Library Geek

I love the local library.

Our kids get a constant rotation of books read to them before bedtime -- Junie B. Jones is the current rage. My wife has a constant stream of books for the articles she is researching. And now I've found a great, quiet place to do my 1-person startup work.

Our local King County Library system is amazing. Lots of branches. Free wifi. Heck, free printing (75 pages a week). An embarassment of riches for someone trying to get away and read or write (whether it be words or, in my case, code). I'm currently sitting in the downtown Bellevue branch, and it's just a gorgeous place to work. High ceilings, wood, glass, and quiet.

So please don't tell anyone -- we wouldn't want all these open tables to start filling up -- but check out (and support) your local library. It's for geeks, too.

Estate taxes and a growing aristocracy

The congress is wrapping up a compromise tax package. The estate tax is untouched, still on the path of reduction and repeal in 2010, then full reinstatement in 2011. A completely cynical approach, like the cynical "death tax" moniker under which these ill-considered changes have been marketed -- by its beneficiaries and the misguided.

There is a lot going on in the world, but this is one of those issues that need a stand on principle because the slippery slope of following special interests is so steep. What we're learning about declining class mobility in America should concern us all.

Here is the letter I wrote to my representative in the house on this issue.

Mr. Reichert,

I am one of your constituents, and a fortunate beneficiary both of lower capital gains and lower estate taxes.

Yet I strongly believe that eliminating estate taxes is anti-American. Passing wealth from generation to generation erodes the principle of meritocracy that is central to what we are as a nation -- and encourages aristocracy which saps a nation's energy and soul.

William Gates, Sr. said it better than I could: http://www.prospect.org/print/V13/11/gates-w.html

Please, Rep Reichert, reconsider your opinion and your strong rhetoric on this issue http://www.house.gov/reichert/press.05/4.13.05.shtml or I will be unable to be among your supporters.

I would like to see the house and senate pass a bill which freezes the estate tax rates at current (2006/2007) levels -- and halts the march towards repeal in 2010.

Thanks and best wishes,
Bernie