It will be hard to respect any further articles from you after reading your comments on the unqualified Barrack Hussein Obama (Oh my god I am now predjudice because I stated his middle name OH MY! Give me a break for those going down that wrong road). The second coming of FDR and JFK combined? Are you not aware of the policies he plans on instituting? If you are for higher taxes, go for it. That idiot has total disregard to the PROVEN fact that LOWER capital gains STIMULATES the economy. He and his cronies will say whatever they think it takes to gain office. Sure if you offer a hand out to those that don’t undertand you have to work hard, live smart and do the right thing, you will absolutely get their vote. Keep mankind thinking you’re a god here to give them everything for doing NOTHING and you CAN be president!

The far lefts agenda is to keep you brainwashed, controlled and tied down to thinging you must rely on the government and not work for yourself to gain ground. Your destiny is up to YOU not the government as their roll needs to be as uninfiltrating as possible. You MUST be a liberal. Rarely does one admit it as its a most embarrassing self proclamation.

Is this really a forum/magazine for this type of article? Please, keep your inate ranting on the proper blogs. I will follow suit.

PS. A Prius? We have enough of our dollars going to Asia without you promoting the economy of other countries. Let me guess, you think its Bush’s fault? LOL

While I am surprised to see politics mentioned here… (and I am a political junkie!), I have learned the hard way NOT to bring up politics with fellow CI folks!
Tuck’s comments are just another example of devout right-wing conservative Rush Limbaugh / FOX News silliness.

Bruce, I expected that typical response with no depth from someone. (Note: nothing disputed or proven wrong. Again, expected).

I am not a big fan of Rush by the way. He is a bit off the deep end. I don’t lean that far right by any means, but am on the RIGHT side, LOL.

FACT as stated by Obama: “HIGHER TAXES”. Period. He said it himself.

FACT: History has shown lower capital gains stimulate economic growth. Cant be disputed.

FACT: There is global warming.

FACT: There has been cyclical global warming throught the history of the earth.

FACT: There is no 100% proof we are not in one of those cycles.

I could go on but why? Back to CE, how bout them new Krell Papa Dock Amplifiers? LOL

I almost stopped reading when he used the word “turd”. Then I stopped when he started talking about change.

Well Tuck… Most presidential candidates say NO NEW TAXES, yet as soon as they get elected that goes out the window.

We will HAVE to pay some taxes to help fund the Iraq War.

So, are you saying McCain won’t ever raise any taxes?

Hey man, I don’t want to tick anyone off… It’s the fourth of July & we are all entitled to our own political ideals.  Have a beer and just be glad you are an American.

Nothing personal, so I hope we’re O.K.

Bruce, no problem my friend. All is good.

No, I am not saying McCain wont raise taxes. However, he has stated he will not increase the capital gains like Obama has promised. He has,as well, been clear he will extend the Bush tax cuts, which affect me and likely you, in 2010. Obama has promised to NOT extend them even though they touch the majority of Americans.

Of course, all politicians lie, LOL. So know one really knows. There is no pefect candidate and likely never will be. To bad twe dont have a better choice this election huh? LOL

Be proud, be strong. No harm done. Live HAPPY.

Yep they are all a bunch of liars. We will be facing some really huge challenges in the next few years unlike we have faced in a long time, thanks to skyrocketing fuel costs. I guess I’ll just pray, and fasten my seatbelt!

First, gas will definitely hit $6.50 a gallon. There will be a respite to get the general population in-line with new pricing and then more growth. One of the only things that both sides of the aisle can agree upon is higher gas.  The Democrats love it because they can further push their “we are all victims and the Earth is dying” platform and it is no secret who is paying for the Republican ticket. 

92%+ of all energy consumed in the US is still made by coal plants.  A fact not overlooked by Carter, Reagan, Bush, Clinton and Bush again.  So this rules out “the Earth is dying” platform for Dems. (Did I mention that the tax credit for purchasing energy efficient appliances just lapsed and was not renewed) At least the Republicans are upfront about their position.

At $4.00+ per gallon the US saw only a 2% decline in consumption.  Compared with 150% growth in price, the math does not suggest a decrease in price will be coming.  Thank you, Mr Smith.

However, I would like to digress from political discussions on this forum.  I do however, like the concept of discussing how political issues impact our industry.

So, in so far as CI/CE firms not being green, it is absolutely true.  This is the nature of the beast.  We do not profit from selling and integrating less equipment.  As a result we are reliant on CE device companies to produce more efficient devices.  A typical install with a few TV and a rack can result in anywhere from 1000 to 6000 constant watts.  Even at 1000W, we are looking at leaving 20+ lights on at a time.

As a result, calling CI firms the “un-green group” isn’t really fair.  However, a more disconcerting affair, are the all-in-one devices that are making headway.  The LinuxMCE and Microsoft Media Center’s are not going away.  If anything, the concept of home automation and advanced media management will only get easier for the average Joe to execute or worse, for the Geek Squad to install. 

- B

Letter to the editor - Try to keep your political views to yourself.  While we respect your opnions on the industry, your political views can only serve to alientate readers and skew the value of your opinions.

For the record… I am a lifelong registered Republican.

Btab, very well spoken.

I did not know coal was 92%. Interesting. Where did that data come from as I would like to learn more about it.

While we may not be able to CLAIM our industry is green, we certainly can state that our installations can make OTHER proceses in the household more green, i.e. HVAC, lighting, irrigation, etc. Controlling those and other items can and does reduce our carbon footprint, regardless of whether I believe our footprint is making that big of an impact on anything other than propaganda or not.

We tend to promote the aspects of our industry that best fit the shoe we need it to fit. As long as we don’t intentionaly mislead, I have no problem with that.

Good words btat.

Wow, Jason.  Injecting politics into CEPro will really help you lose readers fast.  Like this one…

It’s time for CEPro to “instituting change”

Jason,

While I will continue to read CEPro for industry information, my opinion of you as well as the level of respect I had for you has diminished.

-Bill

Jason,

Congratulations on being a Republican.  You could be a lifetime member of the Communist Party.  The point is that your personal politics have no place on this board.  How different adminsitrations may effect our industry would be worthwhile.  Conversely, who you will vote for in November is not of general interest. 

Perhaps you can do some research on how various legislation will effect CI firms in MDU installations.  Or maybe, a piece on how to capitalize on tax benefits currently available for adding energy efficiency.

Stick to your expertise.  Should you not be able to contain your need to wax philosophically about politics, try http://groups.google.com.

What is the net result of puking on puke?

Everyone-I think you need to take a deep breath and relax! Jason Knott wrote and article and he was obviously feeling the frustration as EVERYONE is right now. To blast him for voicing his frustration is ridiculous.
Tuck-your statement “its a proven fact..” is a ridiculous point. One, I am not so sure its PROVEN, as the majority of americans dont even know what Capitol Gains is, second, if it were so easy, then shoot, we should just get rid of it altogether and watch are country return to the glory days in one fell swoop!
Another thing, anyone spouting about “agendas” has no business commenting on anything. I can see it now, Far Left and Far Rights are sitting around in a dark room around a table discussing the best way to keep the “masses” under their control..
BTABLAK-you started out with a good informative thread, but telling Jason to keep his views to himself? Huh? I find it interesting and I am sure others do as well in this very uncertain and very important political climate.
In terms of some of you saying you have lost respect for Jason or wont read CePro anymore, give me a break…over this article? This was hardly anything. Have you seen what is happening in our country? Have you seen what is going on? And some little article gets you riled up? Why dont you take some of that energy and go change something in your community or our country that will make for a positive change.
Jason-I applaud you for speaking your mind and admitting that you are a life long replublican-it shows that you-like many others (myself included) are completely dismayed by the current state of affairs.

Mr. Gotz, you stated “Tuck-your statement “its a proven fact..” is a ridiculous point” in regards to raising Capital Gains taxes. Wow, dont you look the fool now. Here, have a read of the United States Congressional Budget Office report from 2003. It’s 205 pages so since apparently you don’t read before spouting, I doubt you take the time to admit your error.

However, I am not in search of an apology as many have an opinion that’s based not on fact but soley on hearsay and unfounded half truths. Many others simply jump on the bandwagon of common belief. Not sure which road you took but it was the wrong one as the “facts” prove.

Regardless of whether the average American is familar with the definition of a Capital Gain, it’s a ridiculous gesture to insinutate it has no bearing on the well being of their life, those around them or the American economy.

So, please, before one throws stones casting errors on anothers writing, it is wise to provide due dilligence before making ill-gotten claims of ridicule.

On that note, my apologies to you Mr. Knott. I viewed your writing as a very liberal article and, with reason, made the assumption of your political stance. Thus, my stance countered that of yours. While I don’t agree with your article, it appears I must stand corrected on my assumption of your liberalism background.

We should agree with Mr. Gotz on the point he made to those wanting to disown CePro solely based on this article. That does seem a bit far handed. It is your right to make the call. Personally I wouldnt go that far. If you don’t like article by Jason Knott, then don’t read those. Surely one can see there are other articles and issues that address some of our needs. I look forward to not only the links online but to the magazine as well.

May luck be with you all. (of course that is based on my definition of luck which is “where opportunity meets preparedness”)

Tuck-

There is no mistake to admit, my point is, single easy solutions are never the answer…take Biofuels, More Drilling, Speculators, etc, etc, etc..Everytime someone or some group jumps on the bandwagon, more information and research comes out that shows that “hey, maybe that wasnt such a good idea” There is so much CRAP flying around out there with people blatantly lying about the problem, lying about the solution or if it isnt lies, then it is absolute ignorance and it comes from BOTH sides of the fence, however, given the last 8 years-even a longtime republican, I am completely disillusioned with the party and the people running it. I was not blasting you, but your very aggressive tone and stance was a bit much.

It’s ashame we have two parties, meaning everything in gov’t is partisan. It’s gov’t thats dividing it’s peoples.

Most things are cyclical and no one president or even a gov’t is soley to blame.

My world is not crumbling to demise nor are those around me including democrats. The media of course would have us believe otherwise. Is it rosie? Of course not, but its certainly not death to us all, unless of course a new gov’t makes rash decisions to let down our guard and underfund our military.

Sure, oil is at devastating highs that DOES affect each of us. Is there a single answer? No, of course not. However we have enough oil and energy within reach of our own shores and lands. Not accessing it CAN be blamed on the liberal agenda. It’s funny how Obama caters to the few tiny extreme environmentalists and states “Accessing our own oil will take at least five years to make a dent in oil prices” yet fails to state “Had we done this years ago, we likely wouldnt be in the position we are now.” BOTH sides are good at pointing fingers, I agree.

Regardless, we as an industry are in for a less than grandiose ride. We are still viewed by most as a “luxury” item and with that I disagree. Does every home NEED a Crestron or AMX system? No. That IS luxury, IMO, and is totally not necessary as its the most overpriced solution. I do agree we need to turn this conversation into what can we do to change the common misperception that our industry is toy and luxury for the more wealhty and and how can the gov’t aid in getting our points across. Had that been the topic of the article, we wouldnt be spouting as much.

Unfettered Capitalism will always be the answer.

“Those who expect the blessings of freedom, must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.”  Thomas Paine.

“Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves.”  Abraham Lincoln.

Government will never be the answer, whether a Republican or Democrat who believes in the institution of government rather then the rugged individual.

Its amazing how willing people are to hand over there freedom for something that the government will never be able to follow through with. Maybe there scared…. or just lazy. Who knows?

Steve, exactly correct, and the root of Conservatism.

Phil, to which freedoms do you refer?

I am a conservative:

to conserve the literal meaning of the Constitution….........

to conserve the true meaning of capitalism….....

to conserve the free markets and free enterprise…

to conserve the Republic….......

to conserve “We the People” not we the government

to conserve the rights of free men to “self govern”.....

I could go on, but these conservative views have made us the most powerful country ever in the history of the world in less then 230 years, and those who do not understand these simple principles will be the bane of what is great about America…..........

Anyone who isn’t delusional knows that John McCain and W are not true conservatives. Bob Barr 2008

Obama’s understanding of technology and innovation wins over a large majority of “Tech Voters”

It also must be noted that the typical “He’ll raise your taxes and capital gains!!!” line simply is not true for over 96% of Americans. If you make under $250,000 a year, your capital gains will not be raised and your taxes will stay the same or be lowered. And anybody who likes to be honest with themselves would realize that as truth. But honesty goes out the window come election year right?

FOUR MORE YEARS!!! FOUR MORE YEARS!!!