Parliamentary Election and Women's Greater Interests

Afghan Warrior: "People of Afghanistan show a great interest to participate and vote for the upcoming parliamentary election. They know it is a great step towards democracy after almost three decades of war in the country."

An Iraqi Message To Our Troops

This message to your brave Soldiers who are fighting in Iraq,is from the heart of an Iraqi who can write in (bad) English sometimes.

SOLDIERS

You have come to Iraq voluntarily to represent the best and finest human face currently on this earth and the moral clarity and courage, from your Countries, to advance the march of Freedom, Human Rights , The Rule of Law, and Democracy in Iraq.

We ( the silent majority of Iraqis who are often unable to speak with you to express our true feelings and respect in your language) wish to thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and thank your God ( whatever you conceive him to be) for guiding you to willingly accept your presence on our land and its oppressed (for centuries), destroyed and impoverish majority of its people.

Your courage, devotion to your duties, your respect to the traditions and customs of your hosts, your bravery and valour and above all your sacrifices away from your loved ones, should be something to be proud of by yourselves, your families, friends and realtives back home, wherever you have come from.

You have come to us to free us from our own Tyrants, Despots Individuals and Groups who tortured, killed, maimed, imprisoned, and disbursed us and did untold horrible things to us sometimes for no reason other than our thoughts and dreams.

We are proud to have you with us mending our Schools and Hospitals, the Courts, the Police Stations, guarding our borders and skies, and the Fire Stations and the orphanages, the Roads, Waterways, the Electricity plants, the telphone exchanges, the oil installations, the bridges, the railways, and much more and helping us rebuilding our personalities to think positively in hope and in anticipation of the good for our beloved Country,Iraq.

We thank you deeply for your being with us supporting and helping us and helping our future peace loving children and grand children to live FREE like the rest of the civilised world, with intgerity honour,and grace.

Soldiers in Iraq. Your countries should be proud of you.

May God protect you and bring you back safely home as soon as possible.

Kind regards

Hameed Abid


Hameed wrote this comment on Iraq The Model 8/28/05

View from the ground

"Because I have been serving for nearly 18 months in Iraq, I have a greater sensitivity to the debate in the media about the war.


Iraqis work on a new water treatment plant for the Sadr City section of Baghdad, which has become a bright spot in U.S. security efforts. It seems it is an obligation that I should share a different perspective from what the media focus on. My views are not those of someone who has 'visited' Baghdad for a few days, as some pundits have. I serve in the day-to-day, sometimes monotonous battle for freedom. As a simple grunt colonel, I don't have the power of the press, but I certainly have the power and responsibility to express my perspective and opinion.
I'm concerned by the recent wave of attacks on President Bush, Congress and others for going to war and, now, for pursuing it to a successful conclusion. Several factors seem to be contributing to the criticism, including the political motivation of the critics and the 'instant news' in this shake-and-bake, ever-flattening world. "

read more at Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | Opinion: Viewpoints registration is free

Hurricane Katrina

Heavenly Father, You rule the winds and care for the sparrows. I pray that you will protect the people in the path of this mighty storm. Spare the lives of people in it's path and watch over the workers who are trying to protect the people that their work is successful and that they remain safe. In Jesus name, Amen

Katrina

This is a nice Katrina!

An Encounter in Mosul, Iraq

Michael Yon : Online Magazine: "Combat comes unexpectedly, even in war."Michael Yon writes another breathtaking acount of a battle in Mosul.

Skin Cells Converted to Stem Cells

Skin Cells Converted to Stem Cells: "Scientists for the first time have turned ordinary skin cells into what appear to be embryonic stem cells -- without having to use human eggs or make new human embryos in the process, as has always been required in the past, a Harvard research team announced yesterday.
The technique uses laboratory-grown human embryonic stem cells -- such as the ones that President Bush has already approved for use by federally funded researchers -- to 'reprogram' the genes in a person's skin cell, turning that skin cell into an embryonic stem cell itself.
The approach -- details of which are to be published this week in the journal Science but were made public on the journal's Web site yesterday -- is still in an early stage of development. But if further studies confirm its usefulness, it could offer an end run around the heated social and religious debate that has for years overshadowed the field of human embryonic stem cell research."

The Ten Commandments

Months ago, Najma of a Star in Mosul wrote about Jonah and Moses indicating their burial sites were the location of mosques. I asked, since they honor Moses, if the Koran included the Ten Commandments. This is a copy of her post in response.
The Ten Commandments0) (Exodus 12: 1-17 & Deuteronomy 5: 6-21)0) Confirmation in the Quran (Chapter: Verse)
1. Thou shall not take any God except one God.
1. "There is no God except one God" (47:19)
2. Thou shall make no image of God.
2. "There is nothing whatsoever like unto Him" (42:11)
3. Thou shall not use God's name in vain.
3. "Make not God's name an excuse to your oaths" (2:224)
4. Thou shall honor thy mother and father.
4. "Be kind to your parents if one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not a word of contempt nor repel them but address them in terms of honor." (17:23)
5. Thou shall not steal.
5. "As for the thief, male or female, cut off his or her hands, but those who repent After a crime and reform shall beforgiven by God for God is forgiving and kind." (5:38 - 39)
6. Thou shall not lie or give false testimony.
6. "They invoke a curse of God if they lie." (24:7) "Hide not the testimony" (2:283)
7. Thou shall not kill.
7. "If anyone has killed one person it is as if he had killed the whole mankind" (5:32)
8. Thou shall not commit adultery.
8. "Do not come near adultery. It is an indecent deed and a way for otherevils." (17:32)
9. Thou shall not covet thy neighbors wife or possessions.
9, "Do good to your parents, relatives and neighbors." (4:36) Saying of the Prophet Muhammad (P) "One of the greatest sins is to have illicit sex with your neighbors wife".
10. Thou shall keep the Sabbath holy.
10. "When the call for the Friday Prayer is made, hasten to the remembrance of God and leave off your business." (62:9

Interesting that we have so much in common and yet the 'martyrs' do not seem to pay attention to their holy book.

SOLDIER LIFE: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN AMERICAN SOLDIER

"SOLDIER LIFE: A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN AMERICAN SOLDIER
New Book Detailing the Everyday Life of an American Soldier's Experience with The War on Terror from LBF Books

PITTSBURGH, PA , Aug. 18 - LBF Books to publish Soldier Life: A Day in the Life of an American Soldier (ISBN 1-885093-44-6 ). The book details the author's experiences while deployed and back home, weaving a gut-wrenching, heartfelt tapestry of experiences and emotions unique to soldiers' living and dying in this war. American Soldier's work comprised of elements drawn from his critically acclaimed and widely read weblog ( www.soldierlife.com), aims to bring the grim, yet human face of war to readers everywhere.

The author, writing under a pseudonym to protect his identity, delivers a first-person account of the constantly changing world of an American Soldier attempting to balance both family and responsibility while enduring the reality of war. Soldier Life: A Day in the Life of an American Soldier chronicles the events engulfing modern day patriots, and the hardships he willingly endured to ensure safety and security of family and country left behind.

Soldier Life: A Day in the Life of an American Soldier is required reading for those looking for an intimate insight into the minds of fathers, husbands, and warriors serving in this war.

LBF Books plans to release Soldier Life: A Day in the Life of an American Soldier in December, 2005."

Contact: LeeAnn Lessard

LBF Books, Public Relations

Pittsburgh , PA

613-797-7578

leeann.lessard@sympatico.ca

www.lbfbooks.com

LAUS DEO

Something Worth Remembering

"Laus Deo....Praise be to God!"

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington DC, are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter,probably couldn't care less. Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know. I do. But these words have been there for many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America. Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, un-noticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world. So, what do those two words, in Latin, comprised of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!" Laus is Praise be and Deo means God. Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, "Laus Deo....Praise be to God!" From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with it's division into four major segments. From that vantage point. one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant...a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross; separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution. So, read on... How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who notice. Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore, on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God! When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society. Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy ..."One Nation, Under God." I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well now is your unique opportunity, so read on! "Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large." And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Laus Deo! As you probably guessed, over 92 percent of Americans like the idea that our Pledge of Allegiance includes the phrase "under God." It is clear when one studies the history of our great nation, that Washington's America was one of the few countries in all the world established under the guidance, direction and banner of Almighty God, to whom was given all praise, honor and worship by the great men who formed and fashioned her pivotal foundations. When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look. Though many try to disprove and reason, their arguments are weak and easily proven without basis. Their efforts will forever be in vain; God assures us of that. Have you noticed as of late, how many more people are coming together, affirming the fact that this nation was, from the beginning, built on God? Any nation that is not built upon God will fail. The truth is...We have always been one nation under God! Laus Deo! Praise be to God! You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", it's vocation, or the architects but no one who reads this will be able to forget it's meaning, or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127: 1) Let us remember to do our part, through prayers and sacrifice,to be the watchmen who stand their guard. It is hoped you will send this to every child you know; to every sister, brother, father, mother or friend. They will not find offense, because you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never learned in school. With that, be not ashamed, or afraid, but have pity on those who will never see. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16 author unknown Laus Deo: "

Why I Write To The Troops

I am a member of the Sodier's Angels writing team. I get two new names each week and offer continued correspondence if they send me a brief indication that they appreciate mail. I include my email address. Today one medic wrote:
"You and your family have a great deal to be thankful for! Sometimes we go through life picking out the bad instead of the good. As an eye-witness to some of the world’s atrocities, let me say, you have so much to be thankful for! There are people that live in the Middle East that are suffering in ways you’ll never understand. You have your Freedom and you know when you’re going to have your next meal. Some of the people in this part of the world have neither, and I have seen this for my own eyes. I have a better understanding of what it means to be an American, and I think you do too!

As I depart my duty from Operation Iraqi Freedom, I want to say that I hope you continue to spread your love and appreciation to the next rotation of troops. They will be here during our American holidays and it will be more depressing than you can imagine. They will need the same sort of letters, cards, and care packages that I received in order to make it through their tour successfully. Remember, not all troops have families. Some do, but they may not have a great relationship with their family. I ask of you during the upcoming holidays, “Will you be someone’s family?”

A SAD EXODUS

I will not second guess the leaders of Israel as to the wisdom of the withdrawal from Gaza. It is my hope that it will be a positive step toward the establishment of peace in the area. I have many doubts in view of Palestinian terrorist groups pronouncements and the United Nations funding of Palestinian terror propaganda.
The only thing I am certain of is the tragedy for the 8000 people who are being forced from their homes. Watching the scenes on TV of these families leaving homes they have lived in for thirty plus years, the homes where their babies first joined the family and where loved ones died from age, illness or even terror attacks. These are material possessions which can be replaced but the memories of home, the breakup of community and seperation from the synagogue that has been a main part of their lives is heartbreaking. A positive is the relative freedom from violence during this eviction. Americans are upset about the Supreme Court Kelo decision and rightly so since it denies the Constitutional protection we once had. Multiply this by the number of persons forced from their homes by their own government and it is truly tragic.

Sunnis Will Vote!

Mohammed writes, "The Fallujah scholars council represented by its head Hamza Al-Eisawi the preacher in Al-Wahda mosque released an announcement that urged Fallujans to take their role in the referendum. The cleric explained that this is one of their duties as clerics to give advice to the people and he added that the fatwa will be read in all of the city's mosques.
It's worth mentioning that four voters registration offices have been designated in the city and the people have decided to take the responsibility of protecting these offices without interference from the multinational forces. At the same time, Fallujah is witnessing daily lectures and conferences where thinkers and leaders from the Islamic party are educating the people about the importance of participation in the referendum.

Abdul Hameed Jadoo the preacher at Al-Furqan mosque called the people to have their names registered in the offices saying that 'the constitution is going to prove our identity as Iraqis'"

Back to the main topic of this post;last week Zarqawi threatened to bomb, kill and behead all those who dare to show up for the referendum.
Do I need to remind Zarqawi of his previous threats and how Iraqi's responded to these threats?
In an earlier message of hatred he claimed to be defending the Sunni from the Sheat and now he's declaring all Iraqis are his enemies.
LINK:

To Kill an American

To Kill an American

You probably missed it in the rush of news last week, but there wasactually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in anewspaper an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, anyAmerican. So an Australian dentist wrote the following to let everyone know whatan American is... so they would know when they found one. (Good on ya,mate!!!!) An American is English, or French, or Italian, Irish, German, Spanish,Polish, Russian or Greek. An American may also be Canadian, Mexican, African, Indian, Chinese,Japanese, Korean, Australian, Iranian, Asian, or Arab, or Pakistani,or Afghan. An American may also be a Cherokee, Osage, Blackfoot, Navaho, Apache,Seminole or one of the many other tribes known as native Americans. An American is Christian, or he could be Jewish, or Buddhist, orMuslim. In fact, there are more Muslims in America than in Afghanistan. Theonly difference is that in America they are free to worship as each ofthem chooses. An American is also free to believe in no religion. For that he willanswer only to God, not to the government, or to armed thugs claimingto speak for the government and for God. An American lives in the most prosperous land in the history of theworld. The root of that prosperity can be found in the Declaration ofIndependence, which recognizes the God given right of each person tothe pursuit of happiness. An American is generous. Americans have helped out just about everyother nation in the world in their time of need. When the Soviet army overran Afghanistan 20 years ago, Americans camewith arms and supplies to enable the people to win back their country!As of the morning of September 11, Americans had given more than anyother nation to the poor in Afghanistan. Americans welcome the best, the best products, the best books, the bestmusic, the best food, the best athletes. But they also welcome theleast! The national symbol of America, The Statue of Liberty, welcomes yourtired and your poor, the wretched refuse of your teeming shores, thehomeless, tempest tossed. These in fact are the people who builtAmerica. Some of them were working in the Twin Towers the morning of September11, 2001, earning a better life for their families. I've been toldthat the World Trade Center victims were from at least 30 othercountries, cultures, and first languages, including those that aidedand abetted the terrorists. So you can try to kill an American if you must. Hitler did. So did General Tojo, and Stalin, and Mao Tse-Tung, and everybloodthirsty tyrant in the history of the world. But, in doing so you would just be killing yourself. Because Americansare not a particular people from a particular place. They are theembodiment of the human spirit of freedom. Everyone who holds to thatspirit, everywhere, is an American.
Author unknown Pass this around the World
Via Jim Hakes, Spirit of America

ANOTHER YEAR OLDER

Today I celebrate the 70th anniversary of my birth. I am very thankful for the many blessings God has bestowed on me. Greatest is His gift of His Son so that through faith, I have the assurance that someday I will reside with Him. Other blessings include a gentle man who became my husband, birth in the USA, the gift of a son so that I may better understand God's great love that does not turn away when I fail and the incomparable joy when my child does well. Work that was meaningful, a comfortable home, and a mind that is alert (most of the time).

Growing old is not bad when you consider the alternative. Who would want to be perenially young if we had to relive all the difficult times in our life? A friend sent me an Email that sums up aging pretty well.
"If my body were a car, this is the time I would be thinking about
trading it in for a newer model. I've got bumps and dents and
scratches in my finish and my paint job is getting a little dull, but
that's not the worst of it. My fenders are too wide to be considered
stylish. They were once as sleek as a little MG; now they look more
like an old Buick. My seat cushions have split open at the seams. My
seats are sagging. Seat belts? I gave up all belts when Krispy
Cremes opened a shop in my neighborhood.! Air bag's? Forget it. The
only bags I have these days are under my eyes. Not counting the
saddlebags, of course. I have soooooo many miles on my odometer.
Sure, I've been many places and seen many things, but when's the last
time an appraiser factored life experiences against depreciation? My
headlights are out of focus and it's especially hard to see things up
close. My traction is not as graceful as it once was. I slip and
slide and skid and bump into things even in the best of weather. My
whitewalls are stained with varicose veins. It takes me hours to
reach my maximum speed. My fuel rate burns inefficiently. But here's
the worst of it -almost every time I sneeze, cough or sputter....
either my radiator leaks or my exhaust backfires!"

An Iraqi Writes To Cindy Sheehan

Mohammed of Iraq the Model writes the most compassionate yet realistic reasoning for the Iraq war and the great gift her son and his comrades have given Iraq. Please click on title to link to today's post.

News From Mosul

Michael Yon again writes of the danger, the courage, sometimes the luck of observation and the loss of one young American.
LINK: " A few soldiers wondered, Do people at home even care?"

Outrageous

WASHINGTON, August 8, 2005 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Sleazy Dude" and "Senator." These are two pro-life characters in a new animated video released by Planned Parenthood Golden Gate (San Francisco). Titled "A Superhero for CHOICE," the video follows a female "superhero," named "Dianisis," whose sole mission is to protect "choice."
Dianisis first encounters "Sleezy Dude," as Sleezy tells a group of teenagers that "the only way to prevent pregnancy is to practice abstinence." One teen responds, "But Mister, we learned at school that there are other ways to practice safe sex and protect ourselves." Sleezy responds: "Those are instruments from the devil's toolbox!" Dianisis interrupts the conversation and throws Sleezy into a trash can. "Now you kids know where to go for all your healthcare needs and reproductive advice, don't you?" she asks. "We sure do, ma'am! Planned Parenthood Golden Gate! Because we have a choice!" they respond. Before departing Dianisis throws a "safe sex kit" to the teens as she yells, "Remember, safe is sexy!"
The superhero's next encounter is with pro-life activists who are grunting whIle they picket Planned Parenthood. "These folks here are known as anti-choice demonstrators," she says. "Under the First Amendment of our Constitution they are allowed to express their beliefs…Yet they can sometimes become unruly and sometimes they get a little too close. But mostly I just wish they would disappear. Hey, that gives me an idea!" Dianisis takes out a gun that fires condoms. Each demonstrator is shown inside a condom, which then explodes, eliminating them. "That's more like it," Dianisis continues. "Open for business. Now everyone that needs low cost and confidential healthcare may enter freely, without intimidation or violence…"
Dianisis interrupts a U.S. Senator who she sees throwing copies of the Bill of Rights, the Constitution the First Amendment, and Civil Rights laws into a boiling pot, which he refers to as "I Can Do Whatever I Want To Do Stew." The Senator explains: "You see, I come from a long line of grandiose narcissists where quite simply the laws of these United States do not apply." He then claims to be above the law. Dianisis throws the Senator into the boiling pot, pulls him out again, and the Senator says, "I feel cleansed. I no longer have the stench of misinformed conservatism. I want all women everywhere to have the ability to choose what they do with their bodies." The superhero responds, "That's more like it. And besides, money spent now for the funding of family planning will save billions of dollars in future social expenditures." A depiction of the scales of justice lists "CHOICE" or one side and "IGNORANCE" on the other.

Option to stem cells found

"Not only do amniotic epithelial cells lack the controversy of embryonic stem cells, but they also do not generate the tumors associated with embryonic stem cells, he said. So it may be possible in some cases to simply transplant the amniotic cells to a patient, rather than to first grow the desired specialized cells in the laboratory."
"The placenta and umbilical cord appear to be rich sources for stem cells that have real potential to treat disease," said Russell, who also is an adviser to Stemnion. "Strom's discovery adds another piece to the puzzle that will help patients in the future."
Option to stem cells found: "amniotic epithelial cells"

FITNESS FOR OFFICE

As we read and listen to the news, we are aware of the concerns of our "statesmen" and their sincere concerns regarding the fitness of nominees named by President Bush for judgeships, ambadssadorship etc. I think this is a fine idea and heartily recommend that in the future any candidate for public office or re-election to a public office first undergo FBI investigation, public interrogation regarding their religious faith and how their most personal beliefs will effect their performance in office, all court documents regarding personal matters such as divorce, child custody, adoption etc. should be opened to public review. All performance evaluations, full and complete military records, grades in all levels of schooling, and any and all materials written by the candidates (including personal letters, diaries or journals) should be published in all newspapers in the state in which the candidate resides. After all, we as voters need to be absolutely certain of innermost workings of the minds of candidates before we vote for them.

I think we might see quite a turnover in Congress.

RED FRIDAY

RED FRIDAY You will soon see a lot of people wearing Red on Fridays. Here's why..... The Americans, who support our troops, are the silent majority. We are not "organized" to reflect who we are, or to reflect what our opinions are. Many Americans, like yourself, and all their friends, simply want to recognize that Americans support our troops. Our idea of showing our solidarity and support for our troops is starting Friday and continuing on each and every Friday, until this is over, that every red-blooded American who supports our young men and women, WEAR SOMETHING RED. Word of mouth, press, TV -- let's see if we can make the United States, on any given Friday, a sea of red much like a home football game at a University. If every one of our memberships share this with other acquaintances, fellow workers, friends, and neighbors, I guarantee that it will not be long before the USA will be covered in RED - and make our troops know there are many people thinking of their well-being. You will feel better all day Friday when you wear Red! So let's get the word out and lead by example; wear RED on Fridays. I sent this out to everyone on my email list, hopefully, you will too. Wear Red on Fridays ... SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE. FOR US, THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED!! GOD BLESS AMERICA

Fair Tax

The fair tax sounds like a reasonable proposal to me. At first glamce it seems like the federal sales tax would be very high on all consumer goods and services. Many taxes we pay are not apparent and therefore we tend to look only at the income taxes we end up paying each April.
We are aware that the "rich" have tax accountants who are able to find loopholes in the very complex tax codes that are not available to the poor and lower middle class. I am hoping that more bloggers with backgrounds in economics will take a serious look at the Fair Tax proposals.

Since States Income Tax forms use information on the federal 1040s it would be helpful to know how the funding of state governments would be achieved. What state sales tax would be tacked on to the Federal Fair Tax? How much would current state sales taxes be increased if state income taxes ceased?


United States Congressman - John Linder: "Washington, D.C. - On July 28, the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures of the Committee on Ways and Means held a hearing on various tax reform proposals sponsored by Members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The hearing focused on tax reform proposals that satisfy the President's objectives of fair, simple, and growth-oriented tax reform. Congressman John Linder (R-GA), a member of the Ways and Means Committee, testified in front of the Subcommittee on his personal consumption tax proposal, H.R. 25, also known as the "FairTax."

"The President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform has been gathering testimony throughout the country and it is becoming clear to all � finally - that the current code is unfair, undermines economic growth, and places a tremendous burden on American workers and businesses," Linder said. "America needs a tax system that is fair and simple, protects the poor, treats all Americans the same, and is easy to understand. Just last week, the President's Advisory Panel on Tax Reform, with the help of the Treasury Department, concluded that the FairTax is the only reform proposal that completely untaxes the poor. "

I am hoping that more information becomes available.