9-9-9, Potatoes and Picking on the PrezDear Mark: Herman Cain's 9-9-9 tax proposal is just an election gimmick that will disproportionately hurt the poor, which is right up the Republicans' alley. Why don't you guys get serious? — Can the Cain Dear Can: I admire Cain for "seriously" proposing such a bold change to our overly cumbersome tax code. It may not be perfect, but it's a great starting point for negotiation and debate. You'd think the Occupy Wall Streeters could even embrace a simplified tax code. Dear Mark: What's this ridiculous vote in the Senate allowing for unlimited potatoes in school cafeterias? Aren't there more pressing issues than the amount of potatoes our kids eat? — Mr. Potatohead in Pittsburgh Dear Mr. Potatohead: Apparently not, unless you consider Sen. Patrick Leahy's proposal of turning the fraudulent use of the term "Real Vermont Maple Syrup" into a federal offense a more pressing issue. You can't make this stuff up. The potato vote was necessary to prevent the Obama administration's plan of limiting the amount of starchy vegetables in school lunchrooms to two servings per week. Maybe the first lady should try to stop the president's smoking habit before she tells the states what to serve our kids at school. Dear Mark: All of your columns seem to bash President Obama. He is the elected leader of our country and should be shown the proper respect. If it weren't for Obama, you and other conservative commentators would starve. I'm sure you could choose letters from readers with different issues. Why do you just pick on the president? — Back Off Barack Dear Back Off: Because it's sooooo easy. Seriously, I've never seen a president whose administration can get caught up in so many contradictions, scandals and misstatements, and still receive a pass from the press.
Here's a subtle example of the media's cutting the president some slack. During an interview on ABC News this week, Obama said the following in reference to the Occupy Wall Streeters. "The most important thing we can do right now is those of us in leadership letting people know that we understand their struggles and we are on their side and that we want to set up a system in which hard work, responsibility and doing what you're supposed to do is rewarded." If I had been conducting the interview, my follow up would have been: "Mr. President, we already have that system — it's called capitalism. Why is your administration trying to treat ALL corporations and ALL wealthy people as if they are Bernie Madoff?" I will continue to "pick" on the president, his administration and his cohorts as long as they keep making ridiculous statements and proposing budget-busting policies and regulations. Space does not permit me to delve into the recent comments from Obama, such as Republicans want dirtier air and water, or from Vice President Biden that if Republicans oppose their jobs bill there will be more rapes and murders. We can't forget that Nancy Pelosi, God bless her, has recently stated that more women will die on hospital floors because of Republicans' policy on government-funded abortions. If the media won't do their due diligence, I will do mine. Dear Mark is a public platform for your enrichment and entertainment. E-mail your questions to marklevy92@aol.com. To find out more about Mark Levy, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com. COPYRIGHT 2011 CREATORS.COM
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