Brief View of American Society

American Government Waste

2011-03-13T11:31:00.000-07:00

The CAGW (Citizens Against Government Waste) reported in their latest “Pig Book” on government waste that there was a 10.2% decline in number of projects identified from 2009 to 2010, but there was still over $16 Billion related to pork-barrel spending by members of Congress. Each year this type of information makes the news in various formats. You have to wonder how government officials can read this information and continue to ignore calls from the public for reform in the way they handle money that actually belongs to the taxpayer. Have they become so lost in their lifestyle that their sense of responsibility has vanished? There are also reports that mention waste in various government agencies and departments. Employees utilizing credit cards for personal use or just plain ridiculous spending that should not be approved in any format seem to be rampant. Where is responsible management in these cases? Are there no controls in effect to monitor excess spending or rogue employees? There is so much that needs to be done in America and could be done with the wasted funds. Try balancing the budget and applying those funds to various worthwhile projects, social security, Medicare, or healthcare. Maybe the next President could make an effort at addressing this matter by appointing someone with the necessary vision and intelligence to a position with the authority to correct this situation. This could begin by eliminating a number of unnecessary positions within the inflated government. The President’s authority may be limited, but the public needs to demand action from Congress and the President along with voting those undesirable individuals out of office. There is so much that can be done to make this great country better and now is the time to move in that direction.

United States Congress

2010-03-07T09:59:00.000-08:00

Actions by the United States Congress in relation to health care reform provide an excellent example of how this government body fails to represent and serve the American public. This has been nothing but a public relations performance by the members to make the public think they are actually doing something when in fact they are doing nothing. The end result will provide nothing of real value except possible pre-existing condition reform for children, but adults will have to wait 3-4 years for reform in this area. Why wait for changes to take effect? Could lobbying money have something to do with this delay? Maybe some changes will take place for coverage related to people without insurance, but this area leaves many questions. Maybe the public will wake up someday and realize they have the power to take the do nothing members out of office and replace them with real people, or maybe not, this has been happening since the beginning! The amusing aspect is that this grandstanding event takes the attention away from the fact that the American economy is still in the dumps because members of Congress failed in their duties to protect the public from greed and corruption in the financial industry. Members of Congress are a failure when it comes to serving the public. Their success is in relation to giving themselves pay raises and living like royalty at the expense of taxpayers. The question is will the public be upset enough to take action at the polls when they realize and understand the actual end results of the so-called reform.

Support Our Military

2009-10-02T16:51:00.000-07:00

The American public needs to remember that we have military troops all over the world providing service to our country. It is easy to forget this fact while we live in our own little worlds concentrating on our lives and the pursuit of our dreams. We may not agree with certain military operations, but we all need to remember the sacrifices made by these volunteer service members. If you are dissatisfied with certain military operations, you should voice those concerns to members of Congress. Maybe some day Congress will listen to the people. In the meantime, all Americans should remember our military troops and show support whenever and wherever possible. This can be simple things such as walking up to someone in uniform and expressing thanks to him or her for their service to our country.

American Healthcare Rage

2009-08-19T06:48:00.000-07:00

Has the American public finally reached a point where they are fed up with how government operates? They are at least angry, as evidenced by the recent protests during town hall meetings. It has always been understood that all members of American society will not agree on most issues and this is reflected in the many close elections. The big problem would seem to be the elected officials and their inability to produce programs that satisfy everyone. These self-serving politicians really need to show some form of intelligence and produce programs, such as healthcare, that satisfy the majority and don’t lean to extremes on either side. Maybe take lobbyists and money out of the equation. Is this possible? Probably not! The healthcare industry, the drug industry, and politicians are all out of control. The American public should clean out Congress and start over with a new mandate that actually has the interest and protection of the public as a primary objective. (Newspaper article dated 9-13-09 states average health insurance premiums have increased 84% since 2002 and profits for top 10 insurance companies have increased 428%!)

Health Care & Congress

2009-07-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

The big question is will Congress actually produce a health care program that will change anything in America. Costs are out of control and there is no question that there are too many Americans without any type of coverage and too many who cannot pay for coverage. Members of Congress, their staff, and government employees have excellent coverage paid for by the taxpayers. Every taxpaying citizen should have the same type coverage as a minimum since they foot the bill. There should be no problem with assessing some type of tax on individuals making over $250,000 (including members of Congress) to assist with the cost. This group should consider themselves lucky to be in America with the opportunity to make that income. It should be easy to find savings in current government spending as an offset if someone actually makes an effort, since there is outrageous waste in government.

America’s Got Talent - Again

2009-07-18T09:35:00.000-07:00

Once again this television show is a winner. The show allows talent to shine and presents a stage for them to make something of their lives and also allows people with no talent of any kind to look like fools in front of millions. It is hard to believe that some of these people have the nerve to actually get on the stage, but this is America. People continue to follow that dream and search for success. The show does present an opportunity for the public to relax and try to forget all the problems most people are facing in today’s environment, along with applauding some and laughing at many. The audience is once again the real outspoken judge with their loud outbursts that appear to actually surprise the contestants. The show provides family entertainment and appears to be a hot show for the network. The results of the voting are sometimes surprising and questionable when the real talent is sent home. Maybe there needs to be slight changes in the voting process and the executives need to limit their input and control of the contestants so it will be a real talent contest.

Fat in America

2009-07-18T09:34:00.000-07:00

A recent article caught my eye concerning flight attendants with Delta and red dresses not being offered in a size larger than 18. What is wrong with women when they want to ignore the fact that fat is unhealthy. They should not be demanding larger dresses, but addressing their health issues. Fat is unhealthy! There seems to be ignorance in America when it comes to stuffing your face instead of being concerned about the effect that being fat or overweight has on health and appearance. Try less fatty foods and exercise instead of looking for excuses. Another recent article shows that over one quarter of Americans are overweight. This includes women and men. 30-40 years ago the public in general was not in this condition. People have become lazy and look for excuses too often instead of facing their situations and addressing issues. Women want to have large women stores and other avenues to make them feel that nothing is wrong with being overweight. This is pure bull. If there is a real health reason for being overweight, address this with a doctor, but if the reason is no self-control then face it and do something about the problem.

TV Networks

2009-06-26T06:47:00.000-07:00

If you watch much television on the major networks then you realize that the individuals or executives making the decisions regarding what shows actually get on the air are not very intelligent. There are numerous shows that should never have been placed in the lineup. Apparently there must be a shortage of available shows to choose from, but that seems hard to believe since there are so many members of the entertainment industry looking for work. There are some good programs for viewing, but you have to search.

Social Security & Medicare

2009-05-13T06:17:00.000-07:00

Recent news articles indicate both of these programs are in very serious trouble. Social Security will pay out more than it takes in by 2016 and Medicare will be insolvent by 2017. Government has known this, but apparently nothing is being done to fix the situation. The President and Congress are doing nothing to protect the welfare of average citizens while dumping trillions of taxpayer’s dollars down the drain on bailouts without adequate knowledge that it will help the economy or adequate controls. Wake up America and demand action by your representatives! The time for action is now, not years from now. If your representative is not willing to take action, maybe they should be booted out of office. The same goes for the President. The members of Congress need to change their self-serving attitudes and represent the American public. This is just another example of government being overpaid with no worries about their own retirement while ignoring their constituents. What does it take for the public to demand action?

Athletes & Drugs

2009-05-08T06:40:00.000-07:00

The recent information about baseball player Manny Ramirez and his violation of drug policy is just another black eye for professional sports. He is to receive a suspension for part of the season as punishment for this offense. This is really sad for sports. The punishment is apparently not a real deterrent to players and the time may be now for the players association and owners to finally make a decision regarding this type of violation. This type of behavior by players shows no respect for the game or sports fans and the time is here for these players to be banned from professional sports when they are found guilty of violating this policy.

Veterans

2009-05-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

I read numerous articles related to veterans and their troubles in various areas. Recently there were two letters in a newspaper regarding two different aspects of the military. One was related to a man in uniform and his effort to assist a female by chasing her car down to return her wallet that was dropped in a store parking lot. The other was regarding problems related to the VA Medical Centers. One individual stated he had to sit in the emergency room for hours before even having his vitals taken, much less see a doctor. He stated that the excuse was they were understaffed and had only one nurse. He stated the personnel were rude, uncaring, and acted like they were only interested in finishing the shift and their paycheck. Emergency rooms are certainly a problem across the nation in all hospitals and there is a nurse shortage, but I have seen salary information for VA hospital staff and they are certainly well paid, if not overpaid. This is an area that should be reviewed by government and action taken to solve the problem. Change the rules and start firing people and replacing them with people that will get the job done. The public deserves better medical care and veterans certainly deserve excellent medical care.

Bailout Taxpayer

2009-04-10T12:22:00.000-07:00

The government, in my opinion, has gone too far with taxpayer money and bailouts. Taxpayer money is being wasted on companies without any real control and leaving the inept executives in place so they can continue to destroy the companies. There is no real incentive to handle things in a different manner. A portion (not the small amounts involved so far) of the trillions of dollars involved in this fiasco should have gone to the actual taxpayer so it could have been put back into the economy. It is their money in the first place. I would like to request my own personal bailout from the taxes paid over many years to the government. I have numerous ways my bailout could be utilized, like survival at the present time. I could also use one of those automobiles that were recently mentioned in the news that the Obama administration is buying for the government fleet. Give them bailout money and then buy their cars. I’m sure a large percentage of Americans would love to have those cars that are being replaced. The handling of the entire bailout process is outrageous.

People in the News

2009-04-06T06:50:00.000-07:00

Madonna’s adoption treks leave one big question and that is why doesn’t she open her eyes to children in America. She may be trying to make a statement, but there are many children in the U.S. that are in need of a home and family. Miley Cyrus receives too much press coverage and the talent is questionable, although she did provide a good performance at the awards show. Billy Ray is sure making the best of the money machine. Time will tell if this is a lasting career. Carrie Underwood certainly deserves the awards and attention because she has the talent, voice, beauty, and personality. Taylor Swift and Julianne Hough may be questionable as to long lasting appeal. There are numerous individuals (too many to mention) in the entertainment industry who receive too much press coverage in relation to their talent, but I guess that is the nature of the entertainment industry as it feeds off of itself for the money.

Teachers Pay

2009-03-15T14:16:00.000-07:00

A recent article about bonus money (in addition to salaries) being paid to school principals, assistant principals, and teachers is a disturbing aspect of the current public education system. Don’t get me wrong, I believe teachers should receive a reasonable salary for the important work they are or should be doing to prepare students for the world. This is related to my dissatisfaction with the Federal Teachers Incentive Fund and the process of providing a merit-pay system for the biggest gains in attendance and test scores. This involves amounts from $2,500 to $10,000 depending on position. I am sure there are plenty of excellent teachers that are doing excellent jobs, but what happened to doing the job you are hired to do at the salary provided for the position. If you are not performing or doing the job properly then you should be fired, as it should be in any business or industry. The public school system has many problems and this is evident by the number of students that manage to graduate without being able to speak properly or have a reasonable knowledge of math or history. The public school system has deteriorated over the years. The problem would appear to be related to teaching ability and I don’t feel using money in such a manner is the proper way to solve the problem. There is the additional problem related to a lot of parents not taking a strong enough interest in their children and school, but the answer to that problem is evasive. Teachers should not have to be enticed with bonus money in order to fulfill their responsibilities. They should be replaced with individuals interested in preparing students for the difficult world they are about to enter. Salaries that I have seen published for principals and assistant principals appear to be very reasonable amounts and it should be automatic to replace those individuals if their schools are not performing.

Madoff, Stanford & Others

2009-03-13T07:17:00.000-07:00

Bernard Madoff’s full text statement is sad and disgusting at the same time. Sad that so many people lost so much and disgusting that the authorities ignored signs and warnings while money was disappearing. This man should never see the light of day. There should be others going to jail along with him because he didn’t accomplish this alone. Then you have R. Allen Stanford, James Davis, and Laura Pendergest-Holt of the Stanford Financial Group and another alleged fraud on the trusting public. Stanford has invoked the Fifth Amendment allowing him to remain silent. This one should be interesting as it unfolds. Will all the money be found in either of these cases? The judicial system needs to actually punish criminals in these types of crimes and the regulatory system really needs a makeover. Remember WorldCom - Bernard Ebbers and Enron – Kenneth Lay. It appears financial scams are either on the rise or busts are on the rise, hard to tell which is more true. The public seems to be blinded by those large return promises that are too good to be true. Greed is not going away so there are probably more to come.

Stimulus

2009-02-21T09:49:00.000-08:00

The government is not capable of handling the stimulus package with the necessary controls in place to assure that the American taxpayer’s money is directed to the proper place and utilized properly. There is too much of an opportunity for massive fraud by government employees and vendors with billions or trillions of dollars at risk. Bailing out ignorance in business management and in personal decisions should not be done at the expense of taxpayers who have managed their affairs properly. There is also no real guarantee that the stimulus will actually work or that is was really necessary. The recovery would have eventually taken care of itself over time. Weak business models always fail at some point and the weak ones will fail during this process. Individuals will always make bad financial decisions and should not be bailed out at the expense of others.
Fraud and greed seem to be synonymous with American business and American government. This is evident as we move further into the economic situation or crisis currently facing the country. Greed is always involved in these type situations to some extent and played a large roll this time. Fraud has also raised its ugly head as individuals take advantage of the trusting public. We were informed to a certain extent about the specifics related to the financial meltdown on Wall Street, but you have to do your own research to obtain a better understanding of what actually occurred. Banks have stock prices not seen in many years, unemployment has reached levels not seen in years, and individuals along with businesses have difficulty obtaining loans. In my opinion, the loan problem may not be such a bad deal because people and businesses have been creating too much debt. A large percentage of individuals and businesses have been attempting to live beyond their means. The recovery will be slow. There is also a psychological factor involved that will have to be conquered by the public and business. We have witnessed the rollover effect throughout the financial services industry and into all segments of American society and throughout the world. Securities/investments, banking, real estate, auto manufacturing, dealerships, and all associated industries have been touched in this crisis. There is one area that I feel is waiting in the wings and will at some point make the news. That is the medical/healthcare/drug industry. I will not be surprised if massive fraud and corruption in this industry makes the front page of the news. There is still a great deal that will have to be accomplished by government to assure the public that their money is being spent wisely and not wasted. Future generations will certainly judge the wisdom of decisions being made by the so-called leaders in Washington.

Congress & Salary

2009-01-19T06:27:00.000-08:00

The salaries of the members of Congress are out of line when you consider what they actually do and what they have accomplished as a governmental body. The current economic conditions facing the citizens and the country at this time also make it evident that they are overpaid. The history of their salary increases is something to behold. They are currently at a whopping $169,300 a year, with an increase already in progress that will give them a $174,000 annual amount. When you consider what they have actually accomplished, this is an outrageous figure. The fact that they give themselves raises is another outrageous matter. I am sure people surviving on only social security checks would agree with this analysis. Do we get our money’s worth? I don’t think so! Back in 1815 their salary was $6 a day, then in 1968 the amount was $30,000, 1979 has them at $60,000, 1991 shows $125,100, and now $169,300. I believe the time is now for members to decrease that salary and place it more in line with reality. The average individual income in America is around $45,000 to $50,000 (with millions below that level). Even if they doubled it to $90,000, that would provide a livable income and would not include their other sources of income. It is time to remove our politicians from the royalty view they have of themselves and place them back in a position of serving the public. Write your members of Congress and demand that they take action to correct this situation and do it now! In fact, a large percentage of city, county, state, and federal employees (especially appointed positions) have salaries that have reached out of line levels and need to be reduced, especially in today’s economic situation. Businesses are reducing salary levels and government should follow those steps and operate in a realistic business manner!

Recycle America

2009-01-19T06:26:00.000-08:00

There is a growing need for more recycling in America and the world in general. It is a shame and a disgrace that more is not being done by the do-nothing Congress. There is so much waste in America and the landfills are growing by the tons every day with no end in sight. The waste of plastic and paper alone is staggering when this could be recycled and put to good use! This does not even consider the nightmare of hazardous waste that continues to be dumped daily. There is really nothing being done from a federal level to solve this nightmare of a problem that grows by the minute. Where are the so-called great minds in this country? There are some recycling operations taking place, but the number is so small that it is ridiculous. I am positive that the public in general would support a good program, but it takes a well thought out plan and for that plan to be placed in operation. The coming generations will be faced with massive problems if something is not done and soon. The government and public is too involved in the live for today and make as much money as possible syndrome that everyone forgets that the planet should at the very least be considered while conducting their lives in that manner. Wake up America and demand action!

Digital TV Conversion

2009-01-06T07:03:00.000-08:00

The conversion to digital television in February 2009 is coming quick and the technology is good, but the end result for the American public is not so good. This is not a well thought out plan by the so-called authorities. Yes, there is the sponsored box program that has the coupons, but the long-term results have not been considered in detail. What happens when the remote goes out and you have to locate another one or what happens when the box goes out and there is not a coupon for that new box? The press or the so-called authorities have not discussed the long-term expense to the general public. It would be nice if all citizens could afford new digital televisions for the rooms in their homes, but that is not even remotely possible for a large percentage of the public. I would hazard to say that a large percentage couldn’t afford cable so they will continue to use the analog sets. In the end, most of the average citizens will have to absorb an expense that will be tough to handle in the budget, especially in today’s conditions. I realize the technology change is required or needed for additional uses of the airwaves for various sources, but the results will become more of a nightmare than has been considered or discussed by anyone. Maybe there should be some type of government bailout for the public in relation to this matter!

American Judicial System

2009-01-05T06:15:00.000-08:00

The American judicial system is broken and it is past time for a complete overhaul. There are too many criminals using a revolving door when it comes to punishment. This goes for criminals guilty of robbery or home burglary and criminals guilty of more serious crimes. Judges appear to be entirely too lax in their punishment. They commit crimes, go in for a short period of time and are back out doing the same crimes. White-collar criminals are receiving light prison terms and when there is a fine involved, the amount is small compared to the crimes they committed and the amount involved in their crime. The federal prison system appears to provide incarceration and not any real punishment. Rehabilitation would appear to be non-existent. I recently read about an inmate attending a professional basketball game and he was out of prison while serving an 18-month sentence that does not expire for 8 months. He was not out on parole since there is no parole in federal prison, but there is the next best thing, a furlough. Inmates who meet specific security standards are considered for furloughs of up to 30 days that typically occur during their final year of confinement. This is intended to help reestablish family and community ties. This is outrageous! They can adjust after they serve their time for the crimes they committed against society! What has America come to when criminals are treated in such a manner? Politicians are committing fraud against the public they are supposed to be serving and when found guilty of their crimes they receive very light sentences. The public deserves better and the judicial system deserves a makeover.

Celebrity Press Coverage

2009-01-02T07:02:00.000-08:00

Why do celebrities cry about photographers and complain that they don’t have any privacy when they go out in public? Did they not understand the situation of being a celebrity or are they just crying for more press? Certain individuals that call themselves celebrities utilize the system to their advantage since they have no talent other than being in the press. I agree that the press should show respect and refrain from causing any type of harm, but if those celebrities that complain aren’t happy, get out of the business and try something else to make a living. I think the public in general gets tired of hearing the ridiculous complaints.

NBC & Jay Leno

2008-12-11T07:01:00.000-08:00

The decision by NBC to retain Jay Leno in a new time slot is a very interesting decision. This should be a good move by Leno since he will receive $30-$40 million for the year agreement and NBC will keep him from moving to another network. Leno can give it a run for a year and if it doesn’t work he can make another decision regarding a different network or just doing Vegas. Leno may not score extremely high ratings during regular season periods, but he should score big during reruns and combined he should do very well. I’m sure Leno would have gone to another network and his ratings would have made O’Brien look very bad. NBC has problems when it comes to executive decisions. Replacing Leno with O’Brien was a very poor decision. O’Brien is not funny, the show is not funny, and he is just not appealing as a host. Then you have CBS where Letterman is past due for moving out of late night. He lost his appeal long ago. His ability to produce humor in the show disappeared and he has never been a great interviewer. Craig Ferguson would be a great addition to that time slot. Leno before the news and Ferguson after the news would be a good situation for both networks and viewers.

Citigroup Rescue

2008-11-25T06:22:00.000-08:00

Another financial organization, Citigroup, is failing due to inept management and the politicians put up billions more of the taxpayer’s money without the taxpayer’s consent. There will most likely be more to come. This is a very sad time for America. The government’s plan apparently guarantees up to $306 billion in risky loans and invest $20 billion in the poorly run financial organization. This is on top of $25 billion the government has already invested in Citigroup. Citigroup is apparently hiring more workers in the Philippines to set up a new regional hub for call centers while the company has announced over 70,000 in layoffs (many of those American taxpayers). This is once again a situation where large numbers of management individuals need to be fired, without bonuses or golden parachutes. What happens if the taxpayer stops paying taxes? There is something very wrong with government and business today. Will these steps solve this crisis? How does the government plan to pay off this enormous debt that is being created for future generations? There are many questions that need to be answered!

Auto Industry Bailout

2008-11-18T07:39:00.000-08:00

The bailout process is out of control, the same as Congress and business executives are out of control by taking big salaries and bonuses while the country and regular citizens suffer. This is a matter of inept management in business and inept members of Congress failing to fulfill their responsibilities to protect the American public. There is no reason for the taxpayer to foot the bill for this type of failure in the financial services industry or other industries. The auto industry executives are just taking advantage of the situation to cover their mistakes in managing their business. The rollover effect from the financial services area is not the only reason for their problems. They have failed to properly run their business as changes have taken place in the industry. There may be large numbers of people without jobs if they file bankruptcy, but this is how they should handle the situation and revamp the business model to be more successful in today’s world. The stockholders should demand the firing of all senior executives in each business that fails in this manner. Time, as always, will allow the successful business model to be profitable and the economy will return to a stable situation.

Presidential Election

2008-11-05T06:51:00.000-08:00

The election is finally over and once again a small percentage of the popular vote made the electoral decision. The race was close in most states and indicates how divided the public is about a leader. A large segment of the American public voted on emotion and not real issues or facts. Race played a role in a certain segment of the voting public while hope was apparently the factor ruling decisions by the rest of the voters. Promises were made that will not and cannot be kept by the winner. I would expect over the next four years the individuals that voted for the winner will realize that promises aren’t upheld and the disappointment will set in for that group of people. Time will certainly allow this group to understand if their decision on election day was a wise decision.

Failure of Congress

2008-10-28T07:36:00.000-07:00

The financial disaster occurring in America, and for that matter the world is the big train wreck that was waiting to happen. The country has been so involved in creating wealth no matter what the cost, that the public has been oblivious to the situation in Washington. Members of Congress have been so involved in their elite status, counting their stock wealth, taking those vacations furnished by lobbyist, and in essence ignoring their real jobs that America is now facing the greatest financial disaster in history. There was something outlawed 100 years ago called bucket shops that was apparently similar if not the same as what took place over the last few years. Apparently about 8 years ago Congress (Democrats & Republicans – this is not a party problem) allowed changes that once again gave free wheeling crooks the green light to rape the country and the citizens. These credit default swaps were the train wreck waiting to happen while members of Congress enjoyed the big life. Deregulation can be good in certain areas, but not where the financial health of America is concerned because there are just too many greedy jerks in the country and the world. Numerous individuals have become very wealthy at the expense of the country during this crisis. A good suggestion would be for all members of Congress, other than new members elected this year, to resign, forgo their big pensions, and get out of town! Congress continues to give themselves pay raises, but should cut their salaries to $95,000 and that would still be more that twice the average income in America of about $45,000. Their pensions should also be revised downward. The citizens should demand this action. The election on November 4th will not solve the problems of this great country and it is questionable if the taxpayer-financed bailout being conducted by the “great minds” in Washington will solve or even ease the financial crisis. One big question is how much of this money will actually return to the government and how much will the national debt increase for future generations.

AIG Bailout

2008-10-16T11:53:00.000-07:00

The bailout of AIG has turned into a joke utilizing billions of taxpayer’s dollars. Recent articles state funds are being used for retreats and hunting trips for executives while taxpayers are footing the bill. This is another example of how our government officials are asleep at the wheel. The New York Attorney General has apparently informed the insurance giant to do away with this type of spending while taking government money, but it seems to continue without any consequences. It would appear the time is now to fire top executives and replace them with individuals who will cut these types of excesses and operate in a manner that will repay the Federal Reserve loan. This action needs to take place in every company receiving funds from this government bailout where inept management exercised poor judgment and placed their companies in this situation. The taxpayers deserve better oversight, especially when Congress (controlled by Democrats) went against the wishes of the majority of the public. Time will certainly show if utilizing taxpayer’s money to bailout all these financial organizations was a wise decision.

Mandatory Voting

2008-10-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

Should the U.S. have mandatory voting to guarantee that the will of the people is being served? Australia has mandatory voting and apparently has a mid 90 percent turnout. Should voting be a duty for the citizens of America? Would this change the way politicians campaign? Would the real issues become more important in a campaign? If this was implemented, would it be possible to enforce such a requirement and would the cost associated with such an effort be justified? If implemented, would this create more corruption and voter fraud? Would the public actually learn about the candidates prior to voting or just go and vote for anyone? This is an interesting concept, but there are certainly many questions that come to mind in relation to implementing such a concept in America. There is no question that too many citizens refuse to exercise the right to vote and voice their opinion. Something needs to wake up the citizens and provide that desire to participate in the election process, but the answer to solving this problem is elusive.

Paul Newman

2008-10-01T06:20:00.000-07:00

The passing of this legend leaves a giant hole in the entertainment industry and the world. Newman left a mark on this country with his fantastic acting ability and a history of numerous outstanding movies. Beyond that accomplishment he left behind a record of charitable giving from his Newman’s Own Foundation where millions have been provided to those in need. Numerous articles provide information about his generosity and his caring attitude. He apparently enjoyed a great marriage and a happy life. His family, numerous friends, and his many fans will certainly miss him.

Economy & Bailouts

2008-09-17T06:21:00.000-07:00

The cycle continues with the credit crisis, business failures, and bailouts. Prepare for this to go well into next year, if not longer! Management individuals responsible for these disasters are still rewarded with millions even when the government removes them. Then there is the taxpayer who will eventually pay for all this mess just like in the past when similar situations occurred. The big question is should the government continue to bailout companies that have been run into the ground by inept management without any concern for the resulting consequences to shareholders and the business world. Allowing these companies to fail may be the best solution. The economy will survive and once again prosper. Taxes could be so much lower if it wasn’t for the cycles of destruction. You can’t blame one political party since they are both responsible for failures in governing. “Greed Is Good” may be a good line in a movie, but that is once again the key phrase for failure in the American business world resulting in the taxpayer taking another one on the chin. You might as well hunker down and squeeze those dollars, unless you are a member of the wealthy group where life will go on as usual.

McCain - Palin

2008-09-01T07:28:00.000-07:00

The American public needs a reality check in regard to the current presidential election process. No matter how hard the media tries to make this some type of entertainment show, this election is not American Idol or some reality television program. The candidate’s spouse should not be a deciding factor in the election. The attempt by some factions to make the first family royalty is a ridiculous effort. This is the serious matter of electing the next President of the United States. The election is about placing the best-qualified individual in office so they can hopefully provide leadership for the country and attempt to deal with a Congress that is out of touch with the American people, out of touch with the needs of the country, and out of control in regard to spending. This individual should have the knowledge, skills, abilities, and the necessary experience to deal with the entire scope of the country’s situation and the world situation. The decision should not be based on age, race, family background, or spouse, but on the ability of the individual to make a strong effort at providing a better future for the country. The VP choice should be taken into consideration in case some strange event occurs, but should not be the deciding factor. In this election, both VP candidates are well qualified. I hope the actual registered voting public takes the time to think seriously about their decision prior to November. Each registered voter is charged with making an intelligent and informed decision utilizing available information while trying to eliminate ridiculous and useless hype. My recommendation, as indicated in a prior post, would be John McCain because he has a record of leadership and experience, the knowledge and ability to handle the responsibilities, a desire to eliminate government waste, and a commitment to service. Sarah Palin is an excellent choice as the VP. Palin has experience as a mayor and governor in Alaska with a history of working to eliminate waste in government. There are many issues facing the country at this critical time in history and the Republican ticket of McCain Palin is the best and appropriate choice in November. Utilizing titles found in the press, a maverick and a barracuda in the White House could make a difference in Washington by shaking up Congress and return government to the people instead of special interest groups. The citizens of American need to get out and exercise the right to VOTE!

Healthcare

2008-08-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

The cost of healthcare, as everyone knows, is completely out of control. If you are lucky enough to have insurance coverage, you are paying an increasingly larger portion of that cost as employers pass these premium increases along to you. This is an area that needs more control by government. I know more government control is not always a good thing, but in today’s business climate controls are a necessity. Businesses will take advantage of the public whenever possible and that is just a fact. The healthcare and energy industries are areas where out of control may not be a strong enough term. If you do not have health insurance and this group of Americans continues to grow, you really get the shaft. You have to deal with the outrageous cost plus deal with the fact that healthcare providers give insurance companies discounts while charging uninsured individuals higher amounts. There are many excuses by providers for this event, but the bottom line is this should not be allowed to happen. Being uninsured can happen for numerous reasons and most of the time is unavoidable and always undesirable. Being in this situation should not be a reason for healthcare providers to rape the public. Congress should act to rectify this situation and also correct numerous other problems in the healthcare industry including drug companies ripping off the public with outrageous prices. This is something that the wasteful members of Congress just talk about without ever making a real effort to correct the situation. There needs to be a grassroots effort to remove every member of Congress and replace them with individuals who will govern for the people that pay their salaries. In that regard, salaries for members of Congress and staff should be reduced to a level that is more in line with the average income of the American citizen.

Tax Structure

2008-08-08T07:32:00.000-07:00

The tax code for U.S. taxpayers is overdue for massive change that will provide an equal system for all citizens and businesses. The current system basically allows for the average citizen to foot the bill for the government that is out of control in regard to spending and wasting tax dollars. There are too many loopholes and deductions that allow the wealthy and corporations to walk away without paying a fair share of the cost for operating the country where they make the massive sums of money. According to various sources, there are individuals and corporations that don’t even bother to file a tax return. There are significant taxes that are past due and not being collected. Revisions are needed in all areas of income tax and social security tax in order to reflect today’s society. A flat percentage tax would be a start so that everyone pays without any loopholes and this includes all businesses. Do away with all deductions (they are abused anyway). A portion of the wealthy and corporations will scream, but they will continue to operate and find ways to make even more money. The simplification of the tax structure is needed, necessary, and long overdue. Some information indicates that a flat tax would actually bring in more revenue and businesses would actually prosper. At the same time, the average citizen could have the taxes reduced and live a little better while spending more and boosting the economy. Certain information indicates that countries where a flat tax rate was established have had phenomenal results. The bottom line is the current tax code is broken and a real Congress should act in order to solve the problem.

U.S. Postal Service

2008-08-08T07:30:00.000-07:00

A recent article stated that the postal service had a $1.1 billion loss for the quarter ending June 30. Part of this is of course tied to energy costs, but this is an operation that is due for overhaul. The article stated 100,000 jobs had been cut since 2000, but they don’t seem to be addressing the real problems. The operation needs to start cutting the fat in management personnel, cutting the salaries of remaining management (way overpaid), and cut the spending in other areas. One big cut could be made in advertising, like the ridiculous mailers that are sent to postal customers. The cost of producing these cards and other items is a waste! Everyone is familiar with the postal service and their services. If someone has a question, they will go to the post office (where maybe one of the employees is available) or go to the website for answers. An intelligent individual could sit down with the postal service budget and within a very reasonable period of time make the necessary cuts to balance the budget by reducing the waste and have the operation running in a manner where another rate increase (as intended May 09) would not be necessary.

Networking

2008-08-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

Networking in the business world has reached a point where it is bad for business. A large number of businesses today are having problems in the financial and operational areas that can be directly related to bad management. This includes middle management and upper management. Networking has placed inept individuals in positions they are not qualified for and are unable to function efficiently or effectively. The remaining employees suffer the consequences, along with the business suffering in the areas of profitability and success. There is entirely too much of the “buddy system” taking place in the business world. Positions aren’t being filled by qualified individuals, but rather by someone’s contact or “networking buddy”. This has always been something to deal with in business, but over the last number of years this type of behavior has become too much of a normal routine for businesses. The senior executives have become so involved in their golden parachutes and bonuses that they have forgotten the reason or purpose for the business. Employees have no job security and most have no confidence in the company or management. Greed has taken over in the business world. Maybe the saying “For the love of money is the root of all evil” is appropriate for today. All of this reflects in today’s businesses with poor customer service and poor opinions of business. The problems in the business world can, in part, be traced to placing inept individuals in management by utilizing the “networking” or “buddy system”.

Oil & Drilling Locations

2008-07-14T06:18:00.000-07:00

Recent articles concerning possible drilling locations off the U.S. coast create numerous questions. A news article on July 13th relates to statements made by Representative Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) during a radio address in response to statements made by President Bush: “Instead of a serious response, President Bush and his allies simply repeat the same old line: more drilling. Democrats support more drilling. In fact, what the president hasn’t told you is that the oil companies are already sitting on 68 million acres of federal lands with potential to nearly double U.S. oil production.” My question for Rep Van Hollen and the rest of Congress: What are you doing about this situation? Pass the “use it or lose it” bill and take action concerning oil companies. Take away the drilling rights/permits (which they get for next to nothing) if they are using funds for stock buybacks and outrageous financial rewards for executives instead of drilling. Is there oil on that land? Would it be less expensive to drill on the federal land instead of off the coast? Do they just hold the land or reserves for balance sheet reasons? There should be no question that there is much greater potential for ecological damage with coastal drilling. Change or take away the tax incentives related to drilling since they are apparently not effective. It should be obvious that oil companies will hold that oil in the ground so they can cash in as the price continues to skyrocket. Also, drilling addresses long-term issues not short-term problems. This is a public interest matter and Congress should act to protect the public.

McCain vs. Obama

2008-07-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

The two individuals running for the office of President are very different in what they offer the American public. The choices are clear and that catch phrase “change” should not be the deciding factor in this election. The decision as to which candidate you choose should be made based on which one is the best choice for the country at this time in history. Barack Obama may be an excellent speaker in the minds of some, but those people should consider the experience and the ability of the individual to produce what he is promising in speeches. I don’t feel that he has the necessary experience in government and foreign affairs or the ability to produce any substantial changes for the American people. A part of the public seems to be carried away based solely on his race and attempting to place that individual in office just to see it done, which is an enormous mistake by that segment and not in the best interest of the public in general. In reviewing his voting record as a state official, there appears to be a lack of ability to make decisions and take a stand. The voting record that I reviewed showed a reluctance to choose and vote one way or the other. The lack of experience, inability to make tough decisions, and unknowns related to personal views on many issues create too much of a risk for the highest office in the country. I believe John McCain is the best choice for the country at this time. I feel that he has the necessary experience, skills, and abilities to handle governmental issues in America along with world affairs. He also appears to have the desire to do what is right for the American public. He has served the country for many years and has shown the ability to adjust with changes in society and world situations. John McCain should be the choice in November for President. The American public should concentrate on replacing members of Congress that are more interested in their own wealth instead of the many issues that need to be addressed in order to make life better for American citizens.

Energy Crisis

2008-07-03T06:46:00.000-07:00

Problems facing America today in regard to energy are enormous and it is way past time for the political leadership to address these issues and take action while keeping the environment in mind. Steps should be taken to make the country more independent by utilizing solar and wind along with putting the great scientific minds in America to work developing auto engines that are more efficient. I know engines that run more efficiently could be developed and adapters could be developed for older engines in order to increase their mileage rates. The oil and auto industries would have to take a large role in this effort and those industries may end up smaller, but the spin-off industries would make up for those losses. The many articles written about ways to increase mileage and about alternative fuels indicate it can be done, but the political establishment and corporate America are not taking the necessary action. Regulation of oil company profits could be a possibility in relation to reinvesting since this is a national and public interest matter. Billions and billions of taxpayer’s dollars are wasted each year on unnecessary and useless matters dreamed up by corrupt and self-centered politicians and members of the public that work with those politicians. Those billions could easily assist in solving the energy crisis. Congress approves billions that are wasted in other countries when citizens of all races in the U.S. are without homes or food. America needs to address problems at home in a more effective manner prior to pursuing the role as world police. The time is now for the American political establishment to change their spots and address the problems facing the country they are supposed to be serving and the citizens that pay their outrageous salaries and pensions.

America’s Got Talent

2008-07-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

This is a television show to be recommended for viewing. The show is a vehicle to take you away from the sad events of the day involving the country and the world. America has a wealth of talented people and this is evident when you watch the show. I am not sure the very young should be subjected to the entertainment industry, but there is some amazing talent at a very young age. You will also observe a lot of people who actually believe they have talent when it is obvious they are living in a dream world. People continue to follow that dream and search for success. The show has a good balance in regard to judges and the host projects that good guy image wanting everyone to win. It would be easy to pick apart the judges individually, but they are part of the show’s charm. The audience appears to be the real outspoken judge with their very loud outbursts that appear to take the contestants by surprise at times. This show provides relaxing entertainment for the entire family and probably provides the network and producers with a nice profit. Overall, this is a hit show, very entertaining, and a way to let your mind slip into neutral and relax.

American Society

2008-06-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

American society has so many positives and negatives that it would be impossible to compile that list. This is a country that draws people from all over the world with dreams of freedom and success. Sometimes it is easy to forget the freedoms that exist when you are overcome with the negatives that blanket the news related to government and business. The fact that only a small percentage of eligible voters turn out to voice their opinion at the polls is one of the large negatives. There is so much dissatisfaction with what takes place, but people have apparently reached a point where they feel it doesn’t matter if they vote. The depressing aspect of the situation is at election time the voters have no reasonable choices when it comes to individuals running for office. Money dominates the election process and the process screams for drastic changes. The candidate that is able to raise the most money and dominate with name recognition gets the most votes no matter what the real issues are in the campaign. The process should allow for anyone that is qualified to run for office and controls should be in place for each individual to have equal time and equal advertising. The money factor should be taken out of the equation and allow the citizens an opportunity to have representatives that actually have their best interest at heart. Term limits should be in place for all elected officials. If this ever happened, government might return to what it is supposed to be and that is to serve the people. Government fraud and business fraud is at an outrageous level. Young people grow up with an attitude that this type of behavior is normal and that is a sad legacy for each generation to pass along to the next. Our government shows a blatant disregard for the environment and this failure to take the necessary actions will have a drastic effect on future generations. There are a lot of people living fantastic lives in the American society, but at the same time there are a lot of people barely surviving. If you make the effort, you can see people of all races in this country without homes, without food to eat, and without hope! Government wastes billions of dollars when so much could be addressed and so many problems could be solved. Society has changed over the years with many changes for the good, but there is so much more that needs to be accomplished.

Deregulation

2008-06-14T11:58:00.000-07:00

Deregulation supporters say it has led to more efficient and innovative businesses, but others say it has led to higher prices and poor service. The move for deregulation really took off in the 70’s/80’s and this was supposed to bring great changes in industries such as airlines, banking, financial services, trucking, railroads, electricity suppliers, and telecommunications. The American public will have to determine if this effort by government representatives has produced the desired results in any of these industries or made matters worse or made any change at all. Have we had lost jobs, higher prices, fewer choices, and poor service? Is deregulation responsible in part for the economic conditions we face today? Are our political representatives asleep at the wheel? Should government be striving for a more balanced regulation situation? Yes, nobody can predict the exact outcome, but current conditions would seem to indicate things have gone wrong somewhere along the line. Maybe it is time to evaluate the results in certain areas and consider making some changes. Consider the numerous problems that have occurred in more than one industry over the last 20 years. A complete overhaul of deregulation might not be called for, but it is evident that some changes would be desirable.

Military Service & Draft

2008-06-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

Military service and the American draft haven’t been discussed much in the news lately. I, like many people, may have mixed emotions about the subject, but this is something that has crossed my mind in recent months. I have noticed more and more young people with bad attitudes, bad manners, and outright rudeness. This would also include drinking habits and bad driving abilities. They seem to have a lack of respect for other people in general. These young people appear to be in the age range of 17 to 25, with some 25 to 30. I have to associate this behavior with the parents of these young individuals and a failure in parenting skills or possibly parents not being around enough during the growing up stage. I am not condemning the majority of this group, but I am talking about a large percentage. I will admit that there are a lot of very stable, polite, great young kids in society.
In my opinion, reinstating the draft in some format would be beneficial to society. Having to at least experience six to eight weeks of boot camp and training would provide some discipline, structure, and better attitudes. The American family has changed drastically over the last 25 years as a unit and this does seem to have affected a generation in many ways. The volunteer military that exists today may serve the needs (even though that may be questionable), but it wouldn’t hurt to have a pool available if a situation occurred in society that called for additional resources. There could also be a period of time after basic training where there is required community service to assist the needy and poor in their own community. The draft could serve more than one purpose and would be for everyone in a certain age range (nobody excluded) and then utilized as a reserve call-up list for a 1-2 year period of time. This would create a spending issue that many taxpayers would probably oppose, but needs to be explored. If this is not a possible avenue to consider, then is there anyone with an explanation for the situation and a possible remedy?

Youth Vote

2008-05-27T09:30:00.000-07:00

The younger generation that talks about change appears to be caught up with only that phrase and not seriously looking at what the candidate can actually produce. The office of President has limited power when it comes to actually making changes. Congress is the body that the younger generation needs to focus on when looking for change. Members of Congress have become overly complacent when it comes to their responsibilities and American society in general. Greed, pork barrel politics, and self-satisfaction rule the current environment in Congress. My previous comments cover numerous issues that need to be addressed by those members and the younger generation needs to recognize those facts and become more involved in those elections. The condition of American society calls for those issues to be addressed and action taken in order for even small steps to be taken in the desired direction. I call on the “change” generation to become more involved in the entire process of government and actually bring “change” to society.

American Idol

2008-05-22T08:56:00.000-07:00

The season is now over and there is another winner. Was this the best talent or was the winner just the most popular? This show appears to showcase a wide range of individuals with a wide range of talent. I question the ability of the judges to really make this a talent competition. The show seems to be more of a popularity contest than a talent contest. Maybe David Cook is the most talented, but time will tell if he is able to become a real star or just disappear as a number of prior contestants. Some have truly become stars, but that is not always the case. Dancing With The Stars is another example of a show being a popularity contest as the show moves through the season. This season’s winner, Kristi Yamaguchi, was truly the best, but during the elimination process the best did not always remain for the next show. I guess this is a difficult situation as the producers attempt to balance ratings and producing a show that stays on the air along with getting the public involved in the process. The judging process could stand some tweaking on both shows.

Term Limits

2008-05-16T13:41:00.000-07:00

Term limits is something that should be in place for all elected officials and should be of more importance when it comes to members of Congress. In my opinion, the lack of action by Congress on issues such as drug cost, healthcare, lobbying, economic conditions, social security, and government waste (along with many other issues) can be tied to the greed factor related to staying in office as long as possible and accumulating a large net worth along with a nice pension. Money, as always, is the controlling factor in accomplishing anything in government. If members of Congress were limited to two terms, maybe there might be some interest in working to perform the duties associated with the office. The goal of government has been lost for many years and seems to continue drifting away. Of course, term limits is not the miracle answer to problems associated with the U.S., but it would be a step in the right direction. Yes, certain members of government will say the more seniority they have, the easier it is for them to get things done. I say this relates more to pork barrel spending than really accomplishing things that are important and need to be done for the public in general. Corruption can be tied to new politicians, but longer-term members are better targets for individuals or groups interested in buying influence. Since members of Congress are the ones to implement such a change, this can only happen by the public demanding for such action and voting out all members that have been in office more than two terms. The chances of this ever happening are slim, but wouldn’t it be nice to have a more efficient and productive government!

Lobbying & Washington

2008-05-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

The relationship between politicians and lobbyists is completely out of control and could be considered a large factor in the potential destruction of American society. The thousands of lobbyists in Washington is an example of how greed has taken over society and made life for the average citizen very difficult. This segment of government operations is long overdue for a complete overhaul. The public needs to demand that Congress make drastic changes to eliminate this destructive aspect of government. The American public suffers in the areas of drug cost, gas prices, bank fees, healthcare, credit card interest rates, predatory small loan companies, and numerous other areas. This is caused by lobbyists utilizing the greed of politicians to prevent regulations and/or controls that would protect the citizens. Over the years the process of lobbying has been allowed to more or less control how government operates. “For the love of money is the root of all evil” could be an appropriate phrase to apply to the current situation. There is always talk about this subject around election time when promises are made that will never be addressed again or any action taken to correct the situation. Is it possible for any representatives of the people in Congress to actually take steps to correct this situation? Regulations to control members of Congress becoming a lobbyist or setting up a lobbying firm are circumvented in simple ways such as retiring early to beat a deadline. This needs to change and lobbying should be taken out of the equation when it comes to how government operates. If you agree, voice your opinion to your representatives.

Military & News Media

2008-05-02T13:23:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I read an item that brought to mind past thoughts related to how the news media covers different aspects of society. This item was about a group of U.S. Marines returning home after a year’s duty in Iraq, with some having completed a second tour of duty. They arrived at a local air center and were taken to a Marine center where they were greeted by their family and friends. Missing from this event was the news media. They were apparently notified about this homecoming, but must have felt that this was not newsworthy. A large percentage of Americans may disagree with this conflict or war, however you want to classify the military campaign, but the country needs to pay more attention to these men and women as they return home. These members of the different branches of the military are involved in something they believe in and are putting their lives on the line. They do represent, serve, and protect the American public and even if they are volunteers, they are still our military. The media gets so involved in ratings wars that they seem to forget about covering news that could be important to the public. The news stations are too involved in sensationalizing the murder or other crimes along with giving away a car in order to obtain that top rating. Certain network news anchors do try to include a feel good story and I applaud them for taking those steps. I realize that society is burdened with tragic news every day, but it would be acceptable to include some good news stories.

Economic Conditions

2008-04-26T09:25:00.000-07:00

Current economic conditions are a cause for concern in American and also for the world in general. The gap between wealthy individuals and poor individuals is growing as the middle class disappears. The cost of basic living necessities is increasing at a drastic pace and creating severe strain on the average citizen. The oil industry continues to enjoy outrageous profits with the consumer paying the outrageous price and this high cost creates a rollover effect into all items associated with that fuel cost. The value of the U.S. dollar continues to decline adding to the problem. The housing and credit crisis continues and will do so for an undetermined period of time. The healthcare system is long overdue for change in order to be cost effective. Crime appears to be out of control in many locations. There are many areas/problems that need to be addressed in an effort to create a more desirable society.
I recently viewed a PBS program concerning Sweden and conditions in that country. They appear to have an excellent healthcare system, excellent system to assist the unemployed, protection for the lower class, and a smaller gap between the wealthy and poor. The taxes are higher in order to cover certain aspects of their society. Maybe the American political establishment should study and utilize aspects of their programs. Taxes do not necessarily need to be higher in order to address these issues. The American citizen is burdened with too many taxes now and a majority of the spending waste could be eliminated. Government is too large with too many overpaid and under-utilized employees. This goes for federal, state, and local government. The salaries have increased to levels that are ridiculous and out of line. This has lead to pensions that are way out of line when compared to the average American taxpayer’s retirement, especially the ones depending only on social security. Government employees spend taxpayers’ dollars with no concern for the consequences and apparently no oversight. Take the time to read reports by Citizens Against Government Waste. The time has arrived to operate government in a responsible manner and for the benefit of the public it is meant to serve and not special interest and government employees.

Privacy

2008-04-15T14:37:00.000-07:00

Privacy seems to be disappearing at supersonic speed in America and the world. It is harder and harder for you to maintain any sense of privacy in your life, no matter how hard you try. The technological changes that have taken place over the years may be partial responsible. You can utilize search engines and the internet to find just about anything these days or hire numerous companies to dig out whatever information you desire. Years ago you valued your privacy and most still do today, but the younger generation has grown up with a slightly different attitude concerning what deserves to be private or how much they care that other people know so much about their lives. There are numerous companies that do nothing but create and maintain databases of information on individuals, everything from your financial situation to what you buy at the store. The government is also not reluctant to maintain all types of information. The laws are very weak in this area and need to be much more effective in order to protect the public. There are just too many avenues and sources out there with too much information, along with many individuals that have a desire to misuse that information. We have the right to expect and to have whatever privacy we desire in our lives. Our representatives in Congress should be taking steps to correct this situation with the necessary regulations and the public should be demanding for Congress to address this matter.

Customer Service/Self-Service

2008-04-15T14:34:00.000-07:00

Society and business appear to have lost track of what customer service means in today’s environment. I think it started with self-service at the gas station and has progressed to any and all avenues. Now you sack your own groceries, withdraw or transfer money at the bank, order your food, clean up your own table, represent yourself in court, and even wash your pet at self-service pet washes. There seems to be a self-service kiosk for everything today. The thought process being that this creates customer satisfaction and is more efficient. Maybe so in some situations, since real customer service is in such a state of disrepair. Are businesses too lazy, don’t feel it is necessary, or are they unable to properly train the employees to understand the customer is the reason for their job? I would like to see a return to customer friendly employees so you don’t leave a business with a feeling of anger and a promise to never return to that business. Maybe this is why a lot of people seem to be in a bad mood. A large number of businesses say they are working at increasing their customer satisfaction, but I’m not sure they are following through with their surveys in order to verify the results. Maybe there is hope, but does anyone see improvement in this area?

Government Waste

2008-04-09T12:03:00.000-07:00

The CAGW (Citizens Against Government Waste) reported in their latest book on government waste that over $17 Billion was related to pork-barrel spending by members of Congress. Each year this type of information makes the news in various formats. You have to wonder how government officials can read this information and continue to ignore calls from the public for reform in the way they handle money that actually belongs to the taxpayer. Have they become so lost in their lifestyle that their sense of responsibility has vanished? There are also reports that mention waste in various government agencies and departments. Employees utilizing credit cards for personal use or just plain ridiculous spending that should not be approved in any format seem to be rampant. Where is responsible management in these cases? Are there no controls in effect to monitor excess spending or rogue employees? There is so much that needs to be done in America and could be done with the wasted funds. Try balancing the budget and applying those funds to various worthwhile projects or healthcare. Maybe the next President could make an effort at addressing this matter by appointing someone with the necessary vision and intelligence to a position with the authority to correct this situation. This could begin by eliminating a number of unnecessary positions within the inflated government. The President’s authority may be limited, but the public needs to demand action from Congress and the President along with voting those undesirable individuals out of office. There is so much that can be done to make this great country better and now is the time to move in that direction.

Financial Reform

2008-04-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

Time will tell if any type of real reform actually occurs in the financial industry related to the recent announcements regarding this issue. It was obvious that some action would be necessary due to the staggering results of poor management and lack of vision. Are the actions by the Fed appropriate? Is deregulation part of the problem? Maybe monopolies and not competition are the results of deregulation, along with higher prices and bailouts. This can be debated at length due to the fact that the results vary greatly depending on what industry is being discussed at the time. Whatever the answers, there is an uncertain and bumpy ride ahead.

Chelsea, Marlee, Priscilla, & Demi

2008-04-01T08:23:00.000-07:00

Chelsea Clinton seems to speak her mind very easily when asked offbeat questions about past and family matters. She is to be commended for her response. The “none of your business” answer is appropriate. Marlee Matlin is amazing on Dancing with the Stars. Her performance without the ability to hear the music is very impressive. Priscilla Presley defies age and improves with each performance to date. The results should be very interesting on this season’s show. Demi Moore and leeches to improve appearance is a little hard to wrap around, but maybe it works or maybe she just has good genes.

Medicare and Social Security

2008-03-25T14:34:00.000-07:00

Recent news items related to the inability of the government (of the people, by the people, and for the people) to provide funds necessary to maintain the solvency of Medicare and Social Security are an insult to the American public. The Medicare trust fund is projected to be depleted by 2019 and Social Security by 2041. Where have the heads of the representatives of the American public been for the last few years? The trust funds of these programs have been discussed for a long period of time without a direct resolution being addressed. It has been obvious that changes in payroll taxes need to take place and the limits have to be changed along with the wealthy paying more into the system that made them wealthy. Could it be that a major portion of those individuals are politicians and government employees (large percentage are grossly overpaid and by the way receive their payroll from taxes paid by the majority of individuals that utilize Medicare and Social Security). The boom in recipients for these programs has been known for many years, yet the powers that be just keep trying to deny their responsibility to take action concerning the solvency of the programs. The trillions in waste by government could easily be diverted to these programs, but the representatives continue with their refusal to take action. Stop taking the junkets, stop trying to live like kings and queens in Washington, stop the party politics, and start addressing the real issues facing American today. The president and members of congress appear to be like a deer stuck in the headlights, unable to take action. Does anyone know what it will take for the wake up call? Are wealthy individuals working to prevent action? Will society and government completely collapse prior to steps being taken to solve the numerous issues facing this great country?

Bear Stearns

2008-03-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

The fallout from bad decisions by credit grantors and homebuyers just keeps growing. The overbearing factor is once again greed. Blame can be placed on everyone involved in this mess from individuals to banks to every greed obsessed CEO. The bottom line is that the average taxpayer will eventually foot the bill since the Federal Reserve Bank made a decision to participate in another bailout. I don’t believe continued bailouts are the answer to ignorance in the business world. This will eventually run it’s course and the weak will not survive, as it should be in this particular situation. Bear Stearns employees will be victims and on the receiving end of this disaster. JP Morgan Chase buys Bear Stearns at a 98.8% book value discount and Bear stock drops from $159 to $30 to $3 as of this writing. The economy is in a very precarious state and yet certain people seem to believe that denial will correct the situation. Wall Street greed and CEO greed has to stop and the American citizens have to demand for their political representatives to actually pull back from their own greed and pull their heads out of the sand. Does this require the financial industry to police itself better in relation to Bear Stearns and mortgages or does a government agency have to exercise better oversight? Whatever the answer, once again the taxpayer will be on the receiving end of yet another fiasco.

Animal Rescue

2008-02-18T13:06:00.000-08:00

There are millions of animals in need of caring people to provide homes or assistance. This can range from a rabbit to a horse, with cats and dogs getting the most attention due to their large numbers. Yes, there are numerous organizations and thousands of people involved in and committed to the rescue and relief of homeless animals and I applaud those individuals. More needs to be done since these numbers grow by the day. You can adopt a homeless animal from the many welfare organizations across the country or if you are unable to adopt, donate to one of these organizations or volunteer some time to help one of these locations. Shelters deserve your attention since those animals will be destroyed after a certain time period. Any search engine or phone book will provide lists of possible sources for you to research and contact. In regard to donations, research before providing money and be sure that particular organization uses the majority of their funds for the animals and not for their salaries. There are plenty of good organizations, but you can’t escape the fact that greed creeps into just about all aspects of society. Animals aren’t able to be involved in the decision process related to their life and circumstances, so caring people need to provide or assist in locating a good loving home along with showing respect and compassion for all animal life.

Celebrity Or Not

2008-02-13T19:19:00.000-08:00

Media outlets can turn someone into a celebrity when there is no justified reason other than revenue generated for that particular outlet or the rollover effect for the industry in general. The following is a mix of the good and bad in relation to the entertainment industry. Kate Hudson – Attractive, likable, average acting ability. Paris Hilton – I find it difficult to believe that without the family money she would be any type of celebrity. Amy Whitehouse – Number of recent awards is hard to understand. Sarah Jessica Parker – Average talent, but appears to have a well-balanced life and outlook. Beyonce – Overrated. Anna Kournikova – Talented, but too much publicity. Faith Hill – Beautiful and talented. Alicia Keys – Talented and attractive. Jennifer Aniston – Average acting ability and average in appearance, but the public seems to have sympathy for her past situations. Jennifer Lopez – No acting ability and not much of anything else. Jessica Alba – Beautiful, but average talent. Will Smith – Successful, but limited ability. Jessica Simpson – Nothing other than someone being able to keep her name in the news. Shania Twain – Beautiful and talented along with the ability to take a break for family. Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes – This appears to be a great union and his history of success would indicate an excellent future in the industry. Julia Roberts – Average in appearance and average acting ability, but successful in choosing projects. You may disagree with my opinion concerning the mentioned individuals, but you have to admit the industry is loaded with so-called celebrities without any talent, looks, or ability. I guess with the diverse population on the spending end of the advertising dollar, there is someone for everyone, as is the case in most aspects of this complex society.

Election Process

2008-01-27T16:01:00.000-08:00

Now is the perfect time to address the election process utilized for the Presidential election. Past elections have shown that popular vote doesn’t matter. It is time for elected officials to change the process and allow the President of the United States to be elected by popular vote. The convention and delegate process is not appropriate for present time. Efforts are needed to streamline this drawn out and at times boring method. If necessary, the convention could still be utilized for party platforms, policy issues, etc. The election to place an individual in the highest office in America should be decided by the majority of registered voters casting ballots (even though that is a small percentage of eligible voters). There are many more aspects of the political process that should be changed, such as campaign contributions, pork barrel spending, and lobbyists. Those issues also require attention, if there was only some way to open the eyes of politicians to the fact that Americans desire for them to get off their lazy rears and listen. Balancing the budget should be a much easier goal and is attainable. This non-action may be the result of citizens being reluctant to voice their opinion or feeling that it does no good since politicians seem to only listen when the sound is from one of their large campaign contributors. Lower the salaries of congress, cut the massive benefits, put controls in place and make an attempt to have elected officials that desire to work for the people and not the money. Make it undesirable to spend millions for a job that pays much less. Wake Up America and voice your opinion.

Female Football Reporters

2008-01-23T07:20:00.001-08:00

First, this is not intended to come across as sexist in any way. But female sideline reporters at televised football games are out of place and the network or sports executives need to take a serious look at the practice. Don’t get me wrong, it is nice to see a great looking female on the screen, but the game needs knowledgeable male reporters providing comments about the game and players. Some female reporters may have knowledge of the game, but they do not belong on the sidelines (or in the broadcast booth) providing comments or questions that have been classified as useless and uninformed in various articles and blogs. Football is a male dominated sport and I believe the majority of men prefer questions and commentary delivered by men (if I am wrong then maybe I am really out of touch). I’m sure this type of statement will anger the feminist sector, but there has been too much brow beating and pressure in society telling men to show their feminine side and be more open-minded. Men (and some women) enjoy the game of football and don’t need these unnecessary distractions. Yes, I’m sure there will be comments related to reporters for other televised sports, but I’m not discussing those other sports. The televised football game needs a few small adjustments.

Television Advertisements

2008-01-23T07:19:00.000-08:00

The Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Communications Commission together should take a serious look at their combined oversight of advertising. It would seem that big corporate advertisers have taken control of how they present ads with no concern for the consumers. There are too many television commercials with fast talking disclaimers and unreadable small print along the bottom of the screen. Any advertiser should be required to make all aspects very clear to the public without any confusion or misleading aspects. Drug companies should not be allowed to advertise drugs without clarification regarding why this drug would be prescribed and possible side effects should be very clear and understandable. There appears to be an extreme effort by advertisers to skirt the requirements and push the envelope as much as possible. Maybe it is time for these two commissions to band together and exercise stronger judgment when it comes to protecting the consumer. Currently, the corporate greed for revenue would appear to be the main reason for misleading, confusing, and downright outrageous advertising.

Prescription Drug Cost & Healthcare

2007-12-13T09:46:00.000-08:00

The cost of prescription drugs and healthcare has reached a critical point for most Americans. There seems to be a never-ending increase in the pricing of drugs and healthcare in general. Senior citizens have to deal with the normal confusing Medicare coverage options and enrollment packages in an attempt to obtain what they hope will be a decent plan. Once a year they are bombarded with new plan information as the new enrollment period arrives. They have recently received notification that prescription insurance monthly premiums are increasing by a 60%-70% margin for 2008. This amounts to hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars for the insurance companies and drug companies, along with increased costs for seniors and Medicare. This places a severe strain on the senior citizens who already struggle to meet their monthly budget, sometimes sacrificing food to buy the necessary prescription drugs. The costs of a visit to a doctor or dentist are outrageous and pray that you don’t have to visit a hospital. If you don’t have insurance, you don’t receive that insurance discount, when actually that is the time you need that discount. Healthcare cost in America is out of control! The number of uninsured keeps growing and the political establishment talks about the problem, but doesn’t seem capable of finding a solution. America is a very wealthy country and the government should take the necessary steps to assure that every citizen has affordable healthcare coverage. Every citizen should have nothing less than the coverage afforded to the members of Congress and federal employees, which is of course paid for by the citizens. This is an area where governmental action to some extent is necessary in order to provide the necessary and financially affordable coverage that every citizen deserves. This should not be an election year ploy. Congress (all members) should deliver a well-defined plan and take the necessary steps to execute the plan in order to provide this service to the American people. Write your member of Congress and demand action on your behalf!

Internet Income

2007-12-07T10:18:00.000-08:00

There seems to be an increasing interest in ways of utilizing the Internet to make money. Individuals are seeking easy ways for that additional income. Game shows on television (such as Deal or No Deal) are very popular and this is related to people wanting to make that fast and easy buck. Some may just enjoy watching people try to win, but most have that desire for big money and an easy life. Another example is the lottery with millions or billions being spent in an effort to gain a chance at winning the big one.
The Internet may or may not provide ways to generate additional income, you will have to explore that dream for yourself and make your own decision. Some individuals promise ways to make you wealthy when you purchase their programs or pay to attend their training sessions. One way to utilize the Internet is placing your own website or blog on the web and post/publish business or personal information along with utilizing advertising sources that are available to produce income. This monetizing can come from sources like Google AdSense or various other advertising related sources that are available throughout the web. You can go to Google or other search engines and enter ecommerce, internet income, how to make money with blogs, or various other words and you will be able to locate a multitude of sites to visit for information. You will also be able to visit numerous sites that other people have set up for this purpose and gain knowledge and ideas for your own venture. The affiliate income method (similar to AdSense) is where you, as the affiliate, can be rewarded by a business for referring a visitor or customer to the business site. Some businesses, like credit card companies, pay when a customer is approved for a card. Others pay when a product is sold by them or by your site. The affiliate programs available are numerous and can be very complex, so they should be studied very carefully to be sure you understand how they work and how payment is determined for the affiliate. The honest will tell you there is no guaranteed income. You could make $50 a month, $50 a year, nothing, or hit it big. As the saying goes, don’t quit your day job!

FDA

2007-11-30T13:29:00.000-08:00

The safety of food in the U.S. has been in the headlines numerous times. Recently the amount of salt in processed food was the topic of conversation. It seems that manufacturers load us up with sodium. Also reported in the news was the fact that the same food is sold in other countries with less sodium, sometimes one-half as much. It is hard to understand why the manufacturers continue operating in a way that seems to imply health issues are not at the forefront of the process. I know, the manufacturers state that they are constantly monitoring the situation and the FDA state they are monitoring, but why lower the sodium content in one country and not others. If there is a health concern, that concern should be taken seriously everywhere and not just in one location. There were scares in the past involving salads and meat. I realize we are supposed to have the safest food supply, but sometimes you wonder if all these highly paid people are asleep at the wheel when it comes to really paying attention to content and processing of food. Reading labels helps, but there are still areas where you need to depend on the FDA for oversight and protection. Once again in government, as in business, someone has to watch someone else to be sure they are doing their job.

Inflation

2007-11-26T12:34:00.000-08:00

The state of the U.S. economy apparently depends on what statistics you are using as a guide. A Cox News Service article (11-24-07) states that economists assure us the inflation rate is about 2% and the government says food prices are up 4.4% compared to last year and inflation is low. They do not consider fuel and food in the inflation rate since those items can rise and fall dramatically. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics in October show that gasoline was up 23%, bread up 16%, coffee up nearly 10%, and orange juice up 28% from last year. I happen to believe the average consumer takes those items into consideration when measuring their own inflation rate and how to juggle finances to meet the needs for the month. The games played with statistics are ridiculous. I find the unemployment statistics suspect, since they do not show anything but new claims and do not consider people that have run out of benefits without locating a new job. Only considering new claims does not provide a real view of the unemployment picture and the effect on the economy. You can utilize statistics to support different views depending on how they are manipulated, but the public should not be on the receiving end of misleading information from their elected officials.

Iraq

2007-11-25T12:13:00.000-08:00

The U.S. movement into Iraq was a mistake, supposedly based on bad information, and has been discussed and debated to great lengths without an end in sight. In case you forgot, Osama bin Laden was never captured. The troops are there and decisions have to be made in order to determine the best and safest way to bring the disastrous situation to an end. The governmental body, such as it is, has the responsibility to bring this chapter in history to a close and should not let party lines blur the vision of that goal. Now the press is reporting about the web of fraud and bribery that has military and civilian officials allegedly accepting $15 million in bribes, basically stealing from the American taxpayers. The troops put their lives on the line every minute and this disrespect and greed is a sad example of the state of society in today’s world.

Dancing with the Stars

2007-11-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

Dancing with the Stars certainly turned into a hit TV show. Tom Bergeron and Samantha Harris are great hosts for the show. Bergeron is really great at the live situation and Harris is also great, along with being beautiful. The show seems to have captured the viewing audience’s attention by allowing their participation in deciding who will return for the next show. They also seem to enjoy watching the progress of the stars as they improve their dancing skills and increase their desire to reach the finals. The only problem would be related to the show judges and the call in votes from the audience. The results have turned into more of a popularity contest instead of a real dancing skills contest. A good team wins, but maybe not necessarily the best technical dancers. The show is still enjoyable and fun to watch as long as you keep this in mind and enjoy the dancing and the show in general. A family friendly show is always welcome in today’s environment.

Social Security

2007-11-22T10:08:00.000-08:00

The social security system is broken and if all the indicators in the press are correct and there will actually be a shortfall in the future in regard to payments, then the time is at hand for the political establishment to make changes. The time is now, not at election time. There can be simple changes such as raising the cap so the wealthy pay more into the American system that made them wealthy. This includes the political establishment making an income that dwarfs the average individual income in this country. Yes, they may complain, but the tremendous growth in the gap between the wealthy and the other class of people in this country demands that action be taken to correct the situation. The number of people in this country that will depend on that small income is growing at a rapid rate and will not decrease due to numerous problems in society today including the way the business world no longer takes an interest in employees and their future. Loyalty to and pride in the real individuals that make companies successful disappeared long ago and shows no indication of returning to the workplace. Then there is the corruption factor where benefits are being paid to individuals that have no right to those benefits. The time is now to address the numerous problems.

Mortgage Mess

2007-11-22T09:50:00.000-08:00

The nightmare involving mortgage delinquency, foreclosures, financial stocks decline, and homes that can’t be sold, is the result of actions taken by certain groups. This is not the first time the American society has experienced a severe economic disruption and I’m sure not the last. This could probably be tied to higher ups in government, but the bottom line is the mortgage lenders and the individuals that signed the dotted line for these loans are the most responsible. The mortgage lenders were making loans that should not have been approved under any circumstances. The individuals applying for those loans knew better and should have looked at a more realistic and affordable price for a home. The market was also loaded with those greedy individuals and groups thinking they could cheat the market. As far as using tax dollars to bail these people out, no way! They created their own mess and they should clean it up themselves!

Ticket Scalpers

2007-11-21T09:09:00.000-08:00

I have never purchased a ticket from a scalper so maybe I don’t have the right attitude about this area, but in my opinion, it is time for someone to take action in this matter. It can be the legislature or whatever body is necessary to put a stop to the nonsense. The computer programs or ticket agency setup that allow scalpers to make massive purchases and then take advantage of the public is due for a makeover. Free enterprise is not applicable to this situation. This is nothing more than raping of the public and it is time for the political establishment, local or national, to take action. This is just one of a very large number of smaller areas that the political establishment needs to address, then they should try the more important areas that need attention in order to better protect and serve the public instead of going on junkets or counting their stock options.

Britney Spears

2007-11-21T09:01:00.000-08:00

Britney needs a reality check. She has to realize that she is a mother and the children come first and the so-called career comes after those responsibilities. She may be getting bad advice from certain friends or this may be just her lack of maturity as certain other associates have stated in the press. Either way, this girl has serious problems that she needs to address and forget about the publicity until the life matters are in line. I could go on and on about the numerous incidents, but that would be a waste of time because those are old news. Come on Brit, find the real person that has to be hiding within you somewhere, get it together and make something good out of the life you were handed, which millions of people would be thrilled to have!

Blogs

2007-11-14T13:14:00.000-08:00

Blogs seem to be rampant with people today. It appears there is a large segment of the population with a desire to express their opinion about everything in society. Does that mean the population in general is dissatisfied and believes they can make changes or is it just a feeling of release to voice their concerns or opinions. I have apparently joined that group when I made the decision to express my opinion about numerous issues by publishing this comments page. Don’t misunderstand my comments, I am happy to live in a society where I am able to voice my comments and will try to include a few positive ones from time to time.