Worth my weight in tax breaks...

Congress enacted an interesting piece of legislation I didn’t even know about. Granted I don’t peruse political news too often. Apparently last March (2010) a bill was put into law that allowed any company to receive compensation in the form of a social security tax credit whenever they hire someone who has been out of work for  at least 60 days.

On the surface this sounds like a decent incentive package. Companies who think they can’t afford to hire someone new might re-consider. Then I thought to myself…

Well that’s a load of crap!

Real companies don’t get persuaded to hire an extra person simply because they won’t have to pay Social Security tax.  If the company needs someone and can afford it, they hire someone. Giving them a tax break for doing so only makes the government look good for offering such an incentive. It did not reduce unemployment it was too little of a drop in a very large bucket.

Let’s face it, hiring people can be costly.

Today I was asked to come in for an interview and in the paperwork they sent me was a 7 page document that I had to fill out so the company could get this tax credit for hiring me. Never mind the fact that I haven’t been hired yet. Never mind the fact that I had to be hired before January 1^st this year in order for them to get the credit (obviously waaaay too late on that one). But what about me?

Am I suddenly only a means for a tax break? Is that all I’m worth to this company? I am a valuable addition to any company. I’d rather it be my skill that makes me valuable if you don’t mind.

The Skill of Speed

I'd like to state for the record before I get too far into this tidbit, that I have not been in an accident, nor caused one since I was a teenager (you know I'm knocking on wood right now). I am a rather fast driver but also skilled to be able to handle those speeds.

I have come to believe the speed limit laws need to be reviewed. I'm told (and am sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong) that the speed limit is determined partially by what the government has designated the area (residential, commercial, agricultural), mixed with the population of the area and the type of road being travelled. I'm sure there are adjustments made for frequency of accidents, proximity to school/playgrounds… I understand that. But here's what I'm thinking:

Shouldn't the speed limits be flexible based on driving ability too?

Each of us would be tested on our driving skill (not just on parallel parking) and would be graded on that skill. Much like we have special licenses for motorcycle or truck drivers, we could have graded licenses too. "A" drivers are the only ones who can drive in the left lane and are permitted to go 15 miles above the posted limit. "B" and "C" drivers would be in the middle and the "D" drivers must stay in the right lane and adhere to "D"-class speed limits. You would display a placard on the car you are driving to alert a cop not to pull you over.

The fact is, I'm a damn good driver. I do drive defensively and my skill has a lot to do with my excellent peripheral vision and my ability to react quickly to changing situations. This is a feature I notice a lot of drivers do not have but I don't think it is fair for me to be punished because so many do not drive well or do not pay attention when driving. Those who do drive well should be recognized for their diligence and abilities.

Okay so the idea is kinda "out there" and a little over simplistic but tell me what you think anyway. I can take it!