The government has determinded that we have a financial crisis because Main St. doesn not have enough money to pay their credit debts and buy a new car. The government has also determinded that the way to solve the credit crisis is to give 750 Billion to Wall Street plus near 0% interest credit so that they can give Main St. more credit to pay off their current credit debt. (Pay off credit with credit and buy a new car on credit too? How interesting!) Interesting question, "What will happen when this larger credit debt comes due?
Wouldn't it make more sense to use some of the bailout money to supplement the Unemployment Insurance, follow the normal bankruptcy procedure where appropriate and give those who reached beyond their means the opportunity to start over again.
It might also make sense to balance the government budgets , starting by cutting all salaries and pensions of government employees making $75,000 or more by 10%, and cutting remuneration of Elected Officials who are "serving" the people by 25% to put them on a more realistic level with the current economy.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
ARE WE THINKING?
The goverment has determined that the financial crisis was caused by excessive credit given as a result of easy credit encouraged by the government. The government solution to the crisis has been to give more money to the banks to extend more credit. Wouldn't this put the mortgagor even deeper in debt? If money is to be given away, shouldn't it be given to the mortgagor to pay off the debt?
Government intervention and lack of regulations brought about the crisis. Perhaps regulations and lack of intervention might be the solution to the crisis.
Government intervention and lack of regulations brought about the crisis. Perhaps regulations and lack of intervention might be the solution to the crisis.
Friday, December 5, 2008
EASY MONEY BROUGHT HARD TIMES
The American Dream was based on honest, hard work! Easy money to banks to give easy money to home owners is another example of Government Intervention to destroy the American Dream.
Remember when the American Dream was to work hard, save your money, and buy a home? Easy low interest credit for banks from the Government brought about low savings rates at the bank which discouraged savings, and easy credit for purchase of a home looked like a way around "work hard and save your money" to buy a home.
The problem came when the payments for the home (PLUS INTEREST) requires more cash than Average Joe and his wife can earn. The case is very simple. That $200,000 dream home will cost $400,000 WHEN INTEREST IS ADDED, and that is more than the Average Joe and his wife can earn.
The Government solution to the problem; more easy money to the banks which Average Joe and his wife will have to pay for in taxes, will not leave them anything from their hard work for savings, and thus destroy the American Dream for good.
The American Dream was not meant to be a gift, it was something to work for.
Food for Thought: The Government gives the banks credit at 1 1/2% and the banks charge the Average Joe and his wife 5 1/2%. Who is the Government helping by bailing out the banks with easy credit?
Remember when the American Dream was to work hard, save your money, and buy a home? Easy low interest credit for banks from the Government brought about low savings rates at the bank which discouraged savings, and easy credit for purchase of a home looked like a way around "work hard and save your money" to buy a home.
The problem came when the payments for the home (PLUS INTEREST) requires more cash than Average Joe and his wife can earn. The case is very simple. That $200,000 dream home will cost $400,000 WHEN INTEREST IS ADDED, and that is more than the Average Joe and his wife can earn.
The Government solution to the problem; more easy money to the banks which Average Joe and his wife will have to pay for in taxes, will not leave them anything from their hard work for savings, and thus destroy the American Dream for good.
The American Dream was not meant to be a gift, it was something to work for.
Food for Thought: The Government gives the banks credit at 1 1/2% and the banks charge the Average Joe and his wife 5 1/2%. Who is the Government helping by bailing out the banks with easy credit?
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
WILL BILL CLINTON BE A PROBLEM IN THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION?
There is little reason not to think that Hillarie Clinton would be a competent member of the Obama team, but what about Bill? His lack of self discipline and "Poor Looser" characteristic are a matter of record. However, his pardoning of wealthy criminals and his subsequent acquisition of substantial wealth has not been all that well documented. Perhaps the confirmation of Eric Holder (former Deputy Attorney General under Clinton) as Attorney General will give the opportunity to look into this issue. Will Republicans in Congress fulfill their roles and invistigate Holder's role in the pardoning and question his reactions. Holder's answers on this issue could give legimate insight on his perception of the letter of the law and the spirit of the law. Perhaps some of the Democrates in Congress who believe in the principles of law would join in the interrogation.
Monday, November 24, 2008
IN A WORD!
A group of concerned citizens were trying to characterize the Bush/Cheney Administration in one word. Many suggestions were given: incompetent, irresponsible, corrupt, embarrassing, irrelevant. disastrous, foolish, etc. All
were valid descriptions but the one chosen unaminously at the end was the one given by former Senator Mitchell - ILLEGAL. Bush/Cheney violated International Law, Constitutional Law and Moral Law. It was probably the most incompetent, irresponsible, corrupt, embarrassing, irrelevant, disastrous, foolish and ILLEGAL Administration in the history of our great country.
In a word, what do you think?
were valid descriptions but the one chosen unaminously at the end was the one given by former Senator Mitchell - ILLEGAL. Bush/Cheney violated International Law, Constitutional Law and Moral Law. It was probably the most incompetent, irresponsible, corrupt, embarrassing, irrelevant, disastrous, foolish and ILLEGAL Administration in the history of our great country.
In a word, what do you think?
Thursday, November 6, 2008
REQUESTS FOR SOME SIMPLE CHANGES TO START THE BALL ROLLING
Changes were promised and we responded. Now we hopefully wait and submit our requests:
1 - Immediate action for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. This invasion was not sanctioned by the UN and was in violation of International Law.
2 - Speedy settlement of the Afganistan Invasion
3 - Establish diplomatic relationships with all foreign nations whether we like them or not.
4 - Convert all Military Bases in foreign countries to UN Bases reducing US forces and US fiscal support by at least 50%
5 - Cease all military aid to foreign countries and channel all economic aid through Embassy offices. (All military aid to UN Bases)
6 - Pass Hillary"s Health Care Program
7 - Pass Part I of the New Tax Law rolling back Bush Administration tax breaks to those making over $250,000 and tax relief to those making $250,000 or less.
8 - Give control of the Government back to the People:
(Elected public officials in the Legislative Branch of the government have tended to pursue personal welfare rather than the welfare of the people they represent. To curb this action, the following changes are suggested.
a) Limit all (legislative) officials to a maximum two terms
b) Remuneration and Perks to be decided by a vote of the people rather than by the legislators themselves
c) Abolish all retirement benefits for both legislative and administrative officials.
d) Institute recall provision for both legislative and administrative officials
9 - Give control of the profits of the "Artificial Persons created by Law" back to the owners (Stockholders). To achieve this, the following changes are suggested:
a) Take away CEO's authority to:
1) Determine his or her own salary
2) Spend corporation funds for non business operation costs and expenses
3) Give funds to Political and Non-Profit Entities
b) After setting aside prudent reserves for contingencies, profits should begiven to shareholders as dividends. Decisions for expansion and gifts belong to the owners of the business. Expansion can be financed by issuance of additional stock when requested by the Board of Directors and approved by a majority vote of the stockholders.
10 -Enact laws and regulations to curb businesses from outsourcing jobs overseas and avoiding taxes.
11- Enact laws and regulations to curb pollution and global warming, and make the country more energy independent.
AGREE, DISAGREE, ADD OR SUBTRACT.
1 - Immediate action for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq. This invasion was not sanctioned by the UN and was in violation of International Law.
2 - Speedy settlement of the Afganistan Invasion
3 - Establish diplomatic relationships with all foreign nations whether we like them or not.
4 - Convert all Military Bases in foreign countries to UN Bases reducing US forces and US fiscal support by at least 50%
5 - Cease all military aid to foreign countries and channel all economic aid through Embassy offices. (All military aid to UN Bases)
6 - Pass Hillary"s Health Care Program
7 - Pass Part I of the New Tax Law rolling back Bush Administration tax breaks to those making over $250,000 and tax relief to those making $250,000 or less.
8 - Give control of the Government back to the People:
(Elected public officials in the Legislative Branch of the government have tended to pursue personal welfare rather than the welfare of the people they represent. To curb this action, the following changes are suggested.
a) Limit all (legislative) officials to a maximum two terms
b) Remuneration and Perks to be decided by a vote of the people rather than by the legislators themselves
c) Abolish all retirement benefits for both legislative and administrative officials.
d) Institute recall provision for both legislative and administrative officials
9 - Give control of the profits of the "Artificial Persons created by Law" back to the owners (Stockholders). To achieve this, the following changes are suggested:
a) Take away CEO's authority to:
1) Determine his or her own salary
2) Spend corporation funds for non business operation costs and expenses
3) Give funds to Political and Non-Profit Entities
b) After setting aside prudent reserves for contingencies, profits should begiven to shareholders as dividends. Decisions for expansion and gifts belong to the owners of the business. Expansion can be financed by issuance of additional stock when requested by the Board of Directors and approved by a majority vote of the stockholders.
10 -Enact laws and regulations to curb businesses from outsourcing jobs overseas and avoiding taxes.
11- Enact laws and regulations to curb pollution and global warming, and make the country more energy independent.
AGREE, DISAGREE, ADD OR SUBTRACT.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION HAS BANKRUPT THE AMERICAN FREE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE SYSTEM
A combination of Good Intentions with Gross Incompetence and Irrational Greed has brought the American Economy to its knees. The incompetence and greed have been so bad that it has effected economies world wide.
It all started with the creation of an Artificial Person created by Law called the Cororation. This monster gave human beings called CEO's the freedom to use vast sums of other people's money and gamble with this money without any personal liability for irresponsible action or poor judgment.
In the beginning, with presumed moral responsibility, the corporations enabled the USA to amass greater wealth than any other nation has ever been able to achieve short of war and plunder, even though war was a factor in the equation for American prosperity.
The Free Business Enterprise System was an ingenious idea to legally manage the peaceful distribution of wealth according to each person's individual efforts. It was much like a sports event with presumed rules of play to ensure a fair game. The weak spot in the system was the "Business Cycle." When the supply exceeds the demand, a recession sets in. If the supply continues to exceed the demand, a depression results. In a wide diverse economy such as exists in the United States, businesses that continue to over supply can go bankrupt and fail, and other segments of the society can remain healthy to avoid mass depression. (a major crisis) Businesses with conservative management that voluntarily use restraint in over expansion can successfully weather the storms and expand when demand increases.
Unfortunately, Government has intervened to bail out failures and subsidize special interests in a botched attempt to manipulate the "business cycle." The Government further damaged the system by deregulating responsible rules
to curb excessive greed and avoid unfair exploitation. As a result many who were immuned from personal liabiltiy let their greed get out of hand and irresponsible exploitation developed to bankrupt the system.
Basically, it was the investment corporations that led the greed craze. The role of these corporations was to enable industry to develop and expand, gaining a portion of the industry's profit as their reward. As CEO's with limited liability and no regulations to stop them, investment corporations evolved into gambling establishments with great personal rewards for a winner and no responsibility for a loss. When irresponsble risks produced excessive losses and investment corporations ran out of funds, the Government took taxpayers money to pay for the losses. This, of course, was in complete violation of the Free Business Enterprize System, financially and morally, bankrupting the System.
The cause of the crisis is simple and the solution is simple as well, but the problem is not easy to solve, and it may be impossible.
Changes are needed. Control must be given back to the owners. (the stock holders) The free ride with limited personal liability has to go. Regulations have to be enacted to provide a fair game, but Government Intervention has to cease!
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
It all started with the creation of an Artificial Person created by Law called the Cororation. This monster gave human beings called CEO's the freedom to use vast sums of other people's money and gamble with this money without any personal liability for irresponsible action or poor judgment.
In the beginning, with presumed moral responsibility, the corporations enabled the USA to amass greater wealth than any other nation has ever been able to achieve short of war and plunder, even though war was a factor in the equation for American prosperity.
The Free Business Enterprise System was an ingenious idea to legally manage the peaceful distribution of wealth according to each person's individual efforts. It was much like a sports event with presumed rules of play to ensure a fair game. The weak spot in the system was the "Business Cycle." When the supply exceeds the demand, a recession sets in. If the supply continues to exceed the demand, a depression results. In a wide diverse economy such as exists in the United States, businesses that continue to over supply can go bankrupt and fail, and other segments of the society can remain healthy to avoid mass depression. (a major crisis) Businesses with conservative management that voluntarily use restraint in over expansion can successfully weather the storms and expand when demand increases.
Unfortunately, Government has intervened to bail out failures and subsidize special interests in a botched attempt to manipulate the "business cycle." The Government further damaged the system by deregulating responsible rules
to curb excessive greed and avoid unfair exploitation. As a result many who were immuned from personal liabiltiy let their greed get out of hand and irresponsible exploitation developed to bankrupt the system.
Basically, it was the investment corporations that led the greed craze. The role of these corporations was to enable industry to develop and expand, gaining a portion of the industry's profit as their reward. As CEO's with limited liability and no regulations to stop them, investment corporations evolved into gambling establishments with great personal rewards for a winner and no responsibility for a loss. When irresponsble risks produced excessive losses and investment corporations ran out of funds, the Government took taxpayers money to pay for the losses. This, of course, was in complete violation of the Free Business Enterprize System, financially and morally, bankrupting the System.
The cause of the crisis is simple and the solution is simple as well, but the problem is not easy to solve, and it may be impossible.
Changes are needed. Control must be given back to the owners. (the stock holders) The free ride with limited personal liability has to go. Regulations have to be enacted to provide a fair game, but Government Intervention has to cease!
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
WHEN IS DEREGULATION IRRESPONSIBLE AND WHEN IS IT IN VIOLATION OF ESTABLISHED LAW?
Every high school student who had taken the Business Law course knows the essentials for a legal insurance contract. One of the essentials of a valid insurance contract is that the party securing the insurance policy must have an "insurable interest" in the property to be insured. This is a most necessary essential as it determines whether or not the contract is within the perimeters of established law.
A person who purchases a home with a mortgage can secure a mortgage insurance policy to protect against financial loss of the property if the mortgage cannot be paid. A disconnected third party could not legally secure mortgage insurance on that property because this disconnected party does not have an insureable interest in the property. If the requirement for an insurable interest in property were to be "deregulated," this would allow a disconnected party to take out an insurance policy on the property which would be a "gamble," and in violation of established law. Consequently, this deregulation would be in violation of established law and therefore illegal.
If, on the other hand, there was a requirement that the insurance company had to keep a specified amount of money on hand to pay probable claims, and this requirement was "deregulated" to stimulate the economy, this deregulation could be called irresponsible.
Was the deregulation that caused the current credit crisis irresponsible, or like the Patriot Act, was it in violation of established law. This would be up to the Attorney General's Office to decide.
Public officials, like Corporate CEO's, have "limited personal liability" and cannot be prosecuted for poor judgment. However, this limited personal liabiltiy, does not include violation of established law. This too would be the responsibility of the Attorney General's Office to pursue and render justice.
A person who purchases a home with a mortgage can secure a mortgage insurance policy to protect against financial loss of the property if the mortgage cannot be paid. A disconnected third party could not legally secure mortgage insurance on that property because this disconnected party does not have an insureable interest in the property. If the requirement for an insurable interest in property were to be "deregulated," this would allow a disconnected party to take out an insurance policy on the property which would be a "gamble," and in violation of established law. Consequently, this deregulation would be in violation of established law and therefore illegal.
If, on the other hand, there was a requirement that the insurance company had to keep a specified amount of money on hand to pay probable claims, and this requirement was "deregulated" to stimulate the economy, this deregulation could be called irresponsible.
Was the deregulation that caused the current credit crisis irresponsible, or like the Patriot Act, was it in violation of established law. This would be up to the Attorney General's Office to decide.
Public officials, like Corporate CEO's, have "limited personal liability" and cannot be prosecuted for poor judgment. However, this limited personal liabiltiy, does not include violation of established law. This too would be the responsibility of the Attorney General's Office to pursue and render justice.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
WHERE DID THE CHICKENS GO?
Refer to the Associated Press Report by Pete Yost (Page 1 & 4 of The Daily Gazette, October 20, 2008)
Pre 2004 Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were Democratic Strongholds
After 2004 Republicans ran the Political Operations of FM and FM
2004- Hollis McLoughlin, former Asst. Sec of Treas., became Chief of Staff of Freddie Mac.
2005- Government Auditors exposed massive accounting issues at Freddie Mac
2005- Senator Hagel (R-Neb) sponsored a bill to regulate the FMs liberal credit policies and accounting issues.
2005- McLaughlin responded by secretely hiring DCI (Senior Partner Doug Goodyear, political "consultant" from Arizona). 17 States were targeted for political "counselling."
2005- 25 Republican Senators requested Senate Majority Leader, Bill Frist (R-Tenn) to bring the bill to the Senate floor for a vote.
2005- 9 of the targeted Senators, plus 20 Republican Senators and all of the Democratic Senators withdrew support for the bill.
2005 - Senate Majority Leader, Bill Frist (R-Tenn) refused to allow the Nagel Bill
on the Senate Floor for Vote.
2008 - Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae went bankrupt and started the "Credit Crisis."
2008- The Government asked for, and Congress agreed to give 700 billion to the FMs and other bankrupt corporations. Government claims that
hard working Americans trying to achieve the American Dream of home ownership failed to meet their mortgage payments on a deceptive mortgage and caused the world credit crisis. (Nothing has been said about the massive accounting issues exposed in Freddie Mac in 2005)
Let's look at this in simple terms. In 2005 inspectors (government auditors) exposed massive accounting issues (massive numbers of chickens missing) in Freddie Mac's books. (in the chicken coop). Police Officer (Hagel) wrote a report suggesting that a Fox had gotten into the chicken coop and that a lock should be put on the Coop. Fox of Interest (McLoughlin) secretly hired Attorney Slippery (Goodyear) to "counsel" the Chief of Police (Frist) to tear up the Police Officer's (Hagel's) report, which he did. In 2008 Fox of Interest (McLoughlin)
found that he didn't have any eggs to give to the people that paid for them.
The Mayor and the City Treasurer (Sec of Treas and Administration) got together to figure out what to do. First they had to find someone to blame and it was decided that the crisis was caused by the poor people who didn't pay for their eggs (the mortgagees that could not cope with the balloon interest payments) They then decided to give massive numbers of chickens to the Fox of Interest (McLaughlin) and the other Corporate CEO's.
Does this really solve the problem? What happened to all those chickens? Shouldn't we catch the fox first and put a secure lock on the coop (Regulations)
before just putting a lot more chickens in the Coop?
Pre 2004 Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae were Democratic Strongholds
After 2004 Republicans ran the Political Operations of FM and FM
2004- Hollis McLoughlin, former Asst. Sec of Treas., became Chief of Staff of Freddie Mac.
2005- Government Auditors exposed massive accounting issues at Freddie Mac
2005- Senator Hagel (R-Neb) sponsored a bill to regulate the FMs liberal credit policies and accounting issues.
2005- McLaughlin responded by secretely hiring DCI (Senior Partner Doug Goodyear, political "consultant" from Arizona). 17 States were targeted for political "counselling."
2005- 25 Republican Senators requested Senate Majority Leader, Bill Frist (R-Tenn) to bring the bill to the Senate floor for a vote.
2005- 9 of the targeted Senators, plus 20 Republican Senators and all of the Democratic Senators withdrew support for the bill.
2005 - Senate Majority Leader, Bill Frist (R-Tenn) refused to allow the Nagel Bill
on the Senate Floor for Vote.
2008 - Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae went bankrupt and started the "Credit Crisis."
2008- The Government asked for, and Congress agreed to give 700 billion to the FMs and other bankrupt corporations. Government claims that
hard working Americans trying to achieve the American Dream of home ownership failed to meet their mortgage payments on a deceptive mortgage and caused the world credit crisis. (Nothing has been said about the massive accounting issues exposed in Freddie Mac in 2005)
Let's look at this in simple terms. In 2005 inspectors (government auditors) exposed massive accounting issues (massive numbers of chickens missing) in Freddie Mac's books. (in the chicken coop). Police Officer (Hagel) wrote a report suggesting that a Fox had gotten into the chicken coop and that a lock should be put on the Coop. Fox of Interest (McLoughlin) secretly hired Attorney Slippery (Goodyear) to "counsel" the Chief of Police (Frist) to tear up the Police Officer's (Hagel's) report, which he did. In 2008 Fox of Interest (McLoughlin)
found that he didn't have any eggs to give to the people that paid for them.
The Mayor and the City Treasurer (Sec of Treas and Administration) got together to figure out what to do. First they had to find someone to blame and it was decided that the crisis was caused by the poor people who didn't pay for their eggs (the mortgagees that could not cope with the balloon interest payments) They then decided to give massive numbers of chickens to the Fox of Interest (McLaughlin) and the other Corporate CEO's.
Does this really solve the problem? What happened to all those chickens? Shouldn't we catch the fox first and put a secure lock on the coop (Regulations)
before just putting a lot more chickens in the Coop?
Friday, October 17, 2008
AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE WALL STREET BAILOUT!
The abuses by corporations such as AIGs $450,000 junket to Hawaii for executive officers plus a pheasant hunt in England with taxpayer's bailout contributions, gives thought that an alterative to the Secretary of the Treasurer's hand out of vast sums to CEOs to meet their "needs," might be in order.
Since the corporation's failure was the result of the CEOs use of policies and decisions that failed, giving more funds to the same CEOs using the same policies sounds indefensible. Perhaps the government should send in a "Business Team" to freeze operations, cancel all unnecessary operations, change the policies that caused the failure, and start up operations again using the new policies. (We could call this Chapter 11.5) If only 50% or 60%
of funds are available to pay necessary operating costs; pay those costs with the funds available, and issue "Emergency Fund Claims" for the remainder. These claims could then be redeemed from the "Emergency Bailout Funds" held by the government and charged against the account of the Corporation that issued the claims. When the Corporation recovers to the point of paying 100% of operating costs, debts (including the account to the taxpayers) should be paid by the corporation. When all debts are paid, the government business team leaves and the corporation resumes operations under regulations that will have been established by the government to prevent future failures of this nature.
The second part of this alternative plan addresses those that have foreclosed mortgages. Give each mortgagee that was duped into "balloon mortgages without adequate equity" the option to renegotiate the mortgage at the initial rate. Mortgagee to pay legitament amount owed with available funds plus an "Emergency Fund Claim" that can be redeemed from the "Emergency Bailout Funds" held by the government and charged against the mortgagee issuing the claim. The mortgagee remains in the dwelling with an arrangement to repay the fund claim (plus the same low interest charged to banks) over the term of the renegotiated mortgage. Regulations should be enacted to require proper equity for the issuing of future home mortgages.
DO WE NEED AN ALTERNATIVE PLAN OR IS A WALL STREET HAND OUT ACCEPTABLE?
Since the corporation's failure was the result of the CEOs use of policies and decisions that failed, giving more funds to the same CEOs using the same policies sounds indefensible. Perhaps the government should send in a "Business Team" to freeze operations, cancel all unnecessary operations, change the policies that caused the failure, and start up operations again using the new policies. (We could call this Chapter 11.5) If only 50% or 60%
of funds are available to pay necessary operating costs; pay those costs with the funds available, and issue "Emergency Fund Claims" for the remainder. These claims could then be redeemed from the "Emergency Bailout Funds" held by the government and charged against the account of the Corporation that issued the claims. When the Corporation recovers to the point of paying 100% of operating costs, debts (including the account to the taxpayers) should be paid by the corporation. When all debts are paid, the government business team leaves and the corporation resumes operations under regulations that will have been established by the government to prevent future failures of this nature.
The second part of this alternative plan addresses those that have foreclosed mortgages. Give each mortgagee that was duped into "balloon mortgages without adequate equity" the option to renegotiate the mortgage at the initial rate. Mortgagee to pay legitament amount owed with available funds plus an "Emergency Fund Claim" that can be redeemed from the "Emergency Bailout Funds" held by the government and charged against the mortgagee issuing the claim. The mortgagee remains in the dwelling with an arrangement to repay the fund claim (plus the same low interest charged to banks) over the term of the renegotiated mortgage. Regulations should be enacted to require proper equity for the issuing of future home mortgages.
DO WE NEED AN ALTERNATIVE PLAN OR IS A WALL STREET HAND OUT ACCEPTABLE?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Give Control to the Owners!
Representatives, both for the Taxpayers and for the Shareholders, are acting in their own self interests rather than for the interests of those they represent.
What can be done to correct this injustice?
Starting with the Taxpayers:
1) Limit terms of Public Office to Maximum 3 terms.
Too many public officials using public office as their personal career rather than an obligation to serve the public.
2) Institute Recall Procedure for all Public Officers.
If public official is not acting in the best interests of the electorate, there should be provision to remove that official from office.
3) Keep exorbitent salaries to attract "good" people, but eliminate retirement benefits and after term perks.
Current retirement benefits and perks outrageously out of line encouraging public officals to seek public office for their personal welfare rather than the desire to serve their country. However, competent, successful citizens should be compensated for personal financial sacrifice to serve their country.
4) Increased remuneration subject to vote of the taxpayers.
Government officials have given themselves outrageous salaries, perks and retirement benefits without any concent from the taxpayers.
For Shareholders:
1) ALL profits of the business given to shareholders as dividends after prudent funds kept in Surplus for contingencies.
Too many CEO's using business profits as extra personal reward without concent of owners.
2) Any expansion of the business to be made through sale of stock shares after vote of shareholders, with first option for purchase given to stockholders.
Too many CEO's taking risks with profits of owners to reinvest these profits without any consideration for the rights of the owners.
3) Remuneration of Corporate Officers and Directors subject to vote of stockholders.
Corporate Officers, like elected government officials, are in a position to dictate their own remuneration regardless of the condition of the business or concent of the owners.
4) Gifts to support Political Parties and Charities NOT to be given by Corporate Officers or Directors. Profits belong to shareholders to use as THEY see fit.
Current CEO's use owners profits to support their choices of political candidates and charities without any consideration for the wishes or desires of the owners.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS?
What can be done to correct this injustice?
Starting with the Taxpayers:
1) Limit terms of Public Office to Maximum 3 terms.
Too many public officials using public office as their personal career rather than an obligation to serve the public.
2) Institute Recall Procedure for all Public Officers.
If public official is not acting in the best interests of the electorate, there should be provision to remove that official from office.
3) Keep exorbitent salaries to attract "good" people, but eliminate retirement benefits and after term perks.
Current retirement benefits and perks outrageously out of line encouraging public officals to seek public office for their personal welfare rather than the desire to serve their country. However, competent, successful citizens should be compensated for personal financial sacrifice to serve their country.
4) Increased remuneration subject to vote of the taxpayers.
Government officials have given themselves outrageous salaries, perks and retirement benefits without any concent from the taxpayers.
For Shareholders:
1) ALL profits of the business given to shareholders as dividends after prudent funds kept in Surplus for contingencies.
Too many CEO's using business profits as extra personal reward without concent of owners.
2) Any expansion of the business to be made through sale of stock shares after vote of shareholders, with first option for purchase given to stockholders.
Too many CEO's taking risks with profits of owners to reinvest these profits without any consideration for the rights of the owners.
3) Remuneration of Corporate Officers and Directors subject to vote of stockholders.
Corporate Officers, like elected government officials, are in a position to dictate their own remuneration regardless of the condition of the business or concent of the owners.
4) Gifts to support Political Parties and Charities NOT to be given by Corporate Officers or Directors. Profits belong to shareholders to use as THEY see fit.
Current CEO's use owners profits to support their choices of political candidates and charities without any consideration for the wishes or desires of the owners.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS?
CAST YOUR VOTE!
If one can look beyond the political nonsense, both candidates have clearly presented their intentions if elected President!
Obama would cancel the "Bush" tax decuctions for the high income taxpayers giving added income to the government, while McCain would continue to offer these deductions with the hope that this would stimulate economic growth.
McCain would continue to keep troops in Iraq for an indefininte duration while Obama would bring the troops home on a definite time schedule, reducing government spending.
OBama would give a larger tax deduction for the Middle Class making under $250,000 which would reduce government income.
McCain would put a spending freeze on all government spending except cost of occupation forces in Iraq and other military related spending as well as entitlements. Obama would cut waste spending and cost of occupation forces in Iraq. (Including troops and civilian forces)
Obama would establish universal health program while McCain would give tax credits to help taxpayers with private health programs.
Both Obama and McCain would mandate regulations on Financial Institutions. (Traditionally the Democrats would impose greatest restrictions. More restrictions promote greater protection against failures while less restrictions promote greater growth.)
Both candidates personally not for abortion. Neither openly for changing present laws on abortion.
The Presidency is not a reward for past service, it is a responsibility for future service.
ADD UP YOUR PROS AND CONS AND CAST YOUR VOTE!
Obama would cancel the "Bush" tax decuctions for the high income taxpayers giving added income to the government, while McCain would continue to offer these deductions with the hope that this would stimulate economic growth.
McCain would continue to keep troops in Iraq for an indefininte duration while Obama would bring the troops home on a definite time schedule, reducing government spending.
OBama would give a larger tax deduction for the Middle Class making under $250,000 which would reduce government income.
McCain would put a spending freeze on all government spending except cost of occupation forces in Iraq and other military related spending as well as entitlements. Obama would cut waste spending and cost of occupation forces in Iraq. (Including troops and civilian forces)
Obama would establish universal health program while McCain would give tax credits to help taxpayers with private health programs.
Both Obama and McCain would mandate regulations on Financial Institutions. (Traditionally the Democrats would impose greatest restrictions. More restrictions promote greater protection against failures while less restrictions promote greater growth.)
Both candidates personally not for abortion. Neither openly for changing present laws on abortion.
The Presidency is not a reward for past service, it is a responsibility for future service.
ADD UP YOUR PROS AND CONS AND CAST YOUR VOTE!
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
WHAT CHANGES?
Both parties agree that changes in our Government and Economy must be made and both promise to make these changes if elected. But, what changes are needed and what changes are promised?
First, we must understand how our government and economy are now operating and why does it need changing.
We have two economic systems operating together in our country:
1) A private free market business enterprise system owned and operated privately under the control of the owners, with personal liability for the debts of the business.
2) A public business enterprise system comprised of "Artificial Persons created by law" (Corporations) owned by public investors and managed by professionals, both with limited personal liability for the debts of the business.
Both systems operate together in a minipulated free market business enterprise system, and as one might expect, the artificial persons with the advantage of limited personal liability plus access to unlimited funds have taken over most of the economy.
The Professional managers (CEO's), like the government managers (President and Government officers), have taken control of these artificial persons and many have placed personal objectives above the welfare of those that they represent. Consequently, CEO's with the help of government subsidies and the investment of owner's profits have expanded their businesses to the point where they are out of control. Freed from any personal liability for their actions, CEO's have taken irresponsible risks in the hope of making greater profits and greater personal remuneration. Too many of these irresponsible risks have failed, and hence, the crisis.
Specifically, in regard to the major part of the current crisis; aided by the Government, great sums of money were made available for Real Estate Development which was sold on credit that many of the buyers could not afford. The government set up additional "artificial persons" (Fannie and Freddie, etc)
to accept this poor credit in exchange for cash which the CEO's used to "reward" themselves and to expand supply beyond capable demand. When these creditors were unable to pay their mortgages, the government subsidized artifical persons were without funds to pay their bills or to lend more money to perpetuate the trickle down theory, and hence the crisis and the artificial persons are now looking for more money to keep afloat. Unfortunately, the governbment is also over its head in debt from taking irresponsible risks, and the crisis becomes even greater.
THE BAILOUT!
If the government should decide to use taxpayers funds to "solve" this crisis, the bailout could take two approaches. 1) give the artificial persons funds to cover their losses (Bad Debts) or 2) give funds to "Bad Debters" to pay off their mortgages. In either case provision could and should be made for reimbursement to the taxpayers. (Actually the second approach would be an attempt to help both groups)
SUGGESTED CHANGES:
For Starters:
1) We must provide a fair playing field for Private Business Enterprises if we are to continue with a Free Market Business Enterprise System to manage our Economy.
How:
A) The Artificial Persons cannot continue to exploit their advantages in the system. Government Regulations must be enacted and enforced to make artificial persons responsible for their acts. If they fail, they should not be bailed out by the government, AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT SUBSIDIZED THEM.
NO TAXPAYER FUNDS SHOULD BE USED TO SUBSIDIZE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE.
B) Give the owners ofthe Artificial Persons (shareholders) control over the profits of their business as dividends. The owners can keep the profits or reinvest them AT THEIR OWN DESCRESSION.
C) The remunerationof CEO's should be subject to the vote of the shareholders.
D)
a) Make records and activities of artificial persons open to the public.
Detailed budgets matched with full disclosure financial statements should be published and available to government regulators and to every shareholder.
b) Require color coded reports with instructions on how to read the statements.
(Blue-Assets, Red-Liabiolities, Yellow-Net Worth, Green-income, Orange-Expenses, Puraple-costs, Black-current profit, etc.)
E) Restrict Artificial Persons from anti-fair trade mergers and take-overs.
(MANY CHANGES IN THE GOVERMENT SHOULD BE MADE AS WELL, BUT THAT IS ANOTHER BLOG) Big may be beautiful but it can also become Obesse and easily hide abuse and corruption.
I'M SURE THAT THERE ARE MANY REFINEMENTS AND ADDITIONS THAT CAN BE MADE TO THIS AS WELL AS OUT AND OUT DISAGREEMENT!
First, we must understand how our government and economy are now operating and why does it need changing.
We have two economic systems operating together in our country:
1) A private free market business enterprise system owned and operated privately under the control of the owners, with personal liability for the debts of the business.
2) A public business enterprise system comprised of "Artificial Persons created by law" (Corporations) owned by public investors and managed by professionals, both with limited personal liability for the debts of the business.
Both systems operate together in a minipulated free market business enterprise system, and as one might expect, the artificial persons with the advantage of limited personal liability plus access to unlimited funds have taken over most of the economy.
The Professional managers (CEO's), like the government managers (President and Government officers), have taken control of these artificial persons and many have placed personal objectives above the welfare of those that they represent. Consequently, CEO's with the help of government subsidies and the investment of owner's profits have expanded their businesses to the point where they are out of control. Freed from any personal liability for their actions, CEO's have taken irresponsible risks in the hope of making greater profits and greater personal remuneration. Too many of these irresponsible risks have failed, and hence, the crisis.
Specifically, in regard to the major part of the current crisis; aided by the Government, great sums of money were made available for Real Estate Development which was sold on credit that many of the buyers could not afford. The government set up additional "artificial persons" (Fannie and Freddie, etc)
to accept this poor credit in exchange for cash which the CEO's used to "reward" themselves and to expand supply beyond capable demand. When these creditors were unable to pay their mortgages, the government subsidized artifical persons were without funds to pay their bills or to lend more money to perpetuate the trickle down theory, and hence the crisis and the artificial persons are now looking for more money to keep afloat. Unfortunately, the governbment is also over its head in debt from taking irresponsible risks, and the crisis becomes even greater.
THE BAILOUT!
If the government should decide to use taxpayers funds to "solve" this crisis, the bailout could take two approaches. 1) give the artificial persons funds to cover their losses (Bad Debts) or 2) give funds to "Bad Debters" to pay off their mortgages. In either case provision could and should be made for reimbursement to the taxpayers. (Actually the second approach would be an attempt to help both groups)
SUGGESTED CHANGES:
For Starters:
1) We must provide a fair playing field for Private Business Enterprises if we are to continue with a Free Market Business Enterprise System to manage our Economy.
How:
A) The Artificial Persons cannot continue to exploit their advantages in the system. Government Regulations must be enacted and enforced to make artificial persons responsible for their acts. If they fail, they should not be bailed out by the government, AND THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD NOT SUBSIDIZED THEM.
NO TAXPAYER FUNDS SHOULD BE USED TO SUBSIDIZE BUSINESS ENTERPRISE PUBLIC OR PRIVATE.
B) Give the owners ofthe Artificial Persons (shareholders) control over the profits of their business as dividends. The owners can keep the profits or reinvest them AT THEIR OWN DESCRESSION.
C) The remunerationof CEO's should be subject to the vote of the shareholders.
D)
a) Make records and activities of artificial persons open to the public.
Detailed budgets matched with full disclosure financial statements should be published and available to government regulators and to every shareholder.
b) Require color coded reports with instructions on how to read the statements.
(Blue-Assets, Red-Liabiolities, Yellow-Net Worth, Green-income, Orange-Expenses, Puraple-costs, Black-current profit, etc.)
E) Restrict Artificial Persons from anti-fair trade mergers and take-overs.
(MANY CHANGES IN THE GOVERMENT SHOULD BE MADE AS WELL, BUT THAT IS ANOTHER BLOG) Big may be beautiful but it can also become Obesse and easily hide abuse and corruption.
I'M SURE THAT THERE ARE MANY REFINEMENTS AND ADDITIONS THAT CAN BE MADE TO THIS AS WELL AS OUT AND OUT DISAGREEMENT!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
GLOBAL BIG BUSINESS VS U.S. MIDDLE CLASS TAXPAYERS
The election this November isn't just between McCain and Obama, it is between Government subsidized Global Big Business and Independent Domestic Small Business. The current Republican Party has joined forces with International Banking and Global Big Business to allow CEO's to give themselves enormous bonuses that they partly share with Congressional Leaders. They have become so greedy that they are bankrupt to the extent of 700 Billion dollars, SO FAR!
It is estimated that Corporate Leader's Bonuses over the last two years alone were over half of this 700 billion deficit. (Incidentally, these "Leaders" are the people now receiving the Bush Tax Break that McCain is committed to continue.)
For the past 8 years, the Republican Party has been more concerned with the invasion of Iraq than it has with the welfare of the hard working middle class here at home.
No matter who the Republicans choose to be their President, the unfair practice of unregulated operation of Government subsidized Global Big Business will continue with little or no change. We do not need McCain "Band Aides" to patch up a broken Republican Party, we need an "Obama and Democratic Operation" to renew our economy here at home.
The election this November isn't just between McCain and Obama, it is between Government subsidized Global Big Business and Independent Domestic Small Business. The current Republican Party has joined forces with International Banking and Global Big Business to allow CEO's to give themselves enormous bonuses that they partly share with Congressional Leaders. They have become so greedy that they are bankrupt to the extent of 700 Billion dollars, SO FAR!
It is estimated that Corporate Leader's Bonuses over the last two years alone were over half of this 700 billion deficit. (Incidentally, these "Leaders" are the people now receiving the Bush Tax Break that McCain is committed to continue.)
For the past 8 years, the Republican Party has been more concerned with the invasion of Iraq than it has with the welfare of the hard working middle class here at home.
No matter who the Republicans choose to be their President, the unfair practice of unregulated operation of Government subsidized Global Big Business will continue with little or no change. We do not need McCain "Band Aides" to patch up a broken Republican Party, we need an "Obama and Democratic Operation" to renew our economy here at home.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
McCain Reaction
The McCain reaction to the current financial crisis was so George Bush.-- "Fire the so and so's," "I'm gonna kick butt," etc. Would McCain now invade Iran to straighten out our financial mess if he were president? (It would create more jobs wouldn't it)
Both Obama and Biden gave responsible responses - "Don't panic! This is not the end of the world. We will work through the solution."
You don't solve big problems with a reaction. You solve big problems with a considered response.
Enough Macho Retaliation! Let's use Statesmanship!
(Dictionary definition for those who have forgotten what statesmanship is -- "Wisdom and Skill in the Management of Public Affairs")
Both Obama and Biden gave responsible responses - "Don't panic! This is not the end of the world. We will work through the solution."
You don't solve big problems with a reaction. You solve big problems with a considered response.
Enough Macho Retaliation! Let's use Statesmanship!
(Dictionary definition for those who have forgotten what statesmanship is -- "Wisdom and Skill in the Management of Public Affairs")
Sunday, September 14, 2008
WE DON'T NEED ANOTHER MACHO PRESIDENT!
We don't need another macho president, we need a statesman and a diplomat. We need a leader to take us to prosperity and not to war! Most of all, we need a leader to tell us the straight truth.
McCain will not lower taxes on those making $250,000 or less to the extent that Obama's program will lower them. What John McCain will do is to continue the tax breaks that the Bush Administration has given to those making over $250,000. This includes those in the last few years who have incomes in the million and billion dollar brackets. The Republican theory here is that these wealthy people will invest their money to make even greater gains and that more money will trickle down to those in the lower income brackets. BUT, this strategy isn't working. We are going deeper and deeper into debt, deeper than we have ever been before; and this weakens our dollar and is one of the failed policies that has led to higher prices especially in the vital area of energy costs.
Obama on the other hand will substantially lower taxes on those making $250,000 or less and will admitedly raise the taxes on those making over $250,000; especially those in the million and billion dollar brackets. This will be done by cancelling those tax breaks given by the Bush Administration in their failed policies that McCain is committed to continue.
What is the truth? Very simply, Obama will lower the tax for those making less than $250,000 and by canceling the tax breaks for those making over $250,000 (particularly those in the million and billion tax brackets) Obama's action will result in raising taxes for this group. McCain, although bucking the Republican party on lesser issues, is a member of the Republican party and must follow, and will follow, the party line which includes continuing the tax breaks for the wealthy party members who fund and control party policies.
McCain will not cut spending and balance the budget. The Billions to be spent in continuing the Iraq invasion is one of the greatest costs in the Bush Administration budget, and McCain is commited to continue this operation.
The infamous "ear mark spending" that reached the height of irresponsibility with the Alaskan Bridge to Nowhere, is actually miniscual compared to the cost of the Iraq Invasion, but it is a project that was exposed and defeated by the Democrats in Congress who worked with McCain on this before the Republican Governor of Alaska decided, "Thanks but No Thanks."
Obama is committed to end the Iraq Occupation, and this spending cut by itself could fund the amount needed to gain Universal Health Insurance Coverage and then some. The increased tax income from the repeal of the Bush Tax Break for the wealthy would provide enough funds to improve educational opportunities and fund other needed reforms.
The policies of "The Obama Change" do not support Liberal Socialism as Republicans contend. The "Obama Changes" support the Free Business Enterprise System with Social Responsibility. The irresponsible Rebublican Free Business Enterprise System without accountability is a license for exploitation. This exploitation is evident in the corruption and failures in our economy today.
John McCain is an honorable man, and his running mate is a respectable overachiever, but as figure heads for the Republican party they are committed to continue the failed Republican policies that have been in control for the last eight years. Distortions of the truth and distractions from the truth will not change the truth, and the return of the Republicans to office in November will not make a change in our government.
GIVE YOUR REACTION AND VIEW THE REACTION OF OTHERS
ON "COMMENTS" BELOW
McCain will not lower taxes on those making $250,000 or less to the extent that Obama's program will lower them. What John McCain will do is to continue the tax breaks that the Bush Administration has given to those making over $250,000. This includes those in the last few years who have incomes in the million and billion dollar brackets. The Republican theory here is that these wealthy people will invest their money to make even greater gains and that more money will trickle down to those in the lower income brackets. BUT, this strategy isn't working. We are going deeper and deeper into debt, deeper than we have ever been before; and this weakens our dollar and is one of the failed policies that has led to higher prices especially in the vital area of energy costs.
Obama on the other hand will substantially lower taxes on those making $250,000 or less and will admitedly raise the taxes on those making over $250,000; especially those in the million and billion dollar brackets. This will be done by cancelling those tax breaks given by the Bush Administration in their failed policies that McCain is committed to continue.
What is the truth? Very simply, Obama will lower the tax for those making less than $250,000 and by canceling the tax breaks for those making over $250,000 (particularly those in the million and billion tax brackets) Obama's action will result in raising taxes for this group. McCain, although bucking the Republican party on lesser issues, is a member of the Republican party and must follow, and will follow, the party line which includes continuing the tax breaks for the wealthy party members who fund and control party policies.
McCain will not cut spending and balance the budget. The Billions to be spent in continuing the Iraq invasion is one of the greatest costs in the Bush Administration budget, and McCain is commited to continue this operation.
The infamous "ear mark spending" that reached the height of irresponsibility with the Alaskan Bridge to Nowhere, is actually miniscual compared to the cost of the Iraq Invasion, but it is a project that was exposed and defeated by the Democrats in Congress who worked with McCain on this before the Republican Governor of Alaska decided, "Thanks but No Thanks."
Obama is committed to end the Iraq Occupation, and this spending cut by itself could fund the amount needed to gain Universal Health Insurance Coverage and then some. The increased tax income from the repeal of the Bush Tax Break for the wealthy would provide enough funds to improve educational opportunities and fund other needed reforms.
The policies of "The Obama Change" do not support Liberal Socialism as Republicans contend. The "Obama Changes" support the Free Business Enterprise System with Social Responsibility. The irresponsible Rebublican Free Business Enterprise System without accountability is a license for exploitation. This exploitation is evident in the corruption and failures in our economy today.
John McCain is an honorable man, and his running mate is a respectable overachiever, but as figure heads for the Republican party they are committed to continue the failed Republican policies that have been in control for the last eight years. Distortions of the truth and distractions from the truth will not change the truth, and the return of the Republicans to office in November will not make a change in our government.
GIVE YOUR REACTION AND VIEW THE REACTION OF OTHERS
ON "COMMENTS" BELOW
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Not Socialism, but Free Business Enterprise with Social Responsibility
Under our current unregulated free business enterprise system, Big Business can exploit and abuse power to amass fortunes for an elite few with just enough trickling down to convince the majority of the middle class that they are well off or will become well off if they work hard. This has resulted in a small class of extremely wealthy people and an increasingly larger population of poor people, with half of the lower middle class struggling to keep afloat. Big business is taking over and small business is being eased out.
Under a more regulated free business enterprise system, big business could be curbed from exploiting its power and destroying small business. This could be accomplished by enforcing anti-trust laws, restricting mergers and takeovers that create monopolies, putting the control of the corporations into the hands of the owners of the corporations (the stockholders) and returning profits as cash dividends instead of using profits to expand operations with greater remuneration for the Ceos. (investors should make the decision to determine how much and where to invest.) Ceo's salaries and perks should be under the control of the stockholders as well, and not determined by the nonrepresentative Board of Directors or the CEO himself.
Incidentally, the salaraies and perks of government officials should also be under the control of the tax payers and not the officials themselves who now determine their own salary and perks.)
Under this proposed system, there would be less exploitation, more competition to keep consumer prices under control, and and a more level playing field for small business to function. There would still be greed and we would still have an elite wealthy class, but perhaps with more reasonable gains; a larger middle class at a higher level of gain; and a less fortunate class assisted by the social responsibility of the government.
What would constitute social responsibility?
Universal Health Care, Free public education through college, and possibly more government control of public transporation and vital utilities. The argument for "competition" is mute in these areas as they are basic necessities for all citizens and should be available to all without competition.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
Under our current unregulated free business enterprise system, Big Business can exploit and abuse power to amass fortunes for an elite few with just enough trickling down to convince the majority of the middle class that they are well off or will become well off if they work hard. This has resulted in a small class of extremely wealthy people and an increasingly larger population of poor people, with half of the lower middle class struggling to keep afloat. Big business is taking over and small business is being eased out.
Under a more regulated free business enterprise system, big business could be curbed from exploiting its power and destroying small business. This could be accomplished by enforcing anti-trust laws, restricting mergers and takeovers that create monopolies, putting the control of the corporations into the hands of the owners of the corporations (the stockholders) and returning profits as cash dividends instead of using profits to expand operations with greater remuneration for the Ceos. (investors should make the decision to determine how much and where to invest.) Ceo's salaries and perks should be under the control of the stockholders as well, and not determined by the nonrepresentative Board of Directors or the CEO himself.
Incidentally, the salaraies and perks of government officials should also be under the control of the tax payers and not the officials themselves who now determine their own salary and perks.)
Under this proposed system, there would be less exploitation, more competition to keep consumer prices under control, and and a more level playing field for small business to function. There would still be greed and we would still have an elite wealthy class, but perhaps with more reasonable gains; a larger middle class at a higher level of gain; and a less fortunate class assisted by the social responsibility of the government.
What would constitute social responsibility?
Universal Health Care, Free public education through college, and possibly more government control of public transporation and vital utilities. The argument for "competition" is mute in these areas as they are basic necessities for all citizens and should be available to all without competition.
WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS?
What are the Changes?
Both parties are now claiming to be the party of change! The fact that change is necessary is a no brainer, but what are they going to change?
Change the present administration? That's another no brainer.
Change our freedoms; the right to bear arms or a woman's right to an abortion?
Change our practice of freedom to do anything you want to until you're caught breaking the law?
The fundamental freedom for Americans is the freedom of religion, and that's pretty well guaranteed. How about freedom from religion; not forcing others to do everything "our way" just because it is our personal religious belief. That might be a change!
The main concern in our society is the Economy. Everything revolves around our economy, even religion. Free business enterprise is our chosen system for every individual to gain a fair share of material wealth without stealing or going to war. But we may need some changes to curb exploitation and abuse.
Perhaps that is the change we need now.
Does our economic future depend on continuing to cater and subsidize unrestrained greed at all costs. Can't Big Business suceed without the freedom to exploit and manipulate loop holes in the law until they cause a disaster? (ie Savings and Loan Scandal, Exon Scandal, current mortgage disaster, etc.) Do we have to depend upon foreign oil because those in power are partners with the foreign oil interests and we have built a transportation system and subsideary industries that need oil? How about changing our dependency on foreign oil? That might be a good change.
WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE?
Both parties are now claiming to be the party of change! The fact that change is necessary is a no brainer, but what are they going to change?
Change the present administration? That's another no brainer.
Change our freedoms; the right to bear arms or a woman's right to an abortion?
Change our practice of freedom to do anything you want to until you're caught breaking the law?
The fundamental freedom for Americans is the freedom of religion, and that's pretty well guaranteed. How about freedom from religion; not forcing others to do everything "our way" just because it is our personal religious belief. That might be a change!
The main concern in our society is the Economy. Everything revolves around our economy, even religion. Free business enterprise is our chosen system for every individual to gain a fair share of material wealth without stealing or going to war. But we may need some changes to curb exploitation and abuse.
Perhaps that is the change we need now.
Does our economic future depend on continuing to cater and subsidize unrestrained greed at all costs. Can't Big Business suceed without the freedom to exploit and manipulate loop holes in the law until they cause a disaster? (ie Savings and Loan Scandal, Exon Scandal, current mortgage disaster, etc.) Do we have to depend upon foreign oil because those in power are partners with the foreign oil interests and we have built a transportation system and subsideary industries that need oil? How about changing our dependency on foreign oil? That might be a good change.
WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE?
Friday, September 5, 2008
John McCain is an American Hero
John McCain is an honorable man. He has served his country well in war and in peace. He believes and knows that there are changes needed in Washington. Some of his proposed changes are the very same changes that Barack Obama has proposed. But, John McCain may not be able to make those changes. John McCain has too much baggage. John McCain is a member of the Republican Party and Washington is the Republican Party.
Contrary to popular belief, our Economy and Affairs of State are not managed by a President or Congress; they are managed by powerful behind the scenes committies, like the Energy Committee and Finance Committee, bolstered by a powerful coalition of special interest groups, the most powerful of which are the two groups with "religious agendas." In recent history,, only one president, Democrat or Republican, has openly attempted to oppose the coalition, and he was far from being successful.
Like that president, McCain would try his best, but the opposition is just too great.
Barack Obama cannot make changes in Washington by himself either. However,
with the large numbers of intellectual young people inspired by Obama,
along with some caring members of the "establishment" and some help across the isle from people like John McCain, he may have a chance.
The recent Republican Convention clearly revealed the difference between John McCain and the Republican Party. It also revealed how this hero can be manipulated. Speaker after speaker used the tried and true republican tactic of debasing the opponent and exaggerating all positive characterists of their own candidate, hiding negative aspects in half truths and in some cases outright lies. The New York mayor, who was once a hero in his own right, showed his mastery of the annoying strategy of ignoring the facts and leading the cheering secton with cheap, immature insults. The want-a-be VP proudly announced that her reaction to the "Bridge to Nowhere" was "Thanks but no Thanks," completely ignoring the fact that she indeed supported the Bridge Project until she discovered that the bridge would not be funded. In contrast, McCain took the high road and gave an inspiring speech on a quest for something higher than ourselves.
The saddest revelation of the convention might be the manipulation of McCain to abandon his choice for VP and endorse a relatively unknown overachiever to groom a future figure head for the Washington Establishment. Forget the fact that she is completely unsupportive for the war against Global Warming or protection of the wild life in her state; or the fact that she is being investigated for "abuse of power" in her position of trust, and that she has authorized $95,000 of taxpayer funds to a private attorney to defend her position. She was a woman who spoke highly of Hillary Clinton, but for what purpose? Was a quest for somnething higher than ourselves abandoned for political expediency?
Do John McCain a favor; don't ask him to go to Washington to a frustrating failure, sacrificing his health and valuable time with his family in his declining years. Send him back to the Senate where he can continue to be a maverick and perhaps help to make some real changes in Washington with Barack Obama as president. Send his VP choice back to take care of the "loose ends" that she has left up there.
WHAT IS YOUR THOUGHT ON THIS?
John McCain is an honorable man. He has served his country well in war and in peace. He believes and knows that there are changes needed in Washington. Some of his proposed changes are the very same changes that Barack Obama has proposed. But, John McCain may not be able to make those changes. John McCain has too much baggage. John McCain is a member of the Republican Party and Washington is the Republican Party.
Contrary to popular belief, our Economy and Affairs of State are not managed by a President or Congress; they are managed by powerful behind the scenes committies, like the Energy Committee and Finance Committee, bolstered by a powerful coalition of special interest groups, the most powerful of which are the two groups with "religious agendas." In recent history,, only one president, Democrat or Republican, has openly attempted to oppose the coalition, and he was far from being successful.
Like that president, McCain would try his best, but the opposition is just too great.
Barack Obama cannot make changes in Washington by himself either. However,
with the large numbers of intellectual young people inspired by Obama,
along with some caring members of the "establishment" and some help across the isle from people like John McCain, he may have a chance.
The recent Republican Convention clearly revealed the difference between John McCain and the Republican Party. It also revealed how this hero can be manipulated. Speaker after speaker used the tried and true republican tactic of debasing the opponent and exaggerating all positive characterists of their own candidate, hiding negative aspects in half truths and in some cases outright lies. The New York mayor, who was once a hero in his own right, showed his mastery of the annoying strategy of ignoring the facts and leading the cheering secton with cheap, immature insults. The want-a-be VP proudly announced that her reaction to the "Bridge to Nowhere" was "Thanks but no Thanks," completely ignoring the fact that she indeed supported the Bridge Project until she discovered that the bridge would not be funded. In contrast, McCain took the high road and gave an inspiring speech on a quest for something higher than ourselves.
The saddest revelation of the convention might be the manipulation of McCain to abandon his choice for VP and endorse a relatively unknown overachiever to groom a future figure head for the Washington Establishment. Forget the fact that she is completely unsupportive for the war against Global Warming or protection of the wild life in her state; or the fact that she is being investigated for "abuse of power" in her position of trust, and that she has authorized $95,000 of taxpayer funds to a private attorney to defend her position. She was a woman who spoke highly of Hillary Clinton, but for what purpose? Was a quest for somnething higher than ourselves abandoned for political expediency?
Do John McCain a favor; don't ask him to go to Washington to a frustrating failure, sacrificing his health and valuable time with his family in his declining years. Send him back to the Senate where he can continue to be a maverick and perhaps help to make some real changes in Washington with Barack Obama as president. Send his VP choice back to take care of the "loose ends" that she has left up there.
WHAT IS YOUR THOUGHT ON THIS?
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
More Evidence of McCain's "Bush Temperment."
Is McCain's recent impetuous selection of a VP running mate further evidence of
his quick decisions without proper thought and consideration; a trait of his colleague, President Bush, that has gotten us into our seven year disaster in Iraq? McCain's recent threat to "follow Bin Laden to the gates of hell," sounded so much like Bush's initial threat to "Kick Butt" just before he lost his focus and invaded Iraq.
Some Republican leaders have criticized OBama for his cautious response to the Russia/Georgia incident when he recommended that we contact the UN leadership to discuss a united approach to the problem. Isn't this the kind of temperment for decision making that we need to have in the White House? I hope that McCain isn't thinking of a pre-emptive strike on Russia should, God Forbid, he somehow succeed Bush as "Commander in Chief.
There are many good soldiers and many great women in our society, but not all of them have the qualifications to lead our country. Sometimes we become confused by the idea that any citizen can become the president (or vice president) in a democracy. Shouldn't it be any citizen who has the competence and proper tempermant can become the president or vice president?
Comments welcome
Is McCain's recent impetuous selection of a VP running mate further evidence of
his quick decisions without proper thought and consideration; a trait of his colleague, President Bush, that has gotten us into our seven year disaster in Iraq? McCain's recent threat to "follow Bin Laden to the gates of hell," sounded so much like Bush's initial threat to "Kick Butt" just before he lost his focus and invaded Iraq.
Some Republican leaders have criticized OBama for his cautious response to the Russia/Georgia incident when he recommended that we contact the UN leadership to discuss a united approach to the problem. Isn't this the kind of temperment for decision making that we need to have in the White House? I hope that McCain isn't thinking of a pre-emptive strike on Russia should, God Forbid, he somehow succeed Bush as "Commander in Chief.
There are many good soldiers and many great women in our society, but not all of them have the qualifications to lead our country. Sometimes we become confused by the idea that any citizen can become the president (or vice president) in a democracy. Shouldn't it be any citizen who has the competence and proper tempermant can become the president or vice president?
Comments welcome
Friday, August 29, 2008
Changing Jobs to Career Opportunities
Would there be value in changing from more "Jobs" to more "Career Opportunities?" A career could be defined as work that is securing more than money to pay the bills, and also to contributing to the welfare of the community. Basically this is a change in the attitude and approach to a "job." The store clerk that makes the effort to assist the customer to make a purchase that will benefit the customer is functioning in a career as opposed to the clerk that assists the customer to "make a sale" without concern for the customer's need. This distinction is more obvious in careers such as a policeperson or a fireperson, but the effect on society is no more noble or important. One might conclude that the uncaring attitude and practice of a policeperson, store clerk, or anyother working member of society turns their work into a "job" instead of a "career opportunity."
WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THIS?
Real Change in our society must come from the hearts of its citizens. Our focus must change from competition to cooperation; our decisions must be based on the principles of right and wrong, not win or loose, and our goal for a "pot of gold" must change to a better society for all.
Would there be value in changing from more "Jobs" to more "Career Opportunities?" A career could be defined as work that is securing more than money to pay the bills, and also to contributing to the welfare of the community. Basically this is a change in the attitude and approach to a "job." The store clerk that makes the effort to assist the customer to make a purchase that will benefit the customer is functioning in a career as opposed to the clerk that assists the customer to "make a sale" without concern for the customer's need. This distinction is more obvious in careers such as a policeperson or a fireperson, but the effect on society is no more noble or important. One might conclude that the uncaring attitude and practice of a policeperson, store clerk, or anyother working member of society turns their work into a "job" instead of a "career opportunity."
WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THIS?
Real Change in our society must come from the hearts of its citizens. Our focus must change from competition to cooperation; our decisions must be based on the principles of right and wrong, not win or loose, and our goal for a "pot of gold" must change to a better society for all.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Take Back America Bonds
We have incurred an enormous foreign debt that is eroding our equity in our country. This influx of money has had an effect on the value of the dollar and the interest on the debt is depleting our assets. If we were to issue TBA Bonds, at the same interest rate but with a non taxable feature to attract purchasers, we would not only take back our economy, we would help curb inflation and provide an economic stimuilus. (American cash taken out of the system to curb inflation, and interest payments to citizens to spend and stimulate the economy.) The most significant consequence MIGHT be the psychological aspect of "taking back our country."
JUST A THOUGHT! RIP IT APART AND GIVE A BETTER THOUGHT!
We have incurred an enormous foreign debt that is eroding our equity in our country. This influx of money has had an effect on the value of the dollar and the interest on the debt is depleting our assets. If we were to issue TBA Bonds, at the same interest rate but with a non taxable feature to attract purchasers, we would not only take back our economy, we would help curb inflation and provide an economic stimuilus. (American cash taken out of the system to curb inflation, and interest payments to citizens to spend and stimulate the economy.) The most significant consequence MIGHT be the psychological aspect of "taking back our country."
JUST A THOUGHT! RIP IT APART AND GIVE A BETTER THOUGHT!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
SCOOP OF THE WEEK!
McCain counters Obama's policy of Hope!
In a recent interview with the Religious Right, McCain condemned Obama's plan to increase taxes on the rich and declared, "I don't want to tax anyone!"
Does McCain have a plan to run the Government solely on borrowed money from
the Chinese or does he have a secret plan to make money out of Nuclear Waste?
(Could this be the special kind of Nuclear material that President Bush talks about?)
WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON THIS?
McCain counters Obama's policy of Hope!
In a recent interview with the Religious Right, McCain condemned Obama's plan to increase taxes on the rich and declared, "I don't want to tax anyone!"
Does McCain have a plan to run the Government solely on borrowed money from
the Chinese or does he have a secret plan to make money out of Nuclear Waste?
(Could this be the special kind of Nuclear material that President Bush talks about?)
WHAT IS YOUR VIEW ON THIS?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
IS JOHN McCAIN OUR BEST CHOICE FOR COMMANDER IN CHIEF?
McCain's short temper and military approach to problem solving are causing government leaders and concerned citizens to re-examine this important question.
We have ample, active military leaders with far superior credentials to manage a war. Political interference inhibited our success in Iraq for six years before military leaders took control.
Do we need inspiration to seek immediate vengence at all costs? Wouldn't sanctions on Pakistan where Bin Laden is sheltered be more appropriate than the invasion of Iraq? Has any president inspired the nation more than the current Bush in the early days of the Iraq invasion?
We need a COMPETENT Commander in Chief who is thoughtful with his emotions under control to make the right decisions for our welfare and security. Given our present choices, Barack Obama appears to be that leader.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
McCain's short temper and military approach to problem solving are causing government leaders and concerned citizens to re-examine this important question.
We have ample, active military leaders with far superior credentials to manage a war. Political interference inhibited our success in Iraq for six years before military leaders took control.
Do we need inspiration to seek immediate vengence at all costs? Wouldn't sanctions on Pakistan where Bin Laden is sheltered be more appropriate than the invasion of Iraq? Has any president inspired the nation more than the current Bush in the early days of the Iraq invasion?
We need a COMPETENT Commander in Chief who is thoughtful with his emotions under control to make the right decisions for our welfare and security. Given our present choices, Barack Obama appears to be that leader.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Saturday, August 9, 2008
THE CHANGING AMERICAN "FREE" BUSINESS ENTERPRISE SYSTEM
In a pure Free Business Enterprise System, business is generated by supply and demand. The introduction of a monetary system made the "exchange" of goods and services simple, accessable and convenient. It seemed to be the ideal system for a Society that desired freedom and the acquisition and distribution of wealth based on the efforts and success of the individual.
The disadvantage of this system is that the Business Cycle is a basic element of the pure Free Business Enterprise System, and the Business Cycle includes DEPRESSION as one of the four phases of the cycle.
In an effort to eliminate the Depression stage of the cycle, the Government has entered the system with subsidies, bail outs and corruption in the Macro Economy with tax money collected from Small Private Business and the individual tax payers as well as the "Quazi Private" corporations that are the basis of the Government sponsored Macro Economy.
The lack of responsible regulation of government intervention has resulted in exploitation and corruption that has come close to bankrupting the total economy. Cover up with mass "stimulation" hand outs have extended the facade as the economy struggles and continues to falter.
What is the future for the American "Quazi" Free Business Enterprise System? The answer, of course, is pure speculation. The speculation of this writer is as follows:
The prevailing mood of the society is moving and probably will continue to move to the left of competition toward cooperation. A greater appreciation of the interdependency of all segments of the society could bring about government regulations that will curb irresponsible freedom and promote community welfare. Large Corporations dealing with basic public needs will quite likely be recognized as Public Corporations and regulated much the same as commercial banks are regulated today. Sundry lending institutions may well be restricted to near elimination.
Instead of the infamous "trickle down" approach with a "pot of gold" for the most fortunate and jobs for the masses, the economy may tend toward a government regulated approach featuring career opportunities and financial security for all. To facilitate this, it would probably require universally available health insurance and educational systems plus a viable social secdurity insurance program for the less fortunate.
Private small business enterprise may flourish with "tax breaks" to appease the desire for private business enterprise and to meet the need for localized and personal type services. Such breaks might include waiver of some of the business payroll taxes for businesses with under three employees and the waiver of inheritance taxes in passing the businesses to family members.
An industry of municipal public accountants may emerge as transparancy in government and industry will demand a curb on corruption. Main stream organized religion may well move toward a unitarian approach with greater tolerance and acceptance for all, reflecting the change in government. Foreign policy may tend toward defense rather than agression. The majority of public utilities and large public buildings will most likely be fueled with natural gas and nuclear power. Public transportation could greatly increase and private transporation may stagnate or decrease. Alternative energy sources should reduce our dependence on oil and the middle east and quite possibly lessen our involvement there. We may develope our major trade partners in our own hemisphere.
Greed most surely will always be with us. Free business enterprise is the civilized alternative to violence in securing wealth, but free business enterprise without restrictions is a license for exploitation and corruption. An intelligent, educated society will avoid violence at all cost. Declaration of war will hopefully be a last resort.
WHAT IS YOUR VIEW?
In a pure Free Business Enterprise System, business is generated by supply and demand. The introduction of a monetary system made the "exchange" of goods and services simple, accessable and convenient. It seemed to be the ideal system for a Society that desired freedom and the acquisition and distribution of wealth based on the efforts and success of the individual.
The disadvantage of this system is that the Business Cycle is a basic element of the pure Free Business Enterprise System, and the Business Cycle includes DEPRESSION as one of the four phases of the cycle.
In an effort to eliminate the Depression stage of the cycle, the Government has entered the system with subsidies, bail outs and corruption in the Macro Economy with tax money collected from Small Private Business and the individual tax payers as well as the "Quazi Private" corporations that are the basis of the Government sponsored Macro Economy.
The lack of responsible regulation of government intervention has resulted in exploitation and corruption that has come close to bankrupting the total economy. Cover up with mass "stimulation" hand outs have extended the facade as the economy struggles and continues to falter.
What is the future for the American "Quazi" Free Business Enterprise System? The answer, of course, is pure speculation. The speculation of this writer is as follows:
The prevailing mood of the society is moving and probably will continue to move to the left of competition toward cooperation. A greater appreciation of the interdependency of all segments of the society could bring about government regulations that will curb irresponsible freedom and promote community welfare. Large Corporations dealing with basic public needs will quite likely be recognized as Public Corporations and regulated much the same as commercial banks are regulated today. Sundry lending institutions may well be restricted to near elimination.
Instead of the infamous "trickle down" approach with a "pot of gold" for the most fortunate and jobs for the masses, the economy may tend toward a government regulated approach featuring career opportunities and financial security for all. To facilitate this, it would probably require universally available health insurance and educational systems plus a viable social secdurity insurance program for the less fortunate.
Private small business enterprise may flourish with "tax breaks" to appease the desire for private business enterprise and to meet the need for localized and personal type services. Such breaks might include waiver of some of the business payroll taxes for businesses with under three employees and the waiver of inheritance taxes in passing the businesses to family members.
An industry of municipal public accountants may emerge as transparancy in government and industry will demand a curb on corruption. Main stream organized religion may well move toward a unitarian approach with greater tolerance and acceptance for all, reflecting the change in government. Foreign policy may tend toward defense rather than agression. The majority of public utilities and large public buildings will most likely be fueled with natural gas and nuclear power. Public transportation could greatly increase and private transporation may stagnate or decrease. Alternative energy sources should reduce our dependence on oil and the middle east and quite possibly lessen our involvement there. We may develope our major trade partners in our own hemisphere.
Greed most surely will always be with us. Free business enterprise is the civilized alternative to violence in securing wealth, but free business enterprise without restrictions is a license for exploitation and corruption. An intelligent, educated society will avoid violence at all cost. Declaration of war will hopefully be a last resort.
WHAT IS YOUR VIEW?
Friday, August 8, 2008
About Me
I am a retired Naval Intelligence Officer and College Professor
I was a combat veteran of WWII as an enlisted man serving 18 months in the South Pacific including duty on the Okinawa Picket Line.
I received a direct commission as a Naval Intelligence Officer and served in the "Ready Reserve" during the Vietnam Conflict and was part of the Naval Project to debrief POW's returning from Vietnam.
I have earned B.S., M.S. and PhD degrees and taught high school business education, coached high school athletic teams; served as Assoc. Supervisor of Business Education with the New York State Education Department; was Assoc. Prof. of Accounting for SUNY Delhi where I also coached the Varsity Soccer Team; and was Coordinator of the Accounting Program and Director of the Small Business Institute at Southern Vermont College where I also coached the Varsity Soccer and Basketball teams.
I have published a college text, "Fundamentals of Financial Management," A series of Educational Card Games, "Playing to Win in Business," and two books of Short Stories, "Short Stories and Tall Tales, Book I and Book II" currently available on line and at Barnes and Noble.
I have spent many years in Organized Religion serving, among other capacities,
as Treasurer of the Albany Diocese of the Episcopal Church. I am also a member of Gideon's International.
At age 82, my public life at present is mainly engaged in politics, writing "Letters to the Editor," and supporting the "Obama for Change" movement.
It is my desire to "Bolg" on issues of Change that are needed to get us out of the mess that the current administration has gotten us into.
I was a combat veteran of WWII as an enlisted man serving 18 months in the South Pacific including duty on the Okinawa Picket Line.
I received a direct commission as a Naval Intelligence Officer and served in the "Ready Reserve" during the Vietnam Conflict and was part of the Naval Project to debrief POW's returning from Vietnam.
I have earned B.S., M.S. and PhD degrees and taught high school business education, coached high school athletic teams; served as Assoc. Supervisor of Business Education with the New York State Education Department; was Assoc. Prof. of Accounting for SUNY Delhi where I also coached the Varsity Soccer Team; and was Coordinator of the Accounting Program and Director of the Small Business Institute at Southern Vermont College where I also coached the Varsity Soccer and Basketball teams.
I have published a college text, "Fundamentals of Financial Management," A series of Educational Card Games, "Playing to Win in Business," and two books of Short Stories, "Short Stories and Tall Tales, Book I and Book II" currently available on line and at Barnes and Noble.
I have spent many years in Organized Religion serving, among other capacities,
as Treasurer of the Albany Diocese of the Episcopal Church. I am also a member of Gideon's International.
At age 82, my public life at present is mainly engaged in politics, writing "Letters to the Editor," and supporting the "Obama for Change" movement.
It is my desire to "Bolg" on issues of Change that are needed to get us out of the mess that the current administration has gotten us into.
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