We haven’t posted a political thread in a while and as you know, I cannot comment on this one…so it is all yours. According to multiple studies, the 2008 election and campaigns are being more widely covered by the media than in any other election in U.S. history. Whether on TV, Radio or here on the web, people have been consumed with the process. There are so many reasons for this interest, which also extends around the globe. While in Guyana, Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England….all in recent months…the newspapers, radio and televisions have all focused on our election. This one is a doozy. The Hoover Institution has posted some interesting opinions and articles on this…check out that site here.

OK….since the last political thread has surpassed the 1,000 comment line, I have decided to open a new one for you guys to opine. I of course can’t take a stand and wont, but one thing is for sure….the former Arkansas Governor and the former first lady of Arkansas are trying to make a last stand. Of course their stands are for different reasons and in much different ways. Here’s your chance, keep it nice and keep it clean, we want all political persuasions to comment and debate.

OK…I have to admit, I am one who is sick of paying high taxes and not getting what we deserve in return. Maybe it’s because I am from the ‘Golden State’ where we get taxed on taxes. My point is this, if you live in a state where there’s state income tax…AND…you work for a living to make a decent salary, add up your taxes. Seriously, add your income tax (state & feds), misc. tax on goods and services, phone tax, gas tax, utilities tax, etc. You’ll see, it’s not the 35% you hear about, but much more. NOW…if we were getting great services, that would be a whole different argument. However, here in California, our roads are struggling along with our schools and so many other areas. We can blame the economy, but it was like this a few years ago! Point is….we give the money, but it is not spent well. Republican, Democrat, or other, most would agree. So…here is your chance to debate. Here’s where the candidates want things to stand.

INCOME TAX  current 35%

Obama      39.6%  McCain 35%    Clinton   39.6%

CAPITAL GAINS   current 15%

Obama    28%     McCain   15%   Clinton   20%

DIVIDENDS      current  15%

Obama   39.6%     McCain  15%    Clinton  39.6%

A couple of reports have linked Meg Whitman, the President and CEO of eBay, to a run for the Governor’s chair here in California once Arnold is done. But now I have been told by two sources that she has hired Steve Schmidt and Mercury Public Affairs. Schmidt was once a member of the exclusive “breakfast club” led by top White House adviser Karl Rove that ran President Bush’s re-election campaign. Then he moved on to handle operations for Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s re-election effort. Schmidt is now a partner at Mercury Public Affairs, which has also recently added former Schwarzenegger Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director Adam Medelsohn. Adam was part of the team that helped the Arnold refurbish his image and breeze through re-election.

As for Whitman, she supported Romney and is now said to be strongly on board with McCain. In addition to eBay, she serves on the Board of Directors of Procter & Gamble and DreamWorks Animation. Forbes magazine estimates her worth at $1.4 billion in 2007 and Time Magazine ranks her as one of the world’s most influential people.

So for many of us, the day has finally come. I have to admit, I am a bit skeptical about electronic voting because I have seen the information about the problems with some of the machines. In any case because of life on the road, I have been a absentee voter for a long time. My vote is cast, is yours? Politics and the candidates are the topic of conversation everywhere and here’s your chance once again to weigh in.