs. If that's true, then why doesn't President Obama support making the current tax rates permanent?

It's a simple question.

Ron Paul to Chair Fed Oversight Committee

Here is some good news: Congressman Ron Paul of Texas has been selected to chair the subcommittee that oversees the Federal Reserve.

Ron Paul's book "End the Fed" will give folks an idea of how Ron Paul feels about the Federal Reserve. (I strongly recommend reading this book if you have yet to do so.)

Now, more than ever, we need severe oversight of the Federal Reserve and it's actions. It's time to impose a swift and thorough audit of the Fed, and there is no one better than Congressman Paul to oversee the process.