I'm finding it so interesting having a female dog for the first time. I've had 4 canine companions in my adult life - all rescue dogs and all male except for my current one Loretta. Even though Loretta is a devoted hunter of all things moving, can get dirty from top to bottom without a thought and has a strong forbidding bark to any stranger that dare walk our street - she is way different than the male dogs.
I've found most dogs will provide unconditional love. They are always there for you, seem to know your moods and how to comfort you when you are down. Maybe it's not that Loretta is female but just that she has her own unique personality. Whatever the case, she does seem to have a few "conditions" to her affection. All my male dogs have energetically met me at the door - tails wagging with some joyful yelps - unable to contain their joy of my return. And that's if I only took the trash can to the curb! Loretta did that too while Oscar was alive and even for several weeks after. But soon her own unique personality came out. She seems to be somewhat of a loner and likes things quiet and calm. After a few weeks she stopped meeting me at the door because she was fast asleep on her royal love seat when I arrived. She gets up and stretches - but she prefers I come to her for her greeting - which she gladly accepts with a lick and a wag of the tail.
All of my male dogs have sat with me while I watch TV as close as they could get. Sometimes I would have to schooch them down a bit so I could stretch out. Loretta needs to be invited to the couch where she happily gets some attention from me before the show starts. She might lay down for a bit but not close - she needs her space. She quickly gets bored and either wants to go outside or to the other room where she can sit in quiet. Sometimes she goes to bed and licks my pillow waiting for me. I go into the bedroom and invite her to join me again and after a little coaxing she happily does. Lately, as she has gotten to know and trust me more and seems to spend more time where I am - but always at a bit of a distance. If I were to fart she will give me that "look" and promptly leave the room. My male dogs always joined me in the farting and we all got a good laugh out of it.
Loretta likes to be told she is pretty and pet in a more gentle manor. She is more submissive and always want's her belly rubbed. She is good with children and always ready to meet someone new on the street. She accepts compliments on her beautiful blond hair and enjoys any attention she gets.
So Loretta is very different from my male dogs but not in a bad way. I've recently started calling her my Golden Girl and jokingly referred to her as my blond bitch. But my favorite nickname for her fits much better. Mi-Lady.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Monday, April 18, 2011
Corporate Controlled Elections
Florida is in big trouble! When you hear people argue that our crooked Gov. Rick Scott was chosen by the voters to run this state they are lying. This last election was a vivid example of the power of corporate control over our national elections. Mr. Scott was purchased for this state. The goal? Unregulated business which includes unlivable wages, no environmental responsibility, and reduced legal responsibility. In other words huge profits at the expense of everyone.
Please read this alarming article printed in the Fort Lauderdale local newspaper:
Corporate millions have paid off in 'pro-business' legislative agenda
Here is a snippet:
"An Orlando Sentinel analysis of campaign-finance data released last week shows the top two dozen companies and interest groups gave a combined $4.2 million during the first three months of 2011 — a bit more than $500,000 to Democrats and the rest to the Republican Party of Florida, individual GOP lawmakers or the political funds they control.
Those same 30 largest Florida contributors combined to pour more than $45 million into the 2010 elections, the vast majority of the money put to use for Republicans.
It has paid off.
Business interest groups in Tallahassee are already describing this year as a "generational opportunity" to pass sweeping "free-market"' reforms that have sat on their shelves for years."
Please read this alarming article printed in the Fort Lauderdale local newspaper:
Corporate millions have paid off in 'pro-business' legislative agenda
Here is a snippet:
"An Orlando Sentinel analysis of campaign-finance data released last week shows the top two dozen companies and interest groups gave a combined $4.2 million during the first three months of 2011 — a bit more than $500,000 to Democrats and the rest to the Republican Party of Florida, individual GOP lawmakers or the political funds they control.
Those same 30 largest Florida contributors combined to pour more than $45 million into the 2010 elections, the vast majority of the money put to use for Republicans.
It has paid off.
Business interest groups in Tallahassee are already describing this year as a "generational opportunity" to pass sweeping "free-market"' reforms that have sat on their shelves for years."
Friday, April 15, 2011
$10.50 Bump Knob
It's not as fun as the title sounds.
This little plastic part to my weed eater cost $10.50! This is a great example of my claims of over-pricing. I'll bet they would still make a profit if they sold it for $2.00 (I'm told the spring costs that much!), I would consider $2 fair pricing. This is just greed.
This little plastic part to my weed eater cost $10.50! This is a great example of my claims of over-pricing. I'll bet they would still make a profit if they sold it for $2.00 (I'm told the spring costs that much!), I would consider $2 fair pricing. This is just greed.
Wednesday, April 06, 2011
I Cut My Spending and I'm Still Broke
I used to have the American Dream (or what should be the American Standard). I own a very modestly priced home (by Florida standards) I have my own car, I'm insured (sorta) and I have a decent job. I used to be able pay for all these things and still have some left over for a nice vacation or an improvement on my house etc. Now I just can't seem to keep things afloat. What happened? Well there were 2 major events that caused this shortage:
1. I ended a 10 year relationship (that should have ended after year 2). This cause me to be a single income household rather than have 2 incomes.
2. The economy took a giant dump and I was forced to take a big pay cut at my job.
So, I've been trying to adjust. I've cut out all the extra things I used to enjoy and only pay for what I truly need. I got rid of magazine subscriptions, cut my cable bill, searched for cheaper insurance (which lowered my benefits), cut entertainment costs such as going out for dinner or a drink and only spend things on necessities - food, clothing (ha!), shelter, health-care . Still - I'm not quite making it - even by mowing lawns and doing handyman jobs on the side.
You see - I don't have a spending problem. I've taken control of my spending and cut out all those things that were not really needed. What I have is a REVENUE problem. The sad fact is that I will not get my budget balanced unless I get a better paying job, a second job, or somehow inherit some money.
Our country is in the very same spot. We were doing very well for a while then the economy took a dump and now we can't pay for things we want or even truly need. We can cut and cut and cut our spending, but the sad fact is that we have a revenue problem and not just a spending problem. Those who want to cut benefits for education, the elderly, disabled and sick - without first fixing the revenue problem must have a vested interest in that course of action at the expense of those less fortunate.
Fixing the USA's revenue problem is far easier than fixing mine. All we have to do is close tax loopholes and force corporations and the wealthy to pay their fair share. That, combined with some careful spending cuts should get us on the right track quite quickly.
As for me - I suppose I could sell my house - find a job somewhere with a cheaper cost of living and give up my life as I know it. Not yet! I'm gonna work a few extra hours and try to fix my revenue problem first. I got a roommate and I'll do whatever is necessary to increase my revenue so I can balance my budget. I simply can't do it just by cutting spending - the math doesn't add up.
1. I ended a 10 year relationship (that should have ended after year 2). This cause me to be a single income household rather than have 2 incomes.
2. The economy took a giant dump and I was forced to take a big pay cut at my job.
So, I've been trying to adjust. I've cut out all the extra things I used to enjoy and only pay for what I truly need. I got rid of magazine subscriptions, cut my cable bill, searched for cheaper insurance (which lowered my benefits), cut entertainment costs such as going out for dinner or a drink and only spend things on necessities - food, clothing (ha!), shelter, health-care . Still - I'm not quite making it - even by mowing lawns and doing handyman jobs on the side.
You see - I don't have a spending problem. I've taken control of my spending and cut out all those things that were not really needed. What I have is a REVENUE problem. The sad fact is that I will not get my budget balanced unless I get a better paying job, a second job, or somehow inherit some money.
Our country is in the very same spot. We were doing very well for a while then the economy took a dump and now we can't pay for things we want or even truly need. We can cut and cut and cut our spending, but the sad fact is that we have a revenue problem and not just a spending problem. Those who want to cut benefits for education, the elderly, disabled and sick - without first fixing the revenue problem must have a vested interest in that course of action at the expense of those less fortunate.
Fixing the USA's revenue problem is far easier than fixing mine. All we have to do is close tax loopholes and force corporations and the wealthy to pay their fair share. That, combined with some careful spending cuts should get us on the right track quite quickly.
As for me - I suppose I could sell my house - find a job somewhere with a cheaper cost of living and give up my life as I know it. Not yet! I'm gonna work a few extra hours and try to fix my revenue problem first. I got a roommate and I'll do whatever is necessary to increase my revenue so I can balance my budget. I simply can't do it just by cutting spending - the math doesn't add up.
Monday, April 04, 2011
Three Days Later
I wish there were no abortions - I really do. However I understand there are extreme circumstances and I have compassion for those who have to make this very difficult decision. South Dakota - my home state - under a Republican Governor just enacted a law that requires a 3 day waiting period for a woman to have an abortion.
Nature works fast.
Three days later - a group of cells may have formed a hand.
Three days later a heart may have started beating.
Three days later a consciousness may have developed.
Three days later a life may have truly started.
Few women make the drastic decision to have an abortion without careful thought. When this very difficult decision has been made - waiting 3 more days could make the difference on taking a life. There is much debate on when life begins. Personally, I believe that life starts at conception. Perhaps in God's eyes life doesn't really begin until he strikes the heart to beating. Maybe life doesn't begin until the first brain synapse occurs - or maybe it's the first breath.
I don't have the answer on when life begins. I just know that 3 days later there is more life. If that life actually begins during those 3 days (in God's eyes) - who is to blame?
Nature works fast.
Three days later - a group of cells may have formed a hand.
Three days later a heart may have started beating.
Three days later a consciousness may have developed.
Three days later a life may have truly started.
Few women make the drastic decision to have an abortion without careful thought. When this very difficult decision has been made - waiting 3 more days could make the difference on taking a life. There is much debate on when life begins. Personally, I believe that life starts at conception. Perhaps in God's eyes life doesn't really begin until he strikes the heart to beating. Maybe life doesn't begin until the first brain synapse occurs - or maybe it's the first breath.
I don't have the answer on when life begins. I just know that 3 days later there is more life. If that life actually begins during those 3 days (in God's eyes) - who is to blame?
The American Standard
It's been said over the years that the American Dream is to own your own house and car and to be able to provide for your family the necessities of life, food - clothing - shelter - health care. This should not be the American Dream - it should be the American Standard.
This country has the potential to provide that standard to MOST of its citizens yet, sadly, it remains only a dream from many. It is not that these people do not work hard - in fact many work several jobs in order to pay their rent and basic expenses. The problem is greed by a few that make prices far higher than they need to be and wages far lower than they should be.
President Obama and the Democrats have been called Socialists because of their attempts to empower the middle class. Meanwhile the Republican Party has made it their primary goal to empower corporations at the expense of the common people. Corporations do not care about your dream of a house or health care - they would prefer to own both and over charge you enough that your American Dream will remain just that - a dream.
If we want the American Dream to be the American Standard - we need to support policies that support the people. That is in fact the Democratic agenda.
This country has the potential to provide that standard to MOST of its citizens yet, sadly, it remains only a dream from many. It is not that these people do not work hard - in fact many work several jobs in order to pay their rent and basic expenses. The problem is greed by a few that make prices far higher than they need to be and wages far lower than they should be.
President Obama and the Democrats have been called Socialists because of their attempts to empower the middle class. Meanwhile the Republican Party has made it their primary goal to empower corporations at the expense of the common people. Corporations do not care about your dream of a house or health care - they would prefer to own both and over charge you enough that your American Dream will remain just that - a dream.
If we want the American Dream to be the American Standard - we need to support policies that support the people. That is in fact the Democratic agenda.
Friday, April 01, 2011
Pro-Business is Un-American
It has been a couple of months now with a slew of new Tea Party Governors and Senators in office and their agenda has become crystal clear - it's all pro-business. You might imagine that pro-business means pro-jobs (it's what they want you to believe) - but you would be very wrong. Pro-business actually translates to anti-worker and anti-consumer. You will notice in all the states where new Tea Party Governors have been seated there have been immediate job cuts - mostly Federal jobs but those are real needed jobs held by real people. Plus, we can't ignore the drastic efforts to stop the employees from having a voice. By putting a stop to union collective bargaining, they open the door to lowering wages, eliminating benefits, and removing any way for a typical employee to bargain against the corporate giants. Corporations will not stop until it is cheaper for them to make products here than over seas. That means they expect us to work for pennies so they can increase their profits. It is very pro-business but also very anti-worker.
The Tea Party will respond that these measures are necessary for businesses to be competitive in this country. They claim those cost savings will be passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices. This is the big lie. Corporations do not have the best interest of the consumer pocketbook in mind when they cut operating costs. Their only motive is profit. Let me repeat - their only motive is profit. Cutting costs increases their profit - it does not increase your savings.
On taxes the Tea Party claims that businesses need to be exempt - again in order to be competitive and provide all those needed jobs. Guess what - they have had giant tax breaks for many years and yet we still have a job shortage. Some of the largest corporations in the country (like GE and Exxon/Mobile) pay no U.S. taxes at all. Clearly those savings are passed on to the consumer in great prices - right. Another grand lie. Gas prices are higher than ever - and GE products are anything but inexpensive. By the way - if you thought that BP would pay for their own disaster you can think again. The gas prices we are paying today are covering those costs. There is no shortage. Gas prices were already on the rise before any of the Middle East uprising.
The Tea Party also believes we need less government oversight on businesses so again - they can be more competitive. What they really mean is that they do not want to be held accountable for the quality of their products, the condition of their work environment, or the protection of the Earth. Fewer regulations will not bring cheaper prices to the people - just more profits for the shareholders.
We need policies in this country that are pro-worker and pro-consumer. We need MORE government regulation to keep our workers and products safe and to protect the environment. The Tea Party has also pointed out quite clearly that we need more unions in this country so the people's voices can be heard next the the voice of the corporations. We cannot allow corporations to run uncontrolled and unregulated. Greed and corruption must not be the norm. Corporations can and do make a profit even while paying taxes, fair wages, and making quality products that are safe for the environment.
My favorite protester sign I saw recently said "Don't Drink The Tea - It's Full Of Crap". I couldn't have said it better.
The Tea Party will respond that these measures are necessary for businesses to be competitive in this country. They claim those cost savings will be passed on to consumers in the form of lower prices. This is the big lie. Corporations do not have the best interest of the consumer pocketbook in mind when they cut operating costs. Their only motive is profit. Let me repeat - their only motive is profit. Cutting costs increases their profit - it does not increase your savings.
On taxes the Tea Party claims that businesses need to be exempt - again in order to be competitive and provide all those needed jobs. Guess what - they have had giant tax breaks for many years and yet we still have a job shortage. Some of the largest corporations in the country (like GE and Exxon/Mobile) pay no U.S. taxes at all. Clearly those savings are passed on to the consumer in great prices - right. Another grand lie. Gas prices are higher than ever - and GE products are anything but inexpensive. By the way - if you thought that BP would pay for their own disaster you can think again. The gas prices we are paying today are covering those costs. There is no shortage. Gas prices were already on the rise before any of the Middle East uprising.
The Tea Party also believes we need less government oversight on businesses so again - they can be more competitive. What they really mean is that they do not want to be held accountable for the quality of their products, the condition of their work environment, or the protection of the Earth. Fewer regulations will not bring cheaper prices to the people - just more profits for the shareholders.
We need policies in this country that are pro-worker and pro-consumer. We need MORE government regulation to keep our workers and products safe and to protect the environment. The Tea Party has also pointed out quite clearly that we need more unions in this country so the people's voices can be heard next the the voice of the corporations. We cannot allow corporations to run uncontrolled and unregulated. Greed and corruption must not be the norm. Corporations can and do make a profit even while paying taxes, fair wages, and making quality products that are safe for the environment.
My favorite protester sign I saw recently said "Don't Drink The Tea - It's Full Of Crap". I couldn't have said it better.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Bees
I saw a discussion on Real Time with Bill Maher about the crisis of the Bees dying off across the nation. I wonder if anyone has given any thought to the effects of genetic engineering of plants and their interaction with bees. If I had to guess I'd say that bees can't "see" genetically engineered crops the same way they "see" a natural plant.
We can't assume that the rest of nature will quickly adapt to our genetic tampering. When unaltered plants cross with genetically altered plants, they too become genetically altered. While using science to generate more food for our exponentially increasing population, we may find we have engineered our own starvation. Reversing the process once started will be nearly impossible. We've already started - now what?
We can't live without bees.
We can't assume that the rest of nature will quickly adapt to our genetic tampering. When unaltered plants cross with genetically altered plants, they too become genetically altered. While using science to generate more food for our exponentially increasing population, we may find we have engineered our own starvation. Reversing the process once started will be nearly impossible. We've already started - now what?
We can't live without bees.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Great - Another War
I wish we could help everyone with their problems - I really do. But sometimes I think it's best to just mind our own business. Regarding humanitarian issues, I think it would be more productive to help build than to help destroy.
On the other hand - I have been carefully observing this issue in Libya and that dude is a crazy madman! At least we are not going in alone this time. Let's pray it is a fast procedure as we can't afford this.
A note of interest: Once again you would think the GOP would be all supportive of this as they love war. But apparently not if it is Obama's war. Nothing but negative comments online. They are hypocritical idiots.
On the other hand - I have been carefully observing this issue in Libya and that dude is a crazy madman! At least we are not going in alone this time. Let's pray it is a fast procedure as we can't afford this.
A note of interest: Once again you would think the GOP would be all supportive of this as they love war. But apparently not if it is Obama's war. Nothing but negative comments online. They are hypocritical idiots.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Taxes
Taxes- a yuk word no matter who you are. But taxes are a necessary part of an orderly society as our tax dollars provide needed infrastructure and services that benefit society as a whole. As individuals nearly all of us face sales taxes, income taxes and property taxes. Only the rich seem to be able to avoid taxes - as contradictory as that may seem. Taxes are a part of life.
Businesses pay taxes too - or at least they should. But lately it seems Republican businesses do nothing but whine and complain about taxes saying it keeps them from being competitive and prevents job creation. Guess what - taxes are a normal cost of doing business in this country the same as electricity, water, and raw materials. Can you imagine a business calling the electric company and saying they don't want to pay their electric bill because it keeps them from being competitive and stops job growth? They would be working without electricity in no-time. In the same way - taxes should not be optional. If you operate a business in this country you have a responsibility to pay a fair share of taxes to support the infrastructure and services of our government. After all, if your business catches fire - you'll want someone to put that out. You might also want trucks and cars to be able to get to your business via roads and rails. These things don't come free - and it shouldn't be left to individuals to pay all these costs.
It should be noted that Democrats own business too - yet we pay our fair share of taxes without complaint. We do so while still generating a profit and providing growth resulting in more jobs. How is it that Democrats can do this and Republicans can't?
We are not falling for your scare tactics. Pay your taxes and stop your whining. We're sick of it.
Businesses pay taxes too - or at least they should. But lately it seems Republican businesses do nothing but whine and complain about taxes saying it keeps them from being competitive and prevents job creation. Guess what - taxes are a normal cost of doing business in this country the same as electricity, water, and raw materials. Can you imagine a business calling the electric company and saying they don't want to pay their electric bill because it keeps them from being competitive and stops job growth? They would be working without electricity in no-time. In the same way - taxes should not be optional. If you operate a business in this country you have a responsibility to pay a fair share of taxes to support the infrastructure and services of our government. After all, if your business catches fire - you'll want someone to put that out. You might also want trucks and cars to be able to get to your business via roads and rails. These things don't come free - and it shouldn't be left to individuals to pay all these costs.
It should be noted that Democrats own business too - yet we pay our fair share of taxes without complaint. We do so while still generating a profit and providing growth resulting in more jobs. How is it that Democrats can do this and Republicans can't?
We are not falling for your scare tactics. Pay your taxes and stop your whining. We're sick of it.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Government by the People - For the People
It's time we all take a step back and realize that Government exists to protect and support the rights of people. It is not the function of Government to protect or promote business.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Ronnie Wouldn't Be Happy
Let me first say that I was never a fan of Reagan. But those in the GOP who claim him as their idol should heed what he said and at least some of what he did - including raise taxes.
Monday, March 07, 2011
Make Them Worthless
So it appears that a few (very few) Americans have amassed all the wealth of this country while leaving the rest of us to struggle to pay even the basic costs of living. It's sad and seems hopeless. But I have an idea. What is a billion dollars worth if a $1 isn't worth anything? That's right! Nothing.
How do we make it so? By creating a new currency. It's the only way. We need to come up with some other means of trading goods and services that doesn't include the dollar bill. And it can't be based on gold - since they have been gathering that up too. The new currency will need to be based on something they haven't already horded. Maybe it need only be the goods and services themselves - like in the past. I'll trade a chicken for some wheat. I'll trim your trees if you dry clean my clothes. You get the idea.
Imagine if we could actually pull this off - it would be the greatest coup d'état ever! Suddenly the uber-rich would be totally broke. Wall street would be a thing of the past. We would suddenly have our bargaining power back - at least for a while until they gather it all up again. All we need to do is stop using "their" money. Once we stop trading with it - it will be worthless and they will be broke.
Unfortunately I'm not a financial genius of the type it would take to pull something like this off. But I am a creative problem solver. I've solved this problem - someone make it so!
How do we make it so? By creating a new currency. It's the only way. We need to come up with some other means of trading goods and services that doesn't include the dollar bill. And it can't be based on gold - since they have been gathering that up too. The new currency will need to be based on something they haven't already horded. Maybe it need only be the goods and services themselves - like in the past. I'll trade a chicken for some wheat. I'll trim your trees if you dry clean my clothes. You get the idea.
Imagine if we could actually pull this off - it would be the greatest coup d'état ever! Suddenly the uber-rich would be totally broke. Wall street would be a thing of the past. We would suddenly have our bargaining power back - at least for a while until they gather it all up again. All we need to do is stop using "their" money. Once we stop trading with it - it will be worthless and they will be broke.
Unfortunately I'm not a financial genius of the type it would take to pull something like this off. But I am a creative problem solver. I've solved this problem - someone make it so!
Friday, March 04, 2011
Hilarious Hypocrisy
Nobody presents the blatant hypocrisy of the GOP better than The Daily Show With John Stewart.
Thursday, March 03, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Stepping Out
I started this blog some years ago during the Bush administration as a way to vent my frustrations on the direction the so called conservatives were taking this country. Since then whenever something makes me really angry I make a point to log on and write about it. I never really expected this blog to be read and was even a bit surprised when I received a few comments on my articles by a couple of readers. Writing the articles does sometimes help me feel better - vented if you will - and knowing at least someone reads it helps too, but I'm now realizing that venting isn't accomplishing anything. Myself and many other "middle of the road" and left wing blog writers can type away all day long and nothing will ever get changed.
The recent peaceful protests in Egypt over the last few weeks and the massive change they were able to accomplish were awe inspiring. The movement may have been started by social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter - but if the protesters had stayed at home and wrote blog articles about their frustrations I doubt we would have seen any change at all.
Guess who else figured this all out way before me - the Tea Party. Since the last presidential election we have seen a constant array of LOUD protests from this extremist group. They've had town hall meetings protesting health care reform (some toting visible guns), protests on Washington and a constant stream of their obnoxious political figures marching across my TV and Internet screens. They have created controversy using very inappropriate graphics and statements thus launching more media coverage of their agenda. The point is we have definitely seen them and heard them. And so did the voters in the last election.
I haven't made a New Years resolution yet this year so I'm going to make one now. I plan to step beyond this blog and out into the streets whenever and however I can to help get the Democratic point of view heard as well. I urge other liberal blog writers to do the same. I strongly believe that there are more Democrats than Republicans in this country but you wouldn't know it by watching TV. It's not that the Democrats have been complacent, it's that we have been ineffective. We need to get out and be seen!
We need to start these protests on our local level. Many states have newly elected Tea Party Governors and Senators. Most of those states already have new legislation against same sex marriage, health care reform, needed social programs and may other outrages. We need to get out in front of those state capitals or even the local courthouse and make a statement! I will begin to do some research on ways to do this in an effective and visible manor and report back with my findings.
We cannot wait until we end up with a Tea Party President to start our protests - we need to start now before it is too late! Let's Go!
The recent peaceful protests in Egypt over the last few weeks and the massive change they were able to accomplish were awe inspiring. The movement may have been started by social media outlets like Facebook and Twitter - but if the protesters had stayed at home and wrote blog articles about their frustrations I doubt we would have seen any change at all.
Guess who else figured this all out way before me - the Tea Party. Since the last presidential election we have seen a constant array of LOUD protests from this extremist group. They've had town hall meetings protesting health care reform (some toting visible guns), protests on Washington and a constant stream of their obnoxious political figures marching across my TV and Internet screens. They have created controversy using very inappropriate graphics and statements thus launching more media coverage of their agenda. The point is we have definitely seen them and heard them. And so did the voters in the last election.
I haven't made a New Years resolution yet this year so I'm going to make one now. I plan to step beyond this blog and out into the streets whenever and however I can to help get the Democratic point of view heard as well. I urge other liberal blog writers to do the same. I strongly believe that there are more Democrats than Republicans in this country but you wouldn't know it by watching TV. It's not that the Democrats have been complacent, it's that we have been ineffective. We need to get out and be seen!
We need to start these protests on our local level. Many states have newly elected Tea Party Governors and Senators. Most of those states already have new legislation against same sex marriage, health care reform, needed social programs and may other outrages. We need to get out in front of those state capitals or even the local courthouse and make a statement! I will begin to do some research on ways to do this in an effective and visible manor and report back with my findings.
We cannot wait until we end up with a Tea Party President to start our protests - we need to start now before it is too late! Let's Go!
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
No Orange Juice In Florida - We Drink Tea Now!
Florida has a new Governor and he is 100% Tea Party. We already have Arizona as an example of how these new extremists work - but I'd like to invite the USA to observe what is happening already in Florida.
Our new Governor has so far kept his promise of slashing our state government. I'd like everyone to take notice not of how much he is cutting but where those cuts are happening. From what I've read so far the first item on the chopping block is state parks. Who needs those pesky green spots when you can have more condos instead! It's just good business!
Next up is education! Knowledge is power - lets not let our youth get too smart or they might not vote republican next time!
Let's not forget Medicare and Medicaid. Everyone knows privately run health insurance has the best interest of those pesky old people in mind. Careful! They used to be your supporters!
Then there is the elimination of thousands of jobs. Der - what??!
And of course the tax cuts - lots and lots of tax cuts. Oh, but not for those of us with tiny houses - these cuts are for those big McMansions and the eventual total elimination of business tax.
So now we will have a government that doesn't have any funding, far more people unemployed, stupid kids, dead old people, and unregulated business adding to the already lowest standard of living in the USA.
Ye-Ha!!
Our new Governor has so far kept his promise of slashing our state government. I'd like everyone to take notice not of how much he is cutting but where those cuts are happening. From what I've read so far the first item on the chopping block is state parks. Who needs those pesky green spots when you can have more condos instead! It's just good business!
Next up is education! Knowledge is power - lets not let our youth get too smart or they might not vote republican next time!
Let's not forget Medicare and Medicaid. Everyone knows privately run health insurance has the best interest of those pesky old people in mind. Careful! They used to be your supporters!
Then there is the elimination of thousands of jobs. Der - what??!
And of course the tax cuts - lots and lots of tax cuts. Oh, but not for those of us with tiny houses - these cuts are for those big McMansions and the eventual total elimination of business tax.
So now we will have a government that doesn't have any funding, far more people unemployed, stupid kids, dead old people, and unregulated business adding to the already lowest standard of living in the USA.
Ye-Ha!!
The Conservative Party is Anything But
It strikes me as the ultimate hypocrisy that Republicans have become known as the "Conservative" party. They certainly don't act the part.
I'm a conservative. I shut lights off when I leave the room, I use water very sparingly, I drive a fuel efficient car, I ride my bicycle whenever possible, my thermostat in my home is set at 77 for hot weather and 65 for cold weather, I recycle and I used to be in a carpool when I had a long commute. On a global level I believe we need to conserve the Earth's natural resources knowing that everything we have on this planet is limited. I believe in protecting the environment from contamination, pollution and over-use. I believe in protecting wildlife and endangered species knowing you can never bring them back once they are gone. I also have conservative fiscal views knowing that if I take more than my share someone else will go without.
Conservatism means taking only what you need. Waste not - want not. Sharing with others. Protecting our limited resources.
Republicans are NOT conservative.
The policies of the GOP show little respect for the environment. They are against any sort of pollution control. They don't believe in scientifically proven facts on climate change, endangered wildlife, or the effects on human interaction with the earth's fragile environments. Their policies reflect an attitude of use it up - wear it out. They drive huge wasteful vehicles, tear up natural habitats with ATV vehicles, and drill baby drill! They will move to a desert and use limited water to have a lush green lawn. When it comes to fiscal policy, they are even worse. They try to keep the government from receiving funds so they then horde all the money for themselves leaving others to live lives in poverty. These are not conservative values. These are wasteful values.
I don't think the GOP or the Tea Party folks should be allowed to be called conservative. We need a better word for them. Something like Right Wing Caviler
You know what? Lets get rid of that word Right too because they are very wrong.
I'm a conservative. I shut lights off when I leave the room, I use water very sparingly, I drive a fuel efficient car, I ride my bicycle whenever possible, my thermostat in my home is set at 77 for hot weather and 65 for cold weather, I recycle and I used to be in a carpool when I had a long commute. On a global level I believe we need to conserve the Earth's natural resources knowing that everything we have on this planet is limited. I believe in protecting the environment from contamination, pollution and over-use. I believe in protecting wildlife and endangered species knowing you can never bring them back once they are gone. I also have conservative fiscal views knowing that if I take more than my share someone else will go without.
Conservatism means taking only what you need. Waste not - want not. Sharing with others. Protecting our limited resources.
Republicans are NOT conservative.
The policies of the GOP show little respect for the environment. They are against any sort of pollution control. They don't believe in scientifically proven facts on climate change, endangered wildlife, or the effects on human interaction with the earth's fragile environments. Their policies reflect an attitude of use it up - wear it out. They drive huge wasteful vehicles, tear up natural habitats with ATV vehicles, and drill baby drill! They will move to a desert and use limited water to have a lush green lawn. When it comes to fiscal policy, they are even worse. They try to keep the government from receiving funds so they then horde all the money for themselves leaving others to live lives in poverty. These are not conservative values. These are wasteful values.
I don't think the GOP or the Tea Party folks should be allowed to be called conservative. We need a better word for them. Something like Right Wing Caviler
You know what? Lets get rid of that word Right too because they are very wrong.
Sunday, February 06, 2011
Too Many Sea Men Killed The Internet
The largest gay cruise is sailing out of Fort Lauderdale today with nearly 6000 passengers - sadly without my financially strapped self. Coincidentally one of the most popular gay dating sites is unreachable this morning - apparently it couldn't handle the load.
Friday, February 04, 2011
Rape is Rape
The Republicans are up to their un-compassionate selves again. This time they have no compassion for rape victims! They don't believe that women who are date-raped, drugged-raped, incest-raped are real rape victims. Those women apparently chose their destiny and therefore the government shouldn't fund a possible abortion. This is a shining example of how Republicans think (or rather don't think) - and it is truly revolting.
Rape is Rape - period. There is no rape that is better or worse than another version.
Rape is Rape - period. There is no rape that is better or worse than another version.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
State of the Union - The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly
I watched the Presidential State of the Union speech last night on CNN and therefore was privy to all 3 of the speeches made. We didn't hear a rebuttal from Independents or any other PAC group but somehow the Tea Party was allowed to speak as if they were a third house on the Hill. Whatever. Here is my opinion on what I heard.
The Good:
I love hearing President Obama speak. Political party aside, it is still refreshing to hear someone speak to the American people as adults and not as children. I thought the President did a very good job of being a mediator in this very divided country. The President also did a good job of pointing out his vision of the country, how we relate to the rest of the world, how to improve in various areas and how to deal with deficits and job creation. I felt he was very specific in his ideas and I applaud his intention to post more statistics and facts in the Internet were everyone can view them. This is the transparency he promised in his campaign. I also feel the President is correct in focusing on education and innovation to get our economy working as it should. The President reported on accomplishments that have been made so far without gloating or sounding like a sales person. He said - once again - that he welcomes suggestions on improvements to health care reform while standing firm that the reform is needed. I felt he did a very good job of addressing the Nation.
The Bad:
The Republican rebuttal was pretty much what I expected. Less taxes, less government oversight of business activity, and various other pro-business yet anti-consumer and anti-worker rhetoric. These are the exact policies that plunged our nation into one of the worst recessions of my lifetime. But I did take note of one particular part that was new. Apparently the GOP is learning (possibly from my blog and many others) that their party is known as the party with no compassion for those less fortunate. Here is what was said:
"We believe government's role is both vital and limited – to defend the nation from attack and provide for the common defense: to secure our borders, to protect innocent life, to uphold our laws and Constitutional rights, to ensure domestic tranquility and equal opportunity and to help provide a safety net for those who cannot provide for themselves."
That last part about the safety net for those who cannot provide for themselves is new -I'd like them to explain that in a bit more detail. They are against health care reform, against unemployment insurance, against welfare, against any kind of Government funded "safety net" so what does that mean? I'd also like them to explain how they can accomplish that mission statement without money (taxes).
The Ugly:
The Tea Party response was also what I expected. Their view of the economy and America is overly (extremely) simplistic and one dimensional. They seem to have absolutely no concept of cause and effect. The graphics used to show the increased unemployment since 2009 provided no detail on what really caused those figures. It was simply all blamed on President Obama. In reality the previous administration drove the car off the cliff and the free-fall had only started when President Obama took office. To suggest that the sudden increase in unemployment was due to President Obama's policies, when in fact those policies hadn't even been implemented yet is simply not true - ask an economist.
The thing that bothers me most about the Tea Party is that they imply that Democrats and even "normal" Republicans don't want an economy that lives within it's means. For goodness sake - everyone wants that! If you look at the economy in the Tea Party one dimensional way - it's easy to say"cut this" or "end that" without knowing the consequences of such an action. The economy of the United States is a very complicated and integrated beast - and it is intertwined with the rest of the world economies. If you make a drastic change - it WILL have drastic consequences. Although Democrats and Republicans have very different ideas on how to accomplish the task - at least they try to understand the complexity of the economy. The Tea Party doesn't understand the concept at all.
The "ugly" part of the Tea Party is how they mislead America. It is very, very dangerous to use simplistic arguments and graphics that exclude facts to make your point. It is irresponsible to our country to say "This is why" when you don't know why. There are a lot of people in this country who are not college educated or economists. They will naturally believe the simplistic data presented by the Tea Party that is void of facts - as a fact. It's easy to get votes by misleading the public with half truths, but to omit facts is the same as lying. If the Tea Party is allowed to continue with this unfounded rhetoric, we will see more of them easily elected to public office and once there, they will find they are completely wrong about how our Government works.
Then what.
The Good:
I love hearing President Obama speak. Political party aside, it is still refreshing to hear someone speak to the American people as adults and not as children. I thought the President did a very good job of being a mediator in this very divided country. The President also did a good job of pointing out his vision of the country, how we relate to the rest of the world, how to improve in various areas and how to deal with deficits and job creation. I felt he was very specific in his ideas and I applaud his intention to post more statistics and facts in the Internet were everyone can view them. This is the transparency he promised in his campaign. I also feel the President is correct in focusing on education and innovation to get our economy working as it should. The President reported on accomplishments that have been made so far without gloating or sounding like a sales person. He said - once again - that he welcomes suggestions on improvements to health care reform while standing firm that the reform is needed. I felt he did a very good job of addressing the Nation.
The Bad:
The Republican rebuttal was pretty much what I expected. Less taxes, less government oversight of business activity, and various other pro-business yet anti-consumer and anti-worker rhetoric. These are the exact policies that plunged our nation into one of the worst recessions of my lifetime. But I did take note of one particular part that was new. Apparently the GOP is learning (possibly from my blog and many others) that their party is known as the party with no compassion for those less fortunate. Here is what was said:
"We believe government's role is both vital and limited – to defend the nation from attack and provide for the common defense: to secure our borders, to protect innocent life, to uphold our laws and Constitutional rights, to ensure domestic tranquility and equal opportunity and to help provide a safety net for those who cannot provide for themselves."
That last part about the safety net for those who cannot provide for themselves is new -I'd like them to explain that in a bit more detail. They are against health care reform, against unemployment insurance, against welfare, against any kind of Government funded "safety net" so what does that mean? I'd also like them to explain how they can accomplish that mission statement without money (taxes).
The Ugly:
The Tea Party response was also what I expected. Their view of the economy and America is overly (extremely) simplistic and one dimensional. They seem to have absolutely no concept of cause and effect. The graphics used to show the increased unemployment since 2009 provided no detail on what really caused those figures. It was simply all blamed on President Obama. In reality the previous administration drove the car off the cliff and the free-fall had only started when President Obama took office. To suggest that the sudden increase in unemployment was due to President Obama's policies, when in fact those policies hadn't even been implemented yet is simply not true - ask an economist.
The thing that bothers me most about the Tea Party is that they imply that Democrats and even "normal" Republicans don't want an economy that lives within it's means. For goodness sake - everyone wants that! If you look at the economy in the Tea Party one dimensional way - it's easy to say"cut this" or "end that" without knowing the consequences of such an action. The economy of the United States is a very complicated and integrated beast - and it is intertwined with the rest of the world economies. If you make a drastic change - it WILL have drastic consequences. Although Democrats and Republicans have very different ideas on how to accomplish the task - at least they try to understand the complexity of the economy. The Tea Party doesn't understand the concept at all.
The "ugly" part of the Tea Party is how they mislead America. It is very, very dangerous to use simplistic arguments and graphics that exclude facts to make your point. It is irresponsible to our country to say "This is why" when you don't know why. There are a lot of people in this country who are not college educated or economists. They will naturally believe the simplistic data presented by the Tea Party that is void of facts - as a fact. It's easy to get votes by misleading the public with half truths, but to omit facts is the same as lying. If the Tea Party is allowed to continue with this unfounded rhetoric, we will see more of them easily elected to public office and once there, they will find they are completely wrong about how our Government works.
Then what.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
There is no larger group than "Everyone"
The Republicans with their lack of compassion for those less fortunate are up to their mission to deny health coverage to millions of Americans. I guess I'll have to let those on the Hill debate all that but I have a question about the health insurance business:
Why do you offer reduced rates and better coverage for larger groups while denying smaller groups coverage due to increased risk?
It seems logical - to me anyway - to group ALL of your members into one large pool - no matter where they work and offer everyone the same rates and coverage. Putting everyone into one large group spreads the risk across a very large population - isn't that what they typically want?
Using this approach is the very reason why a Public Option in our health care reform would allow less expensive policies - because of the risk being spread among a large group. Why can't private insurance companies operate the same way?
If private insurance companies grouped all their members together, then a company with just a few employees would be able to get the same rates and coverage as the large company who are insured by the provider. Actually, individuals would also be able to purchase the same policy. Why can't it work that way?
Why do you offer reduced rates and better coverage for larger groups while denying smaller groups coverage due to increased risk?
It seems logical - to me anyway - to group ALL of your members into one large pool - no matter where they work and offer everyone the same rates and coverage. Putting everyone into one large group spreads the risk across a very large population - isn't that what they typically want?
Using this approach is the very reason why a Public Option in our health care reform would allow less expensive policies - because of the risk being spread among a large group. Why can't private insurance companies operate the same way?
If private insurance companies grouped all their members together, then a company with just a few employees would be able to get the same rates and coverage as the large company who are insured by the provider. Actually, individuals would also be able to purchase the same policy. Why can't it work that way?
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Meet BECi
I've been thinking about a new business concept designed to enhance competition and limit monopolistic practices. I'm sure it's not a new concept but I haven't read about anything like it. I've written about it several times before and recently discussed it at some length with one of my regular commentators on this article (comments evolved to this topic somewhat in the middle). Now I'd like to bring it to the front page again and give the concept a name.
The name I've chosen is BECi. It stands for Business Enhanced Competition initiative.
The strength of this concept lies in it's simplicity. It revolves around one simple rule - a business may not be allowed to purchase another business. BECi in no way limits a companies natural ability to grow within the marketplace by providing outstanding service, fair pricing and value to the consumer. What it does do is keep businesses from acquiring and eliminating their competition thereby allowing a more natural and controlled growth. Hostile takeovers followed by massive layoffs would be a thing of the past. It would also be much more difficult to control the market to the extent that you can fix higher prices while providing lower service levels.
BECi would still allow corporations to work together in synergistic relationships to provide enhanced capabilities. However, each company would exist as a separate entity with their own employees and accounting. This type of symbiotic relationship will provide more jobs and prevent companies from mass layoffs that typically happen when a business purchases another business. At the same time it will allow for an easy "divorce" if the relationship does not prove beneficial. We could use AOL/Time Warner as an example. BECi would not have prevented both AOL and Time Warner from working together to provide a larger business model. However, having discovered that such a business model was not effective, it would make it very easy for each company to venture off on their own again.
Under BECi, if a business fails for whatever reason, it would be dissolved and the employees and clients of that company would both be free to seek a new business to support. This allows for healthy competition among similar companies to offer those employees attractive employment benefits to acquire the best talent of the failed business. At the same time they would need to provide attractive prices and services to woo the customers of the failed business into being their new customers. This is how business is supposed to work in a free market system. BECi is a drastic yet simple change from the current practice of buying a failing business (hostile takeover), laying off employees at the stoke of a pen without consideration of the talent involved, forcing customers to do business with you even if they don't choose to, and eliminating the competition.
Franchise operations are a gray area for the BECi model but in most cases it would allow for such purchases - especially when the franchise is purchased by a person and not a business. But I think considerations could be made for a corporation who's business it is to operate a franchise. There will likely be a few other legal challenges to BECi, but in most cases the simplicity of the model makes for it's strength and provides few loopholes for abuse by mammoth corporations. If enacted, BECi would necessarily require that all existing businesses continue as normal but would stop any further business purchases. It would therefore take a while for the benefits to be felt through the economy but in some cases would provide enhanced competition almost immediately.
BECi is the simple solution to out of control mega business monopolistic practices. It forces business to act on better business principles of providing good competitive services and prices. The BECi business model makes even more sense when we consider the recent decisions that businesses be treated as individuals with all rights and responsibilities of individuals (except voting rights). It is illegal in this country to buy and sell individuals, so it follows that it should also be illegal to buy and sell a business. The concept is simple, effective and I think should be the law.
An article in USA Today showed how the current business model is poised to make monopolies the norm and not the exception:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/2011-01-11-deals11_ST_N.htm
I invite my reader(s) to discuss this concept pro and con. I would also be interested to hear about other articles on this topic so I can do further research.
UPDATE 1/19/11 The current deal between Comcast and NBC is a huge mistake that will not only limit competition and variety in programming, but it will also allow the a news organization to be controlled by a media company even more so than they currently are. The line between news and entertainment is further blurred. This is not healthy for our nation. We really do need a law like BECi that would stop this sort of Corporate controll.
The name I've chosen is BECi. It stands for Business Enhanced Competition initiative.
The strength of this concept lies in it's simplicity. It revolves around one simple rule - a business may not be allowed to purchase another business. BECi in no way limits a companies natural ability to grow within the marketplace by providing outstanding service, fair pricing and value to the consumer. What it does do is keep businesses from acquiring and eliminating their competition thereby allowing a more natural and controlled growth. Hostile takeovers followed by massive layoffs would be a thing of the past. It would also be much more difficult to control the market to the extent that you can fix higher prices while providing lower service levels.
BECi would still allow corporations to work together in synergistic relationships to provide enhanced capabilities. However, each company would exist as a separate entity with their own employees and accounting. This type of symbiotic relationship will provide more jobs and prevent companies from mass layoffs that typically happen when a business purchases another business. At the same time it will allow for an easy "divorce" if the relationship does not prove beneficial. We could use AOL/Time Warner as an example. BECi would not have prevented both AOL and Time Warner from working together to provide a larger business model. However, having discovered that such a business model was not effective, it would make it very easy for each company to venture off on their own again.
Under BECi, if a business fails for whatever reason, it would be dissolved and the employees and clients of that company would both be free to seek a new business to support. This allows for healthy competition among similar companies to offer those employees attractive employment benefits to acquire the best talent of the failed business. At the same time they would need to provide attractive prices and services to woo the customers of the failed business into being their new customers. This is how business is supposed to work in a free market system. BECi is a drastic yet simple change from the current practice of buying a failing business (hostile takeover), laying off employees at the stoke of a pen without consideration of the talent involved, forcing customers to do business with you even if they don't choose to, and eliminating the competition.
Franchise operations are a gray area for the BECi model but in most cases it would allow for such purchases - especially when the franchise is purchased by a person and not a business. But I think considerations could be made for a corporation who's business it is to operate a franchise. There will likely be a few other legal challenges to BECi, but in most cases the simplicity of the model makes for it's strength and provides few loopholes for abuse by mammoth corporations. If enacted, BECi would necessarily require that all existing businesses continue as normal but would stop any further business purchases. It would therefore take a while for the benefits to be felt through the economy but in some cases would provide enhanced competition almost immediately.
BECi is the simple solution to out of control mega business monopolistic practices. It forces business to act on better business principles of providing good competitive services and prices. The BECi business model makes even more sense when we consider the recent decisions that businesses be treated as individuals with all rights and responsibilities of individuals (except voting rights). It is illegal in this country to buy and sell individuals, so it follows that it should also be illegal to buy and sell a business. The concept is simple, effective and I think should be the law.
An article in USA Today showed how the current business model is poised to make monopolies the norm and not the exception:
http://www.usatoday.com/money/companies/2011-01-11-deals11_ST_N.htm
I invite my reader(s) to discuss this concept pro and con. I would also be interested to hear about other articles on this topic so I can do further research.
UPDATE 1/19/11 The current deal between Comcast and NBC is a huge mistake that will not only limit competition and variety in programming, but it will also allow the a news organization to be controlled by a media company even more so than they currently are. The line between news and entertainment is further blurred. This is not healthy for our nation. We really do need a law like BECi that would stop this sort of Corporate controll.
Friday, January 07, 2011
Dead People Create Jobs
I finally get it!
Republicans keep saying repealing health care reform will create jobs. It is logical that people who are gravely ill or dead due to lack of affordable health care will not be able to show up for work. New people will need to be hired to replace the dead ones. Thus no health care would equal new jobs! Plus, funerals are a very profitable business. Bonus!
Republicans keep saying repealing health care reform will create jobs. It is logical that people who are gravely ill or dead due to lack of affordable health care will not be able to show up for work. New people will need to be hired to replace the dead ones. Thus no health care would equal new jobs! Plus, funerals are a very profitable business. Bonus!
Monday, December 27, 2010
The Political Tsunami
After the recent election the Republicans started speaking of the tsunami they started and how they are rushing in to "take Washington back". I agree a tsunami was started - but I don't believe it is like they think.
Just as the water gets drawn out into the ocean before the big wave comes crashing in, I think a few Independents leaned a bit more right of center and voted for Republican candidates in this last election. But most of the races were fairly close despite the generally accepted fact that Democrats don't vote in mid-term elections in the quantities they do in Presidential elections. The Tea Party movement was the quake that started the tsunami and Independents may have sucked a few votes from the Democratic candidates, but the big wave is just being formed. There are several factors building the wave as I see it and here are just a few:
Just as the water gets drawn out into the ocean before the big wave comes crashing in, I think a few Independents leaned a bit more right of center and voted for Republican candidates in this last election. But most of the races were fairly close despite the generally accepted fact that Democrats don't vote in mid-term elections in the quantities they do in Presidential elections. The Tea Party movement was the quake that started the tsunami and Independents may have sucked a few votes from the Democratic candidates, but the big wave is just being formed. There are several factors building the wave as I see it and here are just a few:
- The Democrats will vote in the next election - in similar numbers as in 2008. Contrary to what the GOP would like us to believe - we still like this President a lot and believe he is doing a good job.
- Those of us who were seriously disappointed at the recent compromise on the Bush era tax cuts (and other similar compromises) do not blame the President - but we are hopping mad at the Republicans for leaving him little choice by holding the jobless Americans and 9/11 first responders hostage. Independent voters were watching.
- If current politics continue over the next 2 years - Independent voters will begin to get turned off by the "Party of No". They are very fickle voters - they will move back left.
- The Tea Party candidates that were recently voted in are big on noise and small on content. They couldn't say exactly what they would do to fix the problems they were against - except to block the things the Dems were trying to accomplish. They complained a lot but had no alternatives. They still don't.
- People are really starting to take notice - as I have - of the bitter comments and selfish proposals that show the Republicans have no compassion for those less fortunate. They want to keep their money and don't care if other people are jobless, homeless, sick or without insurance.
- Probably the biggest force in this massive wave is the fact that the Democratic policies are working. We stopped a pending depression from occurring and the economy is beginning to recover. Progress is being made on nearly every front. These are positive and measurable gains that should be easy to demonstrate during the election. New roads, new bridges, new health care reform, old jobs saved, new jobs gained, less discrimination, Wall Street reform, etc. etc. - these are big accomplishments and actions speak louder than words.
- While many of the above programs are expensive and have necessarily added to the national debt, the Republicans can't use that against us since they chose to add much more to the national debt with their tax cut extensions. It was irresponsible of them and it shows they don't really care about the national debt at all. That is very counter to what the Tea Party supposedly stands for - and what the Independent voters fell for.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
The Few, The Proud, The Brave
Several days ago I expressed my thanks to the lawmakers on Washington who voted to repeal the Don't Ask - Don't Tell policy. In doing so I forgot to thank some other very important people who were instrumental in having this policy reversed - those brave military soldiers who put their careers, reputations, and possibly even their lives on the line by standing up and demanding equal treatment. Through the years this policy was in place, thousands of qualified, dedicated brave Americans were released from service simply by being "outed" as gay or living their lives openly. Some of those brave Americans took it upon themselves to challenge the policy and those who support it for the better good of all homosexual people in the service. They used their unfortunate circumstances to help keep others from facing the same inequality.
So - to those brave gay soldiers who stood up and said "stop this!", who brought their cases to court, who lobbied for change - I say Thank You! You have done your job as an American soldier by protecting the rights and freedoms of everyone in this great country.
So - to those brave gay soldiers who stood up and said "stop this!", who brought their cases to court, who lobbied for change - I say Thank You! You have done your job as an American soldier by protecting the rights and freedoms of everyone in this great country.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Christmas Miracles
I was raised Catholic and have always been a very spiritual person. In my college years back in South Dakota I was the one reminding people that "Jesus is the reason for the Season." The commercialization of the Holidays always bothered me. But as I traveled, read, learned, and moved to a larger city, I discovered that I am Christian simply by the fact that I was born into a Christian family. The reality is that there are many other religious beliefs and customs in the world and none are less important than those taught to me.
I'm a logical thinker and when I hear the story of the Nativity, it sets off a lot of questions in my head because there are some big logical gaps. Did the Inn not let a couple with a baby stay even days later when the Wise Men arrived? Is it possible the bright star in the east was really just the planet Venus? The immaculate conception, the miracles - all of it is not very logical at all. But these questions did not make my faith diminish - in fact I feel more connected with God than I ever have before. How is it possible?
It is possible because God is beyond Logic. I believe miracles are possible because God is larger than we are and not bound by our laws of physics, time and space. I still don't have all the answers and I never will - but I'm thankful that I've allowed myself to realize that part of the miracle of God is that everyone's individual beliefs - no matter how different - can all be correct at the same time.
Since I was raised Catholic - I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! Please accept it in whatever faith is in your heart - even if you feel you have none. May the miracle of Christmas bring joy to the world and peace on Earth.
I'm a logical thinker and when I hear the story of the Nativity, it sets off a lot of questions in my head because there are some big logical gaps. Did the Inn not let a couple with a baby stay even days later when the Wise Men arrived? Is it possible the bright star in the east was really just the planet Venus? The immaculate conception, the miracles - all of it is not very logical at all. But these questions did not make my faith diminish - in fact I feel more connected with God than I ever have before. How is it possible?
It is possible because God is beyond Logic. I believe miracles are possible because God is larger than we are and not bound by our laws of physics, time and space. I still don't have all the answers and I never will - but I'm thankful that I've allowed myself to realize that part of the miracle of God is that everyone's individual beliefs - no matter how different - can all be correct at the same time.
Since I was raised Catholic - I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! Please accept it in whatever faith is in your heart - even if you feel you have none. May the miracle of Christmas bring joy to the world and peace on Earth.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Stronger
America's military is stronger than ever today as President Obama and the current administration repealed "Don't ask - Don't tell".
We are stronger because healthy educated willing and able-bodied people are able to serve and protect their country - all of them.
We are stronger because some military personnel are no longer subject to blackmail by being forced to hide their sexual identity in order to protect our freedoms.
We are stronger because hundreds of linguists capable of understanding the language of our enemies can get back on the job.
We are stronger because equality has finally triumphed over bigotry.
This is a giant step in the right direction for America. Thank you to all those who voted to repeal this policy.
We are stronger because healthy educated willing and able-bodied people are able to serve and protect their country - all of them.
We are stronger because some military personnel are no longer subject to blackmail by being forced to hide their sexual identity in order to protect our freedoms.
We are stronger because hundreds of linguists capable of understanding the language of our enemies can get back on the job.
We are stronger because equality has finally triumphed over bigotry.
This is a giant step in the right direction for America. Thank you to all those who voted to repeal this policy.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Just For The Record
A new crop of Republicans will be taking office next month so I think it is very important to take note - NOW - of the state of the current economy. It is important to do it now because you can sure bet that the Republicans will try to take credit for every gain we have had over the last two years - even though they voted NO on EVERYTHING.
So - just to review - two years ago - after 8 years of Republican's driving our economy into the dirt, President Obama inherited a gigantic mess of a scale that still amazes me. Since then some unpopular solutions were proposed, some hard choices made and even though progress has been slow - we have made significant gains.
Most news stories about our economy now show sure signs of significant recovery. The current Holiday shopping season has been very good - with spending at levels not seen in years as was reported across most major news sites today. This is a link from an article I purposely took from Fox News so the nay-sayers would have a harder time refuting it. It is an AP article and appeared nearly identical on USA Today and other news sites.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/12/19/shoppers-crowd-malls-christmas-countdown/#content
But, of course, they are trying to refute it - but not on Fox News online. There were only 2 comments posted on the article on Fox News but there are hundreds posted on USA Today - mostly negative. It's important to note where the negative comments are being posted because it is all politically motivated. They know that most liberal thinkers don't see Fox News as a legitimate news source and the goal is to preach negativity to those who are trying to be neutral. But we will cover all that that again another time.
As of now our economy is looking a bit brighter and I sincerely hope it does continue over the following years and into the next Presidential election. But I want credit for the recovery to go where it belongs - to President Obama and the Democrats who are currently the majority in Washington. Good job!
So - just to review - two years ago - after 8 years of Republican's driving our economy into the dirt, President Obama inherited a gigantic mess of a scale that still amazes me. Since then some unpopular solutions were proposed, some hard choices made and even though progress has been slow - we have made significant gains.
Most news stories about our economy now show sure signs of significant recovery. The current Holiday shopping season has been very good - with spending at levels not seen in years as was reported across most major news sites today. This is a link from an article I purposely took from Fox News so the nay-sayers would have a harder time refuting it. It is an AP article and appeared nearly identical on USA Today and other news sites.
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/12/19/shoppers-crowd-malls-christmas-countdown/#content
But, of course, they are trying to refute it - but not on Fox News online. There were only 2 comments posted on the article on Fox News but there are hundreds posted on USA Today - mostly negative. It's important to note where the negative comments are being posted because it is all politically motivated. They know that most liberal thinkers don't see Fox News as a legitimate news source and the goal is to preach negativity to those who are trying to be neutral. But we will cover all that that again another time.
As of now our economy is looking a bit brighter and I sincerely hope it does continue over the following years and into the next Presidential election. But I want credit for the recovery to go where it belongs - to President Obama and the Democrats who are currently the majority in Washington. Good job!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
One HD - Under Gauze - With Low Lighting and Fuzz-ness for all
I'm way behind on technology due to a tight financial situation. Everything I have is old, outdated, broken or slow. One item that is high on my list of devices to replace is my TV. I've been eager to get an HDTV but now I'm not sure it's needed. Even with my old 700dpi set (which was the shizzle in it's time) the picture is somewhat "fogged". The set is still working perfectly - it's the broadcast that's been "adjusted".
It seems the folks on TV don't really approve of being seen in crystal clarity. We can see every blemish, imperfection and even a bad makeup job now. So, to protect their image (so to speak), they have resorted to the old blur the screen technique. This seems very counter productive in my opinion. I'm supposed to pay gobs of money for a TV that is stunningly clear, only to have a fuzzy picture. Chelsey Handler - I'm talking to you! But she is only one of the guilty in this crime of technology.
I suppose if I wait a bit more I can get a 3D TV for a reasonable price. But will it be worth it? How long will it be before someone decides they look too fat in 3D and use a picture flattening technique.
For every action - there is a similar reaction.
It seems the folks on TV don't really approve of being seen in crystal clarity. We can see every blemish, imperfection and even a bad makeup job now. So, to protect their image (so to speak), they have resorted to the old blur the screen technique. This seems very counter productive in my opinion. I'm supposed to pay gobs of money for a TV that is stunningly clear, only to have a fuzzy picture. Chelsey Handler - I'm talking to you! But she is only one of the guilty in this crime of technology.
I suppose if I wait a bit more I can get a 3D TV for a reasonable price. But will it be worth it? How long will it be before someone decides they look too fat in 3D and use a picture flattening technique.
For every action - there is a similar reaction.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Myth - Tax Cuts Create Jobs
The Bush tax cuts have been in place since 2003. If the theory is, as claimed by the Republicans, that those tax cuts create jobs then why do we have the largest unemployment rate in decades? Something is wrong with that claim.
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
No Pleasing Them
I am MOST upset that President Obama bowed to the Republican pressure and extended the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy. It is just wrong. But, I'm going to save my comments on this topic for a while as we see how this plays out.
What I do want to comment on is the commenters - those folks who are likely working for a political action group that spend all their time bashing President Obama and his policies by commenting on news stories online. These folks work under multiple anonymous screen names turning every story from kittens to cars into a bash on Obama. I want people to take notice - today - on how transparent these folks are. They got their way - the tax cuts are likely being extended. But you won't find a positive comment on any story about it in the online news. We saw this before when President Obama agreed to off-shore oil drilling just days before the devastating spill in the Gulf. Then and now there should have been overwhelming praise for the President from the GOP that he did something that they demanded. You won't find it. That doesn't suit their plan to bash bash bash. It really is a shame that these people use a medium that should be a great tool for productive conversation and turn it into a slanted political podium.
So - now that we can clearly see what these folks do - we can view their rants as political BS and continue to ignore them. In addition - we can ignore their demands, and hatred and stop trying to compromise with them. They won't be satisfied no matter what we do so if you can't ever please them then lets never appease them.
What I do want to comment on is the commenters - those folks who are likely working for a political action group that spend all their time bashing President Obama and his policies by commenting on news stories online. These folks work under multiple anonymous screen names turning every story from kittens to cars into a bash on Obama. I want people to take notice - today - on how transparent these folks are. They got their way - the tax cuts are likely being extended. But you won't find a positive comment on any story about it in the online news. We saw this before when President Obama agreed to off-shore oil drilling just days before the devastating spill in the Gulf. Then and now there should have been overwhelming praise for the President from the GOP that he did something that they demanded. You won't find it. That doesn't suit their plan to bash bash bash. It really is a shame that these people use a medium that should be a great tool for productive conversation and turn it into a slanted political podium.
So - now that we can clearly see what these folks do - we can view their rants as political BS and continue to ignore them. In addition - we can ignore their demands, and hatred and stop trying to compromise with them. They won't be satisfied no matter what we do so if you can't ever please them then lets never appease them.
Monday, December 06, 2010
Stimulated and Improved
I was on vacation over Thanksgiving week and I spent it on a fantastic solo bicycle tour from Fort Lauderdale, FL to Key West, FL - camping the whole week. We were blessed with fantastic unseasonably warm weather and despite some periodic strong headwinds, I was able to complete the 440 mile trip without any major obstacles.
But there were a few obstacles - mostly in the form of road construction. US1 through the Florida Keys is a notoriously dangerous 2 lane road with heavy traffic consisting of mostly recreational vehicles (boats, RV's etc.) with no shoulder to speak of. Some areas through the Keys have bicycle paths that are in bad disrepair. But all of that is changing and the progress made so far is fantastic. The lanes are wider with turning lanes, shoulders nearly a car length wide (which might allow for better evacuations during hurricanes) and even the bike paths are being improved though the entire stretch. It is a wonderful improvement in safety and comfort with a touch of "green" with the added bicycle lanes.
I saw lots of people working on these road improvement projects and I also saw lots of signs indicating they were being funded with government stimulus monies. In my opinion, this is how economic stimulus is being done right. Rather than just give people tax money back, it is being invested in our infrastructure while putting people back to work at the same time. It is a double win situation. Everyone gets to enjoy these road improvements throughout the country while workers are able to feed their families and maybe even spend some earnings on other things further helping the economy.
I complement President Obama and the current administration for doing economic stimulus correctly.
But there were a few obstacles - mostly in the form of road construction. US1 through the Florida Keys is a notoriously dangerous 2 lane road with heavy traffic consisting of mostly recreational vehicles (boats, RV's etc.) with no shoulder to speak of. Some areas through the Keys have bicycle paths that are in bad disrepair. But all of that is changing and the progress made so far is fantastic. The lanes are wider with turning lanes, shoulders nearly a car length wide (which might allow for better evacuations during hurricanes) and even the bike paths are being improved though the entire stretch. It is a wonderful improvement in safety and comfort with a touch of "green" with the added bicycle lanes.
I saw lots of people working on these road improvement projects and I also saw lots of signs indicating they were being funded with government stimulus monies. In my opinion, this is how economic stimulus is being done right. Rather than just give people tax money back, it is being invested in our infrastructure while putting people back to work at the same time. It is a double win situation. Everyone gets to enjoy these road improvements throughout the country while workers are able to feed their families and maybe even spend some earnings on other things further helping the economy.
I complement President Obama and the current administration for doing economic stimulus correctly.
Quick Fix
I'm constantly amazed at the number of things that can be fixed with one of two things:
Duct Tape
or
WD40
Either make it stick together or not stick together.
By the way - if you removed some duct tape and glue remains - just put a little WD40 on it and it will come right off.
Duct Tape
or
WD40
Either make it stick together or not stick together.
By the way - if you removed some duct tape and glue remains - just put a little WD40 on it and it will come right off.
Recessions are very profitable
Companies have discovered (or maybe planned) that they can run with far fewer employees as long as the fear of losing their jobs keeps the remaining employees working 2 or 3 or 5 times as hard as they did before. I wrote about the stress of this situation for the remaining employees here and I can tell you first hand it is very real. But corporations are not concerned about the stress their employees are under because it is money in the bank for them.
Most companies have begun to recover from the worst part of the recession but they haven't hired back employees. In fact they won't until they are forced to. The force that will make that happen will not be government related. We will also soon see more people fired for lashing out at their supervisors. Other good employees will finally get the the breaking point and their productivity will decline. There will soon be a large increase in stress related illness, death and suicides. Some of those suicides will include office shootings and other tragic events.
When employees are dead or hospitalized, profits will suffer. Then - possibly - corporations will be forced to hire a few more people. In the meantime you will find businesses supporting policies that keep the recession going. Fear is not only a great motivator, but also very profitable.
Most companies have begun to recover from the worst part of the recession but they haven't hired back employees. In fact they won't until they are forced to. The force that will make that happen will not be government related. We will also soon see more people fired for lashing out at their supervisors. Other good employees will finally get the the breaking point and their productivity will decline. There will soon be a large increase in stress related illness, death and suicides. Some of those suicides will include office shootings and other tragic events.
When employees are dead or hospitalized, profits will suffer. Then - possibly - corporations will be forced to hire a few more people. In the meantime you will find businesses supporting policies that keep the recession going. Fear is not only a great motivator, but also very profitable.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Unhappy Holidays
The first official action of the new GOP controlled House was to block extension of unemployment benefits through the end of the year.
Nice.
Perhaps if they had instantly created gobs of new jobs as they promised FIRST, then this action may have been warranted. After all, I couldn't agree more that we can't have a nation living forever on unemployment. But, if there are no jobs available - then all they have accomplished is to move the jobless from unemployment to welfare. That is counter productive all around.
But wait! The Tea Party is just beginning! Next up they will keep their promise to make sure these new jobless, welfare recipients also don't have access to health care either. Disgusting.
Well at least those rich folks will have a nice cushy Holiday with all their nice tax cuts. They need it more - right?
Nice.
Perhaps if they had instantly created gobs of new jobs as they promised FIRST, then this action may have been warranted. After all, I couldn't agree more that we can't have a nation living forever on unemployment. But, if there are no jobs available - then all they have accomplished is to move the jobless from unemployment to welfare. That is counter productive all around.
But wait! The Tea Party is just beginning! Next up they will keep their promise to make sure these new jobless, welfare recipients also don't have access to health care either. Disgusting.
Well at least those rich folks will have a nice cushy Holiday with all their nice tax cuts. They need it more - right?
Monday, November 08, 2010
Fair Pricing - A Thing Of The Past
Living paycheck to paycheck has never been more real. If you are like me (your basic average dude) you've been struggling to make ends meet for a long time. Part of the problem is that wages have gone down but we have more things to pay for these days (cell phone subscriptions, internet subscriptions, virus software subscriptions, subscriptions of all sorts) and the prices for all those things are just barely in reach. That is no accident.
I'm going to use my cell phone provider as an example: there is no doubt in my mind that Sprint would make a very good profit if all of their plans were $50 or less. But most of their pricing is at least double that sometimes triple -and now they don't even allow negotiation. You can also bet that Microsoft would have still made a huge fortune if their Windows products would have been priced at even $25 per computer. But they charge $200 instead. How do they get away with it?
In the past most businesses tried to determine what was a fair price for their goods or services. Most used a markup percentage over the cost of manufacturing, R&D and marketing. These companies made a good profit and most people could afford their products and services and still have a little discretionary spending for a vacation or a college education.
Today we have a different pricing structure. Modern pricing is based on what companies determine is the maximum price a typical customer will be able to bear for their products and services. They use the process of Data Mining to determine how much typical families make, what they spend on other things and how much they might have left. They then set the price based on what they determine is the maximum that the customer could pay. I wrote a 3 part article a while back on how they gather all this information - most of the time without you ever knowing about it.
This type of pricing has increased profits for companies many times over. At the same time it has obviously diminished any disposable income you may have had in the past. These companies don't believe you should have disposable income - anything you have left should be spent on their products. It is little wonder then that most of us struggle to get by.
But wait - there is still more........
Companies know that people who are broke will work harder to make money to pay for these goods and services. They can get by with fewer workers - often at lower wages - and still get the same productivity because they know people who are struggling will work extra hard to keep their job - no matter what. Corporations do not care about the stress level of their employees - that's why it is very easy to eliminate jobs when profits fall - even for a short while. Their overall operating costs drop as productivity increases (along with your stress level) and their prices rise to keep the cycle going.
Modern pricing structures are a win-win for corporations and a lose-lose for consumers. The situation looks hopeless but it is not. If corporations did not have access to every piece of personal information about you, they wouldn't be able to determine how much you can bear to pay. What we need are strict limits on how much data can be collected and used by corporations. You do that with your vote in local and national elections. Our political parties are very divided right now between those that support business (Republican) and those that support people (Democrats).
I once told a friend of mine (who I know reads this blog) that I really didn't care what information was being collected about me - after all, I have nothing to hide. I had no idea how conniving corporations would become in order to drain me of every last dime. Now I know and I'm spreading the word. I hope you will too.
I'm going to use my cell phone provider as an example: there is no doubt in my mind that Sprint would make a very good profit if all of their plans were $50 or less. But most of their pricing is at least double that sometimes triple -and now they don't even allow negotiation. You can also bet that Microsoft would have still made a huge fortune if their Windows products would have been priced at even $25 per computer. But they charge $200 instead. How do they get away with it?
In the past most businesses tried to determine what was a fair price for their goods or services. Most used a markup percentage over the cost of manufacturing, R&D and marketing. These companies made a good profit and most people could afford their products and services and still have a little discretionary spending for a vacation or a college education.
Today we have a different pricing structure. Modern pricing is based on what companies determine is the maximum price a typical customer will be able to bear for their products and services. They use the process of Data Mining to determine how much typical families make, what they spend on other things and how much they might have left. They then set the price based on what they determine is the maximum that the customer could pay. I wrote a 3 part article a while back on how they gather all this information - most of the time without you ever knowing about it.
This type of pricing has increased profits for companies many times over. At the same time it has obviously diminished any disposable income you may have had in the past. These companies don't believe you should have disposable income - anything you have left should be spent on their products. It is little wonder then that most of us struggle to get by.
But wait - there is still more........
Companies know that people who are broke will work harder to make money to pay for these goods and services. They can get by with fewer workers - often at lower wages - and still get the same productivity because they know people who are struggling will work extra hard to keep their job - no matter what. Corporations do not care about the stress level of their employees - that's why it is very easy to eliminate jobs when profits fall - even for a short while. Their overall operating costs drop as productivity increases (along with your stress level) and their prices rise to keep the cycle going.
Modern pricing structures are a win-win for corporations and a lose-lose for consumers. The situation looks hopeless but it is not. If corporations did not have access to every piece of personal information about you, they wouldn't be able to determine how much you can bear to pay. What we need are strict limits on how much data can be collected and used by corporations. You do that with your vote in local and national elections. Our political parties are very divided right now between those that support business (Republican) and those that support people (Democrats).
I once told a friend of mine (who I know reads this blog) that I really didn't care what information was being collected about me - after all, I have nothing to hide. I had no idea how conniving corporations would become in order to drain me of every last dime. Now I know and I'm spreading the word. I hope you will too.
Friday, November 05, 2010
Instant New Priority
During this last election cycle the Republican candidates hammered the current Administration that the top priority in the USA is JOBS! They were hopping mad that the President spent time on health care reform when they felt jobs were a higher priority.
Today I'm hearing the top priority of Republicans now is repealing the Health Care Reform.
What?? I thought it was Jobs?! Why don't you focus on JOBS - as you promised?!
Today I'm hearing the top priority of Republicans now is repealing the Health Care Reform.
What?? I thought it was Jobs?! Why don't you focus on JOBS - as you promised?!
Compassion Is Not a Republican Value
Most people remember the devastating earthquake that hit the island of Haiti last year. It was only one of many major natural and political disasters to hit this impoverished country in recent years. The people of this nation have been left penniless by government corruption and homeless by force of nature. I have many Haitian friends and I've been following this sad story for years now and it breaks my heart. As I write this a hurricane is adding more misery to this tiny nation. Many Americans share my heartbreak but some apparently don't have a heart at all. Here is a link to the story in USA Today and a few of the associated comments taken from just the first few pages. I want to note that many of these same screen names have been posting comments both pro-Christian and pro-Republican (My comments follow each).
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/hurricanes/2010-11-05-hurricane-tomas_N.htm
LivFree (0 friends, send message) wrote: 10h 9m ago
Haiti doesn't want help. They want hand outs. This Hurricane will be like a giant, naturally occurring colonic.
Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, Government corruption - the common people of Haiti did not ask for this. But they do need help.
Mister Grumpy (137 friends, send message) wrote: 5h 7m ago
Yet the Haitians continue to pump out children like there's not tomorrow............. and those that are old enough....... appear to be just waiting around waiting for a handout............ when they should be picking up the rubble................ These people are worse than helpless........... they are just plain lazy.................
Contrary to the belief that most Haitians believe in voodoo - most are Christians and many are Catholic. They are following the teaching of the Church - abundant life - procreation above all else. Birth control is not allowed. This is the result. And they are rebuilding - with what little resources they have to do so with.
rickp0000 (0 friends, send message) wrote: 4h 41m ago
cant say the idiots werent warned.....
Yes, they had plenty of warning a storm was eminent. Where would you suggest they go? What do you suggest they do? They are living in TENTS (if they are lucky). They are penniless and homeless. Can you try to understand that?
lunchtimereader (0 friends, send message) wrote: 2h 15m ago
A lot of $ has been sent there for decades, yet, there is no progress.
Just more of the same.
This is somewhat true. Corruption in the govenrment continues at the expense of the common people. This country needs more than just money - but it's easier to just turn our backs to their calamity.
Mister Grumpy (137 friends, send message) wrote: 1h 49m ago
Horaceofcourse (0 friends, send message) wrote: 1h 25m ago
Somebody has to do something to help these people...put them to work rebuilding their country.
I don't have any great ideas...may God have mercy on them.
=============
God is showing them mercy............ Tomas is only a Cat 1 storm.............
I repeat - they are living in TENTS (if they are lucky). I've been through several Cat 1 storms here in Florida and they are frightening in a brick shelter - let alone a tent. But the most damage from a storm like this isn't wind - it is flooding rain. They are on the wet side of the storm. Floods are also not the fault of the people living there.
These type of comments go on and on. There is a total lack of compassion which I dare say is a core value of the Republican party and many so called Christians. If it isn't happening to ME right NOW then it doesn't apply and THEY likely deserve it.
Very sad indeed.
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/storms/hurricanes/2010-11-05-hurricane-tomas_N.htm
LivFree (0 friends, send message) wrote: 10h 9m ago
Haiti doesn't want help. They want hand outs. This Hurricane will be like a giant, naturally occurring colonic.
Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, Government corruption - the common people of Haiti did not ask for this. But they do need help.
Mister Grumpy (137 friends, send message) wrote: 5h 7m ago
Yet the Haitians continue to pump out children like there's not tomorrow............. and those that are old enough....... appear to be just waiting around waiting for a handout............ when they should be picking up the rubble................ These people are worse than helpless........... they are just plain lazy.................
Contrary to the belief that most Haitians believe in voodoo - most are Christians and many are Catholic. They are following the teaching of the Church - abundant life - procreation above all else. Birth control is not allowed. This is the result. And they are rebuilding - with what little resources they have to do so with.
rickp0000 (0 friends, send message) wrote: 4h 41m ago
cant say the idiots werent warned.....
Yes, they had plenty of warning a storm was eminent. Where would you suggest they go? What do you suggest they do? They are living in TENTS (if they are lucky). They are penniless and homeless. Can you try to understand that?
lunchtimereader (0 friends, send message) wrote: 2h 15m ago
A lot of $ has been sent there for decades, yet, there is no progress.
Just more of the same.
This is somewhat true. Corruption in the govenrment continues at the expense of the common people. This country needs more than just money - but it's easier to just turn our backs to their calamity.
Mister Grumpy (137 friends, send message) wrote: 1h 49m ago
Horaceofcourse (0 friends, send message) wrote: 1h 25m ago
Somebody has to do something to help these people...put them to work rebuilding their country.
I don't have any great ideas...may God have mercy on them.
=============
God is showing them mercy............ Tomas is only a Cat 1 storm.............
I repeat - they are living in TENTS (if they are lucky). I've been through several Cat 1 storms here in Florida and they are frightening in a brick shelter - let alone a tent. But the most damage from a storm like this isn't wind - it is flooding rain. They are on the wet side of the storm. Floods are also not the fault of the people living there.
These type of comments go on and on. There is a total lack of compassion which I dare say is a core value of the Republican party and many so called Christians. If it isn't happening to ME right NOW then it doesn't apply and THEY likely deserve it.
Very sad indeed.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
A Message to President Obama
I watched the Presidents press conference the day after the election and I have this message for Mr. Obama:
Once again, I am honored to have such a smart, competent courageous and eloquent person leading this country. Much of the USA has a short attention span and honestly has forgotten the major crises you have been battling these last 2 years were not caused by your policies. Further, they can't grasp the concept of how much worse things would be right now had you not acted swiftly and firmly. But many of us have been paying attention and we know the truth. We still support you and your policies. We hope this new division of power will bring balance to our Government, but we realize that is not likely. Please try co-operation again as you have these last 2 years. However, if the only answer you continue to get is No - then please stand firm on your principles. You have put people ahead of corporations and that is the hope and change we voted for.
Since I know you read my blog regularly, I want you to know we still strongly support you! Keep up the great work!
Dennis
Once again, I am honored to have such a smart, competent courageous and eloquent person leading this country. Much of the USA has a short attention span and honestly has forgotten the major crises you have been battling these last 2 years were not caused by your policies. Further, they can't grasp the concept of how much worse things would be right now had you not acted swiftly and firmly. But many of us have been paying attention and we know the truth. We still support you and your policies. We hope this new division of power will bring balance to our Government, but we realize that is not likely. Please try co-operation again as you have these last 2 years. However, if the only answer you continue to get is No - then please stand firm on your principles. You have put people ahead of corporations and that is the hope and change we voted for.
Since I know you read my blog regularly, I want you to know we still strongly support you! Keep up the great work!
Dennis
Fraud for Florida
There isn't much I could say about the election this week that hasn't already been said a gazillion times but our Florida Governor race is a clear indicator of what is wrong with this country and so I must write a short bit on it.
Wikipedia has this to say about our new Governor elect Rick Scott:
"In 1987 he helped found the Columbia Hospital Corporation with two business partners; this merged with Hospital Corporation of America in 1989 to form Columbia/HCA and eventually became the largest private for-profit health care company in the U.S. He was forced to resign as Chief Executive of Columbia/HCA in 1997 amid a scandal over the company's business and Medicare billing practices; the company ultimately admitted to fourteen felonies and agreed to pay the federal government over $600 million"
This is not really new news - it was clearly known during the campaign. This man should be in jail but instead he will be running this state. Why? Because people voted for their party and not for the best person for the job. That's not how it is supposed to work folks. And it happened all across the country. Thankfully some of the real crazy wing-nuts like Christine O'Donnell did not get elected - but she did get over 40% of the votes.
Rick Scott was considered a long-shot in this election (duh!), he was not endorsed by a single major news paper (because he refused to be interviewed) and was trailing in the polls just prior to election day - yet somehow he won. It was reported that he spent $75 million of his own money (that he stole from Medicare) on this election. That's right folks - the company he ran was forced to pay $600 million in fines but Rick kept all his money and YOU paid for his election campaign.
Should we trust that he will run the state of Florida any differently? I think not.
The whole thing is totally revolting.
Wikipedia has this to say about our new Governor elect Rick Scott:
"In 1987 he helped found the Columbia Hospital Corporation with two business partners; this merged with Hospital Corporation of America in 1989 to form Columbia/HCA and eventually became the largest private for-profit health care company in the U.S. He was forced to resign as Chief Executive of Columbia/HCA in 1997 amid a scandal over the company's business and Medicare billing practices; the company ultimately admitted to fourteen felonies and agreed to pay the federal government over $600 million"
This is not really new news - it was clearly known during the campaign. This man should be in jail but instead he will be running this state. Why? Because people voted for their party and not for the best person for the job. That's not how it is supposed to work folks. And it happened all across the country. Thankfully some of the real crazy wing-nuts like Christine O'Donnell did not get elected - but she did get over 40% of the votes.
Rick Scott was considered a long-shot in this election (duh!), he was not endorsed by a single major news paper (because he refused to be interviewed) and was trailing in the polls just prior to election day - yet somehow he won. It was reported that he spent $75 million of his own money (that he stole from Medicare) on this election. That's right folks - the company he ran was forced to pay $600 million in fines but Rick kept all his money and YOU paid for his election campaign.
Should we trust that he will run the state of Florida any differently? I think not.
The whole thing is totally revolting.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Rock The Vote!
This Blog was started way back in the middle of the Bush years. If you read the description of what this blog is about you know that NOW is a very crucial time in our history. The country is still revolting against conservative extremists. This very important election is only a week away. Please make sure your Democratic and Independent friends know about it and get out to vote! If you need to be reminded about why it's important, just read this blog from the beginning and remember what the Bush years were like. And don't just take my word for it - there are plenty of reminders out here on the net.
We can continue to get this country back on track. But only if we defeat the Republicans in this very important election. Get out and VOTE!
We can continue to get this country back on track. But only if we defeat the Republicans in this very important election. Get out and VOTE!
Friday, October 22, 2010
It Just Got Better
I know for a fact that my life as a teen would have been much easier if I had a President (or anybody) to helped me realize that being born gay is not something to be ashamed of. I'm not sure how kids always seem to know another kid is gay - but they do. I was bullied as were millions more. Thank you President Obama for publicly addressing this very important issue.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
JobBlog
I haven't been posting quite as frequently lately and my gentle reader(s?) may be wondering "where he at?". Well, not only have I been working diligently to get my new job website started but I've also started a new Blog on the site! The NightOwlStaffing Blog deals with relevant issues in the job market with a focus on after hours shifts. It's a great compliment to NightOwlStaffing.com. I hope I can provide some insight and information to anyone in the current job market.
I invite you to join me on the new Blog and I also welcome your comments and suggestions on how to make NightOwlStaffing.com even better.
And now some shameless links. :)
3rd Shift Jobs at NightOwlStaffing.com
2nd Shift Jobs at NightOwlStaffing.com
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Friday, October 15, 2010
If you are not - you can't be certain why they are
If you are not ( ) then you can't be certain why they are ( )
Try filling in the same word in both brackets. I think it's a powerful message. Here are some words to try:
gay
poor
rich
angry
sad
proud
etc.
The other powerful message is this:
They do know why they are ( ) - believe them.
Try filling in the same word in both brackets. I think it's a powerful message. Here are some words to try:
gay
poor
rich
angry
sad
proud
etc.
The other powerful message is this:
They do know why they are ( ) - believe them.
Saturday, October 09, 2010
How Crazy People Get Elected
Ever wonder why there are so many political extremists on Capital Hill? We are witnessing how it occurs this very election. It would be interesting to watch if the consequences were not so dire. Here is how it works:
- Something big happens that gets people fired up and opinionated (terrorist attack, gays, economic meltdown etc.). Most of the time these events are planned and politically motivated.
- Grass roots political extremists unite to "Take America Back". This year it's the Tea Party Movement - but it's been done many times before on both sides.
- Unqualified extremist "schmoes" run for office on the sole platform of the big event they are fighting (completely ignoring the rest of the counties issues)
- Typical low voter turnout in the primary elections actually gets these extremists on the ballot - because fired up extremists do vote (the most famous "schmo" this year is Christine O'Donnell)
- And the final critical element is this: Even though the political party agrees that these people are extremists and do not represent their views at all - they will vote for them anyway because they would rather do that than vote for the other party.
- Wa-la! A new crop of political extremists moves to The Hill - for life!
- Vote with your head - not with your political party
- Enact term limits so when crazy people do get into office they are not there for life.
Monday, October 04, 2010
The Escape Artist Completes His Mission
"Escape Artist" was just one of the many names he was known by. He was also called "Ghetto Dog", "Buddy", "Kiddo", "The Oscar Meyer Wiener Dog" or just by his name "Oscar". He was all of those things to me and more.
He lived like a King in my home but from the first day he arrived he began searching for a way out. He dug holes under the fence, He carefully watched, hoping I might forget to close the gate, or he might try to sneak past the guests saying goodnight at the front door. I went through great lengths to fortify the yard, gates and exits to keep him from getting out. But every once in a while - several times a year - he managed to find the briefest opportunity to get out and when he did he went fast! He wasn't trying to get away from me - he just wanted to explore the world - much like I do. In fact, I'm certain that's how he ended up in the abandoned animal shelter to begin with - he just wanted to roam. Thankfully, through prayers, tags, and microchips I was always able to retrieve him and he managed not to get run over.
He was likely 6 years old when I adopted him and we spent 7 or 8 happy years together. That would make him in his late 90's in dog years. Despite his desire to roam, Oscar was a great buddy. He insisted his place to sleep was under the covers in my bed - right next to me under my arm. At one point he was expelled from the bed by someone else who had joined me. That situation was not well received as everyone knows a footstool is no place for a King to sleep. But the other party was temporary and he soon regained his place next to me. I always enjoyed his company and even the fur covered sheets.
Short in stature but big in voice - Oscar was always on duty guarding La Casa de Tropical. My arrival at the house was never unannounced as was the arrival of any guest. A spray bottle of water (or maybe just the threat) might be needed to calm his enthusiasm - after all it is very exciting to have guests! And oh the joyful sound one makes when it's time to take a walk! All the neighbors must be aware.
Oscar was diagnosed with kidney failure some months ago and spent most of this year on constant medication to treat his persistent infections. Funny how a strong bond between two soles becomes stronger when dealing with life's issues. But his condition was terminal and his infections more intense. It was time for me to help with his master plan to escape. Knowing the day is inevitable makes it no easier and so with heavy heart I left the Vet knowing there will be an empty spot in my bed tonight. But the empty spot in my heart won't last long knowing that Oscar and Astro are running together again with no boundaries or barriers - no more need to escape.
He lived like a King in my home but from the first day he arrived he began searching for a way out. He dug holes under the fence, He carefully watched, hoping I might forget to close the gate, or he might try to sneak past the guests saying goodnight at the front door. I went through great lengths to fortify the yard, gates and exits to keep him from getting out. But every once in a while - several times a year - he managed to find the briefest opportunity to get out and when he did he went fast! He wasn't trying to get away from me - he just wanted to explore the world - much like I do. In fact, I'm certain that's how he ended up in the abandoned animal shelter to begin with - he just wanted to roam. Thankfully, through prayers, tags, and microchips I was always able to retrieve him and he managed not to get run over.
He was likely 6 years old when I adopted him and we spent 7 or 8 happy years together. That would make him in his late 90's in dog years. Despite his desire to roam, Oscar was a great buddy. He insisted his place to sleep was under the covers in my bed - right next to me under my arm. At one point he was expelled from the bed by someone else who had joined me. That situation was not well received as everyone knows a footstool is no place for a King to sleep. But the other party was temporary and he soon regained his place next to me. I always enjoyed his company and even the fur covered sheets.
Short in stature but big in voice - Oscar was always on duty guarding La Casa de Tropical. My arrival at the house was never unannounced as was the arrival of any guest. A spray bottle of water (or maybe just the threat) might be needed to calm his enthusiasm - after all it is very exciting to have guests! And oh the joyful sound one makes when it's time to take a walk! All the neighbors must be aware.
Oscar was diagnosed with kidney failure some months ago and spent most of this year on constant medication to treat his persistent infections. Funny how a strong bond between two soles becomes stronger when dealing with life's issues. But his condition was terminal and his infections more intense. It was time for me to help with his master plan to escape. Knowing the day is inevitable makes it no easier and so with heavy heart I left the Vet knowing there will be an empty spot in my bed tonight. But the empty spot in my heart won't last long knowing that Oscar and Astro are running together again with no boundaries or barriers - no more need to escape.
Friday, October 01, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Pledge to White People
The Republicans have unveiled their so called "Pledge to America" and I have to admit - if nothing else it is an honest portrayal of their view of America. I decided I would at least read the document before I commented on it but 40+ pages? Really?? I didn't have enough bathroom time to read that much but I did look at the pictures they chose to include with the document. Lots and lots of white people, cowboys, town hall meetings (with only white people in attendance) and even a national monument with white people (it's in the Black Hills - but that doesn't count). In all the pictures in the document I only saw one minority - a military service person and he was only light brown. Indeed - that is the America that Republicans live in. There are no black people, no poor people, no sick people, and no city people. It's little wonder their policies do not support social programs. The only social program those white people need is the one they actually do support - social security. Most of those folks were really old!
In fairness, they made an attempt to make the document bathroom friendly - slashing it down to only 2 pocket size white pages. Here you can clearly see where their priorities are. Tax cuts for rich white people, no health insurance for people who are not rich white people, more laws to keep the brown people out of the USA, and more wars "over there" to send the black people to fight. Oh, and my favorite line on the pocket size version is the last one: "We will fight efforts to use a national crisis for political gain". Hypocrisy anyone??
Gosh - reading back on this it looks like I'm calling the Republican party racist! Well, if the pledge fits.........
Republicans are not fond of facts. They like to live in a fantasy world where everyone is white, rich, and living in a pleasant little rural Christian town. But facts are facts and in reality the USA is a very diverse nation with many large cities, lots of people of every race and religion. We are a nation with too many poor people and too many sick people and too many homeless people. We have big problems "over here" and due to the greed of the few we have many who suffer. These people need help and that is where Government steps in - not steps out.
I'm glad the Republicans gave us this pledge. I hope everyone reads it (the short version at least) and realizes how out of touch the Republican party is.
In fairness, they made an attempt to make the document bathroom friendly - slashing it down to only 2 pocket size white pages. Here you can clearly see where their priorities are. Tax cuts for rich white people, no health insurance for people who are not rich white people, more laws to keep the brown people out of the USA, and more wars "over there" to send the black people to fight. Oh, and my favorite line on the pocket size version is the last one: "We will fight efforts to use a national crisis for political gain". Hypocrisy anyone??
Gosh - reading back on this it looks like I'm calling the Republican party racist! Well, if the pledge fits.........
Republicans are not fond of facts. They like to live in a fantasy world where everyone is white, rich, and living in a pleasant little rural Christian town. But facts are facts and in reality the USA is a very diverse nation with many large cities, lots of people of every race and religion. We are a nation with too many poor people and too many sick people and too many homeless people. We have big problems "over here" and due to the greed of the few we have many who suffer. These people need help and that is where Government steps in - not steps out.
I'm glad the Republicans gave us this pledge. I hope everyone reads it (the short version at least) and realizes how out of touch the Republican party is.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Important Election Approaches
November 2, 2010 is a very important day. Democrats - you must get out and vote!
The coming election has the potential to undo all the great things the Obama administration has accomplished in the last 2 years. If you believe the media and all the comments in the on-line news stories then you would think the election is going to be a landslide victory for the Republicans. That's what they want you to believe and they think it's working. Well even though I don't believe the media or the comments I am still very concerned because of the low Democratic voter turnout in the primary elections. We can't win if we don't vote!
Democrats have not forgotten the state of this country the Obama administration inherited. We haven't forgotten that the Republicans have tried to block every monumental accomplishment in the last 2 years. We haven't forgotten they said:
We haven't forgotten all these things, but we did forget to vote in the primary elections. Complacency is the biggest problem the Democratic party has and this is where Republicans have a clear advantage. They don't have a better plan - but they do vote. They have lead a very aggressive and coordinated campaign against positive change since November 2008. Only you can stop the insanity - VOTE!
If you want this country to be run by the likes of Glen Beck, Sara Palin, Rush Limbaugh, or Pastor Terry Burns, - then stay home on election day. If you want to keep hope and change alive then get off the couch and vote Democratic on November 2nd. We still have a lot to do.
It's very important! Spread the word!
The coming election has the potential to undo all the great things the Obama administration has accomplished in the last 2 years. If you believe the media and all the comments in the on-line news stories then you would think the election is going to be a landslide victory for the Republicans. That's what they want you to believe and they think it's working. Well even though I don't believe the media or the comments I am still very concerned because of the low Democratic voter turnout in the primary elections. We can't win if we don't vote!
Democrats have not forgotten the state of this country the Obama administration inherited. We haven't forgotten that the Republicans have tried to block every monumental accomplishment in the last 2 years. We haven't forgotten they said:
- No to health care reform (without another suggestion except "start over").
- No to financial reform (Corporate greed is OK with them).
- No to jobs bills.
- No to environmental bills.
- No to tax cuts for the middle class.
- No to everything! (wait, they did say yes to tax cuts for the rich).
We haven't forgotten all these things, but we did forget to vote in the primary elections. Complacency is the biggest problem the Democratic party has and this is where Republicans have a clear advantage. They don't have a better plan - but they do vote. They have lead a very aggressive and coordinated campaign against positive change since November 2008. Only you can stop the insanity - VOTE!
If you want this country to be run by the likes of Glen Beck, Sara Palin, Rush Limbaugh, or Pastor Terry Burns, - then stay home on election day. If you want to keep hope and change alive then get off the couch and vote Democratic on November 2nd. We still have a lot to do.
It's very important! Spread the word!
Friday, September 10, 2010
Rights AND Responsibilities
America is a great country. Those who founded our government realized the power of freedom and wrote it into our constitution. Since then many brave souls have lost their lives in battles to preserve the freedoms we enjoy today. Indeed we have many inalienable rights in this country. But with every right comes attached responsibility.
You have the right to say whatever you want in front of your children. You may curse in their presence. You do have that right. But you also have a responsibility to act as an adult in front of your children so they can learn to be responsible as well.
You have the right to drive a motor vehicle if you are properly licensed and insured. But you have a responsibility to drive that vehicle in a safe and controlled manor. If not, you can have your right revoked by law.
You have the right to yell FIRE! in a crowed room but you have the responsibility not to do so as it may cause people to be trampled, injured or killed in the resulting panic.
I hope this point is clear now. Rights and responsibilities are related and inseparable. You are responsible for how you use your rights.
So yes, you have the right to burn the holy book of another religion to make your point. Is it a responsible thing to do? Not if doing so will instill hatred and violence against others. Even the President and top Generals are saying it is not a responsible thing to do. I would suggest the responsible thing to do would be use your house of worship as a tool to help others rather than hurt them. Feed people, cloth them - not kill them. It is not your place to judge others - even though you do have that right.
You have the right to build a Mosque near ground zero in NYC. Is it the responsible thing to do? Well.........possibly not and there may be better choices - but in this case I say yes. Why is it different than burning a holy book? Because in this country we also have freedom of religion and I believe this group is being unfairly targeted by those who misinterpret religion as being the same as terrorism (see above example). It is responsible to promote equality - another right we have in this country. It is responsible to fight to have your right protected. These people are not passing judgment on others - they are simply trying to enjoy their freedom of religion.
Please - lets all be thankful for our rights and use them responsibly. It's not hard - just ask yourself that simple question. I have the right - but is it the responsible thing to do?
You have the right to say whatever you want in front of your children. You may curse in their presence. You do have that right. But you also have a responsibility to act as an adult in front of your children so they can learn to be responsible as well.
You have the right to drive a motor vehicle if you are properly licensed and insured. But you have a responsibility to drive that vehicle in a safe and controlled manor. If not, you can have your right revoked by law.
You have the right to yell FIRE! in a crowed room but you have the responsibility not to do so as it may cause people to be trampled, injured or killed in the resulting panic.
I hope this point is clear now. Rights and responsibilities are related and inseparable. You are responsible for how you use your rights.
So yes, you have the right to burn the holy book of another religion to make your point. Is it a responsible thing to do? Not if doing so will instill hatred and violence against others. Even the President and top Generals are saying it is not a responsible thing to do. I would suggest the responsible thing to do would be use your house of worship as a tool to help others rather than hurt them. Feed people, cloth them - not kill them. It is not your place to judge others - even though you do have that right.
You have the right to build a Mosque near ground zero in NYC. Is it the responsible thing to do? Well.........possibly not and there may be better choices - but in this case I say yes. Why is it different than burning a holy book? Because in this country we also have freedom of religion and I believe this group is being unfairly targeted by those who misinterpret religion as being the same as terrorism (see above example). It is responsible to promote equality - another right we have in this country. It is responsible to fight to have your right protected. These people are not passing judgment on others - they are simply trying to enjoy their freedom of religion.
Please - lets all be thankful for our rights and use them responsibly. It's not hard - just ask yourself that simple question. I have the right - but is it the responsible thing to do?
Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Dogs are Pigs
Several years ago I rescued a female dog for the first time. I've always had male dogs before and worried that my little wiener dog Oscar might want to "take advantage" of Loretta (both are "fixed"). But Loretta put a stop to that at the very first meeting. As soon as Oscar decided to explore the private bits - Loretta let out a very certain growl and a quick nip and Oscar knew his place. Through the last several years, if Oscar got too close, the low growl was all that was needed to get the point across. Problem is that Oscar is old and sickly these days and can't hear well anymore. In the last several weeks I've witnessed him poking around "there" while Loretta is eating and heard the definitive growl. Oscar, having not heard the growl, assumed it is suddenly OK! I've had to yell at him (loudly) to get him to stop before she got upset and snapped at him.
They say men are pigs - I guess it applies to dogs too.
They say men are pigs - I guess it applies to dogs too.
Friday, September 03, 2010
Universal Holiday?
Finally - a holiday weekend where I can relax on the beach and not feel guilty! I hope the weather is nice because there is no need to worry that maybe I should be attending a church service, or hosting a huge meal, or attending a parade, or visiting a grave, or saluting a soldier. Labor day is one of the only holidays that applies to almost everyone!
Ever say Happy 4th of July to someone and have them reply "I'm British"?
Ever wish someone a Merry Christmas only to have them reply "I'm Jewish"
Ever wish someone a Happy New Year only to have them reply "I'm Chinese"?
Ever wish someone a Happy Memorial Day and then just feel bad because it's really not a happy Holiday? And it's sort of a Military Holiday anyway - might not apply to everyone.
My only disappointment with Labor Day is that many businesses will still be operating all weekend long. We do live in a 24hr, 365 day society after all. But wouldn't it be great if every business except the real necessities shut down for just one day? It's Labor Day for crying out loud!
Uh oh, if I wish someone in our call center a Happy Labor Day they might reply "I have to work".
No Holiday is safe.
Ever say Happy 4th of July to someone and have them reply "I'm British"?
Ever wish someone a Merry Christmas only to have them reply "I'm Jewish"
Ever wish someone a Happy New Year only to have them reply "I'm Chinese"?
Ever wish someone a Happy Memorial Day and then just feel bad because it's really not a happy Holiday? And it's sort of a Military Holiday anyway - might not apply to everyone.
My only disappointment with Labor Day is that many businesses will still be operating all weekend long. We do live in a 24hr, 365 day society after all. But wouldn't it be great if every business except the real necessities shut down for just one day? It's Labor Day for crying out loud!
Uh oh, if I wish someone in our call center a Happy Labor Day they might reply "I have to work".
No Holiday is safe.
Base Percentage Pay
I think business pay structures should be set up so that all employees benefit from the success of the company. In this scenario all employees - from the cleaning crew to the CEO - would have their pay based on a percentage of the business profits. An employee who works above and beyond could be rewarded by advancing to the next higher percentage. And their title is not necessarily tied to their percentage.
As we know, sometimes a business can struggle through a hard time and might not have profits for a period. This is why all employees would also have a base salary that would be guaranteed. During these hard times the employee would only get their base salary. But when the business returns to a profitable period, all the employees would again benefit by an automatic pay raise based on their percentage pay level. This is why I call this the Base Percentage pay structure. It's sort of like a commission - but for everyone.
Imagine the motivation of every single person to have their company succeed! Success in the business means added success in the paycheck - for everyone. Why limit the financial motivation to only the sales team? What works for them can work for the entire company! I don't know why every business isn't run this way.
As we know, sometimes a business can struggle through a hard time and might not have profits for a period. This is why all employees would also have a base salary that would be guaranteed. During these hard times the employee would only get their base salary. But when the business returns to a profitable period, all the employees would again benefit by an automatic pay raise based on their percentage pay level. This is why I call this the Base Percentage pay structure. It's sort of like a commission - but for everyone.
Imagine the motivation of every single person to have their company succeed! Success in the business means added success in the paycheck - for everyone. Why limit the financial motivation to only the sales team? What works for them can work for the entire company! I don't know why every business isn't run this way.
Monday, August 30, 2010
Run It Like A Family
Many politicians - from both sides of the isle - have suggested we run our government like a business. I don't agree. Business is risky and 90% of businesses fail within the first year. Our government should not be taking such risks. My suggestion is to run the government - at all levels - like a family.
The first order of necessity for all families is to ensure that everyone has food, water and protection from the elements. Next we need to ensure our families are educated, get proper medical treatment and have protection from things that might harm us. Families must do all of these things and many more within their limited budgets. Sometimes unexpected emergencies pop up a so it is advisable for every family to have a bit of savings set aside to handle these situations. At the very least, it is important to keep your credit in good standing so that you can borrow a bit of money if needed. Even so, you must have a plan to pay back that money. If your family doesn't have credit available, you may need to find other sources of income - perhaps a second job. Families do whatever they have to do to get through the hard times.
Now, I will admit some families are run better than others. Some have more spending power while others barley get by. Over all though, I think you will find that most families make it through somehow. Failure is not an option for most families and it shouldn't be an option for the government either.
The first order of necessity for all families is to ensure that everyone has food, water and protection from the elements. Next we need to ensure our families are educated, get proper medical treatment and have protection from things that might harm us. Families must do all of these things and many more within their limited budgets. Sometimes unexpected emergencies pop up a so it is advisable for every family to have a bit of savings set aside to handle these situations. At the very least, it is important to keep your credit in good standing so that you can borrow a bit of money if needed. Even so, you must have a plan to pay back that money. If your family doesn't have credit available, you may need to find other sources of income - perhaps a second job. Families do whatever they have to do to get through the hard times.
Now, I will admit some families are run better than others. Some have more spending power while others barley get by. Over all though, I think you will find that most families make it through somehow. Failure is not an option for most families and it shouldn't be an option for the government either.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Party In My Head
I always have to chuckle at those folks at the gym who get so caught up in their music they can't help but wiggle. Occasionally I realize I'm "that guy" and today was one of those days. Last night I dug around and found some good gym music and downloaded almost 30 tracks onto my smart-phone (still a Treo - no Evo for me yet). These were all very catchy Pop-y dance tracks that you can't help butt wiggle to - at least a little (Hey - that's punny!). What amazes me is that the sound from those tiny ear-bud headphones is so real, intense and three dimensional - yet a person standing next to me might not hear a thing. I heard those "Big House" echos that make a dance club seem enormous - yet it was all just inside my head. It seems like magic to me.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Hidden Gems in the Factory
While all my favorite sitcoms are on their summer break, I decided to watch something different. So I turned to the Science channel, the learning channel and other educational spots and I watched shows on space exploration and shows with "Mega" in the title and my new favorite - "How Do They Do It?". I've learned a lot so far and there is still a good month before my mindless comedy shows return. So what exactly have I learned? Well, first and foremost, there a lot of people in this world WAY smarter than me. The accomplishments in science and technology are just astounding. But there were a few other lessons as well:
I've worked in manufacturing facilities most of my adult life and I've seen these special people. In my last job I knew a man who loaded a machine that made boxes - for all the 13 years that I worked there. He was very good at it. The sad part is that I know management probably felt that he was unmotivated because he didn't want to move up in the company. And they probably paid him very little for his specialized job. Still, he was content to do the job he knew he could do well.
Management always tends to overlook these gems in their workforce. In their eyes it should always be the goal to advance to the next level. I've been a victim of this concept of "promote until your useless" theory of management. In my last job I was considered unmotivated because I didn't strive to move to the day shift where the "real" workers were. I was content to stay in my second shift position where I knew I was most useful. I accomplished on a smaller scale what a whole team of people did during the day - and it made me feel very important. Had I allowed it, they would have moved me to the day shift where I would have been unhappy, promoted me into a management position where I wasn't comfortable until finally I would have became an unhappy and unproductive employee. No thank you. I stayed in my job and shift where I was comfortable - and my meager wage stayed basically the same because of it.
The point of this article may be getting lost in my rambling but it is merely this: Management needs to recognize the value of their specialized employees - no matter how menial their job may seem. Without these specialized skills, your product quality will suffer. Quality is worth spending money on in the form of merit raises beyond the standard 2 -3 percent. Management needs to recognize these "gems" in their workforce the same way a documentary film maker recognizes them and pay them appropriately. The next time you are given a spreadsheet and asked to make cuts in the workforce, you might want to ask why someone gets paid seemingly more than they should in the position they are at before you blindly cut that job to save money. It's quite possible their supervisor has already recognized them as a "gem" and you would be a fool to lose them.
- It takes constant 24 hour processing to keep up with the demands of today's population.
- We tear up and process huge chunks of the Earth to filter out just a few grains of precious metals and other things used in manufacturing.
- We use massive amounts of energy to heat things to melt out the good stuff or bend it just the way we want.
- We have created some amazing and enormous machines with intricate parts to make many of the things we take for granted every day.
- Despite the amazing machines we have invented, most processes still rely on a few very talented individuals with very specialized skills that can't be duplicated by machinery.
I've worked in manufacturing facilities most of my adult life and I've seen these special people. In my last job I knew a man who loaded a machine that made boxes - for all the 13 years that I worked there. He was very good at it. The sad part is that I know management probably felt that he was unmotivated because he didn't want to move up in the company. And they probably paid him very little for his specialized job. Still, he was content to do the job he knew he could do well.
Management always tends to overlook these gems in their workforce. In their eyes it should always be the goal to advance to the next level. I've been a victim of this concept of "promote until your useless" theory of management. In my last job I was considered unmotivated because I didn't strive to move to the day shift where the "real" workers were. I was content to stay in my second shift position where I knew I was most useful. I accomplished on a smaller scale what a whole team of people did during the day - and it made me feel very important. Had I allowed it, they would have moved me to the day shift where I would have been unhappy, promoted me into a management position where I wasn't comfortable until finally I would have became an unhappy and unproductive employee. No thank you. I stayed in my job and shift where I was comfortable - and my meager wage stayed basically the same because of it.
The point of this article may be getting lost in my rambling but it is merely this: Management needs to recognize the value of their specialized employees - no matter how menial their job may seem. Without these specialized skills, your product quality will suffer. Quality is worth spending money on in the form of merit raises beyond the standard 2 -3 percent. Management needs to recognize these "gems" in their workforce the same way a documentary film maker recognizes them and pay them appropriately. The next time you are given a spreadsheet and asked to make cuts in the workforce, you might want to ask why someone gets paid seemingly more than they should in the position they are at before you blindly cut that job to save money. It's quite possible their supervisor has already recognized them as a "gem" and you would be a fool to lose them.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Anchor Marriages
There are two hot topic issues in the news these days. Immigration law and Gay Marriage. But did you know the two are very related? Yes, Immigration law is yet another right that gay couples are denied because their unions are not recognized the same as heterosexual couples. A foreigner who legally marries a US citizen also becomes a US citizen. Not so for gay folks. If we happen to fall in love with a foreigner we have no hope of making that person a US citizen by marriage law. In fact I know many couples who have had their loved one forced to leave the country with no regard to their loving partner. In other cases gay people have been forced into scam marriages with someone of the opposite sex in order to gain citizenship. This is not only illegal but a real violation of the sanctity of marriage. It need not be so.
It is important to realize that marriage law covers many areas of a couple's lives. It is far different than religious beliefs in that everyone in the USA is bound by the same laws - or at least they should be. And these are important laws - hospital visitation, tax law, property management, child care and yes, even immigration. When it comes down to laws (not religion) everyone in the USA needs to be treated equally.
It is important to realize that marriage law covers many areas of a couple's lives. It is far different than religious beliefs in that everyone in the USA is bound by the same laws - or at least they should be. And these are important laws - hospital visitation, tax law, property management, child care and yes, even immigration. When it comes down to laws (not religion) everyone in the USA needs to be treated equally.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
I Do Not Agree!
We need to get back to an era of accountability. I am tired of signing lengthy legal agreement forms every time I try to install software, get a procedure done at the dentist or even accept a job offer. Most of these documents start with a phrase indicating the document can change at any time without notice - which in effect renders them entirely useless to begin with.
If I'm installing a software program on my computer - I expect that it has been thoroughly tested and will not harm my system - or else I can have some legal recourse with the developers.
If I'm having a root canal operation done on my teeth, I expect that the Doctor is fully trained and certified and will operate to the best of their ability and if they fail to do so, I can hold them legally accountable.
If I start a new job, I do not expect to give up any and all rights to find a different job sometime in the future. I do, however, think it is fair to agree not to immediately work for a direct competitor, but it is grossly unfair to even imagine that the company I currently work for owns my ideas and inventions. Those are mine!
I am certain I am not the only person who is tired of all this legal nonsense. And I know I'm not the only one who has written about it. But what can we do?
Currently we only have one option to stop this insanity - but it would take a huge effort by the entire world. We need to stop blindly signing off on these idiotic agreements and subsequently not do business with companies who require them - even if it is free.
You need me to accept all terms in this agreement before I install this software? Sorry - no deal. No sale. No way. Imagine how that would affect Microsoft alone!
You want to own my ideas and inventions just because I work for you? Sorry - the job market is tough but I do NOT agree. But I am a very qualified and dependable employee - am I not worth hiring anyway?
You want me to sign away all my rights to legal recourse before you will start my root canal. Well it really hurts! What choice do I have? But if you mess it up - I'm still going to sue and the lawyer and judge should realize that document was signed under duress and is not binding.
Somehow I don't think I'll have much luck with any of this. But maybe we as a society can somehow get these agreements to be deemed unfair if not unconstitutional. We must fight back - in the courts if needed. There should always be an implied code of accountability to those who are doing business. Just like we expect that the food we buy at the grocery store will be free of contaminants - without having to first sign a waver, we should also expect all other goods and services be similarly accountable.
If I'm installing a software program on my computer - I expect that it has been thoroughly tested and will not harm my system - or else I can have some legal recourse with the developers.
If I'm having a root canal operation done on my teeth, I expect that the Doctor is fully trained and certified and will operate to the best of their ability and if they fail to do so, I can hold them legally accountable.
If I start a new job, I do not expect to give up any and all rights to find a different job sometime in the future. I do, however, think it is fair to agree not to immediately work for a direct competitor, but it is grossly unfair to even imagine that the company I currently work for owns my ideas and inventions. Those are mine!
I am certain I am not the only person who is tired of all this legal nonsense. And I know I'm not the only one who has written about it. But what can we do?
Currently we only have one option to stop this insanity - but it would take a huge effort by the entire world. We need to stop blindly signing off on these idiotic agreements and subsequently not do business with companies who require them - even if it is free.
You need me to accept all terms in this agreement before I install this software? Sorry - no deal. No sale. No way. Imagine how that would affect Microsoft alone!
You want to own my ideas and inventions just because I work for you? Sorry - the job market is tough but I do NOT agree. But I am a very qualified and dependable employee - am I not worth hiring anyway?
You want me to sign away all my rights to legal recourse before you will start my root canal. Well it really hurts! What choice do I have? But if you mess it up - I'm still going to sue and the lawyer and judge should realize that document was signed under duress and is not binding.
Somehow I don't think I'll have much luck with any of this. But maybe we as a society can somehow get these agreements to be deemed unfair if not unconstitutional. We must fight back - in the courts if needed. There should always be an implied code of accountability to those who are doing business. Just like we expect that the food we buy at the grocery store will be free of contaminants - without having to first sign a waver, we should also expect all other goods and services be similarly accountable.
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