Now What?

I came down to eat breakfast this morning a little late.  That meant that SportsCenter had been replaced by the Today show.  I poored a bowl of cereal (Kix -- bottom of the box, slightly stale) and sat down at the kitchen island.  About 4 spoonfuls in, my good friend Michele Bachmann's face appeared on the screen.  "Hmmm," I thought, "I wonder what bright thing she'll have to say this morning."

Michele Bachmann just flat out scares me.  The first time I ever saw her was a couple years back while on a business trip.  I have a real hard time sleeping in hotel rooms when I'm alone.  The temperature in the room is never right, the pillows are always too fluffy, and I always seem to have eaten too much.  Plus, you know I just can't fall asleep without spooning.  So, I usually end up lying awake in bed, switching channels endlessly, waiting to get tired.

That particular night, I stumbled onto one of the news channels.  They were interviewing Michele Bachmann.  I can't even remember the topic.  What I do remember is how robotic she was.  Regardless of the question, she had a talking point ready as a response.  She stated each talking point with the same frozen smile on her face.  She had a message to deliver and, by golly, she was going to deliver it.

It's become harder and harder for me to actually listen to Michele Bachmann when I see her on screen.  Usually, as soon as I catch a glimpse of her, I start making a disparaging comment.  This morning, though, I had a mouthful of cereal so she was safe for a moment.  Matt Lauer was asking her if she had a specific plan to jump start the economy, should she be elected President.  Michele immediately responded that one of the first things she'd do is push for a holiday on the repatriation of income earned overseas by U.S. corporations.  Uh-oh, I thought.  I actually kind of agree with her.  I felt dirty.

So, tonight I found myself searching the web, researching the exact details of Michele Bachmann's position on repatriating overseas income.  I've read articles in favor of a holiday, articles arguing for a permanent tax break, and articles that think any sort of break on the taxation of repatriated income is a bad idea.  Look at me -- I'm actually performing a civic duty and becoming a more educated member of the electorate!  And all because of Michele Bachmann.  Thanks, Michele.  I owe you one.