Rossputin.com Rational Thinking About Our World

Plenty of sanctimonious liberals or "progressives" have said (before the election, at least) this election represents a repudiation of capitalism, Reagan, etc., and that Obama is honest in what he says he plans in terms of tax policy.

So, for those of you who truly believe such things rather than just write them, I'd like to offer two wagers:

First, I will bet that Republicans will pick up seats in the House of Representatives in 2010. For those of you who truly believe this election will represent a repudiation of capitalism, Reagan, etc., you should believe that Obama will simply prove that big-government progressivism is so great that Dems will sweep to even greater majorities in the next election. In fact, I'll give you a 5-seat head-start, so if the GOP picks up 5, it's a tie and if the pick up four or less (or there's no change or the Dems pick up seats) you win.

Second, I will bet that Barack Obama will in his first two years in office either propose or sign legislation that increases at least one important tax rate (income, capital gains, or payroll) on individuals or families making less than $250,000 per year. (He'll probably argue that the economy got worse, so government revenue got worse, so his "investments" need more people to "share the sacrifice".)

Anybody who wants any part of this bet...whether for dollars, beer, bragging rights, or a contribution to the winner's charity-of-choice, please e-mail me at rossputin@rossputin.com.