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Contact Jerry at wilhite@jerrypippin.com
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After BP, What? A question occurred to me regarding this little oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. I don’t want to talk about today. I want to talk about a year from now. I am reasonably sure the leak, spill, whatever, will still be going strong. BP will probably be destitute, bankrupt, and gone. The British will suffer the same economic fate all the Houston Enron employees suffered. Their savings and retirements will be wiped out. BP executives, however, will benefit from hastily implemented “Golden Parachute” packages. These will pass the board unanimously. Now, here comes the big question. There will be no marine life. There will be no tourism. There will be no bailout package, for who can fund it. Do you suppose we could allow Gulf residents to siphon water to run their cars? By then it will be more oil than water. Who will own the revenues derived from reclaiming this water. That is probably a question best answered by the newly elected public officials. They will have fresh ideas. None of the incumbents will be reelected; nor would they dare show their faces in the Gulf area. President Obama sure had bad timing. This problem really lies with the Bush-Cheney bunch. They NEVER looked toward safety or the environment if a buck could be made. |
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Sins of the
Past Forgotten What would America be like if there had never been social reform mandated by the government? Those born after 1960 may not even be aware of the inequities imposed on citizens of the past. Curricula in schools don’t teach the sins of the past very well. Debtor’s prisons and farms existed so those who could not pay their bills could work, sans pay; to be sure the creditor was repaid. What happened to the debtor’s family while he was incarcerated, who cared? Children toiled in sweatshops, paid on a piecemeal basis. They worked twelve-hour days. They were youngsters, twelve years of age or so. Where did their childhood go? Working conditions were deplorable and dangerous. Miners worked in terribly unsafe conditions to eke out an existence for their families. They were often paid in script, usable only at the company store. Prices were inflated in the compact stores so that families barely had enough to get by. The company owned homes and rent was sufficiently high to insure no extras were available. Education was a function of the upper classes. Remember all those kids in sweatshops. They didn’t go to school. Farm kids were needed to work the farm and classes were just not attended. Home ownership was restricted to the wealthy. It was not until the GI Bill following WWll that the common man could obtain a mortgage. Some sixty years later banks and mortgage companies have screwed that up. Equities have been swindled from the common man once again. Many today complain of the “liberal” acts of the past. They deride taxation as unjust. They see Social Security as a give away program. Unions were all evil, always. You people are nuts. If you want to see what America would have been like without protectionism and control, just go South of the border. Observe the freedom in Mexico. Why do you think they want to come here? It certainly isn’t for the scenery. The Tea Party, the Republican Party neither one bode well for most Americans. They don’t care. The boast when W first ran for President was that not a single delegate to the Republican Convention earned LESS than $200,000. per year. Do you think they care how those of us struggling to stay alive feel? They most assuredly don’t. Their platforms and legislation speak for themselves. Even the seated Democrats are bought and paid for, by somebody. We need a new broom. If Jesus visited D.C. and cast out the dishonest and unethical, it would be a ghost town. Study closely the character of the candidates on your ballots. If they come up short, don’t vote for them. We only get to choose from those the parties advance. All are professional politicians, therefore tainted. Carefully cast your ballots, or continue to be controlled and manipulated!! |
In a moment of sheer genius, I have solved nearly all of the world problems. There will be many who, at first blush, will not understand the simplicity of the solution. Others will simply set back and say…YEA!
Gone will be war. Gone will be hunger. Gone will be overcrowding. Gone will be many other problems as well.
Execution of the solution, unfortunately, involves just that…execution. However all those executed want to die. Roughly twenty five per cent of the world population consists of Born-Again Christians who believe the afterlife will be far superior to the present life. They are doing all they can to promote the End Time. Another twenty five per cent or so are Muslims desiring twenty-seven virgins in their eternity. WE need go no farther.
Give to this half the world that for which they wish, and the rest of us can live in total peace, and with full bellies! Simple, isn’t it?
The problem will be that when presented with the opportunity to fulfill their wishes there will suddenly be a shortage of Christians and Muslims. Everyone will suddenly become atheist or agnostic. I wonder if that might even bring about world peace…just a thought!! |
I believe the ecological disaster in the Gulf has finally forced me to admit that many of my fellow Americans are total idiots. Profits are far ahead of common sense on this one. Ninety plus percent of Americans should be up in arms over off shore drilling. Instead, because their 401K owns some oil stock they are looking the other way. Maybe we are past the point of no return; maybe there is no hope. What the Hell does it take? Oil is still spewing, virtually unchecked, despite the oil industries best efforts to stop it. The oil industry then does the unthinkable. They sue to remove the moratorium on off shore drilling…and win in court. That’s almost like giving guns to inmates…just irresponsible as Hell!! We should be ashamed of ourselves for standing by, wringing our hands hopelessly. Recent elections have shown the anger of Americans with “the Establishment." If we are still capable of voting in November there are going to be a large number of new faces in Washington, D.C. Is it too late, maybe? Both partiers are corrupted. When THE Party became more important than the electorate, we lost. We watched it happen, even took part hoping your side won. Guess what, nobody won. The “small” people lost. Try getting in to see your Congressman sometime. Your attempts are doomed to failure…unless his records show you to be a major contributor. Every official in office is beholden to the moneyed interests that put them there. The good of the country means nothing, unless it contributed. There are those among the wealthy who do good deeds, very few, but their philanthropy must be appreciated. To the others, the ones who take and don’t give back, you’re winning now. Hopefully elections in November will change that. Meanwhile let’s watch the videos of what is happening in the Gulf. Many bring tears to my eyes as I watch the efforts of birds and fish to survive. They are probably against off shore drilling…but they don’t own stock…they don’t contribute, and they don’t vote. Tell them bye-bye!! |
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Ned in the Third
Reader at Play in the Gulf! Nobody has asked me , but I am going to tell you how I feel about the oil spill. This is, firstly, not a “spill." You spill milk, you spill a coke. Neither of those things have high pressure pumping from a seemingly bottomless source. Off shore drilling should be halted everywhere until those doing the drilling demonstrate an ability to protect all of us in case of disaster. We have companies who have been making record profits looking like Ned and the Third Reader. They are no more prepared to halt this occurrence than they are prepared to prevent the next one. BP is the culprit right now, but it could be any oil company drilling off shore. We must assume that all companies are ill prepared to stop a disaster such as this. If any company could they would have lent the technology to BP. This is bad for all of them. Politicians of both parties are in the pocket, owned if you will, by big oil. They contribute so much money that all stewardship of our futures has gone out the window. It really is time to send all incumbents home. They have shown again that they can do nothing in time of crisis. Insurance companies, banks, big oil, war industries all contribute megabucks to our elected officials. We elect them, but we have no influence over them. Follow the money. That will show you where our officials concentrate their support. Education, something I consider an entitlement, is so busted in America it should be criminal. Homelessness is at epidemic levels. Real estate is a joke when it comes to financial security. Religion is peopled by warrior’s intent on killing other religious sect members. How did we get this way? The Party became the power, not the people. Big money was smart enough to make its wishes known. Politicians stuck their greedy hands into everybody’s pockets. Ethics and honor became something abandoned behind corporate doors. The working class lost all input into the political scene. So, you see, that spill now bankrupting the fishing industry, killing fish and wild life is not the problem. It is a symptom. If we don’t address the attendant problems we may as well move out of the country. We will merely be chattel for the big industries. 2010 is possibly the last vote that can matter. Cast your ballots for those not in office now. Only a scant few of incumbents should be rehired. Fire them all. Slowing down government while we regroup is NOT a bad thing. |
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Rand Paul...Uh oh Rand Paul is starting to seem more like an idiot daily. His comments indicate a strong desire to place business interests above human interest. This is much the creed of the Republican Party, and much the reason they are dying a slow death. Paul’s latest criticism of the Obama administration's handling of the BP oil spill was simply a case of a guy talking to hear himself talk. He commented that he had not heard BP say they would not bear the cost of the clean up from the ecological disaster of their creation. He felt the Obama administration was acting in an un-American manner in attacking business. BP has had more than enough time, more than a month, to state that they would pay if that were their intent. I don’t believe I have seen anything that indicates a desire on their part to do anything but attempt to cast blame upon others. Paul has been elected for less than ten per cent of the time BP has had to speak up. Perhaps he should learn to be as silent as they lest he fall into the Palin school of verbosity. American history can teach us much about unfettered business practices. We had mine owners destroy communities. We had children working in insufferable conditions for twelve hours a day. We had robber Barons stealing on a wholesale basis. I guess I don’t think an administration that tries to prevent abuses to the general populace is un-American. Kentuckians, you have made your bed. I hope lying in it is not as bad as I fear it will be. Mr. Paul appears to be oriented toward protecting those with incomes far above your state average. This, unfortunately, is true in many states, and is why incumbents best start seeking new employment. |
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The Real Problem With Politics!! Political pundits are basically filled with hot air, little of which reaches their brain. They are hero worshippers who choose a side…the other side is never right. They are quick to explain what election results mean. They know so much more than the citizen who made the trip to the polls to express his view that we may as well cease elections. We can just poll pundits. I, personally, know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, what is wrong with politics. There are far too many politicians involved. A politician will tell you what you want to hear, while doing just the opposite. His word is not bondable, but judging from the wealth of politicians, is certainly bankable. Over forty per cent of those who represent us, the common man, are millionaires. I don’t think there is one millionaire in my neighborhood. Neighborhoods heavy with drug dealers may have some millionaires, but I don’t count them. The average citizen can no longer be involved in politics as a candidate. The two political parties select those for whom we vote. They will not be the best people for the job. They will be those who have played the political game for years, toiling in the trenches waiting their turn. Money and power choose our office seekers today. The best intentioned, most noble don’t have a chance. If you really want to help people, if you really sacrifice for others, you can’t afford to campaign. Even incumbents who fall into disfavor with the Party find handpicked, well-funded opponents facing them, with zero help from their previous friends. Politicians are not friends in time of need…they walk right past the one the wolves are bringing down. What can we do to fix this mess? Start over. Elect new faces, and don’t allow them to follow the paths of their predecessors. Make a new Contract for America, not a Contract for American officeholders. No more lobbyists buying votes and shortchanging the public. Don’t outsource, it allows for actions to be hard to hold accountable. Make the elected officials work for all, not just the big boys who contribute to them. If the Supreme Court believes corporations are, in fact, a living entity, entitled to buy politicians, quit fining them when they break the law. Put them in prison just like they do other living entities. White-collar crime is crime. We give a wink and a nod to Enron, Bernie Madoff and the like. Bankers and mortgage companies have bankrupted America, yet we bail them out. BAH!! Send them to prison and see how quickly things straighten out. November does not look well for officeholders, nor should it! Too long, too many have taken from too few. Laws are meant to protect and enrich the powerful, not protect the electorate. Well, electorate, you get a chance this year to make a statement. Make it or forever hold your peace. |
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Times Square, Oh No!!! There has been an apparent bombing attempt in Times Square. President Obama has sworn that justice will be done. This should be encouraging, but based on past history, I am concerned. We suffered an attack on 9-11. Justice was promised. I don’t think justice is yet delivered. Here is what I fear for Times Square. Battalions of Marines will be dispatched. Halliburton will get a multi-billion dollar contract to support those troops. Bids will be announced for the production of detection devices, which will sniff out fertilizer bombs. The Pentagon will eventually award this contract to Halliburton. Checkpoints will be established to protect the citizenry. This will delay traffic beyond an allowable time frame. Blackwater, or whatever they now call themselves will be hired to oversee checkpoints. Innocent civilians will be shot from security Hummers. An investigation will be launched. In the midst of the investigation the Justice Department will question whether prosecution is allowed under the terms of the contract. In the end a couple of low-level employees will be punished. Part of their punishment will result in three months incarceration and termination of the services. Upon serving their time Halliburton will hire them at inflated salaries as “consultants.” By this time no positive link will have been established to the Taliban, or Al Qaeda. This will trigger an expansion of out intelligence agencies, as well as deployment of more Marines to the New York City area. This will bring about a need for more housing. That contract will be issued to whoever donated the most to the political campaign of whoever is in charge of that selection process. There is no end. All this because a Pakistani native, turned American, could afford a cheap car and a couple of hundred bucks for failed explosive devices. Who is really winning? |
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Status Quo Is Not Good!! A recent poll showed that a full eighty per cent of Americans do not trust their government. While this is shocking it proves a couple of points. First, twenty per cent of Americans were not polled in that survey. Second, change did not come, nor is it coming. The failure of those in Washington, D.C. to undertake the needs of the voters has created a strong demand for a third party. Palin, the quitter from Alaska, has become the face of the Tea Party. While sounding fun and innocent, any government headed by somebody who claims that proximity to Russia makes her a foreign affairs expert is frightening. No third party has a chance of success. Too much money is allowed to be used by those in control to see that the status quo continues. Both parties are corrupted by power. Neither Party cares about the voters. Hey, we all allowed this to happen. The problem is there is no way to make the best of it. Outing all incumbents is possibly our only hope, and far too many voters are too ambivalent for that to happen. We are well on our way to being a third world country. We will have the haves and the have-nots, and birthright will determine one's place in society. Don’t laugh and call that thinking feudal. Look around you at the world of today. Nearly all countries exist in this manner. Well it is to remember the good ole days, better, by far, to relive them. We have very few chances left before the game is over. Don’t waste your votes in 2010. Cast them as if the future of your families depends upon the outcome because it does. Send them packing and start anew. A few months of government inactivity is probably far better than the status quo!! |
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Best Not Go
Beyond IRK!! Politicians of both major parties are starting to irk me. Just as there are five steps to nearly everything there are five steps on the way to really, really pissed. Irk is step two. By the time step five is reached there is civil revolution. These guys best be careful. Just in the last few days, quietly, with no real discussion we agreed to advance Yemen One Hundred and Fifty MILLION dollars to assist them in their war on terror. Noble this may be, but we can’t fund healthcare for Americans because of a ten-year One Trillion Dollar expected cost. Said cost is suspected. What we are funding for war is known, and I believe it approaches far more, much quicker. It may be time to say that politicians are not allowed to own stocks in any company that profits from war. Maybe if they owned stocks in companies that benefited from peace, we could have some. We just don’t have our heads in the right place. We pay professional athletes millions per year…Math teachers, not so much! We pay bank executives millions per year, both in salary and bonus money…Humanitarian workers, not so much! Don’t even get me started on lobbyists and their sins. I fear I would escalate to step three too quickly! 2010 is an election year in which serious messages can be sent to elected officials. I, for one, am of the elect-no-incumbent school. I truly can only think of a couple that deserve reelection, and I would sacrifice them for the strength of the message. There are many who feel this course of action would wreak havoc on Americans. I beg to disagree. Havoc is wreaked daily in the Halls of Congress. Send them all packing, and stand by to do it again, if need be. In a very short time we could have true representatives of the people, as opposed to minions of the wealthy!! |
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Nobody Average Has a Voice in
Washington!! If there are any Americans who believe that the “average” American has a voice in Washington, D.C. I would like to discuss a bridge upon which I hold an option in Brooklyn. The only problem is that the “average” American can’t afford my bridge. We are such fools. We allow those who are entrusted with representing our best interests to steal from us daily. They don’t steal a couple of hundred dollars; they steal millions. We can’t afford to take care of problems in our country, but we can spend a few billion carrying Democracy to those who don’t have it. The only difference I see today between a Democracy and a Dictatorship is the number of pockets to be filled. There are far more in a Democracy. We, as did Adolph Hitler, have a Department of Homeland Security. We, as did Adolph Hitler, embed reporters with troops. This allows relationships to develop and make slanted news the norm. We, as did Adolph Hitler, use war as a means to an end. Iraq had zero to do with the Twin Towers. Iraq had no WMD. Iraq, however, did have vast oil reserves, Hmmm? Today we are involved in military actions in Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and eyeing N. Korea and Iran. Who benefits? It is not the “average” American. It is also not the residents of the aforementioned countries. Follow the dollars. The buck doesn’t stop anywhere…it just keeps on giving!! The safest guy in the world is Osama Bin Laden. We need him to continue to scare the conservatives. That way they just keep on spending. I present myself as a liberal, but not a bleeding heart. I do think giving without asking something in return is just furthering laziness and indifference. However to do that is better than starving homeless people in America. For Christ sake, we are the land of tolerance. It sure doesn’t seem so today. I think those who lambaste the liberals do so not because they don’t want to help others. They don’t mind that at all…as long as their tax dollars are not used. Let the other guy do it. Corporate greed exists in the mindset of the conservatives. It’s all bottom line, and screw the other guy. Well, not here. I will continue to hope for a return to normalcy, as I perceive it, not normalcy as Adolph and the conservatives see it!! 2010 is our last hurrah at the polls. Send them ALL home and start anew. If this delayed the acts of government we would be billions and billions ahead!! No incumbents in 2010, that’s my hope!! |
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Get It Right, Or Get Screwed!! The State of the Union address given by President Obama was a speech worthy of praise. He laid out beautiful dreams upon which we can build. However, I fear that just as his mantra was CHANGE, not yet occurring, that it was just a bunch of words beautifully delivered. There was no real mention of anything that spoke of ending our wars in what I call the near future. We can’t afford healthcare because it will cost a TRILLION DOLLARS over ten years, yet we spend that on war in just over a year, Does that make sense? Not to me. Remember, the premise for war was based on well-told lies by the Bush-Cheney-Blair consortium. Iraq had nothing to do with the destruction of the Twin Towers. Iraq had no weapons of mass destruction. Osama Bin Laden had no oil… see how that works? America has always been diligent in the protection of human rights, but not now. We have kidnapped innocent people from streets and sent them to be tortured by professionals. We outsourced the really bad torture so we could distance ourselves from the repercussion. But there has been no repercussion to date. All of those who plunged our nation into wars, at unconscionable cost in money and lives, are still free. No war crime charges to date. Oh, sure, a few enlisted men following orders have been punished, but no big guns. We have become a society of sick people who overlook that which is being done in our names. We must take action to restore our national honor, so tarnished by those elected to represent us. 2010 is a pivotal election year. Americans can send a message to Washington that will strike fear in the hearts of politicians and lobbyists alike. Reelect no one. Zero. Send them all packing. Let them know Americans are not made proud by their acts. Roughly twenty-six per cent of those residing in America agree with what is happening. That is NOT a majority, but it is a very active twenty-six per cent. The rest of us just sit home and bemoan the direction our country is taking. That, my friends, will gain you nothing. The so-called decent Americans MUST become involved. We must elect those we wish, not those appointed by the parties. A little havoc goes a long way. Take advantage of that in 2010, or risk the loss of our true value system forever!! |
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2010
Doesn't Matter Much Anymore The Supreme Court, by a 5-4 vote, has flushed Democracy down the toilet. The influence will all belong to those who can, and will, pay for it. Middle-class and working class Americans will have no way to combat the dollars of the wealthy. I had hoped for a change in the campaign laws that would allow the average American to have input in National elections. Instead just the opposite will be the law of the land. We already only get to choose from those selected by the parties as their nominees. We never get to vote for idealists, just paid-for phonies, masquerading as representatives of the people. None of us remember first hand the Great Depression. None of us remember indentured servitude. None of us can believe that American children worked in sweat shops. The coal wars, the newspaper wars, the debtor's prisons were all a part of our heritage. Our fore bearers fought long and hard for every concession made by labor. People died so that workers could get a fair shake. Te decision handed down by the Supreme Court is just the first step in taking back the privileges won in the past. As the influence of corporations, and the super-wealthy, strengthens and exerts itself more laws will be passed. The power of the banking industry is so strong that it may once again be possible for indebted Americans to serve time in prison. Maternity leave could become a joke. Equality for women, don’t make me laugh. Those of you, who think liberals are the source of your problems, get ready to see the error of your ways. Outsourcing already has hurt the American standard of living, but just wait until the sixty-hour week comes into play. Gasoline costs won’t mean anything if you don’t earn enough to buy a car. I sure hope I am wrong, but I don’t think industry really cares about anything but the bottom line. Once they have truly bought and paid for, legally, Presidents and Congressmen, what do you think they will want in return? Shorter hours, higher pay, better benefits, I don’t think so!! A decision of 5-4 sold us down the river. |
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Importance of Educating Our Youth?? 19/01/10 President Obama inherited a real mess from George W. Bush. He was stuck with American troops fighting costly wars on foreign soil. He was stuck with a system of government that has become twisted over time. Raiders have plundered our resources, and continue to do so. President Obama oversees a failed education system. School boards can’t even decide on curriculums. The Bible is constantly upheld as belonging in public schools. It doesn’t belong there. Forget separation of church and State. Zealots who would forsake education for missionary work would teach it, eventually. I believe two recent newspaper articles best exemplify the point I am trying to make. One addressed the fact that President Obama is seeking 700 BILLION DOLLARS to fight next year’s wars. The second has President Obama seeking 1.35 BILLION dollars for additional education benefits. In addition numerous articles have addressed the cost of healthcare, the fear that Social Security may go bankrupt, the huge national debt, and the interest service on said debt. All of the above as we seek 700 BILLION DOLLARS for 12 months of war. Get real, people. Pull your heads out of your collective asses. Vote these bought and paid for jerks out of office. 2010 is an important election year. |
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Change
Beckons!! After writing my last article, regarding no re-election of incumbents, I was called a political neophyte. This is not quite true, but close. I am probably too idealistic to become deeply involved in the game of politics. All of the bargaining to further your special causes, the trading of votes to secure passage of unfair legislation; that’s not for me. Nor do I believe our founding Fathers ever saw the game played as it is today. Indeed, they installed checks and balances to prevent what we call politics. Much is made of our being a Christian nation, when we were formed partially as a result of religious intolerance. One nation under God, as we kill hundreds of thousands a year just doesn’t feel right to me. Our forefathers attempted to insure separation of Church and State, a job made more difficult every year. I reiterate that there are no great, seated politicians. If we slowed down government by electing an all-new bunch of representatives we would probably be far ahead. The current inability to fund healthcare for Americans while seeking a hundred billion dollars to fight wars in meaningless venues need to stop. Our political system has, over time, transformed from one “For the people” to one “For special interests.” Special interests buy votes. The small guy can barely afford to buy food and shelter. A neophyte I may be but what we have is broken. Use your expertise to fix it. Don’t just play the game as is done today; we can’t afford it!! Until elected officials are held accountable for their voting record Americans will suffer. 2010 is a great opportunity for change, real change; not Obama change. |
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Term-Limits Time America is somewhat unique in that our lawmakers must stand for election every two years. Seniority, and power, gravitates to those who can raise money for the Party, get re-elected, and avoid becoming tabloid news. Over time lobbyists seduce these successful lawmakers. It seems, then, that newly elected lawmakers would best serve the people. They are idealistic, or they would not have sought political office in the first place. They have the ability to plan and execute said plan or they would be defeated. In nearly all cases they are not yet in the pocket of special interests. Therefore the solution to America’s problems seems Easily solved. Elect new lawmakers every two years. Out with the old, in with the new, before they are tarnished. Rarely, in my opinion, does a Party loyalist have the interest of the people in mind. Never does someone receiving huge sums of money from special interest groups vote with conscience. Electing no incumbents will break the back of the lobbyists now in control of our government. Sure, we’ll lose some good ones. We may even lose a great one every now and then. However, if you examine those now in office you will be hard-pressed to find great ones. They may have been early in their careers, but now they are bought and paid for by somebody whose interest conflicts with the good of the country. This year is an election year. Start by not voting ANY incumbent back into office. Until we actually do this, majority has zero chance of regaining control of our elected officials. I know this sounds radical, but think it through. How may senior politicians even loiter occasionally with those who elect them? They have become elitist in a country that never intended that to happen. We have a chance to make a difference. Don’t squander it. Vote, but vote for no incumbents. If we choose poorly, we can correct it in a short span of time, as opposed to today’s hierarchy. |
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Health Reform. Ha!! |
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I have watched and waited, with great anticipation, the Health Care Reform promised us. Now, I could care less. This bill is without value. It would appear the Democrats would prefer fast passage, giving them, they think, “Bragging Rights." They are full of bologna, or worse, if they believe that. They appear, even with a majority, to stop the Republicans from shredding this Bill. Lieberman doesn’t help, and the idiots in Connecticut who voted for him should lose the right to ever vote again. I suppose this would be viewed as a competency test and be unconstitutional. Barack Obama has disappointed. I believed, just as Frank Church believed in Santa Claus. Today I feel duped. He has upheld torture, rendition, secrecy in government, and a whole bunch of other Bushisms. I sure was fooled. As best I can tell the Democrats may as well wait until the mid-term elections to push Health Reform. There will surely be fewer Republicans, and turncoat Democrats with which to contend Hell, if Joe Lieberman continues to rule the Democrats, Harry Reid could be sent home. All of this and banks paid BILLIONS in bonuses this year. Barack, you let me down!! |
Senator Bernie Sanders outraged
over Coburn's
delaying tactic on Medicare-for-all amendment
CLICK HERE to see video of Sanders floor speech after 3-hour
delay while Coburn insists on clerk reading 787-page bill.
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Money to Kill or Money to
Heal |
| We keep hearing big, really big, dollar
figures tossed around. The cost of reforming health care is a big
number. However, on perspective… maybe it's not so much.
If we add up the money stolen and embezzled in our various war zones, plus bail-out dollars that have disappeared, plus Wall St. shenanigans, that would be a really, really big number. The Defense Department has squandered billions of dollars. They can’t even account for it. They have no idea who took what? Maybe health care is just a better use of taxpayer dollars than enriching a few crooks. What do you think? Let your elected officials know. They vote this week, I believe. It might be good for them to put things in perspective. Give the little guys a break, for once!! |
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Simplifying
Health Reform!! I have been reluctant to weigh in on the topic of health reform. The main reason being that I am sure there is so much money involved that a fair plan doesn’t have a chance of being passed. Your duly elected officials are bought and paid for by too many special interest groups with dogs in the fight!! Much furor is made over a public insurance option. That seems to scare the special interest groups the most; therefore it must be best for the middle and lower income groups. They talk, vaguely, about exchanges. From what I can determine they are not much help. It really is so simple. Just put elected officials into whatever plan they pass. That will insure fairness. No more should they be able to make laws that don’t affect them. Let my plan be Barack’s plan. Let Harry Reid use my insurers. See what I mean. Bet it would suddenly become much less vague, and much more fair!! Any other issues you want resolved let me know. It isn’t hard to be fair, just requires morals and ethics. Few of those in D.C. |
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Future
Based on Honesty!! Looking to the future, while ignoring sins of the past, is a huge mistake. I will equate it, allegorically, with murderers of the past. Why prosecute Ted Bundy, look to the future instead. Why is Charles Manson still in prison? We surely can look to the future by now. The crimes of Hitler, and his ilk, could have been forgotten in a rush to move forward. Thankfully not!! I am nowhere near as proud to be an American as I was under administrations prior to Bush-Cheney. They put a stain on American history that must be erased. We take serious offense to those, such as Iran’s President, who swear the holocaust never happened. We should, it did, and the villainous bastards who committed the atrocities have been forever committed to their space in history. They were tracked down and slain as rabid dogs. They deserved it, and earned it, by their acts!! To fail to address the actions of those who plunged us into the invasion of an innocent Iraqi country is no less mandatory!! We deserve to know the truth. We are entitled to know why Attorney General Gonzalez spent so much time and money prior to the invasion insuring the best chance of no war crimes action following the war. We need to know why the Geneva Conventions were suddenly not applicable to the United States? There are those among us who strongly, and with great evidence, question the FACTS? Of 9-11!! There are many who question the use of propaganda and manufactured intelligence leading up to the invasion of Iraq. There are legions. Of which I am proudly one, who question our treatment of prisoners, or detainees!! I personally choose not to look forward, blindly, until I am sure of the accuracy of the history dividing my country? Right is right, wrong is wrong, Bundy, Manson, Hitler and their ilk bear mute witness to that!! Don’t we, as a nation proud of freedom, humanity, and Democracy, owe, at the very least, that to our progeny?? Should not truth be preserved, and served, prior to looking forward? Millions of Americans feel this strongly!! |
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Where, Oh Where
is My Change? There is an easy way to uncomplicated health care reform. Let’s do it in a manner that benefits most, you know, the majority, of our populace. Let’s not do it for special interest groups. Let’s not do it in a partisan fashion. There is an old saying, long forgotten, never followed, “Do the right thing because it’s the right thing to do!” Let’s do THAT for once. Heck, the application of that as a standard could be a good thing!! Let’s not worry about who we hurt. Let’s worry about who we help. If we err, let’s err in the favor of the people. If necessary corrective steps can be taken in the future. Let’s not be allowed to be concerned with cost as we fund wars. If we can spend to advance Democracy, we MUST be able to spend to support it. Isn’t the concern of our government allegedly to and serve its citizens. Can we be first for a while?? This probably is just too simple to put into action. We will have to have meetings, and do studies, and nit-pick, and become partisan before we can proceed. Dems will have to meet; Repubs will have to refuse to consider, you know, the old Washington as usual. Where the Hell is our change?? |
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Me on a Freaking
Soapbox!! |
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Much of America’s history is being forgotten, or ignored. They say we learn from history, but I wonder. We have so much of which to be ashamed it is ridiculous. Some of these past misdeeds are still seemingly prevalent in current America. Decades of oppression by owners of mines, newspapers, railroads, and others are not significantly taught in schools of today. Racism still raises its ugly head. Sexual preference is a reason for scorn. Forgotten are the struggles of the common man to unite in order to have safe working conditions, fair pay, and a life not beholden to the “company store." Forgotten are the days when those who did not practice “spin," but instead, told it like it was, peopled the media. Forgotten are the ethical practices of old, replaced by the uncaring bottom line philosophy of today. The New York garment industry once forced young children to work twelve-hour days, for virtually no pay. Farm workers slaved for hours just to provide minimum amounts of food to their dependents. Sharecroppers worked the land with no real hope for the future. But, Americans did unite. They did get safe working conditions. They did get fair pay. They did enjoy the fruits of their labor. Today is a different story. We don’t have child labor; we outsource it. We don’t have pitiful wages; we outsource it. We don’t have unsafe workplaces; we outsource them. We don’t have a fair system of health care; we ignore it. We don’t have hundreds of thousands of uninsured children; we just can’t fund their care. We don’t have dollars for American citizenry to have benefits their labor pays for; instead we fight wars. It is time to unite again. The large corporations have replaced individual robber barons. The money they siphon off illegally is done so in numbers with big zeroes. Americans deserve to share in the largess of their country. The rich really don’t deserve to monopolize the rights of Joe Public. Joe Public, after working a forty or fifty, even sixty hour week should know his efforts have cared for his family. He should know their needs; food, clothing, shelter, and even health care are met!! To allow less in this country is wrong!! Send elected officials, all owned by some special interest group a message. Do your job in the best interest of the country. Don’t just represent those who pay the most!! |
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Taxpayer Dollars In...Taxpayer Dollars
Wasted!! This “bailout” program to help America gets more idiotic everyday. We, the taxpayers, bailed out the auto industry. They, to show appreciation, are closing thousands of dealerships. This will add 250,000-plus people to unemployment rolls. To add insult to injury, GM is selling the Hummer division to a Chinese company. My little old mind just can’t comprehend how any of this helps America. Taxpayer dollars in…taxpayer dollars wasted. We, the taxpayers, bailed out AIG Insurance. They, to show appreciation, paid millions of dollars to executives as bonuses. They, then, asked for more taxpayer bailout dollars. Again, how does this help America? Taxpayer dollars in…taxpayer dollars wasted. We, the taxpayers, bailed out the banking industry. They, to show appreciation, constantly cheated on their handling of credit card debt. They stiffed we, the bailing out taxpayers, of billions in unethical credit card abuses. The U.S. Government was forced to pass legislation aimed at preventing further abuse!! Again, how does this help America? Taxpayer dollars in…taxpayer dollars wasted. The foreclosure crisis precipitated all this bailout business. Today one in eight homeowners is in, or in the threat of foreclosure proceedings. No homeowner relief has actually transpired. No bailout dollars have filtered down to the taxpayers whose dollars are being wasted. Call me cynical, but it just looks like business as usual for the “fat cats.” The score, in olden times was kept as “Lions 13, Christians 0. Today it's “fat cats BILLIONS, taxpayers, that same 0!! Believe me. This is not the change for which I voted. Authority has changed hands. Responsibility is still lacking. I am trying to teach my Grandchildren to be political animals. That way, they too, can enjoy the largess of the American taxpayer; and become wealthy, with no conscience, at the same time!! Ain’t America great? |
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Cost Reduction?? If a sales-oriented industry reduces the number of customers it has, that reduces cost?? Let’s think about this. Reducing outlets that pay you for your goods is brilliant…how? Chrysler has taken that route to profitability. They cancelled many dealerships that buy from them at ”x”, and sell to us at “y”. Dealerships are not a cost item!! They are the only profit center available to Chrysler. To me its like Avon not calling, Tupperware not partying…it is stupid. The only effect will be that remaining dealers will, due to reduced competition, be able to sell, to us, for more. That doesn’t aid Chrysler a whit!! This “business plan” makes zero sense. Over one hundred and fifty thousand more Americans will lose their jobs. Car prices will increase to the general public: us. Whoever thought this one up is overpaid, even if it’s a dollar a year man. We have no options. We can only sit and watch our bailout dollars go swirling down the drain. Somewhere there must be a politician who can see how ludicrous this idea is. Let said politician speak up…PLEASE!! |
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Warriors Deserve Respect; Politicians, Not
So Much!! America has always been one of the most honorable nations in its treatment of prisoners of war. We were, as a nation, appalled at the atrocities committed by other nations in wartime. Only recently we sent a convicted war criminal overseas for punishment. He was over eighty years of age but that didn’t spare him. Americans have a long memory when it comes to inhumane treatment. Over fifty years after World War Two we still shudder when we hear of some of the war crimes committed. Genocide, on a wholesale scale, sickens us! However there seems to be a growing number of Americans who have hardened their hearts to the crime of torture. It seems that about thirty per cent of our citizenry feel torture is o.k. I disagree. First I seriously question the validity of intel gained by torture. Most of us, while feeling we would withstand torture and keep silent intel that would aid an enemy, would blubber like a baby and tell our inquisitors anything that would stop the pain. Remember cyanide pills are given to many who possess secret information. That quick death is far more welcome than torture. The Geneva Conventions were designed to cause all countries to treat POWs humanely. There were penalties imposed upon those who could not abide by the standards of decency. Bush and Company withdrew America from these constraints prior to invading Iraq. They did this so punishment by the world courts would be avoidable. America, or those representing her, have seized prisoners and exported them to countries skilled in torture for questioning. They did this so they could plead ignorance to the indignities and atrocities suffered. I guess they could sleep easier if they didn’t have to see what was done. This isn’t the first time that those who abuse authority have disavowed their deeds. Pontius Pilate, who rendered Jesus to the cross, claimed to be only the instrument of the will of the people. He died insane!! I find it disgusting that there is an argument made in America for the acceptance of torture. I truly wonder how those who fought and died so we had rights and freedom would vote if they could. I have to believe they would be sickened for the most part. If not they would not have battled Hitler so well. Memorial Day is upon us. It is time to honor those who died so that we could live free. Don’t blame the warriors for the deeds of their leaders. They willingly risked their lives to put a halt to the loss of human rights. I fear they wouldn’t recognize us now. We just aren’t the same! |
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Godspeed, Button!! |
Today our Yorkie, Button, began his journey to the Rainbow Bridge. Button wasn’t a big dog, just eight pounds. His heart, however, put out a ton of love!!
We brought home many animals to share his home and he welcomed them all. He tolerated cats, birds, ferrets, other dogs, and Grandchildren. They all loved him and he returned this love tenfold.
He will be missed. He has been one who protected us with all his heart. When we would go out and leave him in charge, I always said, “Watch the house, old boy, and remember…no lions or tigers!!” For eighteen years he kept them at bay. Not once did a lion or tiger threaten us when we returned.
I know he is better off. He no longer could hear, could barely see, and just recently had trouble walking. Now he cavorts as a youngster at Rainbow Bridge, waiting for us there. I pray that is so!!
Godspeed, Button, Godspeed!!
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My Friends?? |
I’ve been reserving comment or judgment on this bailout-bonus thing. I just don’t know which is best for ME. If the government taxes bonuses at ninety per cent, I am probably better off with a bailout.
My source of income is Social Security, and I just don’t see how ninety per cent taxes fit into my little budget. I believe if I got a one million dollar bailout, I could do pretty well. A one million dollar bonus isn’t going to help at all. Ninety per cent is what I pay on credit cards, not taxes.
Well, ninety per cent is what they want on credit cards, but I don’t pay that…yet. Why does the government keep reducing interest rates it charges banks; the more they lower the rate, the more credit card companies charge us. That’s the New American Way.
Just remember, as you go to sleep tonight…Banks, Insurance companies, auto manufacturers, and credit card companies are your friends. With that on your mind I doubt you sleep a wink.
Screw 'em All!!
02/10/09
There have been three major historical events that have transpired in my lifetime…and in which I did not participate. Purists may say only two because THEY think the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party was a fairy tale. Bah, look at Washington D.C. The party is ongoing.
I mean. Look, Here we are throwing billions and billions of dollars at those who failed before. I think it is just so they can stay in business long enough to pick the corpse clean. I just don’t see how this can possibly trickle down to me!!
Second, the day women burned their bras. I would have loved to be there. I even had a dozen Zippo lighters for the event. Alas…no invitation!!
Third, and most important…the bailout binge. Daily I rush to my mailbox to see if I have been bailed out. Nope. My energy costs go up. My interest rates are raised. Bills flow freely from my mailbox…but not a single bailout check. And this, my friends, is a party I wanted to enjoy!!
Oh, well, life goes on. I will just get a larger mailbox and await MY turn. Screw the banks, screw the lenders, screw the insurance companies…SEND ME MINE!!
Get On Board - Or Get Gone!!
01/30/09
If George W. Bush was considered the worst United States President in history, and that is certainly my opinion, does Barack Obama get a free ride? By that, if he is only mediocre, will he look wonderful? It is a cinch that if he simply reversed decisions made during the Bush administration, he would have an easy task…and a great legacy.
It appears, however, that he is going to try to be a real leader, one of which we can be proud. He has made overtures toward the Muslim world that can reap great benefits. He has righted a few wrongs in the workplace with many more to come. He has promised a government that does not operate in secrecy.
I believe he has appointed people that will get the job done. I believe he will replace them if they don’t. I hope lobbyists become extinct; but that doesn’t look so good right now.
He seems focused on education as a must. He has a program in place to rebuild America’s infrastructure. He will close Gitmo. He says no rendition, no torture.
The healing has begun. Republicans are not on board yet, as their stand on the stimulus package shows. Well, they better get ready to go home if they can’t act as their constituents desire. I would have thought the drubbing they took in 2008 would have awakened them. Evidently not: 2010 looms!!.
A MOST Satisfying Rant!!
01/26/09
Risk posed by global warming is very real. Those who stick their head in the sand and proclaim that global warming is not serious will soon find their head underwater!! Temperatures are rising; ice is melting.
Gulf Coast states stand to be victimized by higher strength hurricanes. Even Antarctica is subjected to rising temperature, contrary to claims by those who scoff at global warming and claim Antarctica is cooling. New scientific evidence, something not observed by the previous administration, proves that rising temperature and melting ice are for real.
My God, it felt wonderful to type the phrase previous administration and realize it was true. Possibly now scientists, rather than idiots with no skills in their appointed positions, will be again in vogue. I don’t know how anyone can dispute the fact that science is good. -
This seems to be the belief of the Born-Again, who represent twenty five per cent of the world’s population. What would they do without the miracle drugs that have so enhanced our lives? These people, who often allow their young to die, rather than seek medical aid need to pull their collective heads out of their collective asses and embrace science. That probably won’t happen because too many are befuddled by those who have more to gain by keeping their followers in the dark as opposed to enlightened!!
We are part of a very large world. Far too many inhabitants of our planet are faced with a world of little hope, and zero possibilities. It is from this number that terrorists and suicide bombers are recruited. We owe it to our youth to assist in educating those who are enslaved by ignorance. America must once more lead the way to a better tomorrow!!
It just doesn’t seem right to me that executives are paid hundreds of millions of dollars per year, and workers so little. We need to outsource executives; they don’t do much anyway. I don’t mean entrepreneurs when I say that. I don’t mean business owners. I challenge, however, any executive of any company participating in the bailout binge to justify their pay!!
Well, I didn’t intend this to become a rant. However, having ranted, I feel much better. It all started when the realization hit me that the oppressive previous administration was HISTORY, and will now be judged by the same…history!!
An Article I Have not Wanted to Write
01/07/09
I am an American. I do not, however, concur with many policies and undertakings of the Bush administration. This includes the invasion of Iraq, the continuing occupation of Iraq, or the operation of Homeland Security.
Palestinians under attack by Israel are not all in accord with Hamas. The refusal to allow journalists and doctors access to Gaza seems very wrong to me. War zones are not to be so wide spread as to affect the innocents, therefore known journalists and medical professionals should be free to perform their duties. Anything less than this is barbaric.
I truly do not know why we support Israel in the manner we do. We allow them to occupy lands belonging to their enemies routinely. We allow them to wage preemptive strikes without fear of monitoring or repercussion. These efforts should not be viewed as a continuation of the holocaust by Nazis. That is truly over. These wars are about something totally different and should certainly be conducted under the guidelines of the Geneva Conventions!!
The fact the Bush Administration concurs with these attacks does not necessarily reflect the views of a majority of Americans. We are a very diverse lot. We have many races within our borders, and should be, perhaps, the most empathetic nation in the world. We have long preached racial tolerance and equality. Just maybe, we don’t mean it.
The current administration has so mirrored the Nazi Party that it is atrocious. Gitmo, the abuse of Habeas Corpus, illegal wiretapping, the dictatorial assumption of Executive power are all prime examples. Americans are not this way, nor should we be. Strong, firm, caring should be the qualities for which we are known.
Hopefully the upcoming Obama administration will find better ways than war and violence with which to govern. We need not live in fear. That truly is not the American way.
Can Honor Be Appointed?
01/05/09
Was President-elect Obama correct in appointing a non-professional to the post of CIA Director? I had to think about this one a bit. Professionals have been doing a lousy job of late, so I think he was correct.
We are involved in wars all over the globe that should have been stopped before they started with proper intelligence. We have paid informers whose veracity is highly suspect. We haven’t been able to find Osama Bin Laden. We have reported his second in command dead three times, only to be wrong.
Leon Panetta will get proper results, or get new people. That’s not a bad thing. Presidents are briefed daily by the intelligence community, and most be told the truth. Anything other than the truth can start wars for false reasons, a la Iraq and WMD.
I credit Obama with the wisdom of his actions. He has, and is, trying to surround himself with achievers. This may be the best White House ever. Even if it is, it will still make errors. No one, unlike the belief of Bush-Cheney, is infallible.
Errors, such as those that abounded in the current administration, must be accountable. Jail time is necessary in order to return honor to Washington, D.C. Offenders should not get slaps on the wrist. They should serve time with hardened criminals. Their crimes are no less, and are usually more damaging, than marijuana sellers and check forgers.
The recent FIFTY BILLION DOLLAR Ponzi scheme carried out by Madoff is a perfect example. How could that happen under the eyes of examiners whose duty is to prevent this fraud? I bet we find bribery before it’s over. No pity or mercy should be shown if convictions are the end result. They have hurt far more people than most incarcerated.
Professionals need be more than professionals. They must be alert, righteous and correct!! Obama is trying to instill this in his appointees. Hopefully he will succeed!!
The Status Quo Prevails!!
12/16/08
The Bush administration, in an effort to cheer executives in the Christmas season, has fairly well gutted the bonus limitation clauses found in the bailout packages. This means three and four million dollar bonuses can continue for leaders of companies who are receiving bailout money from beleaguered taxpayers fighting to put food on their tables, provide Christmas cheer for their families and maintain a roof over everyone’s heads. This is B.S. and why the Republican Party is considered dead!! Allow me to cast the first shovel of dirt into the grave of these insolent bastards,
They have gutted government over the years. The SEC allowed a FIFTY BILLION DOLLAR PONZI SCHEME that took twenty years to be discovered. What oversight and protection for American, huh? The FDA has all but given up on protecting the consumers. Meat packing plants go years without inspection. New drugs are granted approval, even as Doctors announce grave concern over side effects. Doctors are paid money to prescribe drugs to the public, a sincere no-no in my book.
Not so very long ago the Chinese head of our FDA equivalent was taken from his office and executed for failure to do his duty. I was appalled, now I wonder if that is what it takes to restore honor sand ethics to government. Far too many of those who serve us don’t; they just steal!!
I personally would rather the government bailed itself our, rather than the bloodsuckers who continue to pull money from families even now. I would love a return to the days when the government was almost my friend, rather than always my enemy. I would like a warm, fuzzy feeling, as opposed to a convoy of black SUVs and helicopters. I wonder how much honest government would cost, don’t you?
Out on a Limb, A Big One!!
12/15/08
Yesterday a deserving Sam Bradford won the Heisman Trophy. A case could be made for all five of the finalists. They all were deserving.
Thos who support Cody Bryant, the Texas quarterback, point out that he was the only quarterback to defeat Oklahoma. While that is true, a great portion of that loss can be linked to an injury to a OU defensive star. Oklahoma has prevailed, easily, in winning all its remaining games. In fact OU set a new NCAA record by scoring sixty points in five consecutive games.
Florida’s quarterback, Tim Tebow, a previous Heisman winner, had another great year. I think he will always have great years. He is a very capable player, and probably the best running quarterback among the finalists. His team will face OU January 8, 2009 to determine the national title.
My forecast for that battle is that OU will prevail, and may well score sixty points again. They are just too balanced and coached. Bob Stoops will not lose this game, even if he has to suit up himself!!
This is not to overlook Florida. They are capable of winning. They have all it takes, except the memory of losing a bowl game to the Statue of Liberty play. I bet that NEVER happens again.
Bailout Lipstick!!
12/07/08
Our economy is in a shambles. There is no possibility that a bailout can help it. All we are doing is providing a last chance for those who put us in this box to further enrich themselves.
If we only help some, but not all, of the people we are guilty of discriminating. The people who are just surviving, not behind on payments, but strangled with debt are being ignored. Why should those people receive nothing except higher taxes?
The figure being tossed around as if it is nothing is EIGHT HUNDRED BILLION DOLLARS. That is, in fact, a lot of money!! It is also money that doesn’t exist. We are a debtor nation. If we had EIGHT HUNDRED BILLION DOLLARS we might not be.
If we are simply going to print more paper with the appearance of currency that will solve nothing. If we are going to borrow hard currency from other countries that can only result in much higher taxes. So, is there a better way?
Not that I can figure. I think that Americans have been manipulated into wanting more than they can afford. Credit cards made everyone a John Paul Getty. Now the bill is overdue!!
Banks and credit card companies should just file for bankruptcy. They are the ones who bought the laws that put us in this spot. Marie Antoinette would once again say, “Let them eat cake.”
Someone will come along and start new banks, new credit card companies, and possibly regulation could be real and not purchased. The very idea that cash, rather than morals and principles can influence Congress brings to thought that there must be oversight and accountability. White-collar crime is as costly, if not more so, than other crimes, but is punished far more lightly.
Just remember, tougher times are ahead; and putting lipstick on a pig doesn’t make it a soccer mom. I don’t know what that last part, about the pig, means but thought it looked cute!!
BULL, BULL, BULL!!!
12/03/08
As I write this article banks and credit card companies are busily reducing credit lines of their cardholders. Even folks with good credit may be surprised to receive such notification. There is just something wrong with that!!
These silly fools have virtually placed their companies in bankruptcy court. They are screaming for bailouts, which should not be given. They continue to penalize the same people who will have to bail them out, the American public.
Through fraud and deceptive behavior they have already wrecked the housing industry. By doing so they have destroyed retirement for hundreds of thousands of Americans. I always thought “free trade” meant the strong survive.
It seems that money donated to politicians and their parties is at play here. They changed the rules making bankruptcy more difficult for Americans who are in a hole. Seems they never thought it could happen to them.
My opinion of the entire bailout picture is that it’s a fraud. There is no seven or eight hundred billion dollars in our treasury. We are just going to either print more paper, or indebt our great Grandchildren. All this so the fat cats are not disturbed. Bull, Bull, Bull!!
OOOPS!!!
12/02/08
America suffers in the world of free trade because those before us wanted a better life for their children. American companies provided retirement plans, health care, and many other benefits routinely. That was the American way.
Profits were important but social responsibility was also. Somewhere that went horribly wrong. I, personally, believe it was when President Reagan broke the backs of unions for the working class. Once that was accomplished the powers of commerce had a free hand to exploit workers. Retirement plans, health care, and other benefits fell by the wayside.
One day a business genius discovered they could outsource labor to countries that had no benefits, countries where pay was low, and increase profits tenfold. We don’t allow child labor in America, though we have in the past, but we outsource it!! We work for an acceptable wage, never quite enough, but close. We outsource to countries where SEVENTEEN CENTS PER HOUR is allowable.
We do this while paying executive tremendous salaries. What do they do to earn it? If labor is outsourced, and plants are shut down, what do they do to justify their salaries? Basically they have outsourced the headaches of management while increasing their salaries. Good work if you can get it, and they can.
Americans need to buy American. If there is nothing built in America, like television sets, prolong purchases until manufacturers have to reopen plants and hire American.
The solution lies not with government, but with each American consumer. The power to select goods made here WILL cause companies to start returning to the American way. You can’t earn high American wages while you buy Chinese, Taiwanese, or Korean goods. It just doesn’t work that way.
Hmmmm. Just realized I am using a computer manufactured overseas to complain about people not buying American when possible. I’m viewing it on a monitor made in another overseas country. Does the pot calling the kettle black cone to mind??
NEED TICKETS!!
11/30/08
This Thanksgiving season gives me, and all those like me, real cause to be joyful. Much in this troubled world is about to be corrected. Tomorrow could well be a day of celebration. Not because the current political regime has been ousted. Not because terrorism is becoming a despicable act which everyone disdains. Not because any of the foolish wars in which we involved, Afghanistan, Iraq, war on drugs, etc. is nearing an end. Shortly the Vaunted Oklahoma Sooners take the field against the Oklahoma State Cowboys. A Sooner victory would place them into the BCS title game in January of next year, playing for the national title. This is BIG!! To make January even bigger, if possible, the President Elect, Barack Obama will be sworn in January 20th. I am pleading that anyone who has tickets they can’t use contact me. That is one thing I would like to see in person. The inauguration, I’ll watch that on TV.
BAILOUT - The New "F" Word!!
11/25/08
Late charges and other fees paid to banks and credit card companies exceeded TEN BILLION DOLLARS last year, and those SOB’s need a bailout? What about the folk who paid those outrageous fees? They get to bail them out so they can keep paying.
Interest rates are usurious on credit cards, but their bought-and-paid-for legislators protect them. God, help the poor people…their legislators sure don’t!! Relief should begin at the bottom, where the pain is felt. Feeding the fat cats on Wall Street just doesn’t give me a warm, fuzzy feeling.
I really would like it if bailouts were not done. My personal economy would suffer little. Sure, Armani, Gucci, Boss and the boys might suffer dearly, but legislators can govern just as well in Levis!! Shoot, Levis have gotten kind of pricey too.
If the auto industry fails ONE MILLION TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND AMERICAN jobs will disappear. That sounds awful, but possibly Honda, Toyota, and the like would build more plants in America than they now have. American auto executives made their bed, let them lie in it!!
These are just the rantings of a redneck living in Texas, but they make more sense that the rantings of Armani-clad legislators. Job security in Washington isn’t guaranteed anymore. Serve your constituents, or lease short term. You aren’t going to be there long enough to buy a map book!!
Let Me Die Happy and Proud!!
11/22/08
America was founded with high ideals and principles. Lately, under the current administration, the opposite has been true. We have bypassed all efforts at humane practices. We have tortured. We have imprisoned without cause. We have denied true legal representation.
Under Bush/Cheney America has become what we always rebelled against. We have bullied other countries, and our own citizenry. We have adopted a scofflaw attitude. This is not the America in which I believe. This is possibly the worst administration in the history of America. Delete possibly; it is the worst ever.
Now, with time running out, this bunch of phonies is trying to pass regulations designed to further enrich their friends. I hope with every fiber of my existence that Bush/Cheney are held accountable for their misdeeds. I hope the Republicans that voted in lockstep with this demented pair are incarcerated alongside of their leaders. They have weakened this country more than any invader ever did. They are scum and should be treated as such!!
Habeas Corpus was the backbone of our judicial system, and this bunch overturned it. I hope the new administration uses the same procedures as these dastards did while in power. I know they won’t, but I wish they would. Pick them up, send them to Turkey for interrogation, and let the chips fall where they may. If done, I could die a happy American, rather than a shamed one!!
What the Heck??
11/20/08
There are people in this world who recognize character and honor when they see it. Sometimes it is someone you don’t even know. Being a person of such character and honor has its own rewards.
One may walk around with his head held high. One may carry out noble acts with no thought of remuneration. This can go on for years with no apparent recognition.
Then, out of the email blue, comes a letter from a troubled soul needing help. You were selected, it seems, based upon your well-deserved reputation. Finally all your good deeds have led you to the precipice of wealth.
Such a thing just happened to me this very morning. It seems a person I did not even know has died, leaving a huge sum of money to me for use in humanitarian efforts.
Reading the email filled me with joy. I knew the deceased had done his homework, and chosen well. I would, indeed, carry on his life of philanthropy.
I won’t trouble you by printing all of the email. I won’t even divulge all the information the estate required in order to properly verify that I was, indeed, I. But I will share with you the gracious salutation, which the estate used. The email began…Dear Sir or Madam.
What do you think? Should I be honored and humble? Dear Sir or Madam…what the heck???
Let the Cream Curdle!!
11/18/08
America has been skillfully manipulated into a financial crisis, one brought about by greed, cronyism, and fraud. Taxpayers are now being asked to foot the bill by bailing out the very same companies that destroyed so many lives. Banks and mortgage companies made so many “bad” loans, so willingly, that they should be forced to pay, rather than be paid.
White-collar crime of today is an art form. Economics professors teach the eager young minds all the short cuts, but none of the ethics, required to best benefit their companies bottom lines. Nothing matters except profits.
Armed with this mindset companies have taken terrible advantage of their workers. Executives live like kings of old; workers, like peasants. If workers don’t like it they are fired. Worse yet, plants are closed and their work is outsourced.
Any bailout should start at the bottom. That’s where the pain is felt most. Parents work two jobs just to try to stay afloat. Designer names in those neighborhoods are not Gucci, Wang, or Boss, rather they are Wal-Mart and Target, even dollar stores.
More money is being spent on maneuvering to get the lion’s share of the “bailout” than is spent on the homeless. There shouldn’t even be homeless in America.
I guess I am saying let the cream that rose to the top curdle. Provide jobs for Americans, not bonuses and golden parachutes for Wall Street. Provide coats to the cold rather than furs to the rich. That, I think, is a far better use of taxpayer dollars!!