Four for Friday

(Link in blogroll)

Q1 - Crossing: When you arrive at a street corner equipped with a "Cross / Do Not Cross" sign that can be triggered by the push of a button, and you notice someone is already waiting by the button to cross the street in the same or opposite direction as you, do you push the button or simply assume the other person already did?

I always push it. I don't even think about it. They don't light up like elevator buttons, so you can't tell, and I think I was conditioned early to push the crosswalk button. I don't push elevator buttons if they are already lit!

Q2 - Cash: President Bush and Congressional leaders have reached a tentative agreement on a $150 billion tax relief effort to help stimulate the U.S. economy. Specifically, working Americans who have earned income of $3,000 or more will be eligible for a minimum rebate of $300 for themselves or $600 for a couple filing jointly. Based on the amount of federal income taxes paid, that rebate rises as high as $600 for an individual and $1,200 for a couple filing jointly. In addition to the individual rebate, families will receive an additional $300 per child credit. The individual rebate and the child credit phase out starting at $75,000 in income for individuals or $150,000 in family income. If you were receive a check in the mail tomorrow (as a result of a tax relief effort like this one) what would you do it / how would you spend the money? Additionally, do you welcome such "tax relief" efforts--the ones aimed at stimulating the economy--or do you think the President and Congressional leaders are out of touch with what we want or need with regard to tax relief?

I think these are ridiculous, akin to clipping coupons as a way to save money, when lowering the prices (i.e. taxes) across the board would be more helpful to people. What would I use the money for? All the tax-relief money we've received in the past has gone directly to church; I expect this one will as well. We're having our cake and eating it: using the money for a good cause but NOT stimulating the economy as such. The economy doesn't need my help one way or the other.

Q3 - Presidential Race: Have you listened to or watched any speeches or debates by presidential candidates? If so, what did you think? If not, will you make it a point to watch any speeches or debates prior to Election Day?

Nothing as yet. I will tune in at the conventions this summer. Up till then, I can't be bothered. We need to shorten the campaign trail by about 2 years.

Q4 - Eradication: Every large, mature Lodgepole Pine forest in Colorado will be dead within three to five years, killed in a Mountain Pine Beetle infestation unprecedented in Colorado, forestry officials recently announced. Do you think the Mountain Pine Beetle should be left alone to do its thing, or should the State of Colorado do everything within its power to save its Lodgepole Pine forests?

Hmmm, well, I'm sure the neighboring states aren't too keen on just letting it go, but I think I would (just let it go). I do NOT think we should pesticide the entire state! I saw evidence of something like this going on in the Smokeys last summer and it's sad for us but that's nature.