Thanks, Tim. I've been saying the same thing for years.

I am a licensed residential builder, but ply the trade as a hobby (historic preservation projects).

I am an uncertified network administrator with 20+ years experience, and make my living at it.

And if I chose to, I could sit and pass at least 3 of the ASE or Michigan mechanic cert tests, and a few I-CAR. But I do this for fun.

Does any of this matter? Not in the least. My business will gross about $900K this year, about half of what we did in the best years. But we are doing it with three people instead of six, and on thin margins. I cannot see how a tax change will help me keep the shop open. It's hard enough as it is.

I was not going to post this afternoon, as while I was at work I learned that a friend (and former employee) of mine died suddenly. He has a wife and 3 young children. I think I've already said most of what concerns me most, and I hope my fears are overblown. But I don't have a whole lot of trust going here, based on what I have read and seen and heard.