9-9-9

Herman Cain

By now you have heard the numbers "9-9-9".  Republican candidate for the nomination to run for President, Herman Cain, the former CEO of "Godfather's Pizza" -- has been pounding the airwaves with his taxation proposal and it's called:  9 - 9 - 9.   Personal income tax level of 9% -- no payroll deduction tax:  9 % corporate tax, and the most controversial one is 9% National Sales Tax on NEW purchases.
He is advocating throwing OUT all the tax codes presently, and instead of overhauling them -- replace this with this SIMPLE formula.

A lot of people are giving attention to this "simple" plan -- but I doubt it is simple at all.

Governor Rick Perry

Candidate, Governor Rick Perry, has now come out with his plan for a FLAT TAX.  Sounds like an echo chamber --- He's not the first to suggest this idea.  Fact is, back in 2000, the founder of Forbes magazine, Steve Forbes was a candidate for the nomination for President, and his platform was FLAT TAX.

Steve Forbes

I know that the whole tax system needs to be overhauled and simplified.  It is complicated and difficult to understand, with huge loopholes for those who have their tax attorney on retainer, and can "hide" their money in odd places -- including corporations and the wealthy.  We've heard it said that over 40% of the US population pays NO taxes -- somebody has to pay the bill!!!

THINK ABOUT THIS!

Let me share something vital to think about --- if we go to any kind of FLAT TAX -- we will lose all our deductions -- and that means "charitable contributions" too!  That means - no matter what you give to your church or favorite charity -- you will not be deducting that from taxable income.  The potential of charitable organizations, such as the Salvation Army and your local church and missions, will undoubtedly suffer greatly.  I know that many give out of love for God and their fellow man -- they give in obedience -- but many will not give what they would, if they could not receive any deduction of the amount given (over and above what the tax code allows, already written in the tax table).
Think of all the wealthy who contribute large sums near the end of the year to charitable work, and receive a "tax write-off".  What if that is not there?  What if it truly is FLAT?

Perhaps your church -- your missionary -- your favorite charity -- is DE-funded or weakened?

They may look like the above cartoon!

On a side note:  9-9-9  ... I looked up (just for fun) in the 9th book of the Bible (I Samuel), the 9th chapter, and the 9th verse.

It's the story of Samuel anointing Saul to be the first King of Israel.  Saul had been sent out by his father to look for some lost donkeys.....when he meets the prophet Samuel....

I Samuel 9:9 says, "(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer)."

-don't you just love that King James language???

I was thinking about this election in 2012 for the office of President of the United States -- and maybe we should look at 999 -- I Samuel 9:9 -  It is time for Americans to "inquire of God" -- It is time for our leaders and elected officials to find that "prophet" who can speak into their lives, and give them the Godly advice they so desperately need!  Instead of looking a POLL NUMBERS -- and listening to a CAUCUS of voters -- or a FOCUS GROUP -- let's have a "caucus with Jesus".

What would God have us do in 2012?

From this day forward, when I hear 9-9-9 -- I will think of calling on the Lord!

How about you?  What do you think?