Let Me Buy You A Beer My Friend!!

Hello all…I have returned from my self-imposed sabbatical from all things media related after three weeks. I went to the mountains in a secluded cabin with no phone, tv, computer, or any other modern marvel of communication. (I did cheat and take my cellphone for emergencies but it was off unless I needed it.) Some folks noticed my absence..some did not. That is fine as well. (I am sure a few hoped it was permanent!!) But alas, I have returned. First thing I see is this big hoopla about the cops and the Harvard professor. Talk about making a mountain out of a molehill!! Personally, after reading all the press, I must say that if Prof. Gates would have simply came outside, as requested, and followed the officers instructions, this all might have been avoided. I do not agree with his arrest though. Seems to me there is an equal amount of blame to go around. The meer fact that the President found it necessary to weigh in on the issue is the worst part as far as I am concerned. With all the problems this entire nation is facing, he sure picked an odd event to put such an emphasis on. Maybe he should have a few more beer get together with some folks who can help get this great nation back on track and maybe we can get somewhere. All I know for sure is that if I am ever in my house and the police show up because someone called them and said they thought someone was breaking into my house, I am going to do whatever they ask. When it is all said and done, I will thank him or her for doing their job. I might even buy them a beer. Have a great weekend!!

The Circle of Financial Life

have, as I am sure most of you have, followed our recent financial situation with open eyes. I have to say I am not surprised at what has happened. If you pay any attention, you will notice a trend within our country that has held true for a century or more. Let me explain:

Starting in the early 1900’s, our country was in a financial turmoil as well. During that time, the country was plunged into war when we entered WWI. Following the end of the war was the “Roaring 20’s”…the country was working it’s way into prosperity again and times were good. Then in the 1930’s, the stock market crashed and hard times came again. We entered WWII and after the war, prosperity reappeared and lasted longer this time until we plunged again in the 1970’s when inflation was through the roof and gas prices soared and became hard to get. This was then followed by the 1980’s and 1990’s that were part of the “Me” times where prosperity came and again stayed for a while. Now, here in the early 2000’s, we are again faced with a financial plunge. All these eras have common denominators if you think about it: The country was in troubled times, involved in war, and then, afterwards, prospered. Just as there is a circle of life, there appears to be a circle of financial life. I believe in the American way of life and I believe in the resilience of our people. This too shall pass and at the end, prosperity awaits. Maybe, one day, we will learn how to control it. Oh yeah, there is also one other common denominator: The American People demanded better of their government and received it.

Is Our Government, Like the Economy, Going To Collapse?

Today I read an article about some workers at a factory in Chicago staging a sit in style protest after being informed, with only three days notice, that the factory they worked in was shutting down and they were losing their job. The sit in was aimed at receiving severance pay and other benefits that were unpaid. Is this the start of a new revolution in this country? Are we at the point where with the economy the way it is, that ordinary folks are going to rise up against the government and private business? We are already at a point where our government is promising BILLIONS of our tax dollars to failing banks and other financial institutions without asking the American people their opinion. We now face the possibility of adding the big three auto makers to the mix. The UAW has been asked to make sacrifices through their members to help make it happen so that they can keep their jobs. My question is: Are the executives at the big three willing to make deep sacrifices as well or does this just pertain to the workers? My biggest fear is that not only will the economy collapse under the strain, but our entire existence as a democracy. Many believe that our great nation lost the democracy form of government years ago and is now more of a socialist government. I know this much: When a country that prides itself on freedom begins to make major decisions for it’s citizens against the will of the citizens, that does not fit into my definition of democracy. As a nation, we finally made a great stride to elect a new president that totally goes away from conventional wisdom. I know our founding fathers would never have envisioned a United States with a black president. I think they would be amazed by that..and I mean that in a good way…too see the strides made under the framework they laid. I challenge the new administration to follow the words of the founding fathers and live up to WE THE PEOPLE. Without that, democracy dies.

I want to be a mortgage holder aka bank president

So let me get this straight:  The Governor has persuaded the mortgage companies not to foreclose on people for 45 days so they can enjoy one more holiday season in their house.  How generous of them!!! Especially since it is our tax dollars paying to bail them out of all the bad loans they made.  Guess who is helping to foot that bill?  The very people they are giving this wonderful gift to of a 45 day moratorium.  This whole deal makes me sick.  Ihope we all remember the politicians that allowed this to happen come re-election time.  Maybe they can get foreclosed on next.  Maybe we should take the bailout money and give to each taxpayer to spend how they see fit…to catch up on their mortgage…spend buying new cars…other items…seems to me that would stimulate the economy more than giving it to the banks.  Anybody who thinks that bailing them out so they can loan more money is the solution to the problem is as ignorant as the people who thought this up.  They are not going to make more loans..they are going to hoard the money to make sure they get their huge paychecks.  Giving them the money is the equivalent of putting the fox in charge of the henhouse and paying him to watch it.  Wake up!!!

Waiter! Reality Check Please

My friend, Deeplyconcerned, whose opinion I respect recently responded to a post I had made in reference to accepting responsibility.  The response was in response to another post that kind of took the subject off course but it made me think.  That is a good thing…that is what this blogging thing is suppose to be all about.  Thinking..expnading ones thoughts and ideas and listening to others opinions and ideas…what a concept!!  The subject that came up had to do with what to do with non-violent offenders.  Deeply’s take on the subject is that our prisons are overrun with non-violent drug offenders getting life sentences under current laws along with more violent offenders.  Let me say this:  First of all, if you commit a crime, you should expect a penalty.  The more severe the crime…the more severe the penalty should be…that just makes good sense to me.  While most drug crime is not violent, it does feed the beast that causes violence.  Even if you discount drug crime as non-violent, ask the people who’s home has been burglarized to steal items to sell for drugs…see if they feel any less violated.  I bet I can tell you the answer.  Some people want to legalize certain drugs…primarily marijuana.  The logic is that if you decriminalize it, crime will go down and that if it is regulated by the government, it would be better.  Considering the way the government handles most things, I don’t see that happening.  As to the crime issue,  it may eliminate some aspects of crime…but then others will rise.  Quite frankly, there are enough people who can’t drink responsibly and alcohol is legal.  You throw legalized drugs into the mix and look out!!!  We have tightened the grip on penalties for criminal behavior as Deeply pointed out.  I do not dispute that.  Now we just need to enforce them.  Rehabilitation only works if the recipiant wants to rehabilitate.  It is no different than teaching a child.  If they refuse to learn..they won’t.  Why would we expect anything more from criminals?

Customer Serive…I Found Some Today!!!

I know this subject has been touched on before but I felt compelled to do this blog today.  You see…I found something very rare today…customer service.  I had to send a package up north and needed it to get there quick.  In somewhat of a panic, I went to the UPS Store at Lake Ella.  After immediately taking my stuff and packing it for me, we discussed the cost.  To get it there overnight was…well…more than I could stomach…but the lovely lady behind the counter was patient with me while I made several phone calls to see how this needed to be handled and we finally figured it all out.  I walked out with a Have a Nice Day and a smile on my face.  But wait..it doesn’t stop there…I needed a haircut.  I went to the Barbershop at Lake Ella and was immediately helped by an attractive young lady who actually cut my hair as I wanted it and talked with me in a friendly and professional manner.  Two times in one day…I was amazed.  Then miracle of miracles…I went to get me a little something to eat at Arby’s on North Monroe and the gentleman that took my order in drive through actually thanked me for my business and asked me to come back again!!!  I figured I had used up all my luck and didn’t want to push my luck so I came home.  Thank you those of you I spoke of for making a very dreary…rainy day a breath of fresh air!!  Anybody else catch anyone giving customer service today??

Here We Go Again

First of all let me say I have been gone for quite a while and am glad to be back.  Now to the subject at hand:

As you know from previous blogs, I am very much dead set against the bailout situation.  Now come the “three big” auto builders wanting money as well.  Let me see..if I had the choice…the answer would be…oh let me think…NO!!!!!  Here is why: The big three build an inferior product to the competition in almost every category of vehicle.  Then charge as much or more for it.  Of course they blame it on the UAW and say that they are driving them out of business as well.  There may be some truth to that but if they weren’t there, the workers would be making minimum wage and have no benefits.  Looks like this is going to be a trend that may not stop.  Maybe the UAW and the big wigs at the big three should sit down and figure out ho to resolve this issue,,,how to build a better vehicle and sell it cheaper.  Afterall, if the auto makers go under…so do their employees.  Maybe make it easier to buy a new vehicle without salesman looking down their nose at you. (how many amens did I get on that one?)  That brings me to my next business: Starbucks…6 bucks for coffee and they wonder why they are going under?? I just read their sales are off 97%…gee I wonder why…have people finally come to their senses about spending 6 bucks for a cup of coffee…hurray!!! It’s about time!!  I won’t lie and say I have never had Starbucks…I have…but only out of curiosity about what a 6 buck cup of coffee tastes like.  It wasn’t THAT good!!!  Once again the folks serving me were snooty.  You see a trend here??  Not to mention our favorite banks and their 700 BILLION bailout…how many of you ever applied for a loan and were made to feel less than sub-human??  Hmmmmm…the trend roles on…remember when K-mart was about to go under before Sears saved them?  Have you ever shopped in the K-mart in Tallahassee?? Any doubt why they were going under??  I doubt these corporations will ever figure it out.  Anyone who owns a small business will tell you:  In order to succeed, you need good employees to make your customers want to come back.  A lesson these folks forgot a long time ago.  I say…let them learn it the hard way.  Recently I saw where Home Depot is struggling against Lowes.  Here is a perfect example of what I have said.  They sell virtually the same products for about the same price for the most part..yet Lowes is making more money.  I know I have always received better service at Lowes..coincidence?? I think not.  Those of you who work for the state:  Next time someone tells you…”I pay your salary” as you often will, remind them of this…without me buying your products…you won’t have a salary.  Throwing good money after bad makes no sense.  The fox is still guarding the henhouse folks….how much good do you think will come of it??

700 BILLION and Counting

As I write this blog, Congress has still not voted to approve the 700 BILLION dollar bail out.  For once, they seem to be taking their time and evaluating what they should do.  Just for information purposes, I went to the Census Bureau website and looked up the U.S. population.  According to the website, there are 305,267,704 of us living in the U.S.  I have to assume that accounts for the people legally residing in the U.S.  After taking that figure and dividing it into the 700 BILLION dollar bail out, it comes to approximately 2,293.06 dollars per U.S. citizen.  That means that if the bail out goes through, that is the amount of money, per every man, woman, and child it will cost the taxpayers.  Now my children don’t work or pay taxes yet so that means the figure is actually higher of you were to remove children from the equation.  Yet these same banks that “need” this bailout are still doing business…their board members are still pulling down 6 to 7 figure salaries.  Somehow, this just doesn’t seem fair to me.  President Bush says that it is necessary so that our economy will not collapse and it will allow banks to continue to make loans to businesses and families.  Isn’t that what got us here in the first place??  Fiscal irresponsibility will not end if you now finance it for the banks.  I also read that the plan is for the government to buy these bad loans and mortgages because the government can better afford to hold on to them “long term” until things get better.  Then turn around when things “get better” and sell them for a profit down the road.  If that is true, is the government going to share that profit with the taxpayers?? I’m not holding my breath.  I suggest you don’t hold yours either.  Give me the 2, 293.06 dollars and I’ll pay off some of my bills.  I like that solution way more.

Financial Bailout Sham

Once again, we, the taxpayers, must carry the load of fiscal irresponibility.  Now we have banks and other financial institutions, including investment firms, failing.  Why?? Simple. Greed.  During the real estate “boom” that was caused by mortgage companies and banks lending money to people they knew couldn’t afford theloans.  They figured that giving bad risks a loan to buy a house would benefit them more than the person.  Why?  Because by giving them a “teaser rate” on an ARM, they basically set them up for failure.  They figured they would be able to squeeze money out of them for a while, knowing eventually the bottom would fall out and they could foreclose on them and then turn to the government for help.  What they didn’count on was things getting so bad that even people with good income and ability to pay would fall victim to the scam as well.  Now, we as taxpayers are going to give these thieves 700 BILLION dollars to dig themselves out.  That is a shame.  I think the government should give the home buyers/owners the 700 BILLION and allow all of them to pay off those inflated mortgages.  Instead, the government is going to buy these bad mortgages from these thieves and the home owner is going to pay them back instead.  The same home owners who are paying out the 700 BILLION through taxes.  That just doesn’ make sense to me.  Where is the punishment for the companies and financial institutions that made this happen??  If you and me put ourselves in a financial bind, these same financial institutions won’t give you or me a loan because we aren’t a good financial risk.  I say they are a bigger financial risk than we are.  Give the money to the home owner/taxpayer and let them sink into the muck they created.

Political Propaganda and the Death of Democracy

First of all, I have to admit something right off the top:  I have not followed the political turmoil at all so far.  I have grown tired of both sides launching attacks at each other, attacking each others ability to lead and character.  We have one candidate for President who some say is too young..inexperienced…has a wife that hates America etc etc.  Then we have another candidate who some say is too old..too experienced and doesn’t know how much money he has or houses, or cars.  They also say his running mate is just short of trailer trash if you listen to how they talk about her.  The sad part is:  none of this has anything to do with the best interests of this country that I fought for..that I love.  I am not ignorant…I know negative campaigning has gone on forever.  The really sad part is that this campaign started off with both candidates abiding by the “if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all” policy.  But as the campaign has progressed, it has gotten ugly.  I have a message for both sides:  The world is watching.  Those who hate our country are watching.  How can we portray democracy as the way to go to the rest of the world and allow our representatives and the press to attack our opponents like we do?  I can just imagine the people in Iraq watching our election coverage and seeing how our candidates act.  They have to think to themselves: This is what democracy means?  How do you explain this to other countries…much less our own children?  Yeah, I know, some will say “well at least we don’t go around killing our opposition like some countries do”.  I agree…but the true killing that goes on during our process is of character..and that is the shame of it all.