While President Obama’s eyes are set on a Christmas vacation in Hawaii, the American people’s minds are fixed on the largest tax increases in American history that are looming on the horizon.  Every American taxpayer will be hit hard by the Obama tax hikes.  At a time of economic strife, and today’s reports of unemployment rising to 9.8 percent, President Obama’s thoughts should be on creating jobs for the American people but raising taxes will only hurt small businesses and job creation.

On the first of the new year, personal income taxes will be hiked, and the marriage penalty tax will rear its ugly head again.  In fact, even the child tax credit will be cut by $500 for every child.  With the economy still struggling, American families will have to make even tougher decisions in 2011 if Congress does not halt these tax increases.

President Obama knew almost two years ago when he was sworn into office that these tax hikes would go into effect on January 1, 2011.  It is a failure of leadership that he has waited until the 11^th hour to act.  I hope as President Obama dreams of his Hawaiian Christmas vacation, he reflects on those American families that will soon suffer under his historic tax increases.

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From Hawaii to New York State, the Ricochet Podcast goes coast to coast this week as we talk to Ricochet contributor Heather Higgins about her role in helping to elect Republican Charles Djou in Hawaii. That’s right, Hawaii. Then Col. Chris Gibson joins us to discuss the state of his race in NY’s 12th district, and his inspiring vision for the country’s future. Finally, Rob reveals his secret career as a political voice over artist and a third world columnist.

Join the conversation at Ricochet.com or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.

The House and Senate are wrapping up work on the last appropriations bill of the year and rumors are swirling that the controversial Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act, also known as the “Akaka Bill,” will be included in the Defense Appropriations bill.  The defense measure is proving to be controversial, because House and Senate appropriators are using it to carry non related matters like a $1.9 trillion debt limit increase, an extension of unemployment benefits and the Native Hawaiian measure.

The Native Hawaiian bill, a long time priority of Senator Daniel Akaka (D-HI), would set up a race based government of “indigenous, native people of Hawaii.”  Opponents argue that this bill is unconstitutional and unwise.  National Review Online sounded the alarm bells today and sources on Capitol Hill confirmed to Big Government that a version of the Native Hawaiian Bill may end up in the Defense Appropriations bill.  (more…)