Obama Gets Bad News on Economic Policies

Barack Obama has been heavily preaching the gospel of wealth distribution for years and has made it a central theme of his candidacy for President. Obama has been going around the country and telling them about how he was going to take from the rich and give to the poor. The devil, of course, is in the details.

For over two decades poverty has been in rapid decline and wealth has expanded in this country. More businesses have started in recent years than in any time in history and unemployment is remarkably low (even among recession concerns). So, although Obama has won the Democratic nomination with his "us against them" message, many are questioning whether that message will work in November. For example, if people make $227,000 or more a year, their taxes will go up by $23,000 in Obama's plan. Most people at this threshold do not consider themselves rich and under McCain, they would actually enjoy a 15,000 tax cut. Furthermore, there are many families below that financial bracket who aspire to reach the $227,000 threshold.

It reminds me of 1972 when George McGovern was performing well early in his race against Republican incumbent Richard Nixon. Then he started promoting the idea of "Demogrants,' which were subsidies that would go to people who make less than $15,000 a year. Instead of his support swelling, it actually popped his electoral bubble because there many members in this lower income bracket who knew that such programs were paid by those who made more than $15,000 a year and they believed they would be among those numbers. Americans are, by their very nature, positive and believe the best for themselves and future. They knew they could earn more and would.

Americans are the same today. According to a recent Gallup poll, 84 percent of all voters are opposed to redistributing wealth as a way of solving economic problems and only 13 percent support such a policy. Instead, the vast majority of the 84 percent support policies that encourage economic growth and job creation. They believe in free markets. Obama's redistribution policies remind me of a Ponzi Scheme that will encourage poverty rather prosperity and a game which all of us will lose.

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Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Oil Crisis...Bringing Families Together One Gallon at a Time

There are, of course, many negative news stories because of the high price of oil. Lost jobs, higher prices, shorter vacations, an increase in prices in other industries, etc. But today, I actually found an upside to the problem of high oil prices.

My family was getting ready for church and getting into my Suburban when I noticed my 21 year old son climbed into my vehicle. All of us were very surprised. This wasn't because the oldest son doesn't go to church (in fact, he some times has a better track record than mom and dad), but because he was coming with the rest of the family. Usually he takes his own car.

So, my wife asked, "why are you gracing us with your presence?" Without thinking twice, he responded, "$4.00 a gallon gas. It would take around 8 bucks to get to and from church today." He was off more than a little, but he would certainly be paying more than just a few months ago. As a result, we got to spend much more time with a family member who has become very independent.

It is true that the higher prices might undermine vacation times together. People will choose shorter distances for family time together. But I think they will spend as much time together as ever. Last year it was Orlando and Universal for my family, this year it will be a Hill Country cabin. However, we will still spend about the same time together.

Who knows, we might find an occasional upside to this energy crisis.

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Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Will Criminal Cases Follow Oil Speculation?

Around a decade ago oil cost around $11 a barrel, now it is hovering around $150. Was there almost a fifteen fold decline in its availability or a similar increase in its demand? Why is there this huge disparity in just ten years? How does it seem like just yesterday that the major headlines for a week was oil breaking $70 a barrel for the first time in history?

The massive increase in the cost per barrel has led to charges of "speculation" and "price manipulation." Some are even beginning to use terms such as "criminal" because of the enormous economic impact due to lost jobs and high prices.

Whether or not they take the extreme move of making this activity "criminal" (like Sarbanes Oxley did with accounting), it is still too early to say; but I think it is safe to assume that some are going to try to figure out ways of pursuing civil action. How, I don't know, but the situation is very hostile for those in this business.

Can the actions of those who set these commodity prices be defended? Let us, just for a minute, give them the benefit of the doubt. These prices aren't made simply on the basis of current supply and demand, but also the future. There is little doubt that supply won't likely increase any time soon, especially with the Democrats in Congress making it perfectly clear they have no plans to let bill that incourage such pass. And demand? Ten years ago, China was a non-player in oil consumption, today it is the number two consumer in the world and growing. Over 1,000 cars are added to its roads daily and demand increases by almost 10 percent annually. It is safe to assume this demand is only going to continue or increase. There has been a comparable increase in demand by India and other developing countries in recent years. These too have driven prices.

I personally think the rise in the cost of oil is not nearly as "wild" or "speculative" as the media would like one to believe. Those who are crying such are typically the same people who are undermining our efforts to increase supplies. Unfortunately, I don't expect reason to prevail, but vengeance. I'm sure that will do a great deal to lower gas prices.

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Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Can Charlie Black's Statements be Defended?

Charlie Black has a reputation of dirty politics and anyone who has been in politics as many years as he has will find it hard to stay "Mr. Clean." Considered a favorite of moderate Republicans running for office, Black knows a great deal about his trade and how to get people elected.

Black, the strategist for the John McCain campaign, recently told Fortune Magazine that the assassination of Benazir Bhutto last year was an "unfortunate event." "But his (McCain's) knowledge and ability to talk about it reemphasized that this is the guy who's ready to be Commander-in-Chief. And it helped us." In an equally candid moment of honesty, Black discussed the possibility of another terrorist attack on US soil and discussed how it would effect John McCain's Presidential aspirations. "Certainly," he said, "it would be a big advantage to him," said Black.

These comments have, some how, created a shock wave in both media and politics. Black was attacked for his cynicism by Barack Obama and his own boss, Senator McCain, has disavowed the comments and said they were not reflective of his own views. My questions is, shouldn't they be?

Honestly, which party and candidate do people want when it comes to security -- McCain and Republicans or Obama and Democrats? Yesterday, Investors Business Daily published a summary of opinions among our enemies regarding the upcoming Presidential campaign. North Korea's Kim Jong-il has said "We will see a better relationship between the U.S. and the Korean Peninsula with Obama, who sternly criticizes Bush and who would meet the leader of Chosun without preconditions." Libya's Moammar Gadhafi has said that Obama should "be proud of himself as a black and feel that all Africa is behind him." Nicaragua President Daniel Ortega is arguing that Obama is "laying the foundations for a revolutionary change" in the United States. Finally, Cuba's Fidel Castro is stating that Obama is "the man who is doubtless, from the social and human points of view, the most progressive candidate to the U.S. presidency." Such comments should have a chilling effect on voters.

Maybe it was impolite. It was certainly politically incorrect. However, the statements by Charlie Black seem to be fairly reasonable in the eyes of many and are quietly being spoken by individuals around the water coolers where people congregate to solve our nation's problems.

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Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

On Two Years of Blogging

June 26, 2006, a date that will live in infamy! This is, at least, the day I began blogging. My First post, "Taking the Plunge," expressed my genuine concern that this would be one of those things I would begin and eventually stop. I have a checkered history when it comes to such commitments. Two years later, it has become an obsessive habit (according to my darling wife).

The reason for concern persisted for quite some time. I only wrote that one post in June and five each for July and August. None had a single photo. I struggled over what to write and early on it looked as though it would have a strong, local appeal. In September, the number of blog posts exploded. In fact, I almost consider September 1 as the day BizPlusBlog.com began. In that post, I committed to write much more often and I have. Photos didn't come until November of 2006 and became a regular part of the blog every post after that until videos and other media came much later still. The effort to make this a "real" blog has slowly proved itself.

In the past two years, the blog has become rewarding on many fronts. It now enjoys a title sponsor (ITEX), response from readers came from around the country, and syndication of the articles has occured in many national publications. Examples of many the posts found else where include Reuters, Chicago Sun Times, USA Today, and many others.

I know I have lots of work left to do. It remains an interesting journey. If you have been thinking about blogging, jump in, the water is great. On the subject of blogging, I thought you might enjoy the above interview with Denise Wakeman of the Blog Squad.

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Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

"Words" Come Back to Haunt

"Talk is cheap" is an old cliche and remains particularly true when it comes to politics. Earlier in this campaign, in one of Barack Obama's most articulate moments, he told an audience "don't tell me words don't matter." From there he spoke of great speeches in history that led to the expansion of civil liberties. Sadly, the speech seems to be a plagiarism of Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick, but I will save that for another post.

Sadder still, and the focus of this post, is that "Words" don't seem to matter to Barack Obama, according to a new commercial being generated by the John McCain campaign. Obama has been an early supporter of campaign finance "reform" and is a huge proponent of the public financing of campaigns. For months and early on in his campaign, Obama indicated that he was moving in the direction of public financing. Once he proved himself to be a master fundraiser, the idea of campaigning on the dole has been discarded.

Obama has been promising voters that he would meet with Senator McCain and discuss finance reform and how it would be practically applied to this campaign. That isn't going to happen. That is why the McCain campaign has put together a campaign video taking Obama to task.

I, personally have no problem, with Obama not getting dollars from the government to get elected. In fact, I commend him. I have serious problems with candidates who are critical of the welfare state for the poor, but get up to $80 million in government hand outs to get elected President. Such a system is nothing short of immoral. However, Obama has always endorsed this system and has been very critical of the influence of money on politics. Furthermore, he has promised to meet with McCain on the subject and now won't do it. This is pure hypocrisy.

This is just one of the many areas that politicians need accountability. Really, neither Obama or McCain should get a pass. The biggest issue in 2008 is integrity, which is difficult to find in politics today.

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Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Preparing for Double Digit Inflation

We haven't seen double digit inflation since the late 1970s and early 1980s, but it is now a potentially serious challenge. I have seen it first hand in my local visits to the grocery store. I have eight children and the increase in my food bill in recent months has been significant to say the least. Many may not notice a fifteen percent increase here or there, but when you are buying for ten, you notice. Some of my most common items purchased have gone up around 30 percent since this time last year.

Just last week it was reported that there was a 1.5 increase in inflation in May alone. This percentage of an increase is huge for one month. In fact, we normally have smaller increases each quarter. For almost twenty years we have had an annual inflation level of around four percent. There is something seriously wrong here.

Part of the problem is the lack of understanding that exists about inflation. Many like to say "inflation is high prices," which is similar to saying "pneumonia is a high fever." These are both examples of symptoms. What people need is an understand of the cause. Fortunately, the definition is actually quite simple. It is "too much money chasing too few goods." Simply put, the amount of money going into the economy is out pacing production. For example, if in the material world there is only one pencil and only one dollar for exchange, the cost of the pencil would only be one dollar. But if they increased the money supply by an additional dollar, the price would simply double unless they produced additional pencils.

That is exactly what is going on today. The hangover of cheap money policies a few years ago lingers in the economy (e.g., sum prime lending). Then there are the demand side tax rebates that encourage consumption, but not production. These rebates are significantly different from actual across the board tax cuts, which encourage production. Finally, there is the continued growth in deficit spending, which has led to the point today where approximately one third of all government spending goes to only paying the interest on the debt.

We need to hold our elected officials accountable and not allow them to pander to us with short term government programs and breaks with negative long term consequences. Our financial future and the future of our children hinge upon it.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Obama's Similarities to Famous Leaders

I have noted for quite some time the media doing stories about the similarities between Obama and other great leaders in history. I will not argue that he doesn't share characteristics of greatness with others, but I will say that they are completely missing the mark when it comes to the ones with whom they make comparisons. The big three I hear about are John F. Kennedy, Jr., Robert Kennedy, and (most surprisingly) Ronald Reagan.

John F. Kennedy, similarities are in youthfulness and the ability to give a speech. But beyond the rhetoric, the two are very different . In 1961, when Kennedy gave his Inaugural Address, he pointed out that "We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans -- born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage..." Kennedy was a genuine war hero and one who understood from day one that he was being sized up by his potential enemies around the world. Kennedy was firmly opposed to Communism and although he didn't take the strong stands that I would have preferred he had taken, there was no mistake about the level of his resolve. Obama, on the other hand, has indicated that he wants to sit face to face with our enemies (North Korea and Iran) and punish our allies (Pakistan). Then there is the competitive nature. I remember reading about JFK throwing the first pitch at a Major League Baseball game. He spent hours over several days practicing his pitch. We all remember Obama's bowling experience with a score (if I recall correctly) of 38. It seems minor, even petty, but to me it speaks a great deal about their resolve and personalities.

Barack Obama is one of the leading advocates of wefarism today and considers the reforms of the 1990s that changed "welfare as we know it" as harsh and unfair. Robert Kennedy, while pursuing his party's nomination in 1968, pointed out that Lyndon Johnson had replaced the important role of fathers and husbands in households with welfare checks and that this was going to create a culture of poverty that our country would not recover. He wanted to encourage business and enterprise to have incentives to move to hard hit areas, which is very different from Obama's approach.

Finally, there is the most preposterous of all, the "similarities" to Ronald Reagan. In particularly, we are being told that he will bring voters who don't traditionally vote Democrat to the party. This may be true with independents, particularly those with little or no voting history, but it will not likely translate into an influx of Republican voters. We all remember the expression "Reagan Democrats" and many of these never returned to their old party. The idea of "Obama Republicans" seems ludicrous to me. Obama is proving to be far more polarizing than Ronald Reagan.

Instead of enhancing Obama's credibility through the attempts of pointing out the so-called similarities between Obama and some of history's greats, I think these efforts is having the exact opposite effect and beginning to make the presumptive Democratic nominee increasingly appear like another empty suit.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Energy Losers in Oil Boom

High oil prices have resulted in a boom for some of the largest oil companies in the world. The huge demand created by China, India, and other countries in the pursuit of modernization has created a situation that has led to gas prices that are multiples of what they were a few years ago. As a result, corn prices are exploding due to the pursuit of ethanol and biodiesel is raising the value of untold other agriculture products. Yet, not every energy business has directly benefited. Why? Because high prices has actually reduced demand for the first time in almost two decades.

Two of the biggest losers in energy from high oil process are retail locations and refineries. Both of these type of companies are far more effected by demand than gas prices.

ABC News reports that Exxon Mobile, "the world's biggest publicly traded oil company, said it now plans to sell to distributors its remaining 820 company-owned stations and another 1,400 outlets operated by dealers." Citing ABC, the company also reported that the reasoning behind the decision was because 'As the highly competitive fuels marketing business in the U.S. continues to evolve, we believe this transition is the best way for Exxon Mobil to compete and grow in the future,' said Ben Soraci, the director of Exxon Mobil's U.S. retail sales."

Meanwhile, the Houston Chronicle is reporting that "after three years of record profits, the U.S. refining industry has been confronted recently with a hard truth — that the party may be ending."

"Refiners' profits have plunged this year as record crude oil prices have sharply boosted fuel-making costs. At the same time, higher prices at the pump are softening demand for gasoline and diesel, limiting refiners' ability to pass along the bill."

Ironically, these stories come out rather close to the announcement that the United States is opening its first refinery in decades. There is now a great deal of talk about increasing domestic oil production. That rhetoric may have to become reality in order to create good news for these suffering businesses.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Big Changes at Fox News

The changes at Fox News have been dramatic. In the last two weeks the network has seen additions, substrations, and complete reworks. Some faces and names that we have grown to know are no longer anchors and seem poised to play supportive roles in the future.

MediaBistro reports:

TVNewser has learned beginning Monday Live Desk with Martha MacCallum will be expanded to two hours, airing from 1-3pmET. MacCallum will also be getting a co-anchor and a new set. Trace Gallagher joins as co-anchor, while continuing to fill in for Shepard Smith on Studio B and Fox Report. Also starting Monday Live Desk will originate from the FNC newsroom.

America's Pulse anchored by E.D. Hill goes away, but Hill stays with the network in a capacity to be determined. Hill has been with FNC since 1998. She co-anchored Fox & Friends for several years before moving to the 11 am ET hour, then launching America's Pulse.
Live Desk debuted in September 2006 replacing Day Side, which morphed into Fox network's The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet.

> More: TVDecoder's Brian Stelter says the FNC changes will also effect the the network's 5 pm ET hour, once occupied by John Gibson and Heather Nauert.

Not mentioned in the MediaBistro article is the very recent addition of Laura Ingraham to the Fox News Channel Network line up. Here's a quick assessment of the network's changes:

* I'm disappointed by the departure of E.D. Hill. Smart, articulate, and attractive, she was always a pleasant part of the show's line up. She was always considered the network's "liberal", but her roots were solid and her analysis strong. I'll be interested to see how she is utilized.

* John Gibson. John is an old school Conservative and with a slightly less than current style, I wasn't completely surprised by his departure. I do think we will see him again though, in different capacities.

* Fox Live Desk. This show has undergone some major changes and seems to be a TV version of what people experience on video platforms on the Internet. When you watch, you have a primary screen and three small screens on the side addressing different stories. Everyone knows that people have been trying to move the TV to the web, this appears to be an attempt to do the exact opposite. I have only scene the new format once, but my initial assessment is positive.

The proverbial "puzzle box" with all the network's pieces has certainly been shaken. It will be interesting to see how the format changes will fair when it comes to the single most important thing in media today -- ratings.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

The Race at "Meet the Press"

The memorial service for the great broadcast journalist was held today, but people are already beginning to speculate who will replace Tim Russert on NBC's Meet the Press. This process isn't driven by a lack of respect for Russert, but because of the fact that this is one of the highest rated news programs in the country and filling that seat is very important.

Reflections from MediaBistro:

The New York Times' Bill Carter and Jacques Steinberg raise a few of the expected names for potential Meet the Press anchor. "From inside NBC, the potential candidates include the evening news anchor, Brian Williams, who would be doing double duty (as [Bob] Schieffer did for a time at CBS), correspondents David Gregory and Andrea Mitchell and MSNBC hosts like Chris Matthews, Joe Scarborough and Keith Olbermann," they write. "Several of those names are already lightning rods for critics, however" (emphasis added).

Allow this critic to be among the first to say "amen." Here is my assessment of these candidates:

* Brian Williams. Williams is sharp, smart, and articulate, but many blame him for the leftward reputation that has come to NBC. Furthermore, his current job is full time plus and so is the position at Meet the Press (especially if it continues to include the Washington Bureau Chief post).

* David Gregory. Gregory always seems to have an agenda. His style reminds me of Sam Donaldson. Tough? Yes, but quite selectively and he seems to be more vindictive towards some than others. That was what made Russert so great, he was an equal opportunity attacker.

* Andrea Mitchell. Generally speaking, I like Mitchell. However, the Meet the Press demographic is almost identical to those who view the evening news. The experiment of placing a female in the anchor chair at CBS with Katie Couric will have everyone moving with extreme caution at NBC.

* Chris Matthews. Matthews is very smart, but clearly very liberal. He wears his convictions on his sleeve. He loves certain guests and shows disdain towards others. He is very well versed on political and national affairs, but he doesn't seem to be the kind of personality that should be in the Meet the Press chair.

* Joe Scarborough. Scarborough's roots are Conservative, but in recent years he has worked very hard to simply be fair with everyone. Furthermore, like Russert, he has roots in politics that have led him to the media. As a Conservative, I would certainly favor Scarborough over the others being mentioned, but his ideological roots are too far too Conservative to make MSNBC comfortable, in my opinion.

* Keith Olbermann. I think Jon Stewart of the Daily Show would be better, in my opinion. He's funny without being angry. I am actually shocked that his name was even dropped in consideration. I hope is is pure speculation and not serious discussion.

Rumor has it, the race seems to have already narrowed to Gregory, Scarborough, and Matthews. I believe Scarborough was put in that group to avoid the characterization that MSNBC was only interested in Liberals. Furthermore, the rumor mill has seemed to eliminate Gregory and the buzz is surrounding Matthews, who is certainly the most political animal on the MSNBC scene.

The one name that was not mentioned in the process, and the one that I think would have been the strongest, was Tom Brokaw in an interim position. Brokaw is serious and knows his trade, regardless of how uncomfortable I might be with his ideology, he was cautious in how it demonstrated it. Furthermore, he enjoyed the highest ratings of any of the big three anchors. His emphasis on "the Greatest Generation" (those who sacrificed during WW II) has placated the concerns of many and he will appeal to the dominant, older viewer, audience.

The great thing about Brokaw, oddly, is that he seems past the desire to do such long term, which will lead to the opportunity to have many others sit in the chair and audition for the post while everyone knows it is in good hands. It will be interesting to see what NBC finally does to fill this massive void.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Are the Saudis Getting McCain's Message?

At any moment I expected the great Rod Sterling of the Twilight Zone to pop up to explain the merge of what appeared, on the surface, to be two separate stories. The first is McCain announcing that it is time to reverse the ban on offshore oil drilling in this country. The Senator has been resistant to such for years and his announcement is creating quite a stir. It is the type of policy position that could help him to seriously differentiate himself from Barack Obama.

About the same time we got an announcement from the Saudis that they are considering an increase in production. This comes after President Bush requested such and they informed him it wasn't going to happen. There is legitimate concern that the Saudis have scarcity problems of their own. But now, just a couple of weeks later, they are talking about loosening the pipelines? Do you hear that Twilight Zone music popping up yet?

Ironically, I wrote about this just last Wednesday when I discussed how to lower gas prices in 30 days or less. In that post I stated "A few liberal Senators with a history of opposing drilling in this country, coming out in favor of such" would make a difference in those gas prices. When it comes to oil policy, McCain has acted like a liberal, in my opinion. My tea leaves seem to be reading correctly and this policy is well received, both by conservatives who have demanded energy independence for decades, and independents who are simply trying to make ends meet. Other things we need to see happen to drive down prices are Congress stepping away from lecturing the oil industry and follow up with getting involved in constructive discussions to build a strategy to solve these problems. It is time to solve problems and stop pointing fingers.

It is imperative for McCain to take positions such as this on issues like these if he has any intention of winning in November. He desperately needs to simply get on the side of the rest of the country when it comes to issues of where we feel as though we are being abused by the government. Be it excessive taxes that prevents people from starting or growing a business, regulation that makes it costly to fuel our cars, or policies that simply undermine our personal and economic freedoms. He needs to get on the right side and he needs to do it now. This announcement is an excellent first step in that objective.

Slideshow from the Associated Press.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

John McCain Can't Win?

I know, it is a little early. After all, Barack Obama just wrapped up his party's nod in the last week or so. But, it appears that John McCain should be doing the finishing touches on his concession speech right about now. At least that is the conclusion of many Presidential Historians.

The story has been running in Yahoo, AOL News, and many other media and the sources are made up of authorities on both the Left and the Right. On the positive side of the articles, they seem to be thoughtful and serious in the analysis. There is none of the teenager, "Obama is so cute" or "charismatic", or "the neatest thing since slice bread." It seems to be based on political realities.

From the Yahoo article: “This should be an overwhelming Democratic victory,” said Allan Lichtman, an American University presidential historian who ran in a Maryland Democratic senatorial primary in 2006. Lichtman, whose forecasting model has correctly predicted the last six presidential popular vote winners, predicts that this year, “Republicans face what have always been insurmountable historical odds.” His system gives McCain a score on par with Jimmy Carter’s in 1980.

In spite of Lichtman's history of accuracy, some of the comparisons between McCain and other failed candidates fall clearly in the realm of hyperbole. Even his comments that show McCain "on par" with Jimmy Carter is a bit too much for me. Jimmy Carter's economic performance was so bad that it helped lead a term used to describe under performing European economies to become a part of the US vernacular. "Stagflation," which is the combination of high inflation and high unemployment, became a notable part of the US economy in the 1970s. This is, after all, Bush's economy and that economy is no comparison to what Reagan inherited in 1980.

"Several," according to the article "saw Barack Obama’s prospects as the most promising for a Democrat since Roosevelt trounced Hoover in 1932." Give me a break. McCain's prospects are worse than the one for a man who had 25 percent unemployment? It is this kind of melodrama that makes it difficult to value the analysis. It is outlandish.

I believe that many of the assumptions about Obama are based on the Pre-primary Presidential candidate. Before the Rev. Wright incidences, the Michelle Obama comments, and the difficulty he has in remembering family history. I believe that if the members of his party knew in January what they know today, they would be wondering what the "First Man" would be wearing at his wife's inauguration. Most of the historians quoted and referred to in these news stories are known for a liberal bent. I think that they may be far more "optimistic" than realistic in their assessment.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

An Empty Chair at "Meet the Press"

I was on the road this Sunday morning, going with two of my boys to Boy Scout camp. I guess I was practicing being a dad on this Fathers Day. That activity made me think of a man who has come to symbolize fatherhood and one who has dominated the weekend news. That would be Tim Russert, who died suddenly on Friday.

As a result of my travels, I was unable to watch Meet the Press at its appointed time, but I wondered about the program often through out the day. Who would host? What would be the show topics? Who would be the guests? Thanks to the power of the Internet, I found out the answers to all these questions and more.

Tom Brokaw hosted, but as you will see from this video clip, he kept a healthy distance from the host's chair. Furthermore, Brokaw's words could not have been better in what I must describe as a very emotional and powerful program. I will allow it to "speak for itself."

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Conservative Bloggers Fight Back

The conservative movement has successfully dominated the radio air waves since the 1980s. While much of the country had written off the AM dial, talking heads like Rush Limbaugh were just about to fire those dying stations up during the Reagan years. The result is Right wing dominance of this media. Talk radio's success and value to conservatives was driven by the fact that the mainstream media had largely become elite and hostile to conservative values. Talk radio was listener driven (through callers) and changed the way people got their information.

Fast forward fifteen years ago and you have a new player on the media scene, which is blogging and it is starting to dominate its industry. For some reason, liberals embraced this vehicle as a tool for change and for quite some time they have been the leader. Conservatives have found themselves limping along. I'm sure that there are multiple more liberal bloggers for each Conservative.

The problem isn't merely in numbers, but infrastructure. The left has developed support mechanisms, liberal organizations recognized bloggers as media long before conservatives, and their web platforms are far more numerous and sophisticated.

Positive changes are on the way, however, and are seen on a micro level at the 2008 Texas Republican Convention. For one thing, the party itself made it easier to for bloggers to get media credentials than in any time in the past. Unfortunately those credentials may become devalued over time if "anyone" can get them. I am sure more vetting will need to take place over time as the number of bloggers grow, but erring on the side of generosity of credentials simply makes sense at this time.

More exciting than a friendly environment for bloggers is the efforts of the Texas office of Americans for Prosperity in developing RightOnline.com. This will be more than another blog, because its unique state focus will help bloggers fight their battles on several government levels. The site and project are early in their progress, but I hope that it breaks down categories in a way RedState.com does, but includes a section for states and even regions. In addition to that, the organization created a "media room" at the recent convention (actually a very elaborate booth) where boggers were provided wired work stations surrounding an attractive stage where elected officials and candidates could be interviewed by the bloggers. It included an excellent PA system, video cameras and the videos from the conferences will show up on YouTube.com. A large screen TV makes it for an even more "polished" event. I will have a slide show about it in the next few days.

The organization is planning an event for conservative bloggers that is designed to help them improve their craft in Austin, Texas on July 18th and 19th and its list of speakers is most impressive. The event seems to be designed to be both informational and inspirational and speakers include conservative writer Michelle Malkin, former Maryland Republican Governer Michael Steele, Erick Erickson of Redstate.com, and many others. You can get more information about it at RightOnline.com.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Death of a News Legend

Tim Russert of NBC's Meet the Press and a major piece of the MSNBC team passed away today at the young age of 58. Tim Russert reminded me of a great fighter with the personality of Evander Holyfield. Holyfield was noted for being one of the nicest people outside of the ring, including to fellow well mannered boxers, but ferocious once he entered the stage. "The ring" for Russert was the TV set where he tackled the nation's leading political figures. In that arena, Russert was unrelenting. Once the lights were on, there was no time for mercy. Furthermore, his interest was only things that related to governing. He didn't dilute himself with entertainment or sports; it was virtually always politics.

Although Russert gravitated to the left politically (maybe a tribute to his blue collar roots), it was often difficult to tell during an interview. He would take on people who were all over the political map. In spite the fighter analogy, Russert was always polite and respected the office and the office holder. He wasn't condescending or insulting, he simply held people accountable. A true class act.

In addition to his notoriety as a journalist, he was well known as a family man. In fact, the only books attributed to him were not about the greatest interviews he ever had or a famous statesman he knew, but about family. Wisdom of Our Fathers was not about John Adams or Benjamin Franklin, but "Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons". His other book, Big Russ and Me, was about one of the most important relations he has ever enjoyed -- the one he had with his father who, ironically, out lived him. It is all the more sad that he passed away on Fathers Day weekend.

I have done hundreds of interviews over the years. Congressmen, Senators, Governors, Presidential Candidates, best selling authors, etc. The greater the prestige of the trappings those individuals held, the greater the pressure I felt to be more accommodative and to throw the soft ball. I never saw that type of struggle when Russert conducted an interview. He was equally tough and equally polite, regardless of who was in his cross hairs. Very few interviewers today have that gift and ability. He was part of a dying breed that is greatly missed.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Forbes Magazine Sizes Up Celebrities

Forbes is at it again. It has done another of its annual surveys and this time the focus is on celebrities. Who are entertainment's most powerful people? The measure isn't based on money alone, but also on the subjective "buzz" that surrounds them. Such factors makes individuals like myself a little nervous, but here is the list with comments:

1) Oprah Winfrey. Are we surprised? The daytime queen has recently had a night time presence and will soon have a network of her own. Further, she has a massive web presence, magazine and more. Her entrance in politics may have caused her a bump, but she is still good as gold.

2) Tiger Woods. The richest man in sports is charismatic and smart. I am not surprised to see him on this list.

3) Angelina Jolie. I am not as sure about this one. Angelina Jolie is attractive, does her obligatory movie every year or so, and has opinions on just about everything under the sun. But I don't quite understand her either on the list or at this level.

4) Beyonce Knowles. Another celebrity that I can't help but think is slightly over rated. Beautiful and in many commercials, but in the top ten? I just have my doubts.

5) David Beckham. Maybe a decade ago. Maybe. But today? Certainly over rated. Beckham can't even "bend it" like Beckham any more. It is as though he came to the US because he hadn't worn out his presence here yet. I believe that will be short lived.

6) Johnny Depp. Depp reminds me that money must be a huge factor because he is relatively off the radar screen compared to many others on this list. My daughter says his looks alone makes him worthy.

7) Jay-Z. Initially a rap artist, Jay-Z is evolving into a media conglomerate in his own right. He also co-owns a night club and the New Jersey Nets. Very impressive.

8) The Police. Of course I love the Police and was delighted to see them come together for their reunion. However, they are one of the many on this list that raises more questions than answers.

9) J.K. Rowling. Rowling is brilliant and has to be as much a financial genius as she is a literary one. She transcends generations with people on Wall Street to Sesame Street (almost) familiar with her and her work.

10) Brad Pitt. See number 3. I don't get it.

Who did you think deserved to be on the top ten? Did you care? The Forbes lists tend to change fairly dramatically and the entertainment one in particular. I have to wonder how relevant this list will be in several months, let alone years.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Solving the Energy Crisis in 30 Days or Less

Since the media loves words like "crisis," I will use it; but it is certainly over used. Furthermore, our problems are not in energy but in policy. We have plenty of energy to fuel our cars and we could cut our prices by close to half in about a month if our elected officials had the courage and desire to do so. The majority in Congress have neither.

Thirty days seems ridiculously short and cutting prices in half, ambitious, but I sincerely believe these are goals that are realistic and should be pursued today. How?

* Congress could simply open a serious debate on making the hundreds of years of oil available in this country subject to drilling (in Alaska, the Dakotas, Florida, etc.).

* A few liberal Senators with a history of opposing drilling in this country, coming out in favor of such.

* Hearings on the subject in which Members of Congress strategize with oil industry leaders rather than lecturing them as if they were poorly behaving school children.

If these simple things happened -- without a single drop of new oil being pursued in this country -- the drop of oil prices would be exponential. The threat of the US becoming energy independent would be enough to throw the market into a tailspin. The world knows our ability to produce is legendary and the last thing out international competitors want us to do is produce in this area. A serious debate alone would drive our competitors to making sure it is a moot point. A similar debate in the 1980s led to a dramatic reduction in the price of oil per barrel.

So why isn't it happening today?

* The current Congress has a majority of members who actually want gas prices to be higher. Yes, you read that correctly. Many talk about America's desire for fuel as if it were an alcohol problem. In an environment such as this, you will never get actions that will drive prices down.

* This is going to sound a little conspiratorial, but I believe the majority of this Congress wants high prices, lost jobs, and economic downturn. It is the politics of "us vs. them" and economic decline that makes them believe they could have a more sizable majority in 2009 and one of their own in the White House. The Democrats need economic decline and they are our economy's woes biggest advocates.

I said at the very beginning of this post that the problem isn't energy, but policy. It isn't scarcity (which is caused by nature), but shortages (which is due to poor policy). We need to hold this Congress accountable. Tell them to stop lecturing the executives that represent the energy industry and support the owners of them (the many individuals of all economic groups that own stock in these publicly owned companies). Finally, sign the petition to get this problem solved today. Drill Here. Drill Now. Pay Less. A serious discussion alone could change everything.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Why John McCain Wants to Lower Corporate Taxes

John McCain, the presumptive nominee of the Republican Party for President, is pledging to fight for lower corporate taxes if elected. The media and his opponents will likely treat this as accommodating "the rich" in a manner that Republicans are "known." Reality check: a policy such as this is one of the few ways to help the poor become middle class and the middle class move towards affluence. That is what good economic policy accomplishes.

How will lower corporate tax rates achieve such an objective? There are several reasons and here are a few:

* Currently the US is getting pounded on the world stage by economies that either have significantly lower tax rates, ridiculously low salaries, are both. Competition exists on the micro level (store "A" vs. store "B") and on the macro level (country "A" vs. country "B"). When companies stay here because of a better tax environment, we keep more jobs, which helps every income group.

* Lower corporate tax rates encourages individuals to become entrepreneurs to create businesses and to climb the economic ladder. This benefits those individuals willing to take the risk and all the people they will hire as they rise. This doesn't even address the new tax revenues these companies create.

* One of the only beneficiaries of high corporate taxes are, ironically, the very rich. Why? Because they are insulated from potential competition who are intimidated by the high price of corporate taxes. The other beneficiary would be the government, who enjoys the revenue and let's the government be the "bad guy" by letting businesses do the tax collecting. That leads to the final point: businesses don't pay taxes, they collect taxes, and if that negatively affects their business to the point of harming competitiveness, they will move their companies some where else or never create them in the first place. Who benefits from that?

For people who believe in the free market, like myself, McCain's commitment is great news and long over due.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

You Know You Are a Redneck

You know you are a redneck...If Andrea Mitchell calls you one. That is exactly what she recently called the people of southwest Virginia. Media Bistro is reporting that:

MSNBC anchor Andrea Mitchell apologized today for calling southwest Virginia, "real redneck" country. Toward the end of her 1pm ET hour, she said, "I owe an apology to the good people of Bristol, Virginia for something stupid that I said."

The editor of the Bristol Herald Courier (in Bristol, Virginia), J. Todd Foster, wrote a column published yesterday in response to the comment.

"I'm a redneck. But then again, so is every one of you reading this column. Or so says Andrea Mitchell of NBC News," writes Foster.

Mitchell made the comment last Thursday as she referred to "interesting images," of Sen. Barack Obama appearing with Sen. Mark Warner in southwest Virginia. "This is real redneck, sort of...um, bordering on Appalachia country," she said. "This is not the northern Virginia, sort of, high tech corridor. These are not voters he would logically be gravitating to." Click here for the YouTube clip.

"The last bastion of acceptable, politically incorrect stereotyping is making fun of Southerners," writes Foster. "And we're damned tired of it."

Foster says that this is the last "acceptable" arena of stereotyping, and he is right. But not for every group out there. It seems that only the "mainstream" media and those liberals who have either written such voters off as unreachable or they actually believe they "take care" of this constituency and should have the right to call them whatever they desire. Of course comedians with no ostensible political agendas also make a living off of "rednecks."

Conservatives, on the other hand, typically can't take such pot shops without suffering from charges of elitism that could bring down political careers. The bottom line -- be it conservatives or liberals -- calling people names is bad form. It is something that we should have out grown by middle school. It is a demonstration of immaturity and a very limited vocabulary. It may be time to get more manners or simply go back to school.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Whatever Happened to...

When I was a kid there were certain things that were institutions. Things that would simply be with us at that time and for all time. I was such a romantic. Recently I stumbled about "memorable companies that have vanished." Who would have ever thought that these businesses would ever become history?

Here's a list of some of the more memorable ones for me:

* The DeLorean Automobile. What a beauty. I never owned one, but was always impressed. Remember Back to the Future? Great car.

* The Merry-Go-Round brand, which included Chess King, my favorite clothing store. The article points out that the brand was so trendy, it became irrelevant. All I know, is that I bought a large volume of polyester from that place.

* Lionel Corporation. Lionel the name that spells trains. Sure, we still see the name, but it isn't the same company. The one I enjoyed under my Christmas tree went out of business in 1967.

* RCA. Remember the cute dog looking at the radio? It was symbolic of the discovery of a new media and is indicative of RCA. It wasn't cheap when I was a kid, but it is today since it was acquired by GE and it's parts largely come from China.

* EF Hutton. We all remember the financial firm from the ads (when "EF Hutton talks, people listen") and the scene from one of my favorite movies, Trading Places, in which Eddie Murphy's character steals the scene while reminding us of the firm's popular commercial. Burdened with scandal and pounded by the 1987 stock market crash, this company became history.

* Burger Chef. This was my favorite burger joint as a kid and the company introduced me to kids and value meals. It was bought out by Hardee's and it ceased to exist after 1996.

* Montgomery Wards. That is the place I acquired my first baseball glove, football, and other milestones of my maturation. In spite of the fact I witnessed its continuous decline for years, I was actually surprised to see it go completely under in 2001.

* FW Woolworth. Remember "five and dimes"? I do and I still miss them today. They were a favorite place for every kid when I was growing up.

I only have eight, there's 25 at the list compelled by AOL. Check out the list and see what you are missing...or not.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

First New Refinery in Decades

There are only a few operating refineries in the country. The bureaucracy to get a license for such is years and the political environments are very hostile to the development of energy independence -- a stated priority of virtually every politician. With the average cost of gasoline approaching $4 a gallon, that might all be changing.

For the first time since 1976, the International Herald Tribune is reporting that the path is being open for the creation of a new refinery in South Dakota. This is the first new one in this country since 1976 and should have the capacity to produce 400,000 barrels of crude from Canada daily. This will certainly contribute to lower energy prices.

In addition to being good for energy independence, it has the potential of creating almost 5,000 short term jobs in the plant's construction and 1,800 long term jobs for those who will work at the plant once completed. The company, Hyperion Resources, has indicated that those jobs will have an average salary of $20 to $30 an hour. Good paying jobs in a part of the country that needs them.

I, for one, am mainly pleased to simply see that the US is taking some small step in the effort towards energy independence. If you want to call $10 billion, the cost for the project, small. Energy independence, which makes our economy strong, our people prosperous, and our nation more secure from our enemies (who are the biggest beneficiaries of our current energy crisis) needs to be at the top of our nation's priorities. Steps like the opening of this refinery are certainly actions in the right direction.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Bill O'Reilly vs. Scott McClellan

I have to admit, I don't know exactly where I stand on Bill O'Reilly. This is surprising, because I have always felt pretty confident on developing my views of individuals and Bill O'Reilly has certainly given me plenty of material to work with. However, O'Reilly is gruff and he is as quick to take on a friend as he is a foe (part of his effort to maintain a no-spin zone). However, his performance last night on the Factor is, without question, one of the finest I have seen on any interview program.

O'Reilly's guest was Scott McClellan, the former White House Press Secretary that many see as a Benedict Arnold in his own right. McClellan's book is scandalous, not so much of its depiction of the things he saw and hated in the White House, but because of what he wrote about those years. Strong individuals tell their bosses that they disagree with what they have seen. If that doesn't work, they turn in their resignations and get a job somewhere else. They don't write about it, because who wants to admit that they were so weak that they stayed in a situation they despised (in McClellan's case) for years? That reflects far more poorly on McClellan than the people in the White House he attacks.

In the interview, O'Reilly was masterful at putting McClellan at ease and even finding areas to affirm him on a personal level at the beginning. Then he systematically challenged McClellan's approach to his topic, considered outside influences that may have altered the wayward Press Secretary's views (in other words, those views not actually being McClellan's), and left the audience wondering about the integrity of the process behind this controversial book. McClellan tried desperately (and obviously) to adhere to talking points planned in advance. It wasn't pretty. I can't do the interview justice. It must be seen to be appreciated. This interview helped me understand a little more why O'Reilly's show is the highest rated news program on cable.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.

Economy Held Hostage by Future of Tax Cuts

Since the Democrats have taken over both Houses of Congress in 1996, there has been a great deal of discussion on the future of the tax cuts that many economists believe drove this economy through much of the 1990s. The situation is simple. When the original tax cuts were passed early in the Bush Administration, the President was unable to make those cut permanent. The votes weren't there. These cuts had to be passed by every Congress and now they are facing expiration because the current leadership won't even allow them to be voted on.

We can now hear the clock ticking on the tax cuts and the impact on 43 million American families could be significant. Failure to keep those cuts on the books will translate into the "biggest tax increase in history" according to the President.

CNN has reported that "allowing the cuts to expire would add $1,900 to the tax bill of a family of four with an annual income of $60,000, Bush said. All told, he added, 43 million families with kids would have to pay an average tax increase of $2,323." As damaging as the policy will be on families, the effects on Main Street and Wall Street could prove even more profound.

"It turns out that 75% of taxpayers who benefited from the reduction of the top bracket were small business owners," Bush said, noting that small businesses pay taxes at individual income tax rates. "So when you hear 'tax the rich' you're really talking about taxing Mom and Pop businesses."

Many capital investments of business of all sizes (be it a new machine, more office space, or vehicles, etc.), the hiring of new employees, and other expenditures that lead to greater economic growth -- and even increased revenue for the government in taxes -- have been held hostage by a Congress unwilling to take action. The result of this procrastination could be further economic down turn. It is time to stop playing politics and make this tax cuts permanent. Tax cuts have worked for decades, as seen in the video going back to the early 1960s. We need these tax cuts to continue today.

According to recent surveys on marketing, most advertising attracts sellers (others who want you to buy more ads) and not buyers. Do you want to know why? Email info@HoustonBusinessShow.com and put "marketing audio" in the subject line and we will get it to you.

Kevin Price is Host of the Houston Business Show (M-F at 11 AM on CNN 650) and Publisher of the Houston Business Review. Hear the show live and online at HoustonBusinessShow.com. Visit the archive of past shows here.