Puffing Politics

Obama say's "It's Just Math"

2012-10-21T17:06:00.001-07:00

In the recent debates, and on many of his talk show appearance, I keep hearing Obama using a catchy little phrase "It's Just Math" when he refers to any question about his economic plan. In fact that is his defense when anyone else tries to offer a plan. In the debates we have heard this explanation, and rebuttal on quite a few occasions. As I listen to the debates, and here the LARGE numbers thrown around, and I even find myself not being able a follow the trillion this, and billion that dialogue. I fear that many people feel the same way. Both candidates use the large scary number approach that sounds impressive, but if you really got down to it most people don't even understand what a trillion dollars is. This link might help you visualize the numbers the politicians throw around.

However that doesn't really get to the topic I am trying to hit on. He uses the "It's just math" statement to make it seem so easy that you might be scared to question it as you will appear stupid. I say if it was just math then how has Obama manage to rack up 4.7 trillion in debt in under 4 years? The debt when he took office was 10.6 trillion. Now we know that in the eight years that Bush was in office that he put 4.9 trillion of debt on the books. There we go big numbers that might not be easy to follow. I will show you the "It's just math" response.

From the first President to the 42nd President the USA accumulated 5.7 trillion dollars in debt. That number doesn't include either George W. Bush, or Obama. Here is the "Math"

15.3t (debt as of Jan 2012) - 4.7t (Obama's debt) - 4.9t (Bush's Debt) = 5.7t (the debt of Presidents 1 - 42)

Easy enough. So that explains that.

What about the whole "that's un-patriotic" comment that Obama made about that 4.9 trillion Bush spent. Since we have two whole numbers to compare the 4.7t of Obama, and the 4.9t of Bush we have to make it apples to apples. They only way to do that is look at it on a yearly basis.

Bush:
4.9t divided by 8 years is .61 trillion per year.

Obama:
4.7t divided by 3 years (as the we are using Jan 2012 numbers) is 1.56 trillion a year.

Yes folks that is more than double the Evil George W. Bush's yearly debt accumulations. "It's Just Math".

However here is the one we are really all concerned about, hear all the talk about, and the one that I feel is the most vague. TAXES.

We hear the terminology the 99%, the evil 1%, Fair Share, the 47% that don't pay, Food Stamps, unemployment, ect... Well I want to do a simple math breakdown of Obama's plan verse Romney's, and see if this makes it easier to visualize, and hopefully come November 6th make a more informed choice.

Let's use 100 people to demonstrate today's tax revenue and structure. I will refer back to this the base line.

We will use a $1000.00 dollars to represent the revenue generated by taxes.

We will use 2009 tax percentage to make them as non biases as possible. Here is my reference.

So for our 100 people and $1000.00 this is how it would break down. 100% of the revenue paid by 50% of the people. ( the bottom 50% when it comes to household income actually pays approx 2.25%, but for simplicity purposes we will roll that number into the top 50%)

1 top person would pay 367.30 dollars. The next top 4 people would pay $54.82 dollars a piece. The next 5 people would pay $23.62 a piece. That all together equals $704.40 paid by the top 10 people. Now the remaining 40 people will evenly share the the remaining 295.60. That equals $7.39 a piece.

So that being our baseline let's look at what Obama wants to do.

Cut taxes on the middle class which he defines as not the top 1% or household incomes over $250,000.00
Raise taxes on the Top 1% (millionaires and billionaires.)

If we give a 5% tax break on everyone that isn't the top 1% and raise the taxes on that top person by 15% let's look at what our net revenue would now be.

1 top person would pay $422.39 dollars. The next top 4 people would pay $52.07 dollars a piece. The next 5 people would pay $22.43 a piece. That all together equals $742.82 paid by the top 10 people. Now the remaining 40 $7.02 a piece or $280.80.

Under this plan we would have a tax revenue of $1023.62

Using our base line let's look at what Romney wants to do.

Cut taxes on the middle class which he defines as not the top 5%
Keep top 5% paying their same percent of the tax burden.
Romney's plan create 12m jobs as apposed to the the 23m less workers.

If we give a 5% tax break on everyone that isn't the top 5% ,and keep the top 5% paying the same burden let's see what our revenue is.

1 top person would pay 359.68 dollars. The next top 4 people would pay $53.69 dollars a piece. The next 5 people would pay $22.43 a piece. That all together equals $686.59 paid by the top 10 people. Now the remaining 40 $7.02 a piece or $280.80.

Under this plan we would have a tax revenue of $967.39.

But Wait! That is what Obama is saying we have to raise more money. Here is the variables that Barry doesn't talk about. During his term 23m people are now out of work that were working. The current population of working age adults between the age of 18 and 65 is 181.9 million. That means we are paying on average $386.00 dollars a week to 12.6% more people now then we were when Obama took office. That is an expense in fiscal terms.with a price tag of 8.87 billion dollars.

Let's do the math using our base line. 12.6% of 100 is 12.6 people. Since you can't have a 6th of a person we will round down to 12. Now These people would be the the bottom 25% of wage earners so we will say that instead of tax gain we are spending tax dollars. So with Obama's model let's figure in 12 people at the lowest bracket as an expense. The math is $7.02 times 12 which equals $84.24 dollars. Put that into his $1023.62 revenue numbers. The math would be $1023.62 - $84.24 which equals $939.40. That is a loss of $60.60 per year.

To be fair let's do the same math for Romney. His plan moves the 23m people out of work to 12m. The math 23m - 12m which equals 11m people still not working. This would mean on an average we are paying 6.04% the $386.00 dollars per week with a price tag of 42.4 billion dollars. Still a pretty hefty price. However we have to also consider that we have a gain of people now paying taxes verse the current economic situation. From the 12.6% to the 6.04% is a 6.56% swing. We will make the math easy a spilt it in half.

Let's do the math using our base line. 6% of 100 is 6 people who we are paying the $7.02 a piece to as an expense. However we have 6 more people now paying the $7.02 in taxes as they are now working. The math is $7.02 times 6 which equals $42.12 as an expense dollars, but this is offset by the people coming back into the workforce, and now contributing to the revenue of $42.12 Put that into his $967.39 plus $42.12 which equals $1009.51. You then have to back out the 42.12 again, and leaves you with $967.39.

So "It's Just Math" answer would be. Romney's plan would cut taxes, but offset expenses, and would require spending cuts of 3.3% to just break even. Obama's plan would cut taxes for some, and dramatically raise them others. However since there is no plan for covering the expense he would have to cut spending by 6.1%. If you use his record as a indicator of his spending habits that just doesn't add up.

Israeli Motives for an October Attack on Iran

2012-08-29T11:21:00.003-07:00

I am a news addict. Since I am studying to become a Physician Assistant, I read a lot of health and science related articles. However, I am, above all else, an informed conservative. I review many sources on a daily basis to keep up with the ongoing ideological fight between conservatives and liberals, both nationally and internationally.

Unemployment Rate:

2008 – 4.8%

Current – 8.8%

Average Household Income:

2008 – $48,382.00

Current – $44,409.00

Best Places to Live Top 100 via Money Magazine:

2008 – Weston 73^rd, Coral Springs 78^th, and Miramar 98^th.

2011 – None were still ranked in Top 100.

I look at these basic statistics of the people that live in theses so call swing states and really have to wonder. What is it that they are contemplating, that would keep them in the “toss-up” status? Nothing has improved for them since the inauguration of Mr. Obama, and it isn’t looking better. The only thing I fear is that they aren’t aware of this data. Sure they are living it, but are they being told it?

You see we, as people, are at our most impressionable state when we feel we have no where else to turn. This is why you see the get rich quick infomercials on late night television. I spent a few years in the marketing business, and worked hand in hand with many direct buy products. The reasons they are sold on late night TV are for two main reasons.

The cost. The air time is much cheaper then.
The rate of response is higher because studies have shown that this audience is either working a shift / job they don’t want (hence being up so late), or are up due to stress over their current situation.

So when people are at their lowest they are more apt to believe what they are told because they are looking for something to believe in. We as conservatives have that something, we have that faith. We still believe in our founding principles which provided the ground work for the rise of the most exceptional nation on the planet. I believe we need tweaks to that formula set forth in our Constitution to keep with the times, not change or disregard as this administration has demonstrated time and time again.

Share these facts with those people that are undecided. Give them the information that matters to them, to their families, to their future. In the 3 almost 4 years that Obama has run this country he has had but one direction. Down, and he has been successful on his journey.

Stand together, fight together, and win together. Little do the liberals know, but their defeat in November will be the best thing that has happen to them in 4 years.

PS. Here are some other states we need to stay strong in or make a move in.

Romney Obama

Missouri 50% 44%

North Carolina 49% 44%

Nevada 45% 50%

Pennsylvania 44% 48%

New Hampshire 43% 48%

Michigan 42% 48% (Really??? UE Rate 7.1% to 9% How are we losing here??)

Obama's Lies Not Gaffes

2012-08-12T15:43:00.000-07:00

http://grrrgraphics.com/

This is a list of lies that are documented by a wonderful site called Obama Lies. I even got the picture from them. I was so impressed, shocked, and taken by their list I put it on my blog. Please visit their site for more great information and truthes. With the media "blackout" on anything negative Obama we have to search out this information.

These are listed by the most recent all the way back to his 2008 campaign.

Lies During Third Year

I will walk on that picket line with you, if workers are denied the right to bargain.Youtube
In his 2012 State of the Union Address, President Obama said that American oil production is the highest that it’s been in eight years.www.breitbart.com
I’ve done more for Israel’s security than any President ever
Obama aided Islamic Extremists take over of Egypt/ Libya – Weapons pour into Gaza
Virtually every Senate Republican voted against the tax cut last week
Examiner
“Every idea that we’ve put forward are ones that traditionally have been supported by Democrats and Republicans alike.”
Like Raising taxes?
Obama met highly qualified out of work teacher Robert Baroz
He wasn’t out of work and Obama never met him.
GOP Responsible for Obama Jobs Bill Not Passing
Dems Rejected Jobs Bill
You have 80 percent of the American people who support a balanced approach. Eighty percent of the American people support an approach that includes revenues and includes cuts. So the notion that somehow the American people aren’t sold is not the problem
Gallup Poll: Only 69%
These are obligations that the United States has taken on in the past. Congress has run up the credit card, and we now have an obligation to pay our bills.
Looks like it’s been incurred mostly in the years of Obama
Jobs Bill Paid for
Seems not so much Paid for
Then you’ve got their(GOP)which is dirtier air, dirtier water, less people with health insurance
Barack Obama, campaiging in Asheville, NC, 10/17/11
I cannot guarantee that those checks go out on August 3rd if we haven’t resolved this issue. Because there may simply not be the money in the coffers to do it.
American.com
USA producing more oil than ever before
Petroleum Insights
Fence between US and Mexico is “Practically Complete”
Department of Homeland Security says 5%
Rich doesn’t pay their fair share.
National Taxpayers Union
Mitt Romney would deny gay people the right to adopt children. Cnn Interview

Lies During Second Year

Obama claimed the SCOTUS decision in Citizens United v. FEC, “open[ed] the floodgates for special interests — including foreign corporations — to spend without limit in our elections.nationalreview.com
No signing statements to nullify or undermine congressional instructions as enacted into law
Obama Lies to Keep Czars
No “boots” on the ground Libya
Anyone that has worked with the AC-130 gunship can tell you, you need spotters to let aircraft know where the targets are. Usually it is Special Forces, Rangers etc trained for this mission. It’s CIA Agents in Libya on the ground
Reform will also rein in the abuse and excess that nearly brought down our financial system. It will finally bring transparency to the kinds of complex, risky transactions that helped trigger the financial crisis.
Obama Lies About Financial Reform Bill
All Americans WILL BE were, “surprised, disappointed and angry” about lockerbie bomber
Obama Memo
I will not rest until the BP Oil Spill stops
Obama’s Schedule
The health care bill will not increase the deficit by one dime.
Campaign and Presidency
If you like the health care plan you have you can keep it
TownHall
“Under our plan, no federal dollars will be used to fund abortions, and federal conscience laws will remain in place.”
U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C., September 9, 2009.
ObamaCare Fee is not a new tax
Obama denies healthcare is a new tax on all Americans
We have run out of places in the US to drill for oil.
Obama’s oval office speech in June 2010
Now suddenly if you don’t have your papers and you took your kid out to get ice cream, you can be harassed, that’s something that could potentially happen.
Arizona Immigration Law
Doctors choose amputation because they get better compensation. Greedy Doctors taking out tonsils for more money.
Claims never documented

The Health Care Package will pay for itself
Time
Republicans don’t have a single idea that’s different from George Bush’s ideas — not one.
Hmm Immigration?

We shouldn’t Mandate the purchase of health care
Democratic Debate Lies
Obama says he’ll save average family $8,000 in gasVideo Proof
I am immediately instituting PayGo “Pay as you go”
Said during a speech immediately after the Trillion Dollar “Shovel Ready” bill.
I got the Message from Massachusetts
Daily Bail

Lies During First Year

We began by passing a Recovery Act that has already saved or created over 150,000 jobs.” – caught cooking the books and now changed to ‘jobs supported’ versus ‘created/saved’
AP fact Checker
Number one, we inherited a $1.3 trillion deficit. … That wasn’t me.” – Congress, under Democratic control in 2007 and 2008, controlled the purse strings that led to the deficit Obama inherited.Obama supported the emergency bailout package in Bush’s final months — a package Democratic leaders wanted to make bigger.
AP fact Checker
Collective salvation
Obama calls himself a Christian
I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
Obama Inauguration. 20 Jan 2009
Cut Deficit in Half by end of first term
Associated Press Video
Health Care deals will be covered on C-span
Obama Lies
As President I will recognize the Armenian Genocide
ABC

Recovery Act will save or create jobs
ABC News
Unemployment rate will be 8.5% without stimulus.
Obama Lies
No Earmarks in the $787 Billion Stimulus
CNN
I happen to be a proponent of a single payer universal health care plan
Specator.Org
We have launched a housing plan that will help responsible families facing the threat of foreclosure lower their monthly payments and refinance their mortgages.
Obama Lies
I am not somebody who promotes same-sex marriage.
NPR
Guantanamo bay to be closed within a year
Council on Foreign Relations.
Won’t Raise taxes on those making less than 250,000 per year.
Businessweek: Obama Agnostic on taxes
List of Tax Promise Violations

2008 Campaign Lies

I will walk the picket line with you, if workers are denied the right to bargain Youtube
No more wiretapping of citizens
Youtube
Mr. Ayers as “a guy who lives in my neighborhood,” but “not somebody who I exchange ideas from on a regular basis.
News Busters
I had a uncle who was one of the, who was part of the first American troops to go into Auschwitz and liberate the concentration camps
United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
Obama campaign would accept public funding
ABC
Minimum Wage will increase to $9.50/hr
A Socialist
Ann Dunham spent the months before her death in 1995 fighting with insurance companies that sought to deny her the coverage she needed to pay for treatment.
Mounting Heath Care Lies
Didn’t know Jeremiah Wright was RadicalDreams of My Father – A radical Socialist.
Would have the most transparent administration in HistoryCato Institute
We will go through our federal budget – page by page, line by line – eliminating those programs we don’t need, and insisting that those we do operate in a sensible cost-effective way.
Boston Globe
I have visited all 57 states.
Snopes
I’ll get rid of earmarks
Source: Any bill passed during presidency
When a bill lands on my Desk, The American people will have 5 days to review it before I sign it.
Campaign Speech
My father served in World War II.
The Videos and the Facts
Have troops out of Iraq by March 31, 2009
News Video
Seniors Making less than 50,000 will not have to pay taxes
YouTube
Would not vote for any bill supporting troop funding without a firm withdrawal commitment from the Bush Administration.
He has done nothing but continue the Bush admins strategy and to explain how the “surges total failure” has now become his greatest achievement.
Present Votes Are Common In Illinois
NPR
I Won Michigan
Huffington Post
I won Nevada
The Nation
I don’t Have Lobbyists
US News
My Campaign Had Nothing To Do With The 1984 Ad
Crooks and Liars
I Have Always Been Against Iraq
Washington Post
My Wife Didn’t Mean What She Said About Pride In Country
CNN
Barack was never an ACORN trainer and never worked for ACORN in any other capacity.
Obama Campaign Video
I Barely Know Rezko
Sun Times
My Church Is Like Any Other Christian Church
ABC News

A Moment of Clarity: Facts Based Knowledge.

2012-07-16T05:44:00.001-07:00

It is simple at times to get so caught up in where we are that we seldom look back on how we got there. Some times we get so overwhelmed that we look at a task, and we see it as insurmountable. I will admit at times I look at our country, and our government, and feel the later of the two. I have to reevaluate, reinvigorate, and re-motivate myself . I feel we all need these moments of clarity in order to stay the course when it comes to reenergizing our efforts and our focus. I wanted to take you through my thought process as I slap myself back in shape now and again. It is a three step process that consists of understanding where we have been, how we got where we are, and what needs to happen to get us where we need to be.

Where We Have Been?

Let's look at welfare claims.

The number of people living off welfare and food stamps across America has increased over the past year. There has been an increase in the number of food stamp recipients in every state. Today, 19 percent more people receive food stamps than did in March 2008. Welfare caseloads have increased in 23 of the 30 most populous American states, according to a survey by the Wall Street Journal and the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Journal reported Monday.

The biggest increases in welfare claims come from the states with the highest unemployment rates. Oregon’s count increased by 27percent, South Carolina’s increased by 23 percent, and California’s 10 percent since 2008. The number of people claiming welfare is now rising across the country for the first time since President Bill Clinton reluctantly approved a Republican welfare reform bill in 1996.

.
How we got where we are?

Let's focus on two main things in the election of 2008. Who was voting and what were the percentages of Obama support verses McCain.

Here are the demographics of the 2008 Presidental Election. Click on the image to get a better veiw.

Some funny things stood out for me here on being that Obama won 52% to 46% in people making over 200k a year. He also had a strong showing with single people verses married people.

Take time to review this and try to understand how he was able to win sway with the voters in each category. Especially the 20% of conservatives

What needs to happen to get us where we need to be?

Well the obvious thing is we need to defeat Obama in 2012 however that is not the only victory we should be shooting for. In fact there are just as if not more important things to be focused on. We have to keep control of the house and take control of the Senate. I want to point out some key states in making that happen.

Republicans currently have representation in 32 states with 47 State Reps with an average tenure of 10.2 years. The Democrats have representation in 35 stats with 53 State Reps with an average tenure of 13.5 years.

So as you can see no party has a monopoly with representation in all 50 states. Some states will more than likely always be red or blue and there might not be a lot that we can so to change that. That should not be the focus to win over states we have no sway in. There are 16 states that have spilt representation. It is those key states that we can make up ground and take control.

Here are those Key States.

We have to be active in every upcoming election, but if you live in one of the above states put your game face on and pound some pavement, ring some phones, and just bring up your argument in as many places and occasion you can.

I agree with Obama on one point.

Yes We Can do better and Yes We Will show our resolve come November 2012.

I RECIEVED THIS EMAIL ABOUT OBAMA

2012-06-27T10:52:00.000-07:00

Folks I recieved the below email about Obama. Please take time to read this and after you pick yourself up off the floor send it to everyone you know that cares about our wonderful country.

____________________________

Obama Donates 7 Alaska Islands to Putin for $$ Zero Dollars

This is what our beloved president Obama has done in 2012 for America so far this year.

Please read the following to see what is happening. Why is he getting away with all of this?
Is there a "REST OF THE STORY"?
This article on Feb. 16, 2012 appears in very few places. Apparently, the regular "professional reporters" consider Obama giving away islands belonging to Alaska and part of the United States as no big deal. Obama is giving these islands to Russia for free, no cost, $zero money or any other consideration. Guess what? The state legislature in Alaska (still one of our 50 states) voted several times in opposition to THE GIVEAWAY! The islands have billions of barrels of OIL and Obama could let oil companies lease parts of the islands and start drilling for MORE OIL!! Should you suspect Obama was trying to sneak this by...? Why??
WorldNetDaily.com<http://worldnetdaily.com// . Obama's State Department is giving away seven strategic, resource-laden Alaskan islands to the Russians. Yes, to the Putin regime in the Kremlin. The seven islands in the Arctic Ocean and Bering Sea include one the size of Rhode Island and Delaware combined. The Russians are also to get the tens of thousands of square miles of oil-rich seabed's surrounding the islands. The Department of Interior estimates billions of barrels of oil are at stake.
The State Department has undertaken the giveaway in the guise of a maritime boundary agreement between Alaska and Siberia . Astoundingly, our federal government itself drew the line to put these seven Alaskan islands on the Russian side. But as an executive agreement, it could be reversed with the stroke of a pen by Pres. Obama or Sec. Clinton. The agreement was negotiated in total secrecy! The State of Alaska was not allowed to participate in the negotiations, nor was the public given any opportunity for comment. This is despite the fact the Alaska Legislature has passed resolutions of opposition - but the State Department doesn't seem to care.
The imperiled Arctic Ocean islands include Wrangel, Bennett, Jeannette and Henrietta. Wrangel became American in 1881 with the landing of the U.S. Revenue Marine ship Thomas Corwin. The landing party included the famed naturalist John Muir. It is 3,000 square miles in size.
Northwest of Wrangel are the DeLong Islands , named for George Washington DeLong, the captain of USS Jeannette. Also in 1881, he discovered and claimed these three islands for the United States . He named them for the voyage co-sponsor, New York Citynewspaper publisher James Gordon Bennett. The ship's crew received a hero's welcome back in Washington , and Congress awarded them gold medals.
In the Bering Sea at the far west end of the Aleutian chain are Copper Island , Sea Lion Rock and Sea Otter Rock. They were ceded to the U.S. in Seward's 1867 treaty with Russia .
Now is the time for the Obama administration to stand up for U.S. and Alaskan rights and invaluable resources. The State Department's maritime agreement is a loser - it gives us nothing in return for giving up Alaska 's sovereign territory and invaluable resources. We won the Cold War and should start acting like it. Also see Link 1,2 below
Link 1. http://www.westernjournalism.com/obamas-giveaway-oil-rich-islands-to-russia/
Link 2. http://commonamericanjournal.com/?p=39807
The State Dept. Watch says: http://www.statedepartmentwatch.org/GiveawaySummary.htm
And you can "Google" many more links with " Alaska island giveaway"

Cigar Review: Drew Estate Natural - Root

2012-05-10T16:02:00.000-07:00

The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly: The Good

Here's what the Pro's at Famous Smoke say:

Natural by Drew Estate Root cigars are the most distinctive in the series. Beautifully handcrafted with a bushy foot and filled with an enticing blend of earthy tobaccos that brim with creamy essences of mocha-cappuccino. Root finishes with a rich mouthful of smoky Oakwood and wine flavors.

Burn: 89

Consistency: 90

Draw: 92

Appearance: 92

Taste: 93

Construction: 92

Overall rating: 92

I think I have a thing for Drew Estate cigars.

When Seth and I began the cigar reviews, we started with the Drew Estate ACID - Toast. Wow! We had never had a cigar that was so mild and toasty, infused with the slightest bit of sweetness with hints of coffee and cocoa, and that left no residue on the palate. We both LOVED that cigar.

Today, with Jonathan Drew coming into town Saturday, May 12th, 2012, at 7pm for a Drew Estates Special Event at www.cigarboxtulsa.com, I decided to try a Drew Estates Natural. I had heard good things about their Natural cigars, and was looking forward to trying it. I had been given advice that the Root was a good, medium to mild cigar, and was glad to take the advice! I decided to buy an extra for HobbeSenior, since he had also expressed adoration for the Toast. I quickly drove to his house and persuaded him to put down his paint roller (painting the TV room) and light up. I didn't have to use much persuasion...

As we got out to the back porch, I breathed in the wonderful smell of Honey Suckle and Mock Orange, listened to the chirp of birdsong and the steady, slow drip of the fountain, and calmed my mind from the media B.S. about Romney bullying a "potentially" gay kid in 1965. I gladly took the cigar from its package.

The cigar was "squeezish," not too much, but some. It had a woodsy, mild bouquet, and a little sheen on its surface. It had a very small cap, and I overclipped the end, later leading to it unwrapping a bit. The dry draw had a taste of cocoa and a bit of cherry.

It lit up nicely, but the first draw was a bit sharp, causing me to worry. As it warmed up, the smoke was heavy and full, and the taste mellowed to a toasty, woodsy, warm cocoa with a bit of that early cherry sweetness. The smoke was so thick it looked like the back porch was on fire. It left no pepper or spiciness on the tongue and opened up so well, you could choke yourself out on the volume of tasty smoke rolling through that stick.

The taste continued to mellow and warm through the second 1/3 of the cigar, and had us buzzing with accolades and adjectives. The ash was loose, but not flaky. The fire stayed lit without attempting to go out. This was a GOOD cigar. We both smoked this bad boy to the last inch.

We tried to determine where we would place the cigar in our top ten and settled on 2nd, under the Toast, with the Rocky Patel Nording a close third. Also in the hunt would be the Drew Estates Tabak Especial, a cigar I have yet to review, but of which I have already had the pleasure.

My ratings:

Burn: 90

Consistency: 85

Draw: 95

Appearance: 90

Taste: 95

Construction: 88

Overall rating: 92

The Suggestion:

First, you should use a punch on this cigar to avoid the mild annoyance of having clipped too far and having it leave wrapper chunks on your lips as you try to have a meaningful conversation. Second you have GOT to try this cigar. Third you have to attend the Drew Estates Special Event. I have watched enough YouTube videos, and read enough about the company and Jonathan Drew to know that I want to meet him, shake his hand, and hopefully get a chance to talk some business and politics with him. I hope I see you there Saturday night!

Cigar Review: Romeo y Julieta 1875 Reserva Real

2012-05-10T15:06:00.000-07:00

The Good, the Bad, & the Ugly: The Bad

This is what the pros at Famous Smoke say:

Romeo y Julieta Churchill cigars are blended with choice Dominican long-filler tobaccos and aromatic Indonesian TBN (shade-grown) wrappers. Laced with toasty flavors of aged cedar, nuts, and spice, the cigar is well-balanced and maintains a smooth, medium-bodied smoke from end to end. A classic!

Burn:     83
Consistency:     85
Draw:     84
Appearance:     88
Taste:     87
Construction:     85

Overall rating:     85

To begin with, a little history: My family and my parents visited Athens, Greece, and Istanbul, Turkey, a few years ago. One of the favorite memories of my stay in Athens is, after a long day of visiting museums, ruins, and having a nice Greek meal in a locals' restaurant (where we actually ate twice during that visit because it was SO good!), my dad and I visited a cigar shop and picked out two Romeo y Julieta cigars, went to our room in a nice boutique hotel, sat out on the balcony and smoked the cigars. The view was grand, the weather was beautiful, the day was good. And, the cigars were WONDERFUL!
I wanted to relive that experience after I wandered into the humidor at P & V Cigars and Wine Accessories in Tulsa and saw the R & Js sitting on the shelf. I eagerly bought one and got to smoke it last night.

It was not what I expected...First, it had a nice, firm squeeze, fruity nose, and had a decent sheen on its skin. The dry draw was moist and tasted of citrus notes and a pungent, fruity body. The cigar lit easily and the first puff was smooth, and that pungent fruit taste was forefront on the palate. The draw was nice, the smoke cool and voluminous, but the taste turned to a tart and somewhat rotten taste of overripe mango. I am not a fan of mangoes. The burn was a bit jagged, though it stayed lit. Ash was light and, though not tight, wasn't flaky.

But, that taste. As I progressed down the cigar, hoping against all hope that the taste profile would change after the first third, I became less and less interested in taking a puff. I found myself dreading the next pull, and finally decided not to continue, about halfway through the cigar.

The R & J I smoked in Athens was clearly of different vintage as I remember it being warm, toasty, and left little aftertaste. It was one of the best cigars I'd had up to that point. The 1875 Reserva Real, however, was NOT that cigar. There was much about the cigar that suggests it was well made, but I could not handle that taste.

My ratings:

Burn:     85
Consistency:     80
Draw:     85
Appearance:     85
Taste:     35
Construction:     85

Overall rating:     65

The Suggestion:

Perhaps this would be a good after-dinner smoke with some brie and a fine Merlot. However, I hate all of those things (except dinner) so it was definitely not my cup of tea.

Do Tax Cuts Help or Hurt?

2012-05-07T17:26:00.002-07:00

There are two distinct sides to this economic balancing scale. We see it as Republican and Democrat or even more so Conservative and Liberal. Advocates of tax cuts argue that reducing taxes improves the economy by boosting spending; those who oppose them say that tax cuts only help the rich because it can lead to a reduction in government services upon which lower income people rely.

Let’s look at this is a step by step format to first create understanding of our current system. We can then discuss this as a pros and cons debate.

The Tax System
The federal tax system relies on a multitude of different taxes to generate revenues. 43% of tax revenues are generated through the federal income tax according to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Personal income taxes are levied against income, interest, dividends and capital gains, with higher earners generally paying higher tax rates. This in is based on raw dollars not necessarily higher percentage.

The second largest source of funds for the IRS is the payroll tax. This accounts for nearly 40% of total revenues. The payroll tax is a tax levied at a fixed percentage on salaries and wages, up to a certain limit and is paid equally by both employer and employee. Payroll taxes have become an important source of revenue for the federal government and have grown more quickly than income taxes as the government has raised rates and income limits. Commonly known as the FICA (the Federal Insurance Contributions Act) tax, the payroll tax is used to pay Social Security benefits, Medicare and unemployment benefits. Whether or not it is all used for that is one of the complaints.

The other major sources of revenues for the IRS are corporate taxes, and excise taxes. They account for approximately 14% of the total tax revenue.

Tax Cuts and the Economy
Tax cuts, when used properly, have stimulated the economy. Here are some examples:

President George W. Bush's tax cuts for moving the economy out of recession. Similarly, in 1964, Congress enacted an 18% cut in personal taxes to spur growth. The legislation was designed to encourage consumer spending - many believe that it succeeded admirably as consumers delivered a textbook reaction.

Ireland's recent tax cuts are believed to have improved living standards significantly. For years, the Irish were faced with high unemployment, budget deficits and high taxes. In 1986, Ireland faced a fiscal crisis (sound familiar?). After reducing government spending, the government lowered taxes on both individuals and corporations. Over the next 13 years, Ireland's per capita income went from only 63% of the United Kingdom's average to besting it in 2000. Ireland now enjoys one of the highest standards of living in Europe.

Fairness in Taxes

With the current ideal of fairness, cutting taxes is never a simple task. Two distinct concepts are horizontal equity and vertical equity.

Horizontal equity is the idea that all individuals should be taxed equally. An example of horizontal equity is the sales tax, where the amount paid is a percentage of the article being purchased. The tax rate stays the same whether you spend $1 or $10,000. Taxes are proportional. This is where proposals like the Fair Tax and Flat Tax come in.

A second concept is vertical equity, which is translated as the ability-to-pay principle. In other words, those most able to pay should pay the higher taxes. An example of vertical equity is the federal individual income tax system. The income tax is a progressive tax because the fraction paid rises as income rises. This is where the argument of “Fair Share” come in.

Why are taxes emotional and not logical?
Reducing taxes becomes emotional because, in simple dollar terms, people who pay the most in taxes also benefit most. If you cut the sales tax by 1%, a person buying a Hyundai may save $200, while a person buying a Mercedes may save $1,000. Although the percentage benefit is the same, in simple dollar terms, the Mercedes buyer benefits more.

Cutting income taxes is more emotional because of the progressive nature of the tax. Reducing taxes 25% on a family with an adjusted gross income of $60,000 will save them approximately $2,042. But a smaller 10% tax cut for a family with a taxable income of $150,000 would save them $3,333.

This “imbalance” is the argument of the current administration to fight tax cuts. Tax cutters are always open to the rich versus the poor argument. Even when tax cut proposals eliminate the taxes altogether for lower income individuals, some critics still maintain the cuts support the rich. This is true, in a sense, but if a tax cut generates broad-based increases in disposable income, it is likely that people who pay the most in tax dollars will save the most. In other words, those who do not pay taxes cannot benefit from a tax cut. Since 47% of the people in the US don’t pay taxes…. Ummm…

Another problem for tax cut advocates is balancing the budget. Cutting taxes, at least theoretically, reduces government revenues, which creates a budget deficit. To counter this deficit, the government could cut spending. However, critics of tax cuts would then argue that the tax cut is helping the rich at the expense of the poor. In other words it removes the ability of the government to make people dependant as they can not funding all their entitlement programs.

Let’s look at it like this. Cutting taxes generally increases disposable income, which can boost consumer spending, directly enhancing GNP. If tax cuts succeed in increasing economic growth, the rich and poor may both benefit. You see if you have more demand for product you need more labor to make it. If you need more labor you have to create more jobs. If you have more jobs then you need less government assistance. If you need less government assistance you need less government. If you need less government then… well you get the point. This is a chain reaction, a domino effect, and we are waiting for that first domino to fall.

Cigar Review: Rocky Patel Nording

2012-05-04T06:58:00.001-07:00

A Relaxing Nording on the Patio

At the previously mentioned Rocky Patel Event at Classic Cigars in downtown Tulsa, 3 out of the 4 at our table decided to get a bit crazy and went together to buy a 20 cigar deal, which came with a 10% discount, 5 extra cigars, and a Rocky Patel lighter. We each smoked one cigar that night and have vowed to continue smoking and writing about these wonderful cigars.

Before I say anything more about it, here is what the pros say about the Rocky Patel Nording:

"Rocky Patel pays homage to Denmark’s Erik Nording, one of the world’s most famous pipe makers, and the result is nothing less than spectacular. Nording Colorado Toro cigars are hand crafted in Honduras with primo Nicaraguan and Honduran tobaccos, Nicaraguan binder, and a dark Nicaraguan Colorado wrapper. It is reminiscent of well-aged Cubans, with an edgy strength, rich, medium-bodied taste, and aromatic flavors of sweet spice, caramel, and toasty finish."

Burn: 87

Consistency: 84

Draw: 92

Appearance: 89

Taste: 84

Construction: 89

Overall rating: 87

Here's what I think:

Last night, after a final exam in General Virology(!), I decided to visit with HobbeSenior (my dad) and light up a Rocky Patel Nording. Let me set the mood: Sitting on the back patio, in the dark, looking at the heavily-forested greenbelt, listening to birdsong with my parents’ two dachshunds in our laps. Nice!

We clipped our cigars, took a dry draw that gave a mild flavor with a bit of pepper, sniffed a clean, light tobacco scent, and lit up.

The Nording has a fantastic burn early on, great ash, and a perfect draw. The first pull had a medium fullness, and lots of smoke. As the evening was still, the voluminous smoke led to thought bubbles of smoke rings drifting from my lips while the conversation strayed to HIV-1 viral latency and drug treatments, the Chilean Megavirus, and RNA virus mutations.

The ash on the Nording was firm and the fire required little maintenance with a straight, cool burn. The mid-cigar flavor mellowed out nicely and, left with some back-tongue spiciness, began to raise my expectations further. HobbeSenior, sucking his cigar down like a Rastafarian with a fat blunt, couldn’t stop talking about the full flavor and smooth ride. Clearly going to be one of his favorites…

Toward the nub of the cigar, I began to lose the heat, but the taste remained true. I had to relight a couple of times, but enjoyed the Nording down to about 2-1/2 inches, where I got bored with relighting.

One caveat: Don’t smoke a premium cigar with diet root beer. Even if it is A & W Root Beer. Not a great pairing.

My ratings for this cigar:

Burn: 85

Consistency: 88

Draw: 93

Appearance: 90

Taste: 85

Construction: 88

Overall rating: 88

The Suggestion:

This is a very good cigar with a medium body, solid smoke, and a smooth finish. Definitely worth the time!

Cigar Review: Rocky Patel Vintage 1999

2012-05-03T17:43:00.003-07:00

I recently attend a fantastic Rocky Patel event at Classic Cigars in Tulsa and I choose the Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 and here is how the pro’s review this stick.

Rocky Patel Vintage 1999 cigars are the latest edition to this marvelous series that's become a hit with cigar smokers 'round the world. Each Rocky Patel Vintage Connecticut 1999 Robusto Natural cigar has a perfectly-balanced blend of Dominican & Nicaraguan longfiller tobaccos - all aged 7 years - highlighted by a mild, 1999-vintage Connecticut wrapper. The cigars are aged 120 days after rolling, and unlike the Rocky Patel Vintage '90 & '92, are NOT box-pressed. A sensationally smooth, toasty, medium-bodied cigar that hits on all cylinders.

This is the rating per Famous Smoke.

Burn 90

Consistency 91

Draw 92

Appearance 92

Taste 90

Construction 90

Overall Rating 91

As you may have noticed I prefer a mild to medium body cigar, and when reviewing the Rocky Patel website the Vintage 1999 caught my eye. The cigar is beautifully wrapper in a golden Connecticut wrapper. I am not sure if this is true or not but I relate a lighter wrapper to a more mild cigar. When I talked with the Rocky Patel rep there she let me know that there are many other things that affect that as well. She also advised me is that a majority of the flavors you are going to experience in a cigar will come from the wrapper. You learn a little everyday.

I lit the cigar with a duel flame Rocky Patel lighter (which we received at the event). It took to flame easy, and had a fairly consistent burn through out. I used a punch on the cap instead of a cutter. The cap of the cigar didn’t have any noticeable flavors or sweetness which had me a little worried that I might have gotten a cigar that was mild to a point it was going to be a little bland. Once the foot had a good burn on it I took my first draw and I am happy to say my concerns were for not. As I let the smoke fill my mouth and truly sit on my palette I could since a creamy almost butter like essence. It was very hard to drill down the exact flavor I tasted. Not that is was odd by any means, but it had a complexity to it. This was very intriguing as most mild to medium cigars do not have that characteristic. I was enjoying a whiskey on the rocks, however at the time and it seemed to be a touch overpowering to the smoke. This is a very mild cigar so it would need a more mild drink to go with it. Now I did dip the tip in the whiskey once (because I saw someone else doing it) and that truly gave the cigar a different twang. Different but not better. This was such a velvety clean smoke I didn’t want to overpower or alter it with the whiskey.

As I got into the middle of the cigar I was surprised that the construction remained extremely firm. Rocky Patel does make many box pressed cigars which I, for esthetic purposes only, am not a huge fan of. I know it compresses the flavors, and you get a great draw and firmness throughout, it is just the square feeling between my fingers that is the draw back for me. Call me weird. Fortuitously the 1999 is a hand rolled cigar so I was happy. At times these cigars soften up and burn a little hot, but halfway through and we had no problems with that. The other interesting thing I noticed is the flavors started to separate for me. What I mean is I started to distinguish some notable hints of what seemed like a cashew nut and also a touch of buttermilk. I know that neither of these were used in the construction of the cigar, but that complexity I spoke of earlier had really settled to a truly smooth and enjoyable experience.

I found myself examining the cigar as I was getting to the end and pondering exactly how many draws I had left. I was not looking forward to the end. The only thing that would put on my wish list is a little better burn. I never had to relight the cigar, but found myself on a couple occasion needing to take a couple of heavy and quick puffing to heat things up again.

There are many times I want a cigar that stands up and screams “this is who I am, spicy, peppery, and bold”, and if I was in that mood I would not reach for the RP Vintage 1999. However if my disposition is to sit on my front porch, enjoy a glass of table red, and truly unwind the 1999 would be a perfect fit. You will be amazed at how this cigar packs a subtle yet distinct flavor profile while never taking over the moment. It is the Guardian Angel of cigars; it sits quietly on your shoulder but has the power to amaze.

So here is how I size it up.

Burn 85

Consistency 89

Draw 92

Appearance 96

Taste 90

Construction 90

Overall Rating 90

THE SUGGESTION:

If you are a fan of a mild cigar this is a definite to have in your humidor. If you are a person who thinks a mild cigar can have a complex flavor profile this is a must to try. It is the subtle yet unique bouquet of flavors that truly makes this a mild cigar stand out.

Rocky Patel Event At Classic Cigars In Tulsa

2012-05-01T14:18:00.001-07:00

On April 27th, 2012, I had the honor and the privilege of attending the Rocky Patel Event at Classic Cigars at 118 North Boston Avenue in Tulsa, OK. The event was kicked off with a brief meeting with owners Chris and Nina as they were hustling around getting everything just right for the crowd that would follow. The Rocky Patel rep, Crystal LaTour, was not only an attractive gal, but extremely knowledgeable. We had a chance to chat with her a bit before the patrons started to trickle in, and she was more than willing to give us the rundown on the cigars. She was truly in her element as the humidor filled with customers. She immersed herself in character and went through the prestigious Rocky Patel line of cigars on display. From the Zen, to the Sun Grown, to the 15th Anniversary stick, she amazed us all with her quick wit, expansive knowledge base, and ability to flow from one description to the next. She spun a beautiful tale of each cigar from its origin to its taste appeal. She covered the region and method in which the tobacco was grown and whether it is was hand rolled or box pressed. Crystal stressed the impact the size of the cigar had on the strength of the fillers as well as the nutty and spicy flavors we could expect from each cigar. I found myself enthralled with the history of the line as well as the history of Rocky himself. She, on many occasion referred to the website, which everyone should visit if for no more than an education on the true art form of the cigar process from seed to smoke.

I went to the event with a hodgepodge of four chaps. There was the “Elder” (or HobbeSovereign’s father), HobbeSovereign himself, the “Trusted Companion” (a guy I’ve know since 7th grade), and myself. We were mesmerized by Crystal’s product knowledge and found ourselves buying a mix and match box of Rocky’s finest. The great thing was that Classic Cigars give an automatic 10% discount to any purchase of 20 cigars or more. We also scored 5 bonus cigars, and a beautiful Rocky Patel duel flame lighter.

However, before I go on , I would like to talk a little about the venue of the event and the owners of the establishment. Classic Cigars is a wonderful place to sit back and relax with a perfectly made beverage and your favorite smoke. The owners Chris and Nina Weis are absolutely fantastic people. They, like Crystal, are extremely knowledgeable of the industry and have helped me along on my voyage to the sweet science of smoke. They established the Classic Cigar era about 8 years ago with a goal to be a 5 star cigar in Tulsa and the premier cigar bar in the green country area. Folks, they are well on there way. In October of 2011 they opened there second establishment in Owasso, Ok. Though the venue is smaller (approx. 1600 sq ft), the atmosphere and nostalgia is just as big as the downtown location. When you walk in you are more than likely going to be greeted by either Chris or Nina themselves, and they are always happy to talk with you, examine your taste, and steer you in the right direction. The shop in the Historic Brady district in Tulsa was the perfect backdrop to this amazing evening. Though the place got packed with anywhere from 60 to 100 smokers at any given time, the 3 smoke eater units they had surprisingly kept the environment and smoke manageable. My favorite part of the bar is the area they refer to as THE PIT where plush leather sofas, and the finest cigar accessories await you. From large high top tables to cedar strips to get that perfect light, Chris and Nina have it all planned out.

The Jack Daniel Girls also joined in the festivities of the evening. They were handing out t-shirts and glass give-aways through the evening as well as a drawing held toward the end of the event. I unfortunately was not lucky enough to have my name drawn, but I was a true winner with some great political banter, a wonderful Vintage 1999, plenty of Jack to drink, and some true camaraderie with my closest friends.

If you get a chance to get out to a Rocky Patel event DO IT. You will not be disappointed. If you live within driving distance of either of the Classic Cigar locations make the trip. You will get the chance to purchase some extremely well-priced and perfectly preserved cigars, as well as have the privilege to chat with two cigar enthusiasts that are truly living the dream.

More pictures of the event to come... and yes the Jack Daniel's Girls.

Why No Cuban Cigars: A History from Castro to Obama

2012-04-25T13:50:00.000-07:00

John F. Kennedy was an avid cigar smoker and like most of us would smoke almost any Cuban he could get his hands on. His brand of choice was Petit Upmanns. On February 6, 1962 JFK would sign the decree to ban all of the communist state's products from the U.S. However on February 5th, 1962 before ink hit the paper he asked his head of press and fellow cigar smoker Pierre Salinger to obtain 1,000 Petit Upmanns before they were deemed contraband. The next morning only after he was told Salinger had successfully gotten his hands on 1,200 of Cuba's finest export JFK signed the decree and el bloqueo or the blockade as it is referred to in the Latin community was placed in effect.

I knew it had something to do with the Soviets, the nukes, and Fidel, but I never really took time to understand the whole story. Once I started digging in and unearthing the facts I was surprised at the true complexity and impact of the Embargo. Here is a timeline of the politics and major events that have taken place over the past 50 years. Let’s see who the major players were and what drove them to do as they did to restrict the flow of Cuban goodness to our local cigar shops.

1959: Castro Take over Havana, forcing Batista to flee and becomes prime minister.

1960: All US businesses in

Cuba

are nationalized without compensation. This causes the US stop diplomacy and imposes a trade.

1961:

Bay of Pigs takes place. Castro proclaims Cuba a communist state and begins its talks with the USSR.

1961 - 1963: The CIA started Operation Mongoose. There were apparently five plans to kill the Cuban leader.

1962: Cuban missile crisis ignites hits full stride. Castro agrees to allow the USSR to deploy nuclear missiles on the island. This crisis took the two superpowers to the brink of nuclear war. The Embargo was at its peak.

1962: John F. Kennedy signed the embargo on

Cuba

1963: The Cuban Assets Control Regulations was out into place under the Trading with the Enemy Act.

1993: The US tightens its embargo on

Cuba

, which introduces some market reforms in order to stem the deterioration of its economy. These include the legalization of the US dollar, the transformation of many state farms into semi-autonomous co-operatives, and the legalization of limited individual private enterprise.

1994: Cuba signs an agreement with the US according to which the US agrees to admit 20,000 Cubans a year in return for

Cuba

halting the exodus of refugees.

1996: In a response to Cuba shooting down of two US aircrafts operated by a Miami, the

trade embargo was made permanent.

1998: The

eases restrictions on the sending of money to relatives by Cuban Americans.

Nov 1999: And who could forget little Elian Gonzalez and huge campaign by Miami-based Cuban trying to preventing Elian from rejoining his father in Cuba and of making him stay with relatives in Miami.

June 2000: Elian was allowed to rejoin his father in

Cuba

after prolonged court battles.

June 2001: The case of the Cuban Five becomes a rallying cry for the Havana government. This is where five Cubans were arrested in Miami and were given long sentences for spying for the Cuban government.

Nov 2001: US exports food to

Cuba

for the first time in more than 40 years after a request from the Cuban government to help it cope with the aftermath of Hurricane Michelle.

May 2002: US Under Secretary of State John Bolton accuses Cuba of trying to develop biological weapons, adding the country to Washington's list of "axis of evil" countries.

May 2002: Former

President Jimmy Carter makes landmark goodwill visit which includes tour of scientific centers, in response to US allegations about biological weapons. Carter is the first former US president to visit Cuba since 1959 revolution.

Oct 2003: US President George Bush announces fresh measures designed to hasten the end of communist rule in Cuba, including tightening a travel embargo to the island, cracking down on illegal cash transfers, and a more robust information campaign aimed at

Cuba

. A new body, the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba, is created.

Feb 2006: A propaganda war breaks out in Havana as President Castro unveils a monument which blocks the view of illuminated messages - some of them about human rights - displayed on the

mission building.

Aug 2006: President Castro undergoes surgery and hands over power to his brother Raul.

Dec 2006: The largest delegation from the US Congress to visit Cuba since the 1959 revolution goes to Havana. They wanted to launch a "new era in US-Cuba relations", but the group is denied a meeting with Raul Castro.

July 2007: Acting leader Raul Castro again indicates he may be open to a warming of relations with the

. He offers to engage in talks, but only after the 2008 US presidential election.

Feb 2008: Raul Castro officially takes over as president. Washington calls for free and fair elections, and says its trade embargo will remain.

Dec 2008: New poll suggests a majority of Cuban-Americans living in Miami want an end to the US embargo against

Cuba

April 2009: President Obama lifts restrictions on family travel and remittances to

Cuba

Dec 2009: US citizen Alan Gross detained in Cuba accused of spying for Washington.

Nov 2010: American Ballet Theater visits

Cuba

for first time in 50 years, the latest in number of cultural exchanges.

Oct 2011: Convicted Cuban agent Rene Gonzalez is freed as scheduled from a Florida jail. Gonzalez is part of a group known as the Cuban Five, who were given long terms in 2001 in the US after being convicted of spying.

Dec 2011: The US again calls for the release of Alan Gross, an American who is serving 15 years in a Cuban jail for taking internet equipment into the country. Cuba's refusal to free him has frozen relations for months.

So as you can see the volatile relationship continues its ups and downs. Will we ever see free-trade with Cuba? We I be able to walk into my favorite cigar shop and ask the clerk to give me a couple of your best Cubans? I dare not venture to answer that question, but after researching this I feel more informed. I did learn long ago that “Knowing is half the battle”. Thank you GI Joe.

Obama Election 2012 Hinges On “That’s Just Not Fair"

2012-04-19T15:19:00.001-07:00

What is fair? We have all griped about it since we were children. When my older sister got to do something I didn’t I would puff out my bottom lip, cross my arms, and stomp one foot as I said “that’s not fair!” That was a valid argument for me at the time you see, fairness was the only thing that mattered. If she had something I should have it too. Of course I was 6 or 7 years old so I hadn’t developed the ability for abstract thought or deductive reasoning. My sister was 5 years older than me. The fact that age and maturity allowed her to do things I couldn’t meant nothing to my here and now mindset. The word fair is relative to the person using it.

What do you think the word fair means to a Socialist?Let’s examine the word fair to get a better understanding of it: The word fair comes from the old English word fæger. It was used as an adjective meaning beautiful, good-looking, or attractive. It was used to describe those that were exceptional in relationship to the average person. Fair has since gone through a change in meaning.

Now let’s look at some of the context in where the word fair has been used: Fair game, meaning not off limits, Fair weather friend, meaning some who is friendly, helpful, or available only when it is advantageous or convenient to be so, Fair play, good behavior and following the rules, and let’s not forget all’s Fair in love and war, unpleasant behavior is acceptable during love and conflict.

As demonstrated in the above contexts, the word fair has been twisted and contorted to meet the needs of the person that is using it. We all want to be treated fairly aswe all have a concept of what fair is. In this, however, lies the problem. It is a concept. It has no black and white meaning. Fairness is a broad word that everyone defines differently so when one claims that something isn’t fair one calls upon that trigger in us that feels pity for one’s self. That is correct I said it pity. If I am the one claiming that everyone needs to do their fair share I am saying, “ poor me. I am doing my part but here are the people that aren’t”. Saying something isn’t fair makes me a finger pointer and is a cry out for some else to make it right.

Let look back on my story of when I was but a young lad. My sister could sleep over at her friend's house and I couldn’t. NOT FAIR I would scream. The expected outcome of that action was that I wanted my parents to make it right. If she can I can. Let’s say my parents would have asked me to do my sister’s math homework that would not have been fair either. I don’t know that level of math as I am not old enough to be in that class. That same logic; age, is what my parents were using to tell me no about sleeping over, and her yes. I ignored the logic and that fact that she had “earned” her right to sleep over with her friends for no other reason than she was old enough or mature enough too.

So why is the word FAIR so scary to me when it comes to this election. It is the fact that Obama is focused on the outcome and not the logic. A person that earns more money gets more stuff. Period. Obama understands but is trying to appeal to the lazy and the takers and it is working. Fair will always appeal to that lack of “having” in all of us. If we have someone who says, “I just want things to be fair - it seems like that is the right way to go”. It will sway many American to his side. : Fairness is no more than a slogan the way Obama using it. It is not something that can be governed or legislated for what is fair to one is not to another. I went to a workshop and there was a speaker from India there. His father and mother had gone through the citizenship process and started a family. They lived in Houston, TX and one day he told his son that his family was going to flourish here in the USA. When asked by his son why he said that, the father’s reply was, “Because people have it so good here and they are complaining about it.” He came from extremely humble beginnings where they fetched water and raised their own food. He couldn’t understand the concept of our fairness issues as his reference points were different. Like I said earlier, every one of us has always had a concept of fair. It changes as our life experiences change, but it has been and always will be there.

We have to have a comebackfor his Fair Share slogan, and I propose this. PRIDE. Pride is another concept that we all have. For some of us it is a motivator to excel, for others it is a reason to complain when wounded, but it is strong in us all the same. We say that people have lost their pride in themselves and are becoming dependent. We need to ignite that pride we once had. As children we did nothing more than seek our parents’ approval and felt pride in a pat on the back. We need to let people know we appreciate, congratulate and acknowledge those acts of self-pride that stokes the flame of pride in all of us. He calls for fairness, we call for pride. Pride in our country, pride in or fellow Americans and even more importantly pride in ourselves. Where are the days when people were too proud to take a handout? Tap into, ignite, and inspire pride by our actions, our behaviors, and our words. Pride will view things that seem unequal as opportunities not obstacles. Pride will get people looking for jobs not checks. Pride will unite our country as Americans not divide them us in classes. We have to express that it isn’t the over regulation and taxation of the rich to distribute to the poor that will truly bring fairness. It is the rekindling of Pride that will spread like a wildfire and burn bright in the heart and soul of our country.

Ask not what your country can do for you ask what you can do for your country?

~John F Kennedy~

Cigar Review: COA Italia

2012-04-16T12:10:00.001-07:00

My second review is of the CAO Italia. These cigars are described as Ciao Natural with a hefty, 56-ring Robusto handmade with Italian grown Habano tobacco, plus Nicaraguan and Peruvian long filler encased in a tawny, sweet smelling Honduran grown wrapper. The result is a rich, earthy, and remarkably smooth, medium to full bodied cigar with a marvelous aroma.

The rating for the CAO Italia per Famous Smoke is:

Burn                                         84 rated
Consistency                              85 rated
Draw                                        86 rated
Appearance                             91 rated
Taste                                        90 rated
Construction                             89 rated

Smoking Seth's Take

When I first unwrapped the cigar and ran it below my nose there was a definite aroma that honestly smelled like fresh cut hay. When I was younger I used to work on a farm with my grandfather over the summers, and with the first whiff I was taken right back to the old farm house. It aroused the memory of how the mornings smelt right after we had cut and raked the fields and were just letting hay dry out before we bailed it up. Needless to say the cigar gained a few cool points for that. The look of the cigar was very pleasing as well. It was a rich deep color that was dark and had a slight gloss to it that I can only assume came from the natural oils of the tobacco.

I again used a wooden match to start things off. This cigar was well constructed and had that nice firmness to it. The Italia took to the flame well and was lit after just a few pulls. I blew the foot a bit and let the cigar self correct. After just a few seconds it seemed to have a nice even burn and after a minute or so had a decent ash. The first few drags from the cigar were FULL of flavor. The hay like aroma I smelt earlier came through a touch, but now was more of nutty wheat grass flavor. The smoke was rich, thick, and had a pleasant aromatic appeal. It was also easy to the tongue which is important to me. One thing I hate is when a cigar leave that "fuzzy" feeling film that coats your tongue. I will say that after the first third of this cigar I was thinking I had found a really good smoke.

About midway through the cigar started to lose that sweet nutty flavor that I had grown to truly enjoy. It didn't turn into a funky nasty mess it really just went a little bland. The cigar maintained its firm construction throughout and each draw seems consistent in smoke content and heat (or lack of) from the next. It was very nice to be revisited by that unique flavor toward the last third of the cigar. However it was very faint and compared to the 7 to 12 minutes that I felt I was just taking drags on a large cigarette I am not sure it was quite enough. I really wanted to be a fan of this cigar and fall head over heels for it as I do like the CAO line, but that just wasn't the case. I am not saying I wouldn't be pleased if I was offered this at a buddy's house as I would know he wasn't just pawning off a stogie he didn't want to smoke on me. I am just not sure I would spend the $7.15 for one again. Show me a sale and we might be talking.

Here's how I size it up.

Burn                                         93 (good throughout)
Consistency                              82 (just lost flavor in the middle)
Draw                                        90 (good smoke and heat)
Appearance                              92 (a good looking cigar)
Taste                                        84 (man did it start out GOOD)
Construction                             91 (good firmness and really held together)

Overall Rating                           88

THE SUGGESTION:

You won't fall in love with this cigar, but you will appreciate the craftsmanship and for the first third of the smoke you will have a GREAT flavor. So don't run to buy it, but don't run from it either. Medium bodied cigar.

Please allow me to introduce myself...

2012-04-15T20:01:00.002-07:00

I am a man of many interests and little wisdom. I am an erudite neophyte. I know lots of nothing, and little of everything. But, with a cigar in my hand and America burning at the edges, I can wax poetic about conservatism, liberalism, and the politics of political correctness. I do love a cigar...especially when it comes lit with the firebrand of sarcastic emoters trying to indoctrinate me into the sect of modern socialism.

Now, let's get things straight. There is no real "Communism." Communism lacks a government. A communist society has no need for rules because everyone is in their natural state of "Goodness." No need for religion, no need for countries, no need for possessions. No one owns anything. So, if you use that kind of language here, I may rebuff...

We're talking about socialism. I don't think many of today's liberals really view themselves as socialists, primarily because they haven't bothered to learn anything about socialism. Socialism has a command economy, the central government calling the shots and making all the decisions for the poorly informed masses. The government of FAIRNESS. Sound familiar?

Most people who are self-described liberals are people with daddy-issues. I know, that will choke a few with rage, but it's true! They react against the critical parent - the parent that wants them to get themselves out of bed, take a shower, get a real job, and make something of themselves. They want the ideal parent that loves them for their idiosyncrasies and laziness, that gives them money to allow them to find themselves, that doesn't lay down expectations. They HATE personal responsibility because it means they have to move from being morally shiftless, to accepting consequences for their own actions. They want to FEEL instead of think. They make great poets and artists, but should not be allowed anywhere near actual authority.

But, I digress.

My political views are to the right, but hard to categorize simply. I find myself agreeing with many of the things espoused by fiscal libertarians, but cannot jump off the Ron Paul precipice of pulling back from the world. However, a lot of what he says about the mandate of the Constitution is spot on. We have meandered down many a slippery slope of legal and legislative finesse to be at the place we are now...completely at odds with our own Constitution.

I waffle occasionally around social libertarian issues. I think most of Ron Paul's young supporters really just want to get high. I understand the appeal, but I have trouble bridging the social morass that thinking brings. So, I find myself a "Reagan Conservative." I'm not really sure what all that means, but I do side with Ronald Reagan on many of the issues of his time, especially what he thought of the Republican party and the need to stand boldly proud of our Pro-American views.

Over time, my aim for this pulpit is to relate some stories and allegories I've come to use to help myself understand the need for personal freedom and consequences, and others that I have used to tame myself from myopic views of the quick fix. I will talk about epistemology, metaphysics, and political philosophy. I will rail against the phlegm of political correctness in modern society. I will not shy from subjects of racism and sexual education. And, I'll review some cigars.

I won't blog about daily things, but I will stay current and talk about trends and how to keep the faith. We have some great months ahead, promising to show us the clear divisions in people's world views. It's a great time to be an American...unless Obama wins again.

HobbeSovereign

Obama vs. Bush. Facts not Fiction.

2012-04-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

I am not a political scholar, nor do I have moles in the Obama administration. I am not a conspiracy theorist, nor do I believe “they” are scanning my computer watching my every move. I only wish I bothered them enough to do that. I do have something going for me though. Common Sense.

Webster’s Online Dictionary defines common sense as “sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts”.

I know you might it is the word "simple" that relates most to me, and that would be understandable, but is not it. It is that small word that Barack tries to ignore, FACTS. This word, and this word alone will ensure that Obama is a one term President. We have to understand that his sole focus is on the larger word “perception” in that definition . He is doing all he can to ensure that the America people, the ones that don’t have access to or feel the need to acquire facts, are swindled by his smooth tongue and charm. We see that the difference between us (conservatives) and them (liberals) lies in the definition of “common sense”. It is not brain surgery, or some mathematical formula of astrophysics. Trust me, at times I fight not getting discouraged at the willingness of the Republican Party to fall victim to Democratic tactics of swaying the perception of people instead of educating them. We are all born with common sense. It is innate in all of us. We are no more than a sum total of our past, our perceptions, and our knowledge. When we fall into these battles of he said she said, and try to “win” people over to our beliefs or our spin on the events we play right into their hands.

The current administration makes claim of the Republican’s War on Women, and now after Hilary Rosen’s comments about Ann Romney we claim their War on Moms. We as conservatives get called racist, or at least referred to as we don’t have the black community in mind when we are making decisions. We are told time and again that the job market and the people's view of Bush’s jobs plan were dismal. That poverty was rampant during the Bush years. We start defending, or worst, we start back peddling because we allow ourselves to fall victim to the pressures of the media.

Here are my answers or rebuttals to the above accusations from Obama, his administration, and his media puppets.

Republicans want women to stay at home and be submissive and silent. They are waging a War on Women.

Republicans are totally out of sync with the Black community. They are want regulations that will drive up unemployment and poverty.

Bush’s Presidency was the “dark years” for the American worker. The morale of our country was in the toilet during his terms. He didn't create jobs, he created the unemployeed.

Obama states he is focused on creating jobs and getting Americans back to work. He has a “laser focus” on it.

Just to clarify Obama took office in 2009 for those that might not know.

Look at the trends. All this data and MORE is available at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It all screams the same message. We need not get caught up in the tit for tat that the Democrats will throw our way. The facts will sway the common sense of Americans. They are indisputable, inescapable, and inexcusable. Speak up and don’t let Obama, to quote Hilary Rosen, “Hide behind the skirt” of his media’s defense. Make him stand up and be held accountable for the travesty he has created and the path of destruction he has laid in front of my country.

Let you voice be heard. Tweet, repost, link, heck yell these stats to everyone you can. One term is enough Mr. Obama.

Only United Will We Succeed In Election 2012

2012-04-10T23:58:00.002-07:00

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

~ Henry Ford~

Henry Ford was a American entrepreneur that was able to look at a finished product, a goal, and reverse engineer it. He discovered that it is through a series of well planned and thought processes that his goal was reached in a most efficient and effective way. This of course was the creation of the assembly line and the technique of mass production.

There was no one step that was more important than the other. More importantly there was a set chain of events, a “nature” of processes that had to take place in a specific sequential order to work properly. To by pass any step or to cut in any corners would weaken the process by producing an inferior product or potentially total failure.

Henry Ford was born on July 30^th 1863. His family was immigrant farmers that knew that profit came from sweat, and that success was measured by the accomplishments of a day. William Ford (Henry’s Father) always believed his son would take over the family farm, but as we know today, that was not in the cards for Henry. In 1879 he left home and started an apprenticeship to be a machinist. He had found his calling. Everyone knows that Henry Ford was the brains and the founder of Ford Motor Company, but what most don’t know is that he also was the founding engineer for Cadillac and Dodge. Of course both are successful companies in there own rights. Why then did Mr. Ford not stay with companies that would one day be large automobile producers? It was his goal to make a car in a cost effective, quality focused way, and be able to reproduce the same product time and again.

It wasn’t that he disbelieved in the other companies it was that he knew there had to be a better way. The outcome of each of these companies has been similar and the success that Henry Ford found in the assembly line production if now an industry standard. It wasn’t that he was narcissistic and felt the need to be “his own man” and have all the glory. What is now Cadillac was once referred to as the Henry Ford Company, so self glory could not be it. Then what was it that kept him moving until he found the “right” fit?

It was the focus on a goal. A singular notation and vision of what he perceived was the future of the industry he was fascinated with. We as consumers have the same loyalty to our cars now of days. Once you buy your first vehicle, depending on that first impression, you may never buy another brand be it Ford, Cadillac or Dodge. We seldom see such loyalty in other products. Few things we buy do we become so snobbish about. Did Henry Ford know that cars one day would be the cornerstone to our society? The ability to conquer distance has changed the way we view our world in comparison to before. Maybe it is that fact alone that drives us to “buy-in” so wholly to our vehicle's maker. We see it as the vessel for our movement through this world. Maybe that was what Henry thought. He foresaw that everyone will deserve this privilege, and until he could find like minded people that was willing to produce a car with that in mind he kept moving. For when it is a product we can be picky that is until we are in a competitive battle for the market place or in desperate need of a service we can wait for that “perfect” fit.

Yet remember how I began this post. Reread the quote of Henry Ford. Our country and our freedoms are not a product that can be perfected through a set process of assembly. We have to understand that our country and its needs will be fluid and at times demanding. We can’t claim an allegiance to a product [candidate] and forsake all others as we do our cars. In seeing the current state our country finds itself in, there is distant that must be traveled, a distinct purpose, regardless what vehicle we must drive. That is to regain our democracy with a Strong Conservative Republican based government that can start to first disassemble the last four years of Marxist rule and reclaim the capitalist society that led to free enterprise and American Exceptionalism. It is more that a race for a Presidency, however that is the start. The first step in reaching our goal.

With Rick Santorum out of the race we can start to see Mitt Romney as the nominee for the Republican Party. Many people believe he is not that distinct contrast to Barack Obama we need. You may be right. I found myself throughout this nomination process scratching my head about Mitt on more than one occasion. However I do not have to scratch my head for even a second to know that another four years of our current administration could lead us down a path so far that turning around and finding our way back to a country of pride, morality, and greatness might be next to if not totally impossible.

Whether you are a Libertarian, Republican, or Independent, and whether or not you are truly bought into Romney you must remember one thing. You are NOT BOUGHT INTO OBAMA. That is the goal, that is the focus, and that is the must for America to regain its future. Look to Henry Ford and remember his words.

“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”

Together we can reclaim our country.

Cigar Review: Drew Estates Acid Toast.

2012-04-08T22:36:00.000-07:00

Our first Cigar Review was a good one. We sampled the Drew Estates Acid toast cigar. They describe this cigar as follows: "Acid Toast cigars, part of the Acid Subculture line, combine fine medium to full bodied Nicaraguan tobaccos with a rare blend of herbal and botanical essences to produce a spicy, toasty flavor with a pleasant, aromatic smoke. The tobaccos are cured in areas called cuarto aromaticos (aroma rooms) for months prior to rolling - these rooms are lined with over 150 different essential herbs, oils and botanicals imbued into the cigars over time. Handmade in Nicaragua with all natural ingredients, each ACID cigar size offers a distinct flavor and aroma".
This is the rating for the Acid Toast per Famous Smoke.
Burn                  93 rated
Consistency       94 rated
Draw                 90 rated
Appearance       98 rated
Taste                 98 rated
Construction      93 rated

So we know what the experts say but what about the under trained, uneducated lips of the Smoking Seth?Well I have to say that I was more than impressed. I have tried other cigars from the Drew Estates and I can say that I have more times than not been very surprised. This was no exception to the rule.

As I took the cigar out of the plastic I could sense a subtle aroma that seems to be the stamp of the Drew Estates line. The cigar was dark and was a little soft to the touch. Not spongy as I have felt in other cigars, but not the firm tight roll as I have felt either. Their cap of the cigar had a light sweet taste but not that of candy like you get with many flavored cigars. The infusion boasted by the Acid line is definitely unique. As I lit the cigar it pulled very nicely. The aroma and the taste seemed to dance together in the air and on my taste buds. I can say that this cigar definitely held together throughout the smoke. There was never a harsh after taste and the cigar only gave off a “hot” smoke as it got closer to the end.

One of the enjoyable effects of the cigar was the taste it left on my lips. Even when the sweetness of the cap was gone the taste on my lips remained throughout the cigar. The smoke time was about 30 minutes, but I am a slow smoker. It did go out once as when I left it without a draw for about 2 minutes of conversation with my co-author. The cigar relit well and didn’t have that burnt ash taste. I could definitely see this cigar being a staple for an after meal or mild enough to be enjoyed on the front porch in the morning with a cup of strong coffee.

Here how I rate it.
Burn                  95 rated (no uneven burn)
Consistency       95 rated (in both draw and taste throughout)
Draw                 93 rated (clean in the beginning a little hot toward the end due to the softer roll.)
Appearance       98 rated (a very consistent dark wrapping)
Taste                 99 rated (I love the infused Acid taste and this was FANTASTIC)
Construction      89 rated (a little soft for me and as it heated it got softer)

THE SUGGESTION: Smoke this cigar you will like it. Mild – Medium.

Breaking News Obama Flip Flops Over The Individual Healthcare Mandate.

2012-04-06T13:04:00.000-07:00

Folks this is hot off the press, Obama does not believe that a Health Care Plan has the need for individual mandates. He actually believes that if the Free Market would make it affordable people would purchase health care. Obama states that “folks are trying to avoid getting health care the problem is they can't afford it.”

Well this might not be breaking news but it was his battle cry to edge out Hillary Clinton in his 2008 run for the Democratic nominations. My question is why are we as Republicans, heck as Americans not holding him accountable to this? Let’s look at some things Obama said in the 2008 – 2009 time frames in regards to Healthcare and how he vowed to fix it.

This was reported by Politifact in reference to a Democratic Debate for the 2008 nominations.

At a debate in South Carolina, Edwards said Obama's plan really wasn't universal health care, since it didn't have a mandate to ensure everyone was covered.

Obama replied that his plan was universal (a claim we rated Barely True ) and explained why he was against a mandate: "A mandate means that in some fashion, everybody will be forced to buy health insurance. ... But I believe the problem is not that folks are trying to avoid getting health care. The problem is they can't afford it. And that's why my plan emphasizes lowering costs."

Hmmm so at that time it seems he understood (when it benefited him) people didn’t want to be forced to buy anything. But wait there is more.

Here is something Obama said in a 2008 interview as reported by Wall Street Journal.

"She (Hillary Clinton) mandates that everybody buy health care," then Sen. Obama said in one 2008 interview. "She'd have the government force every individual to buy insurance and I don't have such a mandate because I don't think the problem is that people don't want health insurance, it's that they can't afford it." He added, "Well, if things were that easy, I could mandate everybody to buy a house, and that would solve the problem of homelessness. It doesn't."

Wait so the mandate isn’t the answer Barak? I couldn’t agree more. But I am still not convinced you are on board with the whole no mandate policy. Is there anything that may show me how Obama feels about this whole mandate thing?

Here are a couple of great articles. One from the New York Times which states “the big difference is mandates: the Clinton plan requires that everyone have insurance; the Obama plan doesn’t.”

The other is article I urge you to read is from The Health Care Blog. It details "in a readable format” The Obama Healthcare Plan. There are 2600 pages to the actual document so unless you have a month or so and a lot of strong coffee this might be a good alternative to get to know the bill a little better.

So I have said all of that to say this: We have to take a stand a reveal Obama for who he is; a narcissistic socialist that will say and do anything to get re-elected. We need to hold him accountable to what he has said, what he has promised, and what the facts are. The healthcare, to me, is a MAJOR part to his overall plan because under it the government will have a way to impact, regulate and ultimately control EVERYTHING. What can’t be tied back to health? From the foods you eat to the activities and hobbies you have. AND YES CIGARS will be on that list and we just can’t have that. But all in all seriousness it could be what colors that a school room can be painted as it has a direct effect on the mental well being of our children and the list can go on and on.

Stand up and educate yourself. The ammunition for us to get this guy out of office is limitless. Stop being diverted from his and the left wing media’s focus on anything from birth control, to race, to his latest Augusta National. His and their sole purpose is to keep the spotlight swinging from left to right because if it every focuses in solely on him WE WILL WIN BACK OUR COUNTRY!!!

Cigars, Politics, and Introductions.

2012-04-05T15:25:00.000-07:00

Hello my name is Seth and I am one of two authors for the Blog Puffing Politics. Puffing Politics you might ask? How did you come up with that name? Well we are just two middle aged, middle class American guys that have recently embarked on an amazing journey of experiencing the world of cigars. While sitting on my front porch bellowing the rich aromatic flavors of a good cigar we found that these small pieces of heaven are the perfect ice breakers to deep and intriguing political banter. So Puffing Politics just made sense.

I am proud American that believes deeply in the idea that government’s purpose is to protect my liberties and not restrict my choice. I believe that we are all created with the equal ability to succeed or fail. It is up to us to play the hand that was given us. Some of us will, by the work of our father and their fathers before them, find themselves at different starting places, but that is just it a starting place and we choose the next move. I think we get what we earn and if we want more than what got we have to explore the avenues to obtain it. The concept of “ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country” is crumbling and we have to rebuild it.

Rebuild it we shall. Nothing endures forever. The largest mountain will be but a pebble someday. Wind, rain, and erosion will take its toll over time. We as a country are experiencing the effects of an erosive society on our culture of greatness. We are seeing the winds of acceptance prevent the growth of free thinking. We are seeing the down pour of “political correctness” pound our ability to speak our minds. We have turned our back on the concepts that made a few men stand and be the ultimate example of political incorrectness when they wrote the Declaration of Independence stating the King was no longer sovereign and in power. Making this statement came with a higher risk to those making them than the possibility of losing a lobbyist contribution to the next campaign. I believe that the effect of these elements can be reversed and even make us as Americans stronger.

I am an amateur cigar smoke. I can’t tell you the botanical composition of every type of tobacco leaf on the planet. I am just now learning the difference between rolling styles and body types. I bought my first humidor about 2 months ago. However (to my wife disgust) I have filled it quite quickly. I am trying to become a student of the trade and I am educating myself along the way. I will use this blog to review many different cigars. I will tell you from a layperson point of view what I think. I will use the same rating systems the “experts” use and let you know how I would rate these tiny rolled up pieces of joy.

So I guess you can see if you are looking for a liberal socialist view then this might not be the blog for you.

On the other hand if you are looking for some honest opinions and a cigar review in layman’s terms then your search is over. So pull up a chair, light’m if you got’m and let’s get down to business. Please comment and ask me anything from politics to suggesting my next cigar. I look forward to hearing from you.