Well, the health care debate runs on, and on, and on. Both sides saying the other is lying or deceiving. I guess when the actual health care bill isn’t even complete yet, I can see why there is skepticism. Before something of this magnitude passes or is voted on, there should be a review period of the final document of at least two months. Every other regulation in this country has a review and comment period. How can we force a vote on something that is not complete? You would not sign a contract if you were not allowed to read it fully, would you? That is what congress is being asked to do and that is why there is dissent.
Why is the President bullying everyone to get this done, when there is not even the final bill yet? How can we trust in our government, when we are not allowed to view the document in its completed form? Simply expecting us to take someone’s word for something is counter to Caveat Emptor, a concept that has been ignored, replaced with blind trust in authority or politics, a neglect which can be implicated in our current mess. America is not a corporation; it is a country of the people, for the people, and by the people. We are not employees who must comply. When last minute changes can be added, just before the vote, and maybe even after with some cleaver wording, how can we be expected to trust in that process?
I agree that health care is in need of reform. But it should rely on open debate, not us simply being expected to take someone’s word for what it will or will not entail, without meaningful review of all paragraphs, all addendum, and all special clauses. Both sides offer statements counter to each other, yet none produce concrete documentation to substantiate their claims. When you are instructed to call your government to report dissenters, I become very fearful of trusting in that. I thought this administration ran on a platform of openness? Sorry, don’t see it, same old smoke a mirrors.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Our Democracy
>Rep. Barney Frank, (D) Mass, in an interview July 17th by Aaron Task, said he wants to adopt the British law, “Say on Pay”. Britain is socialist, we are a democracy; does anyone understand democracy and economics anymore? As I recall, didn't we have a war to move away from the way Britain rules? Now we are looking to adopt their model? China owns the companies in their country; last time I checked they were a communist nation. In a communist nation politicians control everything, including you and I. AIG loves it cause they can low-ball their insurance quotes and get business. Same as US companies trying to compete with the Chinese, funding by the government is an amazing competitive advantage. If I were a politician I would want to be socialist, or communist, as I would have much more power over the ignorant, needy masses. Bow down to me! You can kiss my pinky ring while you are at it. We should all start practicing on how to bow down when politicians pass.
Somebody better re-read the Wealth of Nations, it has nothing in it about government intervention and control. Absolute power corrupts absolutely!!! You think the CEO's are bad? If they screw up they get fired. When a politician screws up they just hide their head in the sand until someone else screws up to take the focus away from them. Let's start looking at what politicians make, really, make sure you count the perks, beach houses, "trips" and rented private jets.
By the way, in Buffalo they just had a $5,000.00 dollar a plate fundraiser for the local politicians. The same politicians who have done nothing for the past two months. But with 50% of the people in the State employed by the State, I suppose that is OK. Don't talk to me about corruption and greed in US companies; it is far more pervasive in politics.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Hey! What's the worst that could happen?
If you are not asking yourself this question you are doing yourself a mental disservice. Hey folks, as much as we loved the good old days, I mean six months ago, those days are gone. We are all in some form of transition; how you view your particular transition is paramount to the time it will take you to get through the tunnel.
One way to bail out your mind right now is to ask “what is the worst that could happen?”, If the answer is not going to jail or death, for you or someone close, you are off to a good start. The rest is a piece of cake. Worried about being homeless on the street? You could move down South were it is warm, but the truth is that the social programs are much better in the Northern States. Before they pull the plug on your electric, do some quick internet research on social programs available by state. With your last paycheck stock up on candles and either matches or those nifty butane lighters. Get a few of those garment shrinks wrap bags and put your best suit (or dress) in there and suck out the air good. It may be awhile before you need it but when you do, let the air in and you will look better than your alley neighbor as you look for work once someone starts hiring again. Pack some playing cards and a harmonica to pass the hours. If you have a guitar, bring it with you, it will be a good source of revenue.
Do not worry too much about food, if anything peanut butter and crackers, but there should be plenty of government sponsored food shelters around. All the donations you made to the United Way, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army should really pay off now. If we can feed Somalia, they should be able to take care of 90 million or so of us (number based on 25-30% unemployment, as was seen in the great depression), so no worries with food. Water? Not so sure, just another reason to stay up North or at least in a state with lots of fresh water lakes. Healthcare will now be free to you so no worries there. Worried about your Car? Mass transit is due for a big time comeback, again no worries. Better yet, sell everything, house, car, gym membership now and buy a used Winnebago and a dirt bike, like in the movie Independence Day. Now you are surviving in style.
“So, that’s the worst that could happen? You mean all my credit card debt is gone? Sounds like a deal to me!” OK, Extreme? Yes. Out of the question? No. I am not wishing this on anyone, or advocating this strategy, yet; after all 70% of us will still have a job doing something. What I am trying to get you past is the paralyzing fear, or the agony of impending doom, or the suicidal or homicidal thoughts that so many of us may be feeling at some level. Many a hair is turning gray, many are loosing sleep, many are loosing weight, many dormant damaging genes are being awakened, and too many damaging arguments with spouses and kids are leaving irreparable mental scars.
Like cornered animals, our instincts are kicking in, are minds are in melt down, moving down the Maslow triangle like a diver on fast descent; plummeting from our goals of self actualization to our safety needs and descending perhaps even further to the basal physiological needs as a life under the viaduct would bring. But we will survive if we let ourselves. As Diogenes once said “No man is hurt but by himself”. Even in a life temporarily with no money, on the streets, you will survive physically. So if that’s the worst, anything above that is success mentally.
Realize that it is not the end, and the sun will come up tomorrow. If you look at things in this light it will take your mind out of the paralyzing vapor lock and allow more constructive enabling thoughts to emerge. It will allow you to re-evaluate where you are and what you are going to do the rest of today, and tomorrow. Just like you did when you graduated from High School, just like when you lost your last job, you will pick yourself up, re-evaluate your strengths, and you will seek out and find the next step in your journey, moving forward with confidence. Also remember that few saw this coming and most of all that you are not the one at fault. Pick yourself up and resolve to make tomorrow better than today, one step at a time. You’re OK.
One way to bail out your mind right now is to ask “what is the worst that could happen?”, If the answer is not going to jail or death, for you or someone close, you are off to a good start. The rest is a piece of cake. Worried about being homeless on the street? You could move down South were it is warm, but the truth is that the social programs are much better in the Northern States. Before they pull the plug on your electric, do some quick internet research on social programs available by state. With your last paycheck stock up on candles and either matches or those nifty butane lighters. Get a few of those garment shrinks wrap bags and put your best suit (or dress) in there and suck out the air good. It may be awhile before you need it but when you do, let the air in and you will look better than your alley neighbor as you look for work once someone starts hiring again. Pack some playing cards and a harmonica to pass the hours. If you have a guitar, bring it with you, it will be a good source of revenue.
Do not worry too much about food, if anything peanut butter and crackers, but there should be plenty of government sponsored food shelters around. All the donations you made to the United Way, the Red Cross and the Salvation Army should really pay off now. If we can feed Somalia, they should be able to take care of 90 million or so of us (number based on 25-30% unemployment, as was seen in the great depression), so no worries with food. Water? Not so sure, just another reason to stay up North or at least in a state with lots of fresh water lakes. Healthcare will now be free to you so no worries there. Worried about your Car? Mass transit is due for a big time comeback, again no worries. Better yet, sell everything, house, car, gym membership now and buy a used Winnebago and a dirt bike, like in the movie Independence Day. Now you are surviving in style.
“So, that’s the worst that could happen? You mean all my credit card debt is gone? Sounds like a deal to me!” OK, Extreme? Yes. Out of the question? No. I am not wishing this on anyone, or advocating this strategy, yet; after all 70% of us will still have a job doing something. What I am trying to get you past is the paralyzing fear, or the agony of impending doom, or the suicidal or homicidal thoughts that so many of us may be feeling at some level. Many a hair is turning gray, many are loosing sleep, many are loosing weight, many dormant damaging genes are being awakened, and too many damaging arguments with spouses and kids are leaving irreparable mental scars.
Like cornered animals, our instincts are kicking in, are minds are in melt down, moving down the Maslow triangle like a diver on fast descent; plummeting from our goals of self actualization to our safety needs and descending perhaps even further to the basal physiological needs as a life under the viaduct would bring. But we will survive if we let ourselves. As Diogenes once said “No man is hurt but by himself”. Even in a life temporarily with no money, on the streets, you will survive physically. So if that’s the worst, anything above that is success mentally.
Realize that it is not the end, and the sun will come up tomorrow. If you look at things in this light it will take your mind out of the paralyzing vapor lock and allow more constructive enabling thoughts to emerge. It will allow you to re-evaluate where you are and what you are going to do the rest of today, and tomorrow. Just like you did when you graduated from High School, just like when you lost your last job, you will pick yourself up, re-evaluate your strengths, and you will seek out and find the next step in your journey, moving forward with confidence. Also remember that few saw this coming and most of all that you are not the one at fault. Pick yourself up and resolve to make tomorrow better than today, one step at a time. You’re OK.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Our self fulfilling prophesy
As we all read the morning news paper or our favorite web feed, the world does indeed look like a dismal place. But the more we read, the more we react. We buy less, stay at home, or if we are bosses, begin to look for who we can lay off.
This cycle presents our self fulfilling prophecy of doom. If our companies continue to layoff, who will stimulate the economy? Airline employees who are laid off, will be much less likely to fly anywhere. Construction workers who are laid off, will not buy supplies to remodel their homes or buy new appliances. Laid off auto workers do not lease new cars. Retail workers who are laid off will not go to the store to shop. Bank employees will not (nor be allowed to) take out new loans. Collectively, the flow of money has stopped. That flow is from the bottom up, from each of us back into the economy. That is what stimulates more purchasing, that stimulates the need for more workers to meet the demand, that stimulates the economy.
Credit card companies struggling to raise capital, raise rates, pushing the monthly payments on card holders existing debt to the breaking point, resulting in yet more defaulted loans, not a continuing stream of payments.
State Governments looking to raise revenues to balance budget deficits built over the years from spending that would make a drunken sailor envious, raise taxes on "Sin" items, and implement fee's that effectively reduce the number of units sold. For example, if you tax soda pop, less people will buy soda pop, sending us back to square one.
Who will step forward to reduce this cycle so basic to any economic theory? Bailouts need to be directed to those who have been laid off, or are struggling to responsibly pay off their individual debts. For if we all wait for the bailout money given to major corporations to stimulate the economy, we will all be standing in soup lines for some time to come.
This cycle presents our self fulfilling prophecy of doom. If our companies continue to layoff, who will stimulate the economy? Airline employees who are laid off, will be much less likely to fly anywhere. Construction workers who are laid off, will not buy supplies to remodel their homes or buy new appliances. Laid off auto workers do not lease new cars. Retail workers who are laid off will not go to the store to shop. Bank employees will not (nor be allowed to) take out new loans. Collectively, the flow of money has stopped. That flow is from the bottom up, from each of us back into the economy. That is what stimulates more purchasing, that stimulates the need for more workers to meet the demand, that stimulates the economy.
Credit card companies struggling to raise capital, raise rates, pushing the monthly payments on card holders existing debt to the breaking point, resulting in yet more defaulted loans, not a continuing stream of payments.
State Governments looking to raise revenues to balance budget deficits built over the years from spending that would make a drunken sailor envious, raise taxes on "Sin" items, and implement fee's that effectively reduce the number of units sold. For example, if you tax soda pop, less people will buy soda pop, sending us back to square one.
Who will step forward to reduce this cycle so basic to any economic theory? Bailouts need to be directed to those who have been laid off, or are struggling to responsibly pay off their individual debts. For if we all wait for the bailout money given to major corporations to stimulate the economy, we will all be standing in soup lines for some time to come.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Crash and Burn or dig out of the ditch
I was listening to a radio station today and the host began to foretell the fall of America that he felt would occur within the next ten years. Well, he is not the only one.
BUT.... this is a prime example, and indication of the apathetic attitude that prevails in some, indeed too many.
If this was said by anyone just 5 years ago they would have caused an outrage and been accused of some terrorist act. But today, not a peep. Does this mean that we all believe it?
Well get off your goddamn ass!!! or it will be the end of us.
Are you waiting for the government to bail us out? The cure of the day? Well sucker, it's a dream. Just look at how the bailout money was spent. duuhhhh wait,...Can't find it? Well that's because no one knows sucker! $350 Billion of our money and the people who gave it away don't know where it went, or they aren't saying. Hey, if I wanted my banker to fund my beach house I wouldn't push them too hard either. Do you actually think the doling out of $350 Billion didn't involve back room deals? We have just experienced the biggest shell game since creation or the big bang, what ever side your on.
This country was built on it's people, working together, you and me. If you are laid off, you have two choices sit there with your six pack texting your friends or get out and do something. Start a business, help a neighbor, run for local office, write a letter to congress, find a new skill and start putting bread on the table again. Go to the local farm and ask to help. (Farms usually have food)
It is time to stand up as a country, unite, dig ourselves out of the ditch, not wait for our government, or the Chinese, to bail us out of this problem. We would have never had success in WWII (and no I was not there) with the submissive, jump into the ditch and hide attitude many of us have. If we don't start yelling, they will do what ever they want and view out at us from behind their towering fences surrounding their beach front properties as we fight for the scraps that are left over.
BUT.... this is a prime example, and indication of the apathetic attitude that prevails in some, indeed too many.
If this was said by anyone just 5 years ago they would have caused an outrage and been accused of some terrorist act. But today, not a peep. Does this mean that we all believe it?
Well get off your goddamn ass!!! or it will be the end of us.
Are you waiting for the government to bail us out? The cure of the day? Well sucker, it's a dream. Just look at how the bailout money was spent. duuhhhh wait,...Can't find it? Well that's because no one knows sucker! $350 Billion of our money and the people who gave it away don't know where it went, or they aren't saying. Hey, if I wanted my banker to fund my beach house I wouldn't push them too hard either. Do you actually think the doling out of $350 Billion didn't involve back room deals? We have just experienced the biggest shell game since creation or the big bang, what ever side your on.
This country was built on it's people, working together, you and me. If you are laid off, you have two choices sit there with your six pack texting your friends or get out and do something. Start a business, help a neighbor, run for local office, write a letter to congress, find a new skill and start putting bread on the table again. Go to the local farm and ask to help. (Farms usually have food)
It is time to stand up as a country, unite, dig ourselves out of the ditch, not wait for our government, or the Chinese, to bail us out of this problem. We would have never had success in WWII (and no I was not there) with the submissive, jump into the ditch and hide attitude many of us have. If we don't start yelling, they will do what ever they want and view out at us from behind their towering fences surrounding their beach front properties as we fight for the scraps that are left over.
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