Free Republic

TAXWATCH Tax season is starting for all Americans — but the tax code’s provisions play out very differently for white families compared to families of color, new research says. The tax benefits from some of the most advantageous parts of the federal income-tax code accrue disproportionately to white families, according to Treasury Department findings that show the broader implications of dry tax rules. White families are pulling in more than 90% of the tax benefits that come from lower tax rates for capital gains, more than 90% of the tax benefits from itemized charitable deductions and 90% of the deduction...

Remember Joe the Plumber? He was the blue-collar dude who confronted Barack Obama late in the 2008 campaign with this challenge: "Your new tax plan's going to tax me more, isn't it?" Nonsense, replied the candidate: "From 250 [thousand dollars a year] down, your taxes are going to stay the same." Indeed, he insisted, 95 percent of "working people" would see their taxes go down in his administration. Well, think again. A year into his presidency, Obama now says he's "agnostic" on what was the principal plank in his economic platform: No tax hikes for individuals making $200,000 a year...

When Fred Thompson announces his entry into the 2008 Presidential campaign, he'll have at least one group of hardworking Americans to help carry the message -- Truckers with Fred. The group, a movement of volunteers has been organizing quickly with two goals in mind: first, to convince Fred Thompson to enter the race and second, to help him win. Volunteers have posted a website and the group's named its first National Directors, with promises of more names to come. "This thing has really started to move," says Bob Fauls, who along with his wife Chris Fauls, have been named the...

Richards delivers dynamite talk at TAMIU BY TRICIA CORTEZ Times staff writer Former Texas Governor Ann Richards delivered a scathing indictment of the Texas public education system Tuesday night, focusing on its accountability and high-stakes testing system that is now being implemented nationally under the No Child Left Behind Act. "The current No Child Left Behind is a lie. It is a total lie. We are leaving children behind right and left," Richards told a packed house of the Fine and Performing Arts Center at Texas A&M International University. "Do you know what the current education system is in the...

ayor Michael Bloomberg seems not to care that he can be a lightning rod for frustration. He matter-of-factly talks about the fiscal pain to come for New York City, offering no sugar coating. That, as New York is learning, is the Bloomberg way. The mayor has been warning in recent days that property taxes may rise, transit fares may increase, tolls may be imposed for East River bridges, and city services — perhaps even fire and police departments — may be hit hard with cuts, all aimed at closing an expected budget gap of some $5 billion. It's bad news...