As “Baby Boomers,” we have some selected years that stand out in our collective memories.
1963: It was a year that, for everyone of the age of reason, remembers exactly where they were and what they were doing as President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. It seems we all lost our innocence on that fateful November day.
1968: The infamous 1968 included two more assassinations (Robert F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr.). More than that, it was a year when our Country had never experienced more division among the people than since the Civil War. Also, the majority of us tasted the political waters for the first time. We felt our voices could make a difference. It turns out maybe they were just idealistic dreams.
1974: We witnessed a President resign and leave office in shame – the experiences of Nixon and Vietnam were over.
1992: The year we grew sick of listening to Fleetwood Mac’s “Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow,” as we elected the great Governor of Arkansas, William Jefferson Clinton, President of the United States.
2008:
We will vividly remember this year with a sense of doom never felt before. The gnashing of teeth will not cease for years to come, and we will regret the decisions that were made on our behalf.
This year has seen the amount of individual’s retirement funds and personal investment portfolios drop 40 percent in value.
The housing market prices also have decreased 10-20 percent, and the Federal Government’s debt is estimated to be at $9.5 trillion by year’s end. That’s a ridiculous number.
Oil reached $146 a barrel, and gasoline at the pumps hit an American high of $4.35+ per gallon, all in the name of greed and excess profits.
The cost of the war in Iraq is at $582 billion and climbing by the second.
Health care costs have risen 6 percent this year, with an average cost of $9,144 per employee. This figure would significantly be higher if companies had not drastically reduced benefit costs by increasing co-pays, while lowering the expenses and quality of both dental and optical care.
The average cost of health care for every American was $2,295, and $4,635 for every working person.
For the first time, since the Depression, the middle class was forced to make tough decisions, such as buying groceries and paying energy bills rather than affording medicine and health care.
Additionally, we have an elected President with the lowest approval rating in the United States history, as well as possibly the most powerful Vice President ever to hold court.
We may be on the verge or onset, if you please, of another major depression in the United States and possibly across the world.
Only the very wealthy will survive by relying on the shoulders of the lower and middle class populations.
This blog will delve into each and every one of these issues in depth during the upcoming year.
Please have faith in the new year, all is not lost, we have elected a new generation with hopes and dreams of their own. We may be surprised by the outcome of decisions to be made in the coming years. They say hope does spring eternal.
May God Bless and keep you in the coming New Year.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
"You are a socialist"-email comment from a reader
Call me Ishmael, or better yet, call me a progressive, the label that I prefer. I never understood why so many shrunk from being labeled the "L" word, that is, a liberal. I'm proud to be a disciple of "fightin' Bob" LaFollette and everything he stood for, in fact fought for. Lately, in the true spirit of "only the name's been changed" propaganda, the new pariah is the socialist. Pre-election rhetoric was full of allusions to our president-elect as a socialist.( Is this what you want for our great democracy?). The warriors of Bill O'Reilly et al have been convinced that they alone pay their own way and that the scofflaws of our society have been nothing short of an anchor tied to a noose around the head (if not the dick) of America. It would be very easy to cite hundreds of examples of how these folks are indeed socialists. With my limited time and abilities I'll try to point out just a couple. Do you participate in a health insurance program? Don't confuse this with a health savings account, which is definitely not socialist, except for tax savings incentives. Why do you contribute to a fund that is distributed to others based upon their "needs"? Let them take care of themselves.All the insurance premiums paid over a lifetime will not begin to cover the cost of what you call a "much needed" heart transplant. Pay for it yourself, or get out of our way. The ditto-heads must be fed up with paying for schools that they don't use, airports that the elite overuse, national and state parks that they can't afford to use,
Who Is Minding The Store?
As you are aware, the Brain Trust (oxymoron) in Washington voted to allocate $700 billion for the relief of the financial crisis. These political leaders deemed it fit to immediately dole out $350 billion and give the other $350 billion out down the road.
Henry Paulson, the Wise Old Owl, urged the President to push this with all of the backing he could muster. The Big Bad Wolf Mr. Bush said you must do this or else the country will fall into disrepair and the economy will collapse.
Each week, since this massive bailout was passed in October, the Feds continue to change the rules of how the money is spent. Now, at the end of December, the major banks have produced reports on the use of the funds.
The emergency bailout provided JPMorgan Chase with a hefty $25 billion. In a recent Associated Press article, Thomas Kelly, a spokesperson for JPMorgan, stated, “We’ve lent some of it. We’ve not give any accounting of, ‘Here’s how we’re doing it.’”
He added, “We’ve not disclosed that to the public. We’re declining to.”
A representative from Sun Trust Banks in Atlanta stated, “We're not providing dollar in, dollar out tracking.” The corporation was awarded $3.5 billion.
Regions Financial, which received $3.5 billion, exclaimed, “We manage our capital in its aggregate.” These words were undoubtedly crafted by a Harvard M.B.A.
A total of 21 financial institutions, each granted a minimum of $1 billion, were asked by the Associated Press four basic questions: How much was spent? What was it spent on? How much is being held in savings? What’s the plan for the rest? The majority of institutions questioned immediately provided stock answers carefully prepared by their public relations departments.
Enough quoting the Associated Press, you can read the article. What they should have asked, but are afraid of the answers, is how much went to the corporate officers? How much went to the principle preferred stock holders? Also, how much went right back into the pockets of the morons who gave it to them in the first place?
When the financial institutions are squandering money like water, then it's perfectly okay to use $17 billion off the top for the auto industrys"Bridge Loan".When it all comes down on March 31, the automobile heads will be right back on the hill asking for another"Bridge Loan”.The sad aspect, is that they still will not have a viable plan to resurrect the industry in America.
It does not take a doctorate in finance to know that when you toss around that kind of money, nobody can control the spending or flow of bushels of $100 bills. This should be enough to motivate, every hard working tax payer in America, to impeach all politicians and jail the crooked bank officials involved in this debacle.
Where is the COMMON SENSE?
Blood Vessels Bursting
Henry Paulson, the Wise Old Owl, urged the President to push this with all of the backing he could muster. The Big Bad Wolf Mr. Bush said you must do this or else the country will fall into disrepair and the economy will collapse.
Each week, since this massive bailout was passed in October, the Feds continue to change the rules of how the money is spent. Now, at the end of December, the major banks have produced reports on the use of the funds.
The emergency bailout provided JPMorgan Chase with a hefty $25 billion. In a recent Associated Press article, Thomas Kelly, a spokesperson for JPMorgan, stated, “We’ve lent some of it. We’ve not give any accounting of, ‘Here’s how we’re doing it.’”
He added, “We’ve not disclosed that to the public. We’re declining to.”
A representative from Sun Trust Banks in Atlanta stated, “We're not providing dollar in, dollar out tracking.” The corporation was awarded $3.5 billion.
Regions Financial, which received $3.5 billion, exclaimed, “We manage our capital in its aggregate.” These words were undoubtedly crafted by a Harvard M.B.A.
A total of 21 financial institutions, each granted a minimum of $1 billion, were asked by the Associated Press four basic questions: How much was spent? What was it spent on? How much is being held in savings? What’s the plan for the rest? The majority of institutions questioned immediately provided stock answers carefully prepared by their public relations departments.
Enough quoting the Associated Press, you can read the article. What they should have asked, but are afraid of the answers, is how much went to the corporate officers? How much went to the principle preferred stock holders? Also, how much went right back into the pockets of the morons who gave it to them in the first place?
When the financial institutions are squandering money like water, then it's perfectly okay to use $17 billion off the top for the auto industrys"Bridge Loan".When it all comes down on March 31, the automobile heads will be right back on the hill asking for another"Bridge Loan”.The sad aspect, is that they still will not have a viable plan to resurrect the industry in America.
It does not take a doctorate in finance to know that when you toss around that kind of money, nobody can control the spending or flow of bushels of $100 bills. This should be enough to motivate, every hard working tax payer in America, to impeach all politicians and jail the crooked bank officials involved in this debacle.
Where is the COMMON SENSE?
Blood Vessels Bursting
Monday, December 29, 2008
Mondays Rumbling
Not A Regular Feature
Reviewing sports this year, who would have guessed the Tampa Bay Rays would have been in the World Series? Who would have ever thought that the Detroit Tigers, the best team Little Caesars money could buy, would finish in last place. There is always next year!
Since the miracle on the frozen tundra known as Lambeau Field failed to materialize Sunday, the Detroit Lions set a record that probably will never be broken, unless the National Football League, in its infinite wisdom, expands the season to 18 games.
Fifty One years, and only one playoff victory, seems like a long enough wait for some resemblance of a winning franchise. William Clay and Bill Ford, Jr., should bow out and let an owner, who is willing to strive for excellence instead of mediocrity, take the helm. Again, there’s always next year!?
The New York Yankees, better known as the best team any amount of money might buy, has spent $423.5 million on three players – CC Sabathia (seven years, $161 million), A.J.Burnett (five years, $82.5 million) and lastly, Mark Teixeira (eight years, $180 million) – in one week.
It seems the Steinbrenner Kings, George III and Hank, have an inside edge with the Treasury Department. One only has to remember, that King George was convicted in a matter involving illegal campaign contributions to King Richard of Nixon, to realise he knows how to manipulate the political system.
Speaking of the Treasury Department, it will single-handedly keep all employees busy in the upcoming year. The Department also will continue utilizing the people in charge of that unique blend of fabric and paper we print money on, as well as the ink suppliers busy.
Turning to the matter of Bernard “Mad Dog” Madoff, his dealings already have resulted in one of the people, who previously associated with him, committing suicide. One can only wonder how many other cohorts will follow the same path by taking the coward’s way out. The greed mongers on Wall Street and in the banking industry should be that lucky – that jumping out of windows is an option. Those guilty should all be prosecuted with fraud and swindling charges and sentenced to hard time in real prisons, not country clubs with tennis courts and swimming pools.
Last but not least (corny hey), on Christmas Eve Day Wall Street staged what was called a Santa Rally. The Dow Jones increased a whopping 49.88, and oil fell below $36.00 a barrel. Can the good times be far behind with amazing numbers like these? Or was this really only a twinkle in the fat man’s eyes?
“Come on baby let the good times roll”
Reviewing sports this year, who would have guessed the Tampa Bay Rays would have been in the World Series? Who would have ever thought that the Detroit Tigers, the best team Little Caesars money could buy, would finish in last place. There is always next year!
Since the miracle on the frozen tundra known as Lambeau Field failed to materialize Sunday, the Detroit Lions set a record that probably will never be broken, unless the National Football League, in its infinite wisdom, expands the season to 18 games.
Fifty One years, and only one playoff victory, seems like a long enough wait for some resemblance of a winning franchise. William Clay and Bill Ford, Jr., should bow out and let an owner, who is willing to strive for excellence instead of mediocrity, take the helm. Again, there’s always next year!?
The New York Yankees, better known as the best team any amount of money might buy, has spent $423.5 million on three players – CC Sabathia (seven years, $161 million), A.J.Burnett (five years, $82.5 million) and lastly, Mark Teixeira (eight years, $180 million) – in one week.
It seems the Steinbrenner Kings, George III and Hank, have an inside edge with the Treasury Department. One only has to remember, that King George was convicted in a matter involving illegal campaign contributions to King Richard of Nixon, to realise he knows how to manipulate the political system.
Speaking of the Treasury Department, it will single-handedly keep all employees busy in the upcoming year. The Department also will continue utilizing the people in charge of that unique blend of fabric and paper we print money on, as well as the ink suppliers busy.
Turning to the matter of Bernard “Mad Dog” Madoff, his dealings already have resulted in one of the people, who previously associated with him, committing suicide. One can only wonder how many other cohorts will follow the same path by taking the coward’s way out. The greed mongers on Wall Street and in the banking industry should be that lucky – that jumping out of windows is an option. Those guilty should all be prosecuted with fraud and swindling charges and sentenced to hard time in real prisons, not country clubs with tennis courts and swimming pools.
Last but not least (corny hey), on Christmas Eve Day Wall Street staged what was called a Santa Rally. The Dow Jones increased a whopping 49.88, and oil fell below $36.00 a barrel. Can the good times be far behind with amazing numbers like these? Or was this really only a twinkle in the fat man’s eyes?
“Come on baby let the good times roll”
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Stockings
These gifts are for all the good little girls and boys. All holiday wishes will be granted, and they will reap what they have sown.
U.S. Companies continue the battle to remain manufacturing in the States, even with the pressure to stay afloat looming overhead each and every day. The list is not enormous, but the American consumer will and should reward you. Some of the companies that would qualify include: Broil King; Chefs Choice; Kitchen Aid; Charhartt; All Clad; and American Racing Products.
Before you call or write a scathing critique, there are a plethora of companies in America performing the same admirable job. Surviving, without government bailouts, is a feat that should be envied by every company that sold out to higher profits, hence losing American workers their jobs.
The various charities/nonprofit organizations, working 24-7-365 to make their communities and the Country stronger, should be applauded for their numerous accomplishments. A few that come to mind are: The American Red Cross; Salvation Army; Goodwill Industries; United Way; and all other local food banks for providing food and clothing to the underprivileged individuals. Again, there are several other worthy organizations which could be mentioned, but this blog calls for brevity.
The men and women serving in our Armed Forces , who with vigilance constantly watch over our liberty, should never be taken for granted. For at all costs, they give the ultimate in personal sacrifice. Remember to hug a member during this Holiday season.
Lumps of coal (if that is what they really deserve) go to the people who have made this a Blood Pressure Cooker year. We'll just make a list and forget to check it twice. This group includes:
~President Bush, Hank Paulson and the Federal Treasury for spending our great grandchildren's money on greed driven bailouts for money-hungry corporations.
~ Vice President Cheney for all of his endeavors in the name of security with Blackwater and assuring our troops are equipped with the best technology money can buy from Haliburton.
~General Motors, and especially Chrysler, who in March will be appearing (remember they are selling the corporate jets) back in Washington to request more funding. By then, thanks to Cerebus, Chrysler will be traveling on bicycles.
~Bernard “Mad Dog” Madoff for the bilking of so many trusting and stupid people. The real crime is the worthwhile charities he swindled.
~Those in Congress who have supported Tariff Suspensions. You have them to blame for the poison that comes from places like China.
~PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) for protesting and spending money on stupid campaigns against the cruelty to fowl used by Kentucky Fried Chicken. Do they really want us to eat live chickens?
Once again, there are many more candidates for these dubious honors. Please let me know your choices.
Well folk, guess it's eggnog time. As Clement Clarke Moore famously wrote, “I heard him exclaim, 'ere he rode out of sight, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”
Back on Monday!
ReplyReply All Move...
U.S. Companies continue the battle to remain manufacturing in the States, even with the pressure to stay afloat looming overhead each and every day. The list is not enormous, but the American consumer will and should reward you. Some of the companies that would qualify include: Broil King; Chefs Choice; Kitchen Aid; Charhartt; All Clad; and American Racing Products.
Before you call or write a scathing critique, there are a plethora of companies in America performing the same admirable job. Surviving, without government bailouts, is a feat that should be envied by every company that sold out to higher profits, hence losing American workers their jobs.
The various charities/nonprofit organizations, working 24-7-365 to make their communities and the Country stronger, should be applauded for their numerous accomplishments. A few that come to mind are: The American Red Cross; Salvation Army; Goodwill Industries; United Way; and all other local food banks for providing food and clothing to the underprivileged individuals. Again, there are several other worthy organizations which could be mentioned, but this blog calls for brevity.
The men and women serving in our Armed Forces , who with vigilance constantly watch over our liberty, should never be taken for granted. For at all costs, they give the ultimate in personal sacrifice. Remember to hug a member during this Holiday season.
Lumps of coal (if that is what they really deserve) go to the people who have made this a Blood Pressure Cooker year. We'll just make a list and forget to check it twice. This group includes:
~President Bush, Hank Paulson and the Federal Treasury for spending our great grandchildren's money on greed driven bailouts for money-hungry corporations.
~ Vice President Cheney for all of his endeavors in the name of security with Blackwater and assuring our troops are equipped with the best technology money can buy from Haliburton.
~General Motors, and especially Chrysler, who in March will be appearing (remember they are selling the corporate jets) back in Washington to request more funding. By then, thanks to Cerebus, Chrysler will be traveling on bicycles.
~Bernard “Mad Dog” Madoff for the bilking of so many trusting and stupid people. The real crime is the worthwhile charities he swindled.
~Those in Congress who have supported Tariff Suspensions. You have them to blame for the poison that comes from places like China.
~PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) for protesting and spending money on stupid campaigns against the cruelty to fowl used by Kentucky Fried Chicken. Do they really want us to eat live chickens?
Once again, there are many more candidates for these dubious honors. Please let me know your choices.
Well folk, guess it's eggnog time. As Clement Clarke Moore famously wrote, “I heard him exclaim, 'ere he rode out of sight, Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.”
Back on Monday!
ReplyReply All Move...
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
School Daze
The Flint Journal’s Sunday edition reported there were 75,515 disciplinary referrals that occurred in the Genesee County Public School Districts during the 2007-08 school year.
The breakdown of these actions was as follows: Bullying (1,720); Physical assaults (2,776); Vandalism (404); Drug use (116) (?); Possession of weapons (117); Alcohol (66) (again?); Robbery (51); and Arson (85). These numbers, while appalling, should come as no shock to anyone who remotely knows the public schools situation in this country.These figures of course do not include detentions,disciplinary writing assignments, or trips to the principals office.
We virtually have no disciplinary control in the schools. Teachers wring their hands and pull what little hair they have left out by the roots – all in the name of being politically correct while not showing discrimination to minorities. We have handcuffed teachers into being little more than babysitters for those parents refusing to take responsibility for the actions of their children.
There is little doubt in this writer’s mind the majority of these incidents were reported in the Flint Schools. It is a travesty that teachers are unable to control their students in the classrooms.
The children who create such problems are only spoiling the chance for students, encouraged at home by their parents, wishing to take advantage of the educational opportunity being provided for them.
This is not saying that we fail to produce a good amount of finely educated kids from our high schools. However, one just has to look at the dropout rates in the Michigan’s major school systems to see that there is a growing problem with the entire education process.
During the Baby Boomers days in school, a paddle did a pretty fair job of handling ADD, ADHD and Ritalin swallowing students. Today, a teacher easily would be in jail facing assault charges and human rights violations for even pondering the use of physical discipline on a student.
Teachers earn every cent they make in today’s academic environment. It’s a testament to the dedication they show that more educators don't just snap and use a child as a battering ram against classroom walls.
God bless each and every one of you.
The breakdown of these actions was as follows: Bullying (1,720); Physical assaults (2,776); Vandalism (404); Drug use (116) (?); Possession of weapons (117); Alcohol (66) (again?); Robbery (51); and Arson (85). These numbers, while appalling, should come as no shock to anyone who remotely knows the public schools situation in this country.These figures of course do not include detentions,disciplinary writing assignments, or trips to the principals office.
We virtually have no disciplinary control in the schools. Teachers wring their hands and pull what little hair they have left out by the roots – all in the name of being politically correct while not showing discrimination to minorities. We have handcuffed teachers into being little more than babysitters for those parents refusing to take responsibility for the actions of their children.
There is little doubt in this writer’s mind the majority of these incidents were reported in the Flint Schools. It is a travesty that teachers are unable to control their students in the classrooms.
The children who create such problems are only spoiling the chance for students, encouraged at home by their parents, wishing to take advantage of the educational opportunity being provided for them.
This is not saying that we fail to produce a good amount of finely educated kids from our high schools. However, one just has to look at the dropout rates in the Michigan’s major school systems to see that there is a growing problem with the entire education process.
During the Baby Boomers days in school, a paddle did a pretty fair job of handling ADD, ADHD and Ritalin swallowing students. Today, a teacher easily would be in jail facing assault charges and human rights violations for even pondering the use of physical discipline on a student.
Teachers earn every cent they make in today’s academic environment. It’s a testament to the dedication they show that more educators don't just snap and use a child as a battering ram against classroom walls.
God bless each and every one of you.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas American Style
The other day, one of my blog readers phoned to inform me his coffee maker had met its demise.
The avid coffee consumer had made up his mind – to pursue the purchase of not only a new caffeine provider, but an American manufactured product. To his utter amazement, every brand of this device, retailing at all major department stores, were manufactured overseas. Surprisingly, a majority of the products originated from the environmentally sound, worker friendly country known as Red China.
Price was of no object to this consumer. In his pursuit of an American made device, he considered all price ranges. The bottom of the line maker, which when used would probably leak from every pore, to a high end deluxe super model capable of everything but adding the cream and sugar. Alas his search was in vain. So he settled for a foreign made product under the disguise of an American name.
This information should come as no shock to anyone who has tried to buy American and failed in their attempt.
The Big Three (or is it two) import the majority of the electronics enhancing the “American Made” automobile. The large portion of the clothing we adorn is made by third-world countries, where the labor practices are deplorable. The computer, keyboard, speaker, monitor and phone on this writer’s desk are all manufactured, with American names, overseas.
It should come as no great surprise to us we have a massive trade deficit. It has been years since we led the world in the trading of manufactured goods. Remember, we once topped the world in the production of steel, automobiles and other consumer goods.
Is there an answer to this ever expanding dilemma, or are we doomed to be dependent on the rest of the world to provide the goods we need for everyday survival? This is one of the root causes of the financial problem we currently face. Let's see what the new Congress and Administration can do to change this trend.
Check the link provided today. You will absolutely be amazed just how many American companies import the goods we consume daily. The amount of companies listed that make coffee machines is impressive. Why Black and Decker makes a line of home appliances is baffling. Do the blenders double as a circular saw or a variable speed drill?
http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/lou.dobbs.tonight/popups/exporting.america/content.html#a
The avid coffee consumer had made up his mind – to pursue the purchase of not only a new caffeine provider, but an American manufactured product. To his utter amazement, every brand of this device, retailing at all major department stores, were manufactured overseas. Surprisingly, a majority of the products originated from the environmentally sound, worker friendly country known as Red China.
Price was of no object to this consumer. In his pursuit of an American made device, he considered all price ranges. The bottom of the line maker, which when used would probably leak from every pore, to a high end deluxe super model capable of everything but adding the cream and sugar. Alas his search was in vain. So he settled for a foreign made product under the disguise of an American name.
This information should come as no shock to anyone who has tried to buy American and failed in their attempt.
The Big Three (or is it two) import the majority of the electronics enhancing the “American Made” automobile. The large portion of the clothing we adorn is made by third-world countries, where the labor practices are deplorable. The computer, keyboard, speaker, monitor and phone on this writer’s desk are all manufactured, with American names, overseas.
It should come as no great surprise to us we have a massive trade deficit. It has been years since we led the world in the trading of manufactured goods. Remember, we once topped the world in the production of steel, automobiles and other consumer goods.
Is there an answer to this ever expanding dilemma, or are we doomed to be dependent on the rest of the world to provide the goods we need for everyday survival? This is one of the root causes of the financial problem we currently face. Let's see what the new Congress and Administration can do to change this trend.
Check the link provided today. You will absolutely be amazed just how many American companies import the goods we consume daily. The amount of companies listed that make coffee machines is impressive. Why Black and Decker makes a line of home appliances is baffling. Do the blenders double as a circular saw or a variable speed drill?
http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/lou.dobbs.tonight/popups/exporting.america/content.html#a
Friday, December 19, 2008
Friday’s Rambling
To lighten up the mood, let’s take a glance at this week’s news. The President provided us with the insight of just how cat-quick a 62-year-old’s reflexes can be.
Of course, this serves as a reference to the ducking of shoes hurled toward his upper extremity. President “Nike, size 10” learned the infamous move from ducking answers to pertinent questions thrown at him throughout the past eight years.
If the journalist had been of American descent or if the incident occurred in the United States, he would be sitting in a Federal penitentiary waiting trial for attempted shoe assassination charges and facing at least 30 years behind bars. The price he would pay is listening to ye olde George ramble and stumble through his many Presidential speeches and news conferences.
On the other hand, Vice President Dick (I am only a heart attack away from leaving office) Cheney, has decided it was time to “come out of the closet” (in no way a reference to his daughter). During his eight years of public service, V.P. Cheney traveled wherever George sent him and remained low key, except for a slight mishap with a shotgun. Now, especially in the last week, he continues to appear on every news show to extol how all the great decisions, made by this Administration, were sound and wise. Dick undoubtedly will next hit the various talk shows in preparation for his not yet written upcoming book tour.The book will undoubtedly be named "how I made millions of dollars engineering military contracts for Haliburton and Blackwater Security"
Meanwhile, President Elect Obama continues to learn some new dance moves. He spent the week on describing how he, in no way, had any dealings with long-time Chicago Buddy – the great Governor Rod Blagojevich
As a lawyer, Obama already has a majority of the dances memorized. He just needs more pairs of dance shoes and of course practice in front of a mirror.
The Presidential Ball has just begun. It also is being reported President Elect Obama's honeymoon with the American press and the Congress will not last for his entire first year. Apparently, there are a few U.S. Representatives and Senators not quite warm toward Barack’s plans for the Nation’s reconstruction progress. Notice, I was able to sneak in a Lincoln reference?
One last note to end the week – the blog has added a new Team Member with an extensive background in journalism. Hopefully, he will help improve this blogger’s 8th grade writing skills by smoothing the rough edges and pointing out when the hell to use a comma. For those of you, who know my new Senior Editor; please extend a warm and hearty welcome.
The weekend can only serve to relax us all.
NOTE FROM SENIOR EDITOR: Hey, if I can teach an Indian (dot not feather) college student to write newspaper articles in his second language (English), then I think I can help this old fart create masterpieces!
Of course, this serves as a reference to the ducking of shoes hurled toward his upper extremity. President “Nike, size 10” learned the infamous move from ducking answers to pertinent questions thrown at him throughout the past eight years.
If the journalist had been of American descent or if the incident occurred in the United States, he would be sitting in a Federal penitentiary waiting trial for attempted shoe assassination charges and facing at least 30 years behind bars. The price he would pay is listening to ye olde George ramble and stumble through his many Presidential speeches and news conferences.
On the other hand, Vice President Dick (I am only a heart attack away from leaving office) Cheney, has decided it was time to “come out of the closet” (in no way a reference to his daughter). During his eight years of public service, V.P. Cheney traveled wherever George sent him and remained low key, except for a slight mishap with a shotgun. Now, especially in the last week, he continues to appear on every news show to extol how all the great decisions, made by this Administration, were sound and wise. Dick undoubtedly will next hit the various talk shows in preparation for his not yet written upcoming book tour.The book will undoubtedly be named "how I made millions of dollars engineering military contracts for Haliburton and Blackwater Security"
Meanwhile, President Elect Obama continues to learn some new dance moves. He spent the week on describing how he, in no way, had any dealings with long-time Chicago Buddy – the great Governor Rod Blagojevich
As a lawyer, Obama already has a majority of the dances memorized. He just needs more pairs of dance shoes and of course practice in front of a mirror.
The Presidential Ball has just begun. It also is being reported President Elect Obama's honeymoon with the American press and the Congress will not last for his entire first year. Apparently, there are a few U.S. Representatives and Senators not quite warm toward Barack’s plans for the Nation’s reconstruction progress. Notice, I was able to sneak in a Lincoln reference?
One last note to end the week – the blog has added a new Team Member with an extensive background in journalism. Hopefully, he will help improve this blogger’s 8th grade writing skills by smoothing the rough edges and pointing out when the hell to use a comma. For those of you, who know my new Senior Editor; please extend a warm and hearty welcome.
The weekend can only serve to relax us all.
NOTE FROM SENIOR EDITOR: Hey, if I can teach an Indian (dot not feather) college student to write newspaper articles in his second language (English), then I think I can help this old fart create masterpieces!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Parallels
There are some interesting comparisons that can be made between 10 years before the Great Depression and today.
During the 1920’s, people flocked from farms and rural settings to urban environments to take advantage of the blossoming industrial growth. Manufacturing jobs lured immigrants and the people involved in agriculture. Basically, this transition created the middle class as we know it today.
Families were upwardly mobile, in pursuit of all the modern luxuries the era could afford them. Many people were considered extremely wealthy, mostly due to their investing in the stock market. However, their wealth was largely based upon buying on margin. Therefore, when the market crashed, the rich were forced to pay up or face losing everything, which was exactly what happened to many hard working people.
In the past 10 years, leading to the financial crisis we face today, consumers have fled their urban settings in search of larger spaces to raise their families. The general population also has access to the best that technology has to offer. Similar to the 1920’s, these luxuries have been bought on margin. The difference today is the margin equals credit cards and unsecured loans. As was the case in the failing economy then, Americans face the same loss of possessions today. Hard working people continue to lose their homes and acquired goods as fast as if it was 1930 all over again.
As a whole, the middle class has historically been consumers for “want.” Reality is slowly setting in that we must transform into consumers for “need.”
The coming time will not be an easy one. New President Elect Obama will face the same challenges Roosevelt faced when he assumed office. Our new President has set in place, massive public works projects, just as we had during the Depression.The employment opportunities that these public works create will be swallowed up in a battle for survival.
Remember, it’s not a crime to gift your child or a relative something they need as opposed to something they want. As needs, briefly, will out weigh everything.
Level Pressure
During the 1920’s, people flocked from farms and rural settings to urban environments to take advantage of the blossoming industrial growth. Manufacturing jobs lured immigrants and the people involved in agriculture. Basically, this transition created the middle class as we know it today.
Families were upwardly mobile, in pursuit of all the modern luxuries the era could afford them. Many people were considered extremely wealthy, mostly due to their investing in the stock market. However, their wealth was largely based upon buying on margin. Therefore, when the market crashed, the rich were forced to pay up or face losing everything, which was exactly what happened to many hard working people.
In the past 10 years, leading to the financial crisis we face today, consumers have fled their urban settings in search of larger spaces to raise their families. The general population also has access to the best that technology has to offer. Similar to the 1920’s, these luxuries have been bought on margin. The difference today is the margin equals credit cards and unsecured loans. As was the case in the failing economy then, Americans face the same loss of possessions today. Hard working people continue to lose their homes and acquired goods as fast as if it was 1930 all over again.
As a whole, the middle class has historically been consumers for “want.” Reality is slowly setting in that we must transform into consumers for “need.”
The coming time will not be an easy one. New President Elect Obama will face the same challenges Roosevelt faced when he assumed office. Our new President has set in place, massive public works projects, just as we had during the Depression.The employment opportunities that these public works create will be swallowed up in a battle for survival.
Remember, it’s not a crime to gift your child or a relative something they need as opposed to something they want. As needs, briefly, will out weigh everything.
Level Pressure
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Social Disease
Today, Michigan faces a crisis – both social and financial in nature – caused by the worst that society has to offer. With unemployment rates constantly rising, not considering those capable people who have given up hope of finding a job, we are faced with an astronomical increase in crime of all varieties.
The State is burdened with the cost of providing food, shelter, and most expensively, medical care for the prisoners committing these crimes.
Michigan’s prison population has skyrocketed since the enactment of its “Get Tough” crime laws. Our prisons currently house a population of 50,200 inmates, and experts are predicting an estimated growth to reach the 56,000 mark within five years.
It is reported that the State spends about $2 million a day, or $2 billion each year. The cost of feeding, housing and providing medical care is approximately $32,000 annually per prisoner. As an inmate, you can expect to receive better medical, dental and optical care than over a third of the general population. It is, without doubt, the surest way to obtain top notch health care.
We are spending 20 percent of the State’s general fund to pay for the services provided to these criminals and the law enforcement charged with maintaining the prisons and parole cases.
It certainly should come as no surprise when you watch a dead eyed defendant appear in a courtroom. They obviously are not worried about being homeless, or in even owing debt to pay for any essential medical treatments needed during their prison sentence.
Currently, Michigan has the 11th highest incarceration rate in the United States, higher than Mexico, Canada and South America.
Law abiding taxpayers should be outraged by these figures. After all, it’s our taxes paying for the disease that will undoubtedly get much worst before it gets any better. America – the land of opportunity – rears its head in some very ugly ways.
(Facts courtesy of Detroit News)
Pressure On The Rise
The State is burdened with the cost of providing food, shelter, and most expensively, medical care for the prisoners committing these crimes.
Michigan’s prison population has skyrocketed since the enactment of its “Get Tough” crime laws. Our prisons currently house a population of 50,200 inmates, and experts are predicting an estimated growth to reach the 56,000 mark within five years.
It is reported that the State spends about $2 million a day, or $2 billion each year. The cost of feeding, housing and providing medical care is approximately $32,000 annually per prisoner. As an inmate, you can expect to receive better medical, dental and optical care than over a third of the general population. It is, without doubt, the surest way to obtain top notch health care.
We are spending 20 percent of the State’s general fund to pay for the services provided to these criminals and the law enforcement charged with maintaining the prisons and parole cases.
It certainly should come as no surprise when you watch a dead eyed defendant appear in a courtroom. They obviously are not worried about being homeless, or in even owing debt to pay for any essential medical treatments needed during their prison sentence.
Currently, Michigan has the 11th highest incarceration rate in the United States, higher than Mexico, Canada and South America.
Law abiding taxpayers should be outraged by these figures. After all, it’s our taxes paying for the disease that will undoubtedly get much worst before it gets any better. America – the land of opportunity – rears its head in some very ugly ways.
(Facts courtesy of Detroit News)
Pressure On The Rise
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Make Up Your Mind
Senator Carl Levin D. Michigan: Graduate of Swarthmore and Harvard Law School. Senator Levin is the longest serving Senator from the State of Michigan.
This impressive collection of college knowledge leads one to believe that Senator Levin is a reasonably intelligent person. Yesterday, during an interview that was broadcast from WDIV Detroit and carried by CNN, he advocated that President Bush should use a portion of the $700 billion, allocated to the T.A.R.P. Fund, in the amounts of $8 billion to General Motors and another $7 billion to Chrysler for a bridge loan.
In the same breath, he stated, “that the use of the $300 billion, given to the financial institutions, was dubious at best.”
Senator Levin, you cannot have it both ways, after all you voted for the $700 billion bailout and never questioned the use or the people who would be using the funds. This came after a majority of your constituency pleaded with you to vote down the bill. It has to make a voter wonder just who are you representing?
Three months from now, when the auto industry is back on the hill, pleading the case that $15 billion was not quite enough, will you waffle again and say that the use of the money was dubious at best? Senator Stabenow D Michigan: on the other hand voted against the financial bailout, and now doesn't regret it like
Mr. Levin – please note Senator Debbie Stabenow is a staunch advocate of helping the auto industry.
What happened to Ford in this matter? Did the dollar situation with them suddenly cure itself? Now, is all of their monetary woes forgotten? If all this isn't enough to raise your blood pressure, now Toyota has stepped up to the money buffet and declared that it will lose thousands of jobs in the United States unless it gets much needed financial help. The wheels just keep rolling merrily along. On the whole, the car industry has been duping the public in every conceivable way for so long that nobody knows what to really believe. Planned obsolescence is just one example – the Vega, Pinto, Chevette, Pacer, Maverick, and the list just goes on and on.
Hank Paulson has been recommended for the “Auto Czar” job. In its infinite wisdom, the government has seen what a splendid job Mr. Paulson has done with the financial bailout, hence the decision that maybe he can perform similar miracles for the auto industry. What nation is most associated with Czars?
For the most part, this writer agrees, for the money, good luck finding and buying better engineering found in certain products, such as the Corvette, Cadillac CTS, and Ford GT. However, can the middle class honestly afford to buy automobiles that cost more than $60,000? Between a mortgage, as well as the care and feeding of a family, it requires an average annual income of well over $100,000 to afford this quality.
A potential buyer’s option for the purchase of a new vehicle could be a Chevy Aveo or Ford Focus. Then, wait for them to disintegrate before they are paid for within a 72-month new car loan. The bottom line in this entire matter equals where is the COMMON SENSE?
Pressure needs a strong dose of Corgard!
Coming soon Honest Politicians:
Fact or Oxymoron?
This impressive collection of college knowledge leads one to believe that Senator Levin is a reasonably intelligent person. Yesterday, during an interview that was broadcast from WDIV Detroit and carried by CNN, he advocated that President Bush should use a portion of the $700 billion, allocated to the T.A.R.P. Fund, in the amounts of $8 billion to General Motors and another $7 billion to Chrysler for a bridge loan.
In the same breath, he stated, “that the use of the $300 billion, given to the financial institutions, was dubious at best.”
Senator Levin, you cannot have it both ways, after all you voted for the $700 billion bailout and never questioned the use or the people who would be using the funds. This came after a majority of your constituency pleaded with you to vote down the bill. It has to make a voter wonder just who are you representing?
Three months from now, when the auto industry is back on the hill, pleading the case that $15 billion was not quite enough, will you waffle again and say that the use of the money was dubious at best? Senator Stabenow D Michigan: on the other hand voted against the financial bailout, and now doesn't regret it like
Mr. Levin – please note Senator Debbie Stabenow is a staunch advocate of helping the auto industry.
What happened to Ford in this matter? Did the dollar situation with them suddenly cure itself? Now, is all of their monetary woes forgotten? If all this isn't enough to raise your blood pressure, now Toyota has stepped up to the money buffet and declared that it will lose thousands of jobs in the United States unless it gets much needed financial help. The wheels just keep rolling merrily along. On the whole, the car industry has been duping the public in every conceivable way for so long that nobody knows what to really believe. Planned obsolescence is just one example – the Vega, Pinto, Chevette, Pacer, Maverick, and the list just goes on and on.
Hank Paulson has been recommended for the “Auto Czar” job. In its infinite wisdom, the government has seen what a splendid job Mr. Paulson has done with the financial bailout, hence the decision that maybe he can perform similar miracles for the auto industry. What nation is most associated with Czars?
For the most part, this writer agrees, for the money, good luck finding and buying better engineering found in certain products, such as the Corvette, Cadillac CTS, and Ford GT. However, can the middle class honestly afford to buy automobiles that cost more than $60,000? Between a mortgage, as well as the care and feeding of a family, it requires an average annual income of well over $100,000 to afford this quality.
A potential buyer’s option for the purchase of a new vehicle could be a Chevy Aveo or Ford Focus. Then, wait for them to disintegrate before they are paid for within a 72-month new car loan. The bottom line in this entire matter equals where is the COMMON SENSE?
Pressure needs a strong dose of Corgard!
Coming soon Honest Politicians:
Fact or Oxymoron?
Monday, December 15, 2008
Who Are You?
Pressure on low
Notice: You are not Anglo American, African American, Italian American, Hispanic American, South Islander American,or Irish American.Neither are you Catholic American, Jewish American,Muslim American, or Hindu American. No, You are not any ethnic label of American.This brand of being politically correct is tearing at the fiber of our society. If you have not been offended by this statement,sorry your name group was omitted.As a citizen of the United States, you have an obligation to the country and to yourself to be part of the team. This branding of groups does nothing for the cohesive bonding of our nation.
The only exception to this rule, might be Native Americans, they have a right to lay claim to the exclusive use of being able to name themselves pratically anything they like. As for the rest of us,set your mind to the fact, that you are first and foremost AMERICANS! The fact that we are as diversitfied as we are, should only enhance the stucture of the country.You are, and should be extremely proud of your heritage or religious beliefs, but keep in mind that because of our constitution, declaration of independence and the sacrifice of our Armed Forces, you were granted that right.We make strides everyday to insure that you are not discrimated against and the right to believe and think of yourself as a special entity are protected.Ultimatly, in the long haul of continuing to be a great country,joining forces with each other, will serve only to strengthen our being.
Democracy can be a wonderful and enriching experience, but please remember to declare yourself as a member of it,in the words “I am an American” and then you may qualify it with your ethnic or religious background.
Time for that deep breath of freedom.
Notice: You are not Anglo American, African American, Italian American, Hispanic American, South Islander American,or Irish American.Neither are you Catholic American, Jewish American,Muslim American, or Hindu American. No, You are not any ethnic label of American.This brand of being politically correct is tearing at the fiber of our society. If you have not been offended by this statement,sorry your name group was omitted.As a citizen of the United States, you have an obligation to the country and to yourself to be part of the team. This branding of groups does nothing for the cohesive bonding of our nation.
The only exception to this rule, might be Native Americans, they have a right to lay claim to the exclusive use of being able to name themselves pratically anything they like. As for the rest of us,set your mind to the fact, that you are first and foremost AMERICANS! The fact that we are as diversitfied as we are, should only enhance the stucture of the country.You are, and should be extremely proud of your heritage or religious beliefs, but keep in mind that because of our constitution, declaration of independence and the sacrifice of our Armed Forces, you were granted that right.We make strides everyday to insure that you are not discrimated against and the right to believe and think of yourself as a special entity are protected.Ultimatly, in the long haul of continuing to be a great country,joining forces with each other, will serve only to strengthen our being.
Democracy can be a wonderful and enriching experience, but please remember to declare yourself as a member of it,in the words “I am an American” and then you may qualify it with your ethnic or religious background.
Time for that deep breath of freedom.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Fridays Rambling
(A Regular Feature)
“No good deed goes unrewarded and no bad deed goes unpunished”, this phrase should be the cornerstone of our thinking in the events of the last few weeks. There is just no good way to phrase the stuff that is taking place in our world. It has been tumultuous at best, what with enormous monetary mistakes being made by government and the alleged deeds of the representatives of those bodies. You just have to take a step back and breathe a sigh of relief that survival has taken place for another week.
Do you, like myself wonder what effect this all is having on the next two generations. The role models that they are observing don't measure up to any standard of quality There are very good people in this land who do and accomplish good deeds, but the people that make the news and headlines , that gain ratings or sell newspapers and advertising on the Internet, are the people you least want them to look up to. Every way they turn, they hear bad things involving sports stars, entertainment figures, and politicians. The children that I observe sometimes exhibit no concept of reality in regards to what is taking place around them.
It is this blogs position that the only real role models the next generation and their children have are us. As parents and grandparents we have the opportunity to show them what things like responsibility, manners and etiquette are. My grandfather always told me, until the day he passed, that honesty is the best policy. This may sound old fashion and a little hokey to be telling a child or grandchild in today's world, but it will hold them in good standing for a lifetime. We all have a little larceny in us and the ability to lie, didn't you steal a fresh baked cookie when you were told not to, or didn't you ever purloin a quarter for a bottle of soda from your fathers pants. For the most part the people we know and call our friends are decent, honest, hard working people. If the leaders we count on to make the decisions that effect our future cannot be entrusted with providing the direction for the upcoming generations, then we have to shoulder the load ourselves.
After the nation lost over a half of million jobs last month, remember when your out doing your holiday shopping this weekend, to buy American produced products when ever possible. We as citizens can make a difference in the situation, by being aware of our buying trends. It may cost a few extra dollars, but the rewards will be worth the investment.
For all of you who will be visiting friends and co workers this weekend, for parties and get togethers, have a safe and happy time, until Monday keep the pressure on a low simmer.
“No good deed goes unrewarded and no bad deed goes unpunished”, this phrase should be the cornerstone of our thinking in the events of the last few weeks. There is just no good way to phrase the stuff that is taking place in our world. It has been tumultuous at best, what with enormous monetary mistakes being made by government and the alleged deeds of the representatives of those bodies. You just have to take a step back and breathe a sigh of relief that survival has taken place for another week.
Do you, like myself wonder what effect this all is having on the next two generations. The role models that they are observing don't measure up to any standard of quality There are very good people in this land who do and accomplish good deeds, but the people that make the news and headlines , that gain ratings or sell newspapers and advertising on the Internet, are the people you least want them to look up to. Every way they turn, they hear bad things involving sports stars, entertainment figures, and politicians. The children that I observe sometimes exhibit no concept of reality in regards to what is taking place around them.
It is this blogs position that the only real role models the next generation and their children have are us. As parents and grandparents we have the opportunity to show them what things like responsibility, manners and etiquette are. My grandfather always told me, until the day he passed, that honesty is the best policy. This may sound old fashion and a little hokey to be telling a child or grandchild in today's world, but it will hold them in good standing for a lifetime. We all have a little larceny in us and the ability to lie, didn't you steal a fresh baked cookie when you were told not to, or didn't you ever purloin a quarter for a bottle of soda from your fathers pants. For the most part the people we know and call our friends are decent, honest, hard working people. If the leaders we count on to make the decisions that effect our future cannot be entrusted with providing the direction for the upcoming generations, then we have to shoulder the load ourselves.
After the nation lost over a half of million jobs last month, remember when your out doing your holiday shopping this weekend, to buy American produced products when ever possible. We as citizens can make a difference in the situation, by being aware of our buying trends. It may cost a few extra dollars, but the rewards will be worth the investment.
For all of you who will be visiting friends and co workers this weekend, for parties and get togethers, have a safe and happy time, until Monday keep the pressure on a low simmer.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Anyone Want The Job?
Pressure At Boiling
1)Rod Blagojevich (Democrat, 2003-present)—charged with, among other things, conspiring to sell Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat
2)George Ryan (Republican, 1999-2003)—currently serving a 6½-year sentence in federal prison for fraud
3)Daniel Walker (Democrat, 1973-1977)—convicted of bank fraud after leaving office
4)Otto Kerner (Democrat, 1961-1968)—convicted on 17 counts of bribery
5)Lennington Small (Republican, 1921-1929)—indicted for embezzlement
Well what would a good blog be without diving into the political scene, never mind if there is not any water in the pond. Illinois has the unique distinction of having five Governors in the last 100 years that have been indicted on criminal charges.Three of them were convicted and one is still in prison, although since he decreed that all death penalty criminals would not face execution in that state,He is probably making out okay in the general prison population.
The baby boomers have seen a vast array of corrupt politicos in our lifetime. The old adage “Absolute power corrupts absolutely” has never been more true than in our lifetimes. Richard Nixon was so corrupt he should not have been allowed to sell used cars. When he was Vice President, we should have seen that after ten minutes in the view of the public you could power wash a house with the sweat coming off of his upper lip.As for his Vice President Spiro Agnew,He was as crooked as a mountain road(tried and convicted of fraud and bribery).
The current President may be a intelligent man, but he comes across as the dumbest Texan(yes including LBJ) to ever hold the office.You have to wind him up to have an intelligent sentence come out of his mouth.Vice President Dick Cheney, in this writers opinion,is a thug and a thief. Haliburton has the money in bags waiting for him at home.
Democrats are no slouches either when it comes to scandals. Ambassador Joesph Kennedy Sr. who made his fortune the old fashion way, by selling illegal liquor during prohibition, was able to cement the ties with organized crime that help elect his son to the presidency. President Kennedy and his brothers ran wild through Washington ,like Hugh Hefner running wild and naked through the Playboy Mansion.The successor to the Kennedy legacy is President William Jefferson Clinton(see below) Charles Keating, not a politician just a political player, gave millions in campaign contributions ( made by scamming the public in the savings and loan scandal) to Democratic Senators.It is truly amazing how much the Democrats have done and not been convicted or even caught in some cases.
Bill Clinton
RECORDS SET
- The only president ever impeached on grounds of personal malfeasance
- Most number of convictions and guilty pleas by friends and associates
- Most number of cabinet officials to come under criminal investigation
- Most number of witnesses to flee country or refuse to testify
- Most number of witnesses to die suddenly
- First president sued for sexual harassment.
- Second president accused of rape
- First first lady to come under criminal investigation
- Largest criminal plea agreement in an illegal campaign contribution case
- First president to establish a legal defense fund.
- First president to be held in contempt of court
- Greatest amount of illegal campaign contributions
- Greatest amount of illegal campaign contributions from abroad
- First president disbarred from the US Supreme Court and a state court
Your local politicians that have been caught up in scandals, are only mimicking what they have learned from the top. Should we ignore it, or shrug it off as a few bad apples. You can do the popular thing and start a recall petition against whom ever you choose, after all they or one just like them will just run again!
More of these fun political observations coming soon.
Well this situation calls for complete bed rest!
1)Rod Blagojevich (Democrat, 2003-present)—charged with, among other things, conspiring to sell Barack Obama's vacant Senate seat
2)George Ryan (Republican, 1999-2003)—currently serving a 6½-year sentence in federal prison for fraud
3)Daniel Walker (Democrat, 1973-1977)—convicted of bank fraud after leaving office
4)Otto Kerner (Democrat, 1961-1968)—convicted on 17 counts of bribery
5)Lennington Small (Republican, 1921-1929)—indicted for embezzlement
Well what would a good blog be without diving into the political scene, never mind if there is not any water in the pond. Illinois has the unique distinction of having five Governors in the last 100 years that have been indicted on criminal charges.Three of them were convicted and one is still in prison, although since he decreed that all death penalty criminals would not face execution in that state,He is probably making out okay in the general prison population.
The baby boomers have seen a vast array of corrupt politicos in our lifetime. The old adage “Absolute power corrupts absolutely” has never been more true than in our lifetimes. Richard Nixon was so corrupt he should not have been allowed to sell used cars. When he was Vice President, we should have seen that after ten minutes in the view of the public you could power wash a house with the sweat coming off of his upper lip.As for his Vice President Spiro Agnew,He was as crooked as a mountain road(tried and convicted of fraud and bribery).
The current President may be a intelligent man, but he comes across as the dumbest Texan(yes including LBJ) to ever hold the office.You have to wind him up to have an intelligent sentence come out of his mouth.Vice President Dick Cheney, in this writers opinion,is a thug and a thief. Haliburton has the money in bags waiting for him at home.
Democrats are no slouches either when it comes to scandals. Ambassador Joesph Kennedy Sr. who made his fortune the old fashion way, by selling illegal liquor during prohibition, was able to cement the ties with organized crime that help elect his son to the presidency. President Kennedy and his brothers ran wild through Washington ,like Hugh Hefner running wild and naked through the Playboy Mansion.The successor to the Kennedy legacy is President William Jefferson Clinton(see below) Charles Keating, not a politician just a political player, gave millions in campaign contributions ( made by scamming the public in the savings and loan scandal) to Democratic Senators.It is truly amazing how much the Democrats have done and not been convicted or even caught in some cases.
Bill Clinton
RECORDS SET
- The only president ever impeached on grounds of personal malfeasance
- Most number of convictions and guilty pleas by friends and associates
- Most number of cabinet officials to come under criminal investigation
- Most number of witnesses to flee country or refuse to testify
- Most number of witnesses to die suddenly
- First president sued for sexual harassment.
- Second president accused of rape
- First first lady to come under criminal investigation
- Largest criminal plea agreement in an illegal campaign contribution case
- First president to establish a legal defense fund.
- First president to be held in contempt of court
- Greatest amount of illegal campaign contributions
- Greatest amount of illegal campaign contributions from abroad
- First president disbarred from the US Supreme Court and a state court
Your local politicians that have been caught up in scandals, are only mimicking what they have learned from the top. Should we ignore it, or shrug it off as a few bad apples. You can do the popular thing and start a recall petition against whom ever you choose, after all they or one just like them will just run again!
More of these fun political observations coming soon.
Well this situation calls for complete bed rest!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Homeless Yet?
Pressure being controlled with deep breathing exercises.
Back in the age when becoming a home owner was a stern trial of ones financial stability and character in regards to how well you would be able to meet those financial obligations imposed on yourself, The American dream of owning your home was an achievement of a lifetime. In the last 15 years , thanks to the government telling institutions such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae that the implementation of the affordable housing policy was to take precedence over the financial ability of the buyer, has caused the greatest housing crisis America has ever faced. Freddie and Fannie have become , thanks to the bailout, government agencies. The unscrupulous people who ran these companies into the ground, while raking in millions of dollars in personal wealth, had neither a care or a worry about the borrowers plight.
Upon examination it has been revealed, that with the governments urging, mortgage loans of all types were granted to lower middle and lower income families, with the federal governments urging,
People attacked the chance to own a $75,000-$125,000 home. People without the means, and with incomes of sometimes as low as $20,000 a year , have found themselves out of luck on the financial wheel of fortune.
Of course the Feds are claiming innocence and letting the institutions that provided these loans take the fall. Telling Americans how wrong the mortgage companies were for granting them in the first place.
It is like being on a merry -go- round that will not stop and continues to spin faster.
These families further eroded any chance they might have had by using credit as fast as it was approved,purchasing automobiles,electronics,home appliances,etc.As good as that was for the short term economic situation, the backlash of that is now coming home in the form of massive layoffs.The old saying of slow and steady growth somehow got lost in the mad dash to huge profits.
Now that the Feds, and yes, you the American taxpayer are in the mortgage business. Will there be a way out of this mess? Remember only you can make this country great, for the politicians are absolutely useless bureaucrats with personal agendas. More on politicians tomorrow and in the coming days.
Medication time!
Back in the age when becoming a home owner was a stern trial of ones financial stability and character in regards to how well you would be able to meet those financial obligations imposed on yourself, The American dream of owning your home was an achievement of a lifetime. In the last 15 years , thanks to the government telling institutions such as Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae that the implementation of the affordable housing policy was to take precedence over the financial ability of the buyer, has caused the greatest housing crisis America has ever faced. Freddie and Fannie have become , thanks to the bailout, government agencies. The unscrupulous people who ran these companies into the ground, while raking in millions of dollars in personal wealth, had neither a care or a worry about the borrowers plight.
Upon examination it has been revealed, that with the governments urging, mortgage loans of all types were granted to lower middle and lower income families, with the federal governments urging,
People attacked the chance to own a $75,000-$125,000 home. People without the means, and with incomes of sometimes as low as $20,000 a year , have found themselves out of luck on the financial wheel of fortune.
Of course the Feds are claiming innocence and letting the institutions that provided these loans take the fall. Telling Americans how wrong the mortgage companies were for granting them in the first place.
It is like being on a merry -go- round that will not stop and continues to spin faster.
These families further eroded any chance they might have had by using credit as fast as it was approved,purchasing automobiles,electronics,home appliances,etc.As good as that was for the short term economic situation, the backlash of that is now coming home in the form of massive layoffs.The old saying of slow and steady growth somehow got lost in the mad dash to huge profits.
Now that the Feds, and yes, you the American taxpayer are in the mortgage business. Will there be a way out of this mess? Remember only you can make this country great, for the politicians are absolutely useless bureaucrats with personal agendas. More on politicians tomorrow and in the coming days.
Medication time!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Tuesdays Trash
Pressure Out Of Control
He's making a list – He's checking it twice.
Where do you begin to start stuffing the trash bag with garbage this holiday season? Why don't we start with one of the biggest thieves, Citigroup. They are in such dire straits financially that not only can they only sponsor a college football bowl game,but they can proudly use your tax dollars to name a professional sports stadium after themselves(CitiGroup Stadium home the New York Mets).Then announce that they will need another $300,000,000,000 to survive. When the Auto Industry is asking for a miniscule 34,000.000.000 one can only ask ,“what the heck, why not?”Bank of America is no slouch either with American tax money. Instead of opening up the credit markets as they promised would happen, They went and purchased all the assets of Merrill Lynch and are looking for more mergers and acquisitions.They also are not new to the venue naming game, with the Bank of America pavilion in Boston and the Bank of America stadium( home of the Carolina Panthers) The rights to do this costs millions of dollars( just ask ENRON).How many of you make out your credit card payments to Bank of America? We will save AIG for another day!
A couple of more thoughts on yesterdays subject. If any of you haven't noticed, the credit card companies have begun to show up in high schools to try and entice graduating seniors to sign on. Every fall college campuses all over the country have representatives with the major card companies setting up a booth to sign on incoming freshmen . Where will it end? Soon the companies will begin early education for junior high students to prepare them for the magical day they turn 18 and can legally enter into credit agreements.
Do some research yourselves on the companies listed below. This list only contains those companies that have received a billion dollars or more.There are 72 other banking and financial institutions that have received millions of dollars in TARP allocations for the cure of the credit crisis(ho ho ho) . Well we can only hope they all have a very joyous holiday, for the American public will not.
TARP Recipients
Citigroup -25 billion
JP Morgan Chase-25 billion
Wells FargoLoading... & Co. (San Francisco) — $25 billion
Bank of America Corp. (Charlotte, N.C.) — $15 billion
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (New York) — $10 billion
Merrill Lynch & Co. (New York) — $10 billion
Morgan Stanley (New York) — $10 billion
PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (Pittsburgh) — $7.7 billion
US Bancorp (Minneapolis) — $6.6 billion
Capital One Financial Corp. (McLean, Va.) — $3.55 billion
Regions Financial Corp. (Birmingham, Ala.) — $3.5 billion
SunTrust Banks Inc. (Atlanta) — $3.5 billion
Fifth Third Bancorp (Cincinnati) — $3.4 billion
BB&T Corp. (Winston-Salem, NC) — $3.1 billion
Bank of New York Mellon (New York) — $3 billion
Keycorp (Cleveland) — $2.5 billion
Comerica Inc. (Dallas) — $2.25 billion
State Street Corp. (Boston) — $2 billion
Marshall & Ilsley Corp. (Milwaukee) — $1.7 billion
Northern Trust Corp. (Chicago) — $1.5 billion
Huntington Bancshares Inc. (Columbus, Ohio) — $1.4 billion
Zions Bancorporation (Salt Lake City) — $1.4 billion
He's making a list – He's checking it twice.
Where do you begin to start stuffing the trash bag with garbage this holiday season? Why don't we start with one of the biggest thieves, Citigroup. They are in such dire straits financially that not only can they only sponsor a college football bowl game,but they can proudly use your tax dollars to name a professional sports stadium after themselves(CitiGroup Stadium home the New York Mets).Then announce that they will need another $300,000,000,000 to survive. When the Auto Industry is asking for a miniscule 34,000.000.000 one can only ask ,“what the heck, why not?”Bank of America is no slouch either with American tax money. Instead of opening up the credit markets as they promised would happen, They went and purchased all the assets of Merrill Lynch and are looking for more mergers and acquisitions.They also are not new to the venue naming game, with the Bank of America pavilion in Boston and the Bank of America stadium( home of the Carolina Panthers) The rights to do this costs millions of dollars( just ask ENRON).How many of you make out your credit card payments to Bank of America? We will save AIG for another day!
A couple of more thoughts on yesterdays subject. If any of you haven't noticed, the credit card companies have begun to show up in high schools to try and entice graduating seniors to sign on. Every fall college campuses all over the country have representatives with the major card companies setting up a booth to sign on incoming freshmen . Where will it end? Soon the companies will begin early education for junior high students to prepare them for the magical day they turn 18 and can legally enter into credit agreements.
Do some research yourselves on the companies listed below. This list only contains those companies that have received a billion dollars or more.There are 72 other banking and financial institutions that have received millions of dollars in TARP allocations for the cure of the credit crisis(ho ho ho) . Well we can only hope they all have a very joyous holiday, for the American public will not.
TARP Recipients
Citigroup -25 billion
JP Morgan Chase-25 billion
Wells FargoLoading... & Co. (San Francisco) — $25 billion
Bank of America Corp. (Charlotte, N.C.) — $15 billion
Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (New York) — $10 billion
Merrill Lynch & Co. (New York) — $10 billion
Morgan Stanley (New York) — $10 billion
PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (Pittsburgh) — $7.7 billion
US Bancorp (Minneapolis) — $6.6 billion
Capital One Financial Corp. (McLean, Va.) — $3.55 billion
Regions Financial Corp. (Birmingham, Ala.) — $3.5 billion
SunTrust Banks Inc. (Atlanta) — $3.5 billion
Fifth Third Bancorp (Cincinnati) — $3.4 billion
BB&T Corp. (Winston-Salem, NC) — $3.1 billion
Bank of New York Mellon (New York) — $3 billion
Keycorp (Cleveland) — $2.5 billion
Comerica Inc. (Dallas) — $2.25 billion
State Street Corp. (Boston) — $2 billion
Marshall & Ilsley Corp. (Milwaukee) — $1.7 billion
Northern Trust Corp. (Chicago) — $1.5 billion
Huntington Bancshares Inc. (Columbus, Ohio) — $1.4 billion
Zions Bancorporation (Salt Lake City) — $1.4 billion
Monday, December 8, 2008
Fantastic Plastic
Pressure Percolating
On February 8 1950 Frank MacNamara,Ralph Schneider, And Matty Simmons made the first credit card charge at the Major's Cabin Grill. This launched the company then known as Diners Club and the age of plastic was born. Mr MacNamara was bought out by Alfred Bloomingdale and for 20 years these four men were the only participants in the club.
Of course this was only the start of the industry, it went on to spawn Master Card, American Express, and Visa. Today people are absolutely sure that survival would be impossible without their credit card within inches of their grasp.
The financial crisis we face today in due in a large part to this innovative way of gathering debt.
The credit cards that the majority of people use charge between 9- 30% interest rates. ( which should be considered usury or loan sharking ) and allow the borrower the luxury of making "minimum" payments. 75% of people will max out two through five credit cards for an average of $2500 - $5000 debt and only be required to make monthly payments of $10 - $15 on the accounts. They have very little hope of paying these balances off and resort to either getting additional cards or filing bankruptcy.
Every major retail store in this country will try to get the customer to sign on to their credit card by using discounts upon approval . One of the main problems is that you will be approved as long as you have made your minimum payments.Credit card debt is astronomical and most people are drowning in it. People tend to use credit cards like they would a rental automobile, with the attitude that what the heck it's not mine.Let me drive (or spend) it like we stole it.
In my house, as a child, the mantra that was preached was that your best friend was the almighty dollar and pay your own way.It seems that most people can't enjoy life living within their means.The financial bailouts being so generously provided by the federal government will not help the individual, it all comes down to Common Sense.
One of the most sensible things to do, is to open a debit card checking account. Most financial institutions offer these and the majority of these accounts will even pay interest. You will be spending the money that you have and not what isn't yours.
So teach your children well!
On February 8 1950 Frank MacNamara,Ralph Schneider, And Matty Simmons made the first credit card charge at the Major's Cabin Grill. This launched the company then known as Diners Club and the age of plastic was born. Mr MacNamara was bought out by Alfred Bloomingdale and for 20 years these four men were the only participants in the club.
Of course this was only the start of the industry, it went on to spawn Master Card, American Express, and Visa. Today people are absolutely sure that survival would be impossible without their credit card within inches of their grasp.
The financial crisis we face today in due in a large part to this innovative way of gathering debt.
The credit cards that the majority of people use charge between 9- 30% interest rates. ( which should be considered usury or loan sharking ) and allow the borrower the luxury of making "minimum" payments. 75% of people will max out two through five credit cards for an average of $2500 - $5000 debt and only be required to make monthly payments of $10 - $15 on the accounts. They have very little hope of paying these balances off and resort to either getting additional cards or filing bankruptcy.
Every major retail store in this country will try to get the customer to sign on to their credit card by using discounts upon approval . One of the main problems is that you will be approved as long as you have made your minimum payments.Credit card debt is astronomical and most people are drowning in it. People tend to use credit cards like they would a rental automobile, with the attitude that what the heck it's not mine.Let me drive (or spend) it like we stole it.
In my house, as a child, the mantra that was preached was that your best friend was the almighty dollar and pay your own way.It seems that most people can't enjoy life living within their means.The financial bailouts being so generously provided by the federal government will not help the individual, it all comes down to Common Sense.
One of the most sensible things to do, is to open a debit card checking account. Most financial institutions offer these and the majority of these accounts will even pay interest. You will be spending the money that you have and not what isn't yours.
So teach your children well!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Fridays Rambling
Pressure Moderately Low
40 years or so ago , a wise older person put his arm on my shoulder and said " See that person over there ? He is an educated idiot" Over the last 40 years , it has been my experience that there are such people out there. A higher education does not at the time it is earned or later in life gain the person Common Sense. This seems to be particularly true with politicians, for the decisions they make do not show any resemblance of common sense at times. Common sense is a delicate blend of education , logic ,and experience. The least educated person you may know will have the common sense lacking in a person with a P.H.D.
This blog is intended for expressions (or relief of pressure), it does not have a political agenda. It is neither Liberal or Conservative, Right or Left Wing, or even Middle of the Road. Your comments on the blog page are welcomed and you are encouraged to express whatever side of the political fence you choose to ride.Please feel free to send the blog link where ever you like and let others express their views on the subject matter written about. The word "I" will be used as little as possible as we are all in this together. Teamwork amongst all Americans will play a big part in the very near future.
On that note, This blog encourages all of you, with means to do so, please give to legitimate charities . They will be hardest press to continue the services they provide to your community and the Country. Also please remember to thank those friends and family members that are serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Have a great weekend!
40 years or so ago , a wise older person put his arm on my shoulder and said " See that person over there ? He is an educated idiot" Over the last 40 years , it has been my experience that there are such people out there. A higher education does not at the time it is earned or later in life gain the person Common Sense. This seems to be particularly true with politicians, for the decisions they make do not show any resemblance of common sense at times. Common sense is a delicate blend of education , logic ,and experience. The least educated person you may know will have the common sense lacking in a person with a P.H.D.
This blog is intended for expressions (or relief of pressure), it does not have a political agenda. It is neither Liberal or Conservative, Right or Left Wing, or even Middle of the Road. Your comments on the blog page are welcomed and you are encouraged to express whatever side of the political fence you choose to ride.Please feel free to send the blog link where ever you like and let others express their views on the subject matter written about. The word "I" will be used as little as possible as we are all in this together. Teamwork amongst all Americans will play a big part in the very near future.
On that note, This blog encourages all of you, with means to do so, please give to legitimate charities . They will be hardest press to continue the services they provide to your community and the Country. Also please remember to thank those friends and family members that are serving in the United States Armed Forces.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
The Golden Goose will lay no more.
Blood Pressure
Moderately High
Forbes reports that the current financial bailout stands at 6.3 trillion dollars. What office supply store did the Federal Government get the calculator to compute a figure that large? Let us put that figure in some kind of working perspective. The planet has just over 6 billion people , the United States is nearing 300 million people. Will you just for a moment imagine what 300 million people could or would do with 6.3 trillion dollars.
We only assume what the pyramid builders on Wall Street and the largest banks are planning on doing with it.If that's not enough food for thought today, how about the big three in 2 1/2 weeks time have upped the asking price from 25 billion to 34 billion. Did inflation hit their books or is it the cost of driving the hybrid cars to Washington to appear humbled by it all.
This insanity must come to a stop before the Federal Government owns all the free market business in the United States.
The credit crisis that we face is the fault of the government urging lenders to supply the American dream to everybody, no matter if they could afford it or not.
When instruments of credit such as ARMs' and no interest loans came due the people who were told that everything would work out and that the investments they made in real estate would appreciate overnight, were left with no choice but to default on the loans. We will discuss credit card lenders at another time.
The time has come for the medication to kick in on the PRESSURE
JasperJack
Moderately High
Forbes reports that the current financial bailout stands at 6.3 trillion dollars. What office supply store did the Federal Government get the calculator to compute a figure that large? Let us put that figure in some kind of working perspective. The planet has just over 6 billion people , the United States is nearing 300 million people. Will you just for a moment imagine what 300 million people could or would do with 6.3 trillion dollars.
We only assume what the pyramid builders on Wall Street and the largest banks are planning on doing with it.If that's not enough food for thought today, how about the big three in 2 1/2 weeks time have upped the asking price from 25 billion to 34 billion. Did inflation hit their books or is it the cost of driving the hybrid cars to Washington to appear humbled by it all.
This insanity must come to a stop before the Federal Government owns all the free market business in the United States.
The credit crisis that we face is the fault of the government urging lenders to supply the American dream to everybody, no matter if they could afford it or not.
When instruments of credit such as ARMs' and no interest loans came due the people who were told that everything would work out and that the investments they made in real estate would appreciate overnight, were left with no choice but to default on the loans. We will discuss credit card lenders at another time.
The time has come for the medication to kick in on the PRESSURE
JasperJack
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Auto Bailout
Its going up again,
(The Blood Pressure)
The auto industry is rolling into Washington with its latest sob story. Do you think the fools on the hill will fall for it this time? The industry is in business- unfortunately for my state of Michigan and the rest of country that relies on the big three to provide jobs and security they are not the least bit interested in you. They do care about the plants they have operating in Mexico- China- South Korea and coming soon Russia. The UAW ( a great idea in the 1930s ) has priced themselves and the American worker right out of the picture. I urge all of you who have legislators that are leaning to the support of this bailout to write and urge them to reconsider.
For any of you that disagree feel free to write and enlighten and lower my Blood Pressure, if you would like a guided tour of a place called Flint Michigan ( the birthplace of General Motors) Write me I can arrange the tour through the ruins. You may ask yourself why does this fool feel qualified to even talk about this, well let me give you a little history. My Grandfather moved here from Illinois in 1924 and hired into Chevrolet and worked until 1959. My Father hired into Chevrolet in 1941 went off to defend this great nation until 1946 and returned to work at General Motors until 1978. I hired into Chevrolet in 1976 and Walk ( or Ran ) away in 1978 after seeing the futility of workbook there. In other words I have ate and slept G.M. for a lifetime. I respect anyone who worked for and retired from any facet of the auto industry I only hope their future is secure. The Bailout will not help them, they will be offered up as sacrificial lambs to save multi million dollar executives and the perks that go along with their respective positions.
Please feel free to comment.
JasperJack
(The Blood Pressure)
The auto industry is rolling into Washington with its latest sob story. Do you think the fools on the hill will fall for it this time? The industry is in business- unfortunately for my state of Michigan and the rest of country that relies on the big three to provide jobs and security they are not the least bit interested in you. They do care about the plants they have operating in Mexico- China- South Korea and coming soon Russia. The UAW ( a great idea in the 1930s ) has priced themselves and the American worker right out of the picture. I urge all of you who have legislators that are leaning to the support of this bailout to write and urge them to reconsider.
For any of you that disagree feel free to write and enlighten and lower my Blood Pressure, if you would like a guided tour of a place called Flint Michigan ( the birthplace of General Motors) Write me I can arrange the tour through the ruins. You may ask yourself why does this fool feel qualified to even talk about this, well let me give you a little history. My Grandfather moved here from Illinois in 1924 and hired into Chevrolet and worked until 1959. My Father hired into Chevrolet in 1941 went off to defend this great nation until 1946 and returned to work at General Motors until 1978. I hired into Chevrolet in 1976 and Walk ( or Ran ) away in 1978 after seeing the futility of workbook there. In other words I have ate and slept G.M. for a lifetime. I respect anyone who worked for and retired from any facet of the auto industry I only hope their future is secure. The Bailout will not help them, they will be offered up as sacrificial lambs to save multi million dollar executives and the perks that go along with their respective positions.
Please feel free to comment.
JasperJack
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