OKAY, I REALIZE IT'S ONLY THANKGIVING THIS WEEK But Chuck saw a certain commercial yesterday and exclaimed, "well, there it is, it's Christmas."   What commercial?  We shall discuss today.  What gets you in the holiday spirit?  Puttting up the tree?  Black Friday?  After visiting the Galt House last week I'm ready for old St. Nick!

BUT ARE YOU READY FOR CHRISTMAS? A recent poll showed 45% of respondees would prefer to opt out of Christmas this year because of the financial burdens associated with the day.  I've been there.  I'm glad I'm not now.  I hope those of you who are in a financial pickle will find a way to celebrate the true spirit of the Holiday without stress.

SMOKE 'EM IF YOU GOT 'EM The tax commission will recommend raising taxes on cigarettes to $1 per pack.  At least they are smart enough to know smoking rates will decline when they do this so the tax income will.  I guarantee you this will become a bone of contention for people on medicaid.  As it should be.  I've always thought if you were on Medicaid you should be required to not smoke and maintain a reasonable weight.  Of course that makes me a horrible person.  Again.

SHOULD WE RAISE TAXES TO PAY FOR OTHER PEOPLE'S HOME? We already have Section 8 housing that is supplemented by the government.  Do we need to raise taxes to fund an affordable housing trust fund?  Exactly how do you tap into that stream?  Who qualifies?  What is the upper limit on housing?  Even if these questions were answered I don't think I'd be in favor of it.  I'm sorry people can't afford housing, that's why you have roommates.  Seriously.  Does this mean I'm an awful person? 

IF ONLY GEORGE BUSH WERE IN OFFICE This would have made the front of every newspaper and would have made him the butt of every late night joke.  But not the Annointed One.  He's just so smart he doesn't have to pronounce names correctly. 

THIS IS SHOCKING.  SHOCKING I TELL YOU.  NOT. I think we could all cut the chase if we simply asked the Obama campaign to report the on air donations from MSNBC.  They we sould end the charade that they aren't completely in the bag for Obama while masquerading as a news network.