They brainwash them young. Encounter with a 12 year old freeper!

[Dr.Phool]

The Pasco County (FL) Fair opened today, and my friend, John Russell, who's running for Congress in the 5th District had a booth. John and I were working the booth, and talking to people and getting candidate petitions signed, and this kid, who looked like the kid in "Bad Santa" came over and asked a few questions.

The first question he asked was, "Was it a Democrat or a Republican who started the death tax"? John patiently went on to explain that it was really the Federal Inheritance Tax, what it was and why it was passed, and talked about the Gilded Age. The kid went on to explain that he supported Bush and the war because Clinton never went after Osama. We explained that Clinton did go after Osama, but the Republicans kept screaming that he was just trying to avert attention from his scandals.

Now, mind you, this seemed like a very intelligent kid, just badly informed. I finally asked him if he'd been listening to Rush Limbaugh. He said yes. Him and his mother both listen to him. We explained to him about the cost of the war and the deficit, and what it meant to his generation, and he seemed to understand. It seem the reason he's concerned about the "death tax", is that his grandfather owns one of the largest ranches in Polk County (Lakeland area), 7,000 acres, and they're worried they'll have to sell it to pay the taxes, and he was asking financial planning questions on how much his grandfather could give his father each year tax free! This coming from a 12 year old kid.

I think we got him thinking. He was definitly not a dumb kid, and seemed to take in what we were saying. We sent him home with a palm card with our website address on it, and he promised to check it out.

[Selatius]

1. He is going to get a double dose of Repub propaganda b/c of you

A few minutes with them librul pinko commie dirtbags can turn a good, moral kid into a godless hedonist possessed by the devil and weed. :sarcasm:

In all honestly, he won't learn to ask questions if everybody around him simply shovels that crap into his brain.

[Katherine Brengle]

2. People are very poorly informed about inheritance taxes--

moreso I think than a lot of other things, especially since it doesn't have a serious effect on the vast majority of people.

Kids are so impressionable--it's vital that they be exposed to all viewpoints in order to be able to make their own choices as they grow older.

This kid sounds smart, just poorly educated in political matters. But then again, most 12 year olds would have no idea at all what he was talking about, so there's a lot of promise there.

[FreedomAngel82]

4. Don't you know

that rich people shouldn't have to pay taxes! It's unheard of! :sarcasm:

[Dr.Phool]

5. I was amazed that he could hold a conversation with two adults

On the subjects we were talking about. He said he'd check out the website.

www.johnrussellforcongress.com

[hfojvt]

12. yet it is likely to affect him

if his grandfather holds that much land at even $500 an acre that is a 3.5 million dollar estate. But assuming the land is paid for, why not get a loan to pay the taxes instead of selling the land? Unlike the majority of Americans, this kid has a vested interest in Republican policies.

[FreedomAngel82]

3. I hope you did

Good for you guys and good luck with the race!

[Swamp Rat]

6. Did you tell him that there is no such thing as the "Death Tax?"

I know he was just a kid, so I suppose I would have been as kind and genteel as were you, but occasionally inane statements just need a simple answer. - There is no such thing as the "Death Tax."

edit:

[Dr.Phool]

7. Yes we did.

And explained to him what it's real name is, and why it was enacted. And who's affected by it.

But, from what he told us about his family's ranch, they'd probably have to pay something.

I didn't say it, but if you've gotta worry about it, you deserve to pay it.

[Swamp Rat]

10. If only he could have a few more truth sessions, but sadly, he'll probably

end up a monster the likes of Ken Lay. The best thing that could happen to him and the rest of us would be for him to lose most of his inheritance.

[cynatnite]

8. Maybe he won't tell his mother...

she could undo the progress you both made to get him to rethink the views she probably shoved down his throat.

[seabeyond]

9. well i think it is wonderful this kid was open, and that he was interested

we need more kids interested. but bigger, thank you for spending the time with him. i have children that like to talk to adults, to learn and listen. and many many adults dont want to spend the time or bother with a kid. so huge thank you to you guys that took the time with this boy

[ThoughtCriminal]

11. Just in case he's stopping by and reading this thread

:hi: :patriot:

Howdy!

[tuvor]

13. Parents of all political stripes try to pass beliefs onto their kids.

And they all call kids of parents with opposing political viewpoints "brainwashed".

[Yollam]

14. Why's he worried about his ranch?

I thought repukes were all about initiative and pulling up bootstraps and in American anyone who is willing to work hard can be a zillionaire in no time, right? So why doesn't he make his one fortune and buy his own ranch instead of waiting to inherit one?

In the days when the estate tax was first introduced, even the rich industrialists agreed that it was best not to leave a huge fortune to your children so that they would have to make their own way in life.

Whatever.