We are getting some sprinkles from the remnants of what was Hurricane Nate. For a change, this storm passed without major drama, and the Eastern Seaboard needed the rain. The storm has brought muggy temperatures in the 80s to the Virginia Piedmont, though once the last of Nate has passed off shore, we should get back to thinking about the leaves turning and getting ready for Halloween.

Wish Willow was still open. Their Halloweens rocked.

The Swamp is feeling its oats. Mr. Trump has tweeted himself into some fights he did not need to pick, even with those in his own party. Say what you want, he is an interesting figure who brought his own waders to the party. Still, it will require a rules change in the Senate to advance his judicial nominations.

Tax reform is something everyone seems to be in favor of, except for the devilish details. We hear the same talking points endlessly repeated: Tax reform benefits the 1%! Tax them!

That is a powerful talking point. I am suspicious of the new oligarchy that has risen in this country, and feel they can afford to pay a fair share, whatever that is. But here are some numbers that seem relevant and put things in perspective:

“On average, those in the bottom 40 percent of the income spectrum end up getting money from the government. Meanwhile, the richest 20 percent of Americans, by far, pay the most in income taxes, forking over nearly 87 percent of all the income tax collected by IRS Commissioner Koskinen (Note to self: Why is he still there?)

That 87% seems like a bit of a burden to those of us in the 19% percent of the top bracket that do not own private jets, you know? And for goodness sake, at least lower the business tax and get the companies to repatriate the trillions of dollars parked overseas doing nothing America.

Oh well. The scientists who study volcano’s told the New York Times that the super volcano that lies under Yellowstone National Park could erupt with a force 250,000 times greater than the one at Mount St. Helens, blanketing the nation in ash and bring on a global winter.

It was in the Times, so it must be true. Like we didn’t have enough on our plates as it is.

Copyright 2017 Vic Socotra
www.vicsocotra.com