Author Archives: Todd Jagger

That trickling down you feel…

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Even George HW Bush knew that tax cuts for the rich was the worst possible return on economic growth. He called it “Voodoo Economics”. It destroyed our economy in the 80s and, golly geewhilikers, did the same thing in the 2000s. And yet the Republicans are convincing Americans that unless the richest 2% of citizens get to keep the Bush giveaway of our economy then we are in for disaster. Uh, I got news for you: We are in a disaster and you guys caused it.

It’s a robbery, plain and simple. They are robbing you to give to their campaign donors. Keep repeating that until it sinks in. These robbers have engineered the biggest shift of wealth from the middle class to the top 1% in a century. It is recreating the conditions that led to the first Great Depression.

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When the rich are taxed our economy grows because they would rather put their earnings back into growing and expanding businesses than pay it in taxes. All economists know this. Don’t let the Richie Rich Party sell you on the myth that someday you will be in the top 1% of income earners. You won’t be, I won’t be, not if we let them push the middle class down.

That trickling down you feel is the GOP pissing on you.

Sharon & Kelly

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Goddammit, we’ve lost two friends in the last week.  I just heard that Sharon Faulkner, friend and local paramedic, was killed in a air ambulance airplane crash last night.  Our hearts go out to Jerry, Casey, Seth and all her family.   Last week Kelly Fenstermaker lost her long battle with cancer. Kelly was my next door neighbor before we moved to the ranch and a co-volunteer at Marfa Public Radio.

Both of these were treasures of human beings.  They both touched humanity in their own ways.  Sharon literally made people right, helped them through the hardest traumas.  Kelly was a window to life and the land and people.

When my daughter told me of Sharon’s passing today she texted, “ok, well now i feel the need to tell you how much i love you and i’m incredibly thankful to have you in my life.”

Whether it’s by text, by phone, by a handwritten letter, or looking them in the eye, it’s never too late to tell those who matter to you, even those with whom you are just friends, that you care.

It’s Sunday.  If your mom is still around give her a call.

Last night in Elbow Canyon

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At some point I’ll get the galleries the way I like them. I’m going to try and upload new photos regularly – good, bad, mediocre – just new photos.

Sitting outside last night while Anjela upstairs reading Aiden to sleep. Tossing the ball for Birdie, enjoying a breeze, looking at the big clouds on the horizon, and these little guys over the ridge turning orange, then magenta, then grey.