Marco!

Marco Rubio is exploring a possible U.S. Senate run next year. I hope he decides to run.

Why? I like his principled, conservative stance on taxes. He was advocating for less taxes and fiscal responsibility before the caca hit the fan last year. Unfortunately, his "no property taxes" stance was seen as too radical by most folks. Wonder what would be said today of Rubio's crazy idea that more money to government isn't necessarily a good thing?

His stance on Cuba is about as solid and passionate as it gets, and the respect and honor he gives to those who came before him to this great land never fails to stir me. And he doesn't need a teleprompter to deliver a great speech.

He's not afraid to challenge those within his party, either. Here's a spanking he gave to a Panhandle Republican several years back.

A very smart guy. A local saguesera guy, just like me. We even went to the same high school (we graduated a couple of years apart). But it's not just because he represents me, but because I feel he represents the best America has to offer to anyone who decides to work hard and earn their living.

Here's a short video from MarcoRubio.com.

Tax Debate in Florida

Quite the battle going on up in Tallahassee concerning the propery tax-reduction plans floating around.

The more I think of it, the more I like Marco Rubio's "get rid of all property tax" idea for homesteaders. I realize his plan would increase sales tax by 2.5 cents, but the impact of the extra tax is quite minimal, even for lower-income people. Essential items such as food are already tax exempt, so the taxes would only apply to things such as an extra cellphone or Ipod.

Better yet, lower-income folks would be that much closer to being able to afford buying a home, which is a huge upward step for anyone looking to move up the economic ladder.

Quite simply, the alternative proposals by the state Senate and Gov. Crist just don't go far enough. Yes, they cut property taxes a bit, but not enough. As I said before, if they don't take out the whole chunk, it's not enough. The Senate wants to roll back taxes all the way back to 2005/2006 levels. Are they kidding? Might as well leave it as is!

People are concerned about local government services being cut if property taxes are eliminated. I'd like to think that it's primarily government fat that will be cut off and placed on the barbeque instead. The concept of local governments operating under a budget, just like you and I, is a novel concept but one we should demand. One only has to look at our local governments which are floating in money from the soaring property taxes of the last 2 years. Has anyone really noticed a positive difference in government services? Me neither.

Demanding that government uses their (OUR) money wisely, that it be spent responsibly, only makes sense to me. Putting that extra money in OUR hands makes even more sense.

Rubio's plan is way too brave and bold to pass. Politicians don't have the spines to pass something as ballsy as Rubio's cut all property tax plan. Besides, Rubio's plan would hand it over to voters who would ultimately decide what happens to the property tax. Like I said, the more I think of it, the more I like it.