They tout baseball up in this part of the state…..but not a Yankees fan….

I few years ago I lost my high tech job….worked in the industry for 35 years. So wife and I sell everything we had almost, moved to agricultural country and started a fruit orchard from scratch, primarily apples. A lot of work, time and money invested in this endeavor. So after 7 years we start making a profit - $8,000.00. First year to make a profit…..that profit is our basic salary for the year…well Uncle Sam takes 20% for self-employment tax….and now more expenses for health care. When I hire someone part-time, according to health care bill, I’m responsible for paying their health care. Almost forgot, school and county taxes amount to over $12,000.00/year.

Just so that you understand….that $8000.00 last year must be divided by my wife and me and to pay for taxes, living expenses etc. That works out to be about $1.35/hour. We work all year around - during the winter months we have farmers markets, and we prune trees starting in Jan right through the end of April and continue throughout the year. They are long hard years of work.

I am taxed on everything….property taxes, apple taxes (yes tax on apples)…yep just keep going….

Now take your scenario - I am a small business man just trying to make an honest living. Presently, I can not do that. The taxes are crippling, and costly. Would you recommend that I go on welfare, less time and effort on my part and then I can take advantage of gov’t health care? If I along with many small businesses who is going to pay for the generous health care bill?

Your suggestion please……(do you need an address to forward a check - gold and silver are preferable).